by Maggie Ryan
Anna felt nervous, her mother's words, as well as the way they were being delivered had her stomach churning. "Ma, what do you mean? What things?" She watched as a blush rose up her mother's neck to color her cheeks. "Ma?"
Martha put a hand on her daughter's shoulder, turning her away as if unable to speak while they made eye contact. Anna heard her mother take a few deep breaths before resuming the relaxing task of brushing out her hair. "There's more to being a wife than just being a helpmate. I fear that you'll be one who must learn the hard way that your husband expects you to obey him." She paused for a moment. "Annabelle, you must learn to behave. I fear Richard will not hesitate to redden your backside if you continue to behave foolishly." When Anna began to turn again, her mother's hand once more stopped her.
"It's my duty as your Ma to give you some advice. You will be expected to give yourself to your husband. I mean, you'll give your body to Richard. He will take you in bed and make you his wife."
Though prepared to state that her husband wasn't the type to do something so old-fashioned as to spank his wife, Anna forgot about that as her Ma spoke about something far more interesting. She moved forward a little, then turned back to look over her shoulder again, her cheeks pink. "Um, Ma, I know about that already."
Martha looked shocked. "How on earth?"
"Cousin Olivia told me all about relations when she pulled me aside at the wedding. Besides, I've seen Pa breeding the horses and cattle. It's not like mating is a secret."
Martha sighed deeply. "Annabelle, your cousin had no right to share such things with you. Good Lord, I can only imagine what that foolish girl has filled your head with." Shaking her head she continued. "Well, what's done is done, I suppose. Just remember to do as your husband says and you'll be fine. I pray you'll discover that your husband is as kind and loving as your Pa has been." With a soft smile, as if remembering her own first few months as John's wife, she patted Anna's shoulder and pulled her back so she could continue brushing her hair—though the tresses already hung in a smooth curtain down her back.
"You'll discover that, well, breeding stock isn't exactly... um, exactly the same as when your husband will take..." Pausing, as if to gather her thoughts, it was a few moments before Martha continued. "Annabelle, regardless of what your cousin might have told you, I want you to listen to Richard. He will teach you what it is he wants. Just know that he loves you very much. God intends for you to submit to your husband in all things. Just promise me that you will be a good wife and obey." A longer pause had Anna turning to her mother. Martha reached out and laid her palm against her daughter's cheek. "I've seen the way you two look at each other. It reminds me of your Pa and me. You'll be fine. In fact, Anna, I'd be willing to predict that you will be far more than fine." It was another few moments before she spoke again, "Oh, sweetheart, I wish you weren't going so far away." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she bent to hug her eldest child.
Anna hugged her mother, pressing her cheek to Martha's. "Oh, Ma, don't cry. It will be okay, and you can visit when we get settled. I'll miss you all so much but am glad to be Richard's wife. It will be such fun to travel and build our new home together. Olivia said that I should pray to get with child as quickly as possible. Just think, I might soon be a mother as well. You've taught me so much and I don't want you to be sad. Please don't cry."
Martha wiped her cheeks and smiled. "I know you'll be fine. You are a strong girl, and aren't afraid of hard work. I've watched you grow, and have seen your joy at exploring and learning new things. My prayer is that you enjoy every moment and remember to be careful. This is an adventure that no one can truly explain, but I trust Richard to keep you safe. I wish we had more time together, but Richard assures me that there will be other, more experienced women traveling with you. Make friends, Anna. Don't be afraid to admit it when you don't know something. I'm sure the others will be glad to teach you since I'm not there to do so." She paused and bent down to hug her daughter. "You are a good woman, Annabelle. I just pray that your husband realizes that he has wed a wonderful girl."
Anna giggled, remembering that this was the same woman who had constantly warned her that no man would find her agreeable to wed. "I will make sure he does, Ma." She was pleased to see her mother smile.
"I'm sure you will, Missy. Now, the chores won't do themselves."
The women stood and Martha helped Anna into the dress she'd also wear for tomorrow's departure, as the rest of her clothing had been packed. After braiding her daughter's hair into a long plait, Martha expertly twisted and wound the braid into a pretty bun. Anna stood quietly as she realized that just the simple change of hairstyle was yet another symbol of her new wedded state.
Martha pushed the final pin into the red tresses and then gave her daughter another hug. "I'm sure you'll both be fine. Now, let's get you ready for your wedding supper. Don't worry about tonight; Margaret will sleep in our room so you and Richard will, um, not be disturbed."
Anna laughed and bent forward to kiss her Ma's cheek, wishing to spare her mother more embarrassment. "Thanks for helping me. Remember, we can write letters. I will ask for help, but I hope you know that you've taught me so much." It seemed to be the right thing to say, as her Ma smiled, hugging her yet again.
The women were in the kitchen together, cooking the meal they would all share, when Richard came in and stood watching as his new wife worked happily alongside her mother and sister. When Anna caught him looking, she blushed as he smiled at her. Her stomach seemed a bit uneasy as the discussion upstairs returned to her thoughts. What exactly had her Ma been attempting to tell her? It sounded like a warning; one that Olivia had given her as well, but she'd also got the impression her Ma wasn't as averse as her cousin when it came to whatever happened in a marriage bed. Though she was nervous about the coming night, Anna had prepared herself to endure Richard's rutting, even knowing it would hurt and be embarrassing. Olivia had said it was her duty and that, if she were lucky, it would be over quickly—and once she became pregnant, her husband would leave her alone. Shivering a little, she looked at Richard. His smile helped ease her heart. Despite her cousin's warnings of the horror she'd endure, she could not fathom needing to be afraid of Richard. She gave him a smile and he returned it before turning to leave the room.
* * * * *
Richard thought his bride looked even more beautiful as she stood at the table, busily preparing the evening meal. He knew she could cook at least a little, but he was far more interested in what he would discover about her later tonight. He couldn't help but want dinner to be done and then have his wife to himself. He felt his cock twitch and grinned. Deciding it wouldn't be right to seem impatient, he gave her another smile before turning to go back outside. He went into the barn and began rechecking the loaded wagon. John and his sons helped him load the rest of Annabelle's trunks and, just as they finished, they were called in for dinner.
The meal passed quickly, the conversation revolving around the wedding as well as the upcoming journey. After everyone had eaten, Anna was excused from helping clean up. Apparently unsure of what to expect, she appeared to be nervous, her eyes frequently finding her husband's—only to slide quickly away again. Richard finally took her hand. "Let's take a walk, shall we?" She nodded gratefully, and he helped her into her cloak. Once they were outside, he took her hand again, and they walked through the yard towards the pastures. The night was still and beautiful. Thousands of stars twinkled in the sky, and a full moon provided light. They walked without speaking for several minutes. Richard led her down to the river and over to the same branch where their future had truly begun. He sat down and drew her down onto his lap. He held her close, then bent to place a kiss on the top of her head. "I love you, wife," he whispered into her hair.
She smiled at the word, her head tucked under his chin. "I love you too, husband."
Richard drew her a bit closer and looked out over the water, its surface calm and smooth except for small ripples that appeared as insects paused
to take a drink. He smiled and pressed a kiss on top of her head. "I bet you are going to miss this swimming hole."
Anna turned her glance from the water to him. "Not when I paid for that swim with a strapping." As if she'd just realized what she'd admitted, she turned away, pressing her cheek against his neck.
"I know, little one, I saw you."
"You saw me swimming?" Her face showed her embarrassment and he shook his head.
"No, darling—if I had, you can be certain you would not have walked home in your chemise and drawers."
"Oh, I-I don't know what to say," she whispered, then evidently thought of another question. "If you didn't see me swimming, what do you mean you saw me?"
Though he'd never meant to discuss that day, he would never lie to her. "I saw you in the barn with your Pa." Her moan had him hugging her tighter. "Shh, little one. That's the day I realized that I truly loved you. I'd waited for you, praying that when I returned, you would fall in love with me as well. But, Anna, even though I knew when I left that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, that day I discovered you were a woman and not the girl I'd carried around in my head."
She blushed and whispered, "Did you just hear me cry?" Seeing him shake his head, she blushed even deeper. "Did you see everything? My bottom?" When he grinned and nodded, she moaned and buried her face in his chest.
"Anna, you looked like a goddess in one of those fairytale books. Despite your belief that you didn't deserve the punishment, you submitted to your strapping. I was very proud that you finally understood why your Pa punished you and apologized. It doesn't take much to deny naughtiness, honey, but it takes maturity and love to admit that wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness." He felt her relax slightly against him. "You have a very pretty arse, by the way." He ignored her gasp of shock at his revelation and held her a bit more tightly.
She looked down at her hand and began to twist the gold band he'd placed on her finger only hours earlier around on her finger. "You don't think I'm bad?"
Richard shook his head. "No, honey, I don't think you're bad. I know you are strong and brave." He grinned and continued, "Though we both know what will happen when you are naughty, don't we?"
"What are you talking about?"
Surely she understood? After all, he'd already spanked her. "You'll get a spanking," he said. "Sweetie, I've already given you one, remember? That day when Cassidy came to apologize."
"But that was different!"
"How was it different? You were being disrespectful and a brat and got your bottom smacked."
He was surprised when she lifted a small hand and moved it though the air, as if waving away a bothersome insect. "That wasn't a real spanking like my Pa used to give me. Besides, I'm a married woman now."
He threw back his head and laughed heartily. "Oh, Annabelle, you have so much to learn about being a man's wife." It was her turn to ask what he meant.
Richard didn't hesitate to give her his answer. "Sweetheart, you are correct in that your Pa punishes you differently. But, darlin', I promise you that my bride will most likely discover she'd rather bend over a hay bale for her Pa than for her husband." He shook his head when she opened her mouth to protest. This was the time to remove any doubt she had about the hierarchy of authority in her life. "Honey, if you are naughty, you'll be over my lap for a spanking or paddling, or bent over something if I need to take my belt, a strap or a switch to your arse." Her look showed her shock. "Yes, Anna, your need for discipline doesn't end with the ring on your finger. It simply becomes my responsibility to take you in hand. I want you to be safe and protected, and if you disobey or put yourself in any danger, your backside will pay the price. Don't ever think I'll go soft on you just because you are my wife. God means for you to obey me and I will not spare the rod. I will punish you because I love you and care for your safety and well-being."
He allowed a few moments of silence and then spoke again. "Anna, you asked if our marriage will be as wonderful as your folks'. Tell me, do you not believe your Ma accepts your Pa's discipline as well as his love?"
Chapter Five
Suddenly, Anna remembered a night not that many months previously. Returning from the outhouse that evening, cries had drawn her to the barn. Though part of her had always suspected what she was witnessing, she'd pushed the truth away. Tearing her eyes from Richard's, she wasn't aware she'd stiffened in his arms. She could no longer attempt to deny what had caused those cries. Her Pa was a fair and loving man, but he was also one who demanded obedience—and not just from his children. The loud cries had come from her Ma, and Anna could remember the sight of her parents, her Pa seated on a hay bale, her Ma across his lap. The cries had grown louder as the strap in his hand connected again and again with her bare behind. Anna had stood, frozen, until the punishment was done and her mother's bottom was a dark red, with welts painted across the surface. She'd seen her Pa stand and take his wife in his arms for a hug and a kiss. Flushing as a different scene replayed in her mind, she remembered hearing her Ma apologize and her Pa accept that apology even as he'd turned her until she had her hands planted on the bale, her bottom lifted, her legs spread wide. Something within Anna had made her hold her breath, and it wasn't until she saw her Pa began to unbutton his pants that she backed away, running to the house, knowing that, while witnessing the strapping had been wrong, staying to witness them rutting would be something she'd not be able to forgive herself for.
Anna was quiet for several minutes before she gave a nod. "Yes, I know Pa punishes her."
"And yet, you just asked if our love will be as great as theirs." Richard tilted her chin again. "You might not understand, but I promise, discipline given out of love and accepted with the same will only make our bond stronger."
"I suppose so, but I guess I thought—or rather hoped—that once we were actually married, well, maybe you might change your mind."
"Just as I will never change my mind about how much I love you, I promise I will never change my mind about the need to keep you safe. If that means reddening your arse from time to time, so be it." His eyes locked onto hers and he bent to her. Right before he pressed his lips to hers, he said, "I promised to love, honor and cherish you today before God, and I'm promising you now that I will also take you in hand when you need reminding. What did you promise?"
Remembering her mother's hesitant words earlier, Anna understood that her Ma had been speaking of spanking as well as mating. Perhaps she should have listened a bit more closely. When she felt her husband pat her hip, she remembered he'd asked her a question. Looking into his eyes, she felt acceptance flow through her. "I promised to love, honor and obey you."
He nodded and kissed her lightly. "And obey you shall—or this," he said, pressing his palm harder against her right bottom cheek, "will feel my hand or belt, switch or strap until you remember your vows. Understand?"
"Yes. I mean, yes, I understand. I'll just need to remember to be the perfect wife."
He smiled and kissed her again before helping her to her feet. "I'm sure you'll try. Come now, no more talk of spankings, we have far more pleasant things to share."
When they returned to the house, not a single member of her family was in sight, though it was still a bit early for bed. Anna was unprepared when Richard suggested they retire. The shock of hearing him say he would continue to spank her flew from her mind as suddenly every word her cousin had said came flooding back.
"Um, wouldn't you like a cup of coffee first?" she suggested. "Or maybe a glass of milk?"
"No, honey. We have a very early start tomorrow. It's time we go upstairs." When she still hesitated, he bent closer to speak softly. "It's time you become my wife in all ways, Mrs. Andrews."
Not knowing how to respond to such a blatant proclamation, she simply nodded and took his hand.
"Don't be nervous, Anna. I promise you have nothing to fear," Richard said, as she led him to the room she shared with her sister.
"I'm not afraid," she denied. "It's
just that Olivia said..." Her face felt hot and she couldn't finish her statement.
"Sweetheart, look at me," he said, lifting her chin with the tips of his fingers. "I love you. I swear to you it will be all right."
When he opened the door, she went inside. Seeing that a candle had been lit and placed on the bedside table beside a vase of wildflowers, she smiled. The quilt on the bed had been turned back and a white gown had been laid across the pillow. She understood that her Ma was attempting to make this more comfortable for her. Hearing the door click shut behind her, she turned. "I love you, too."
"Then relax, honey. Relax and let me teach you how wonderful love is." Richard took her in his arms and gave her a hug; the comfort of the embrace warring within her with the fear of what he intended to do next. When his hand moved to the buttons on the front of her blouse, she stiffened, a soft moan issuing from her throat.
"Shh, darlin', it's okay."
"I can do it," she said, moving to push his hand away only to have him take her hands and guide them to her sides.
"Annabelle, let me."
His tone was still soft but the look in his eyes brooked no nonsense. Nodding, she stood as he undid each button until he was able to part the front of her dress to expose her chemise. "You are beautiful," he said, bending to kiss her.
"I don't know what to do," she whispered, her eyes filling. "Olivia said you'd... you'd want to get it over with."
Richard pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her. He guided her to the bed and when she stiffened, he shook his head. "Annabelle, we are going to talk." Taking a seat on the bed, he pulled her down onto his lap. "Tell me what Olivia told you."
Blushing, she pulled her blouse together and shook her head. It was all so shameful. Despite the fact that she had discovered she loved being held and cradled on his lap, she would simply die if she had to repeat what her cousin had whispered earlier that day.
