The Courting

by Bella Bryce

  “What’s this?” Elisabeth asked, stifling a laugh as she watched Sullivan hold out Bennett’s coat. He shook his head as he slipped his arms inside of the satin lining of the woollen topcoat.

  “Your future mother-in-law needs a trip across your future father-in-law’s knee. She doesn’t understand that when I say no, I mean it. She doesn’t have any clue how serious I am.”

  Elisabeth hid the shudder she felt run through her body when he spoke of his mother in such a way. The latter comment was enough to make her squirm.

  “What have you said ‘no’ to?” she asked, as she slipped her mittens on when Sullivan handed them to her. “Thank you,” she added.

  Bennett buttoned his coat as Sullivan brushed his back and shoulders with a lint brush. “My mother wants you to attend a ladies luncheon at Greystone so she can introduce you to her friends and acquaintances.”

  Elisabeth’s face lightened. “That sounds lovely. When is it?”

  “It might sound it, darling, but it’s a far cry from lovely. They gossip and social climb and I won’t have you in any part of it. I don’t want you being corrupted. You’re not going,” Bennett said, as Sullivan handed him a scarf. “The navy tartan one, please. I wore this yesterday,” Bennett told his butler politely.

  “Yes, Sir,” Sullivan said, and returned with another scarf.

  “You’ll find that with most girls and women, I’m afraid,” Elisabeth educated him.

  Bennett had a very short fuse when it came to gossip and social climbing. He couldn’t help the circle and social class he had been raised in, but he could absolutely control whether or not he behaved properly. In his opinion, a ladies luncheon should consist of well mannered and brought up ladies speaking of pleasant things rather than backstabbing and judgmental gossip. Bennett couldn’t stand it and he would do anything necessary to protect Elisabeth from such relationships. It would only lead her to become unhappy, depressed and feeling insufficient. His own mother had suffered from severe anorexia when Bennett was a child due to the pressure of the group, and yet she remained amongst the same women who had bullied and driven her to her lowest point. Evelyn Fowler had since risen toward the top of her circle and Bennett knew she wasn’t a bully, but nothing would stop others from upsetting or influencing Elisabeth, even a protective future mother-in-law.

  “I don’t want to hear how common it is, that only solidifies my reasoning. Ladies should behave as such; and unless I know to whom you’re speaking in these circles, you’ll not be doing a lot of socialising. Sullivan, I’d like my Daimler pulled out front please. I’m going to drive Elisabeth myself.”

  Elisabeth frowned as Sullivan went to a nearby telephone. “I can’t socialise unless you approve who I’m speaking to? That sounds a little extreme, even for you,” Elisabeth remarked, her voice different from how she’d previously spoken to Bennett. He recognised the tone, causing both him and Sullivan to look up at her when he returned.

  “This is not up for discussion. Come along,” he said, holding his hand out to her.

  She closed her mouth and didn’t reply as she took hold of his hand loosely. His words irritated her and by the time the driver pulled Bennett’s car to the front doors, she was fully annoyed.

  Bennett didn’t often drive himself, but when he did, he was extremely careful and it wasn’t because he had an £80,000 car. English country lanes were made for horse and buggies, not Daimlers. And in the case that evening, a very light snow had fallen which meant he was extra cautious and drove more slowly than was required.

  “How am I supposed to get to know your Mum if you won’t let us spend time together?” Elisabeth asked, annoyed, as she kept her eyes on the window.

  “There is time enough for that,” he said, as the gearbox made the satisfying click that only expensive cars made.

  Elisabeth kept looking out of the window as she rolled her eyes. “She already doesn’t like me,” Elisabeth mumbled.

  Opening his window as he pulled forward, he pressed his thumb to the digital screen and bypassed the code that caused the electric gates to open at the end of his driveway. Bennett’s window went back up and it felt as though they were in a vault, safe from the windy and freezing wintery elements.

  “There is more than one conversation on this subject and we will speak about it when we arrive at Waldorf. You’re already going to be late for dinner once I’m finished with you, so I suggest you stop now,” he warned.

  “Well, she doesn’t,” Elisabeth added, somewhat under her breath. The subject of his mother was always a sensitive one because Elisabeth liked Evelyn Fowler probably more than anyone could. Most women feared her; Elisabeth felt as though she wanted to idolise her. Bennett would never let that happen, but he wanted them to have a healthy relationship.

  “Elisabeth, bite your tongue.”

  “All right, you just let me know when it’s okay for me to speak, then,” she added quietly.

  Bennett took his eyes off the road temporarily and looked over at her. “You’re in for it now, my girl,” he said, his brows still raised when he returned his attention to the road.

  The remainder of the drive to Waldorf was quiet. Bennett’s eyes were on the dark, quiet country lanes dotted with snow, but his concentration was on Elisabeth. He was annoyed that she’d openly questioned him in front of his butler and proceeded to carry on when he told her to leave the subject alone. Her attitude was what put him off and he spent the entire drive thinking about the two differing subjects he needed to address with her. Perhaps Elisabeth wasn’t aware they’d really been having two conversations.

  He rolled down his window and let the guards check on him and Elisabeth when they arrived at Waldorf. She leant her head back against the seat and continued staring out the window as Bennett approached the circular drive; she was completely dreading the idea of being punished.

  Since meeting Bennett, she’d come to find the build-up of crossing him and realising she was going to be brought up on her behaviour incredibly nerve-wracking and terribly exciting. Then, when it came down to the actual punishment part, she was genuinely remorseful and cried through it from start to finish. It was different that evening because although she knew she was going to be punished for answering him back and disobeying when he told her to bite her tongue, she realised they’d just experienced their first disagreement. That changed the erotic build-up of her punishment because she was quite annoyed and it wasn’t erotic at all.

  Bennett circled the drive and parked between the tiered stone fountain and the front stairs leading up to Waldorf’s grand entrance.

  “Wait a moment,” he said, his long formal woollen coat and suit making him look even taller in the luxurious car. He got out and walked around to her door. She tightened her jaw, but accepted his hand when he held it out to her, and was escorted up the stairs. Wellesley greeted them and took their coats as Brayden appeared.

  “I’m not staying for dinner, but I need to have a word with Elisabeth privately. May I use the sitting room?”

  “Yes, of course,” Brayden replied. He could tell Bennett was displeased and Elisabeth wouldn’t meet her uncle’s eyes.

  When they reached the sitting room, Bennett stood in front of the nearest blazing fireplace from the sitting room doors, which Wellesley closed for them. While he was quite a handsome sight in his suit being illuminated by the cosy glow, Bennett Fowler looked anything but cosy at that moment. Elisabeth stood before him with her hands loosely clasped in front of her, eyebrows furrowed.

  “Let’s start at the beginning, shall we,” Bennett began. “I spoke with my mother a few days ago regarding our change of relationship. Whilst on the telephone, she mentioned to me she was hosting a ladies luncheon, which I specifically told her you would not be attending and I gave her my reasons. She tried to persuade me, but I would not change my mind and I won’t now. My mother’s social circle is not the place for you. End of discussion.”

  “That’s not the end of the discussion. You didn’t even a
sk me if I wanted to go to the luncheon,” Elisabeth replied.

  “I’m still speaking, young lady. You will wait until it is your turn,” he said, one hand pointing at her with the other tucked neatly inside of his trouser pocket.

  Elisabeth went quiet.

  “My mother phoned this evening, as you heard, and said that she had already told her ladies group that you were coming, after I specifically told her you would not attend. When I put the phone down, your attitude toward me was terribly presumptuous,” Bennett said, his head slightly turned.

  Elisabeth went to open her mouth, but Bennett held his hand up. “You assumed that I made a decision on your behalf without considering your feelings and you questioned my right to filter your relationships.”

  “Yes, Sir!” Elisabeth agreed. She was happy to agree with that statement because it was completely true – he had made a very personal decision without her input and without telling her. Bennett had clearly decided he would control whom she spoke to, yet the only reason Elisabeth found out was because his mother was somewhat poorly behaved. Perhaps she might have never known and the ‘what if’ had angered her.

  “The second conversation we need to have very shortly is regarding your concern about my mother’s adoration of you. And your assumption couldn’t be more incorrect,” Bennett told her seriously. Elisabeth felt a slow cloud of guilt descend upon her. “That is everything which needs to be dealt with.”

  “Yes, Sir,” she replied with tight lips.

  “Good. Over my knee,” Bennett ordered, and walked straight for the Chesterfield sofa behind her.

  Elisabeth’s mouth dropped. “I haven’t even had a chance to speak!”

  Bennett stopped and gave her a stern look. “Come here,” he told her calmly, but with such a firmness that Elisabeth moved the absolute second he spoke.

  “Oh Bennett, please. Not here,” she requested when he approached.

  “No?” he asked, facing her. “I do apologise, where would the young lady like to take her spanking if this isn’t suitable? In the library, perhaps? Or the ballroom?” Bennett asked. He was clearly unamused.

  Elisabeth looked down and shook her head.

  “You will go across my knee whenever and wherever I say and do not forget it. The next time you answer me back I will take you to the most public place in this house and spank you. Do you understand?” he asked, his hands on his hips.

  “Yes, Sir,” Elisabeth practically whispered.

  “I thought so. Over you go,” he said, and pulled her straight across his lap the moment she arrived at his side.

  Elisabeth went over so quickly that she was surprised she didn’t do a flip and end up on the floor. Bennett was several times stronger and wouldn’t have let it happen, but the momentum was enough to cause her to put her hands against his thigh for balance. Bennett didn’t waste any time in pulling her pinafore right up and her tights and knickers in the opposite direction.

  “I’m sorry, Sir,” Elisabeth offered.

  “Yes, and I will make sure of it,” Bennett said.

  He gave her a full five minutes of smacks in a slow, deliberate manner. He didn’t count the swats, he just spanked until five minutes was up. Elisabeth broke out into tears before he’d even reached a handful of seconds and she was properly sobbing by the time he finished with her.

  Elisabeth’s bottom was throbbing the way it had the first time Bennett had disciplined her, although that time had been euphoric as her first experience and she hadn’t been in a relationship with him. This time was different; Elisabeth was truly in disagreement with the man she was courting and had received a very serious punishment – this instance, there was nothing to be giddy about.

  “Right,” he said, and redressed Elisabeth as she lay crying. He stood her up and handed her his handkerchief, which she gingerly accepted.

  “Do you understand that it is my responsibility to look after you?” he asked quietly, after he’d stood up from the sofa.

  “Yes, Sir,” she replied, through more soft tears.

  “And the decision I made was to protect you?”

  She hesitated.

  “Elisabeth,” Bennett said.

  “What if I can handle it?” she asked, finding her voice. “I know your mother’s friends are horrible and judgmental, but how will they learn what they’re doing is wrong unless someone tells them? What if I can help?” Elisabeth asked.

  Bennett shook his head and stifled a laugh. “The only way any of those ladies will be helped is if they all line up and one by one their husbands give them all the jolliest spanking ever seen and then it’s repeated. Daily. These women are so far beyond caring about other people, Elisabeth. You don’t understand how this circle works. Trust me to decide who you might get close to.”

  Elisabeth stared back at him with half a frown on her face. Part of her was still angry that he hadn’t considered her opinion from the beginning and the other felt concerned for the social class she would eventually step into. She couldn’t imagine any woman being as horrible as he suggested.

  “I understand what you’re saying, but I think you’re wrong,” Elisabeth said, handing Bennett his handkerchief back.

  He nearly laughed again, he was so shocked, but he accepted his handkerchief. “I’ve been part of the same circle my entire life and know these women for who they are and you think I have it wrong?” he asked.

  “I think you’re wrong to tell me you don’t believe I’m capable of standing up for myself, or handling the pressures they might put on me. Don’t you want to see me make a difference in a group like that?”

  Bennett stared back at her. “No. Absolutely not. You are not bait, Elisabeth.”

  “No, I’m not, I’m a peacemaker. And what’s more, I don’t believe anyone is ever so far in one direction that they can’t get back to where they belong. Haven’t you ever heard of redemption?” Elisabeth asked with confidence and calmness.

  “I believe redemption is something that happens when people truly understand they need it. These women nearly sent my mother to an early death and I will be damned if I watch them lay a finger on you,” he said, almost as though he were speaking directly to one of the culprits. Elisabeth stared back at him for a moment and then he continued, “I don’t need to explain myself to you. You will do as you are told.”

  “I still haven’t had a chance to defend myself or say what I wanted to say,” Elisabeth replied, bordering on incredulous.

  “Well perhaps you should lead this relationship and tell me what is and isn’t fair. Perhaps I should get your opinion on the matter before I put you over my knee and spank you,” Bennett asked.

  “You don’t have to be so condescending,” Elisabeth replied, for once showing annoyance on her face. Elisabeth wasn’t like Alice; she often hid her true feelings beneath politeness and a calm manner.

  Bennett raised his eyebrows. “You dare to speak to me that way.”

  Elisabeth exhaled and looked away.

  “If I hear another such remark, I will wash your mouth out with soap.”

  “I think we need a break. I’m going to stay here tomorrow, if you don’t mind,” Elisabeth said, shaking her head.

  Bennett’s eyes widened and he stepped closer to her. “What has gotten into you?” he asked.

  “Nothing, I just want a day to myself and I don’t want you telling me off for it,” Elisabeth said, surprising both of them when she raised her voice.

  Bennett’s hands were still on his hips and he looked down at Elisabeth with the most serious look she’d ever seen on his face.

  “I told you what would happen if you didn’t mind that tongue,” he said and took Elisabeth by the arm straight out of the sitting room.

  Alice was glad to see Elisabeth home earlier than usual when she saw her leaving the sitting room, but Brayden’s smile disappeared and he stopped walking with Alice in tow when he saw the look on Bennett’s face.

  “Is everything all right?” he asked as Bennett led an upset Elis
abeth straight for the staircase.

  “Five minutes, I’m dealing with defiance,” Bennett said, as he pulled Elisabeth along behind him up the staircase. The smile instantly disappeared from Alice’s face.

  Bennett took a right at the top and passed Alice’s room to continue to Elisabeth’s bedroom. He led her straight inside and to the en-suite bathroom, then closed the door before turning to the tap at the nearest of two marble sinks.

  “Retrieve a bar of soap,” he told her, in no uncertain terms.

  Elisabeth obeyed, although she had no reservation about showing displeasure across her face. She opened the nearby antique armoire, retrieved a bar and returned to Bennett. She couldn’t look at him as she handed it over.

  “Girls who backchat get their mouths washed out with soap. You will not speak out of tone to me,” Bennett said, as he finished removing his cufflinks and neatly folding his shirt up to his elbows. He pulled Elisabeth next to him and held her securely around her small waist and leant her over the sink.

  “Please don’t, I hate this,” Elisabeth pleaded gently.

  “I should think so. It wouldn’t be much of a punishment if you enjoyed eating soap.”

  “I don’t mind spanking, but you do that one,” Elisabeth mumbled, right as Bennett turned the tap on and the sound of running water drowned her words.

  He was quite annoyed and it showed by how abrupt his mouth washing was and for how long he dragged it out. Bennett wet the bar several times and repeatedly put it back into her mouth and moved it around, gliding it across her tongue and then used his hand to distribute the suds all around. It was by far the longest time he’d ever spent and he finally stopped when Elisabeth gave up squirming, which she didn’t do much of anyway. Elisabeth never really resisted.

  “Brush your teeth and then come straight through to your bedroom,” Bennett told her as he took his cufflinks with him out of the bathroom.