Martha (The Marriage Market Book 5)

by Stevie MacFarlane

  “I understand, Ethan. What happened to Effie and Suzanna changed you. I’m willing to accept your discipline when I know it comes from the heart and your genuine feelings for me.”

  “It will always be because I love you, and want you to be safe. You have my heart, Martha. Please be kind to it,” he whispered.

  When she picked up his hand and kissed his palm, he was humbled. Clearing his throat, lest he become too emotional, he began to ask her questions about all she told him in the carriage as they ate their supper.

  He was shocked to learn what Lucas had done, but not ready to condemn his friend until he heard both sides of the story. Martha stuck her tongue out at him when he told her this and he once again thought her very young.

  Pleased that Dr. Martin had finally wed Jane, he asked if they should get them a wedding gift and one for Lucas and Clara as well. Martha mysteriously mentioned there was already a gift in the works for Clara, but she would pick out something for Jane and the good doctor.

  Ethan felt a funny little chill run up his back and looked at her curiously, but she just smiled innocently and continued eating her dinner, praising his skills in the kitchen.

  “Martha,” he finally asked as he poured her a cup of tea and put their plates in the sink. “Are you women planning something?”

  “We could be,” she replied, smiling as she picked up her cup and took a sip.

  “Will I approve?” he questioned, pouring a cup for himself as well.

  “I doubt it.”

  “Then it is true,” he said looking a bit confused.

  “What’s true?”

  “What Sam said, that some women enjoy getting spanked.”

  “Of course that’s not true,” Martha stammered, hissing when her hot tea splashed over on her hand.

  “It must be if you are all so willing to tempt fate,” he stated, getting a towel and wetting it with cool water. Returning to the table he reached for her hand and held the cloth to the red mark.

  “Ethan, men go off to war to fight for what they believe is right. They put themselves at great risk of injury and even death. Women are no different if we believe the cause is just.”

  “I see. Martha, have you ever heard of a preemptive strike?”

  “Yes, it’s when the opposing army suspects something is afoot and strikes first,” she replied.

  “That is correct. I am wondering if it is called for in this situation,” he said slowly, meeting her eyes and watching her begin to squirm on her seat.

  “I’m not sure I understand,” she said innocently.

  “I think you do. I am wondering if it is permissible or wise to spank your wife before a wrongdoing is committed, or to prevent unacceptable behavior from occurring,” he said thoughtfully.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she insisted, sitting far back in her chair.

  “Perhaps I did not spank you hard enough or long enough the first time,” he added. “You admit it has not frightened you and perhaps a little bit of fear goes a long way. Maybe I should take you over my knees right now and take one of those sturdy wooden spoons to your backside.”

  “Ethan, no,” she cried, jumping to her feet.

  He also rose and towered above her. “What are you and the other ladies plotting?”

  “Nothing, I was only teasing.”

  “No, Älskling,” he said, taking her hand firmly. “I work with many men who tease each other constantly. I come from a large family and I know teasing when I hear it. You clearly implied that you and the others were going to act in a way I would not approve of and it has something to do with Lucas and Clara. What is it?” he demanded.

  “It’s nothing. I’m just tired and I really don’t know anything. Effie said she…”

  “Effie said what?”

  “That’s just it, she didn’t say anything yet. I think it’s more of an idea and we probably won’t do anything at all. Please, forget I mentioned it.”

  “Ah, I wish I could,” Ethan said sadly, pulling her behind him as he walked to the cupboard and opened a drawer. He removed something but kept it close to his side, and as much as she wiggled around, he would not let her see it.

  With one foot he kicked out a chair and sat, pulling her close and then over his lap.

  “I truly hate to do this,” he sighed, catching both of her hands in one of his as she squirmed. “You are exhausted and that is most likely why you made the mistake of saying too much, but I find I cannot ignore it. There will be trouble, but you will not be in the middle of it, at least I hope not. Not after tonight.”

  Carefully, he pulled up first her robe and then her nightgown, smiling as he saw the fine lawn fabric was as lovely as he’d imagined. There was even a pretty ruffle at the bottom which he used to frame her pale cheeks. Placing his large hand on one he noted it was still chilled. It would not be so for long.

  Part of her hair lay curled on the floor by the time he got her in the proper position and he could clearly see how lovely her bottom and womanly parts were. It was a good thing it would only be a few more days before he could claim all of her beauty as his own.

  He caressed her bottom freely, it was impossible not to and it took all of his willpower not to slide his hand between her legs. Instead, he ground his teeth and began to spank her, covering both small cheeks with each swat.

  Physically, she barely fought against his hold. He wondered briefly if this was because she was tired out, or because she knew it was pointless. In any case, he continued swatting her until her pale skin was glowing a warm pink color. Pausing, he cupped her bottom and choked back a groan.

  “Martha, not all of our grievances as a married couple will be talked out. There will be times much like this one where you withhold information from me. I do not call you a liar, but you are concealing things you should not. This I will not allow. We must be honest with each other, so in this way, I am being honest with you. When you do things, or plot things that may put you in danger, I will be very firm with you.”

  “Yes, Ethan,” she sobbed, sagging over his lap. “I’m sorry, but I truly do not know the details.”

  “That may be, but you do know something,” he replied, releasing her cheeks and picking up the broad, flat-bottomed wooden kitchen spoon. “I want you to understand you should be a little frightened of a spanking, and of keeping the truth from your husband. I believe this will teach you that lesson well enough.”

  The first smack had her fighting to get away with renewed energy. By the sixth, she was weak as a kitten and hanging over his knees pleading for him to stop. Her bottom was fiery red and slightly swollen. Ethan was pleased with her response and hopeful he would not have to do this often, although now that he was really getting used to the idea, he felt much more confident regarding how hard to spank her.

  She would soon learn what he could tolerate and what was not acceptable. Setting the spoon down, he began to rub her bottom, ignoring her squeals.

  “Are you going to behave?” he asked sternly, nearly wishing she would say no so he could continue to touch her.

  “Yes, Ethan, yes,” she cried. “I promise.”

  “Then up you go,” he replied, slowly smoothing down first her nightgown and then her robe before patting her firmly and helping her up. He stood her between his knees and used the towel on the table to dry her tears before pulling her into his embrace and rocking her gently to and fro.

  For a few moments she hugged him and cried into his shoulder. He ran his fingers through her long hair, smoothing it into place.

  “Go into the parlor and wait for me,” he instructed. “I’m going to clean up out here before I come and say goodnight. Then you will go straight to bed.”

  “Yes, Ethan,” Martha murmured, sniffling as she turned away and did as he asked.

  It was only a short time later as he finished washing the dishes that he noticed Martha in the doorway glowering at him.

  “What is it?” he asked

  “You’re whistling,” she
accused.

  “I am?”

  “Yes, you are,” she stated coldly. “While I understand what you did and why, it bothers me that you obviously enjoyed it,” she snapped.

  “Oh,” he replied, unable to hide his smile. “I apologize. I guess I was whistling, but I did not mean it and it was not for the reasons you think.”

  “For whatever reason, please stop it. I find it very annoying.”

  It was all he could do not to laugh when she closed the door. If she had any idea how much pleasure it had given him to stroke her bottom, she’d be whistling too.

  Chapter 17

  Ethan checked the back door and made sure it was securely bolted before turning down the lamp. He did not like the idea of her staying in the house alone, but there was not much he could do about it. Taking her to his mother’s would be appropriate or over to one of the other Jordon homes, but it was growing late and the weather was vile. It would not be wise to take her out again in the cold and rain.

  Thankfully, the time it had taken to straighten up the kitchen, allowed his obvious arousal to subside and he entered the parlor hoping Martha was ready to go up to bed. He didn’t know how much more physical contact he could handle without making a fool of himself. He found her standing before the fireplace, the light from the flames turning her dark hair into a long glowing mane that called for his fingers to touch it. Feeling a bit like a caveman, he wanted to sink his hand into it and drag her off to a secluded bedroom and ravish her. He really needed to go home.

  She surprised him when she turned and held out her hand, beckoning him closer.

  “Ethan, come and warm yourself,” she said softly.

  He complied, standing behind her and placing his hands on her slim shoulders, but keeping several inches between their bodies. She smelled of jasmine and he hadn’t noticed it at dinner. Obviously she’d gone up to her room and put some toilet water on, but why? He forced himself not to bury his face in the curve of her neck and sniff.

  “I really should be going, Martha,” he sighed regretfully.

  “Do you think you should go out in this storm?” she asked, moving a step backward.

  “I must.”

  “Why? There is no one here. No one will know if you spend the night,” she whispered, moving back another step until she was nearly pressed against him.

  “You know I must go,” he said gently. “It would not be proper for me to stay in the house with you all night. Besides, I am not sure I can trust myself to remain a gentleman.”

  “Do you have to be a gentleman? What you did in the kitchen did not seem very gentleman like to me,” she stated.

  “That was different. I was trying to show you what to expect when we are man and wife if you should lie or hide things from me,” he insisted.

  “So stay and show me everything, Ethan. Show me what it will be like to spend the night in your arms,” she breathed, resting her head against his chest.

  “Martha, you do not know what you are asking,” he groaned, spinning her around to face him. “I cannot spend the night in your bed and not make you my own. Surely you misspoke.”

  “No, Ethan, I didn’t,” she replied, looking up at him, her eyes wide. “I know exactly what I’m asking for.”

  Ethan narrowed his eyes in suspicion and asked the upper most question in his mind.

  “Are you a virgin, Martha?” he demanded.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  “Then why would you not want to come to your marriage bed as such? Why would you want this now, when we are so close to becoming man and wife?”

  Martha took his hand and led him to the couch. Placing a hand in the middle of his chest she pushed him down. In truth she could have knocked him over with a feather. Once he was seated, she sat on his lap and nestled in the curve of his shoulder. His arms came naturally around her.

  “Ethan, remember when I almost broke our engagement over the spanking issue?” she asked softly, looking at her lap.

  “Yes, such a foolish thing,” he nearly growled in frustration.

  “I know that now, but at the time, the thought of you spanking me loomed large in my mind. Over time it became a mountain I could not climb, especially after Effie and Suzanna nearly died. You seemed so much more stern and determined when speaking with me. I loved you, but if you had broken things off with me, I would have gone along with it and remained single until I found a man who would never hold me to account for anything.

  “I realize I probably would not have been happy and I doubt I would have had much respect for him, but I may have married him anyway,” she admitted sadly.

  “Then I am glad I spanked you when I did,” he stated firmly. “Had I known it was weighing on your mind so heavily, I would not have left you to wonder and fear something so silly.”

  “Exactly, and that is why I want you to spend the night,” she said, lifting her chin and looking into his eyes.

  “I do not understand,” he said, shaking his head. “What does that have to do with spanking you? I am certainly not going to spank you each night before bed, unless, of course, you desire it,” he teased.

  “Ethan,” she scolded, “this is serious.”

  “I am sorry, Älskling. Please go on and explain so I may understand,” he encouraged, stroking her cheek. He felt her take a deep breath, felt the frightened shiver that passed through her, but she squared her shoulders and began to speak.

  “This is not something I wanted to admit, but I fear I must,” she confessed, blushing. “Lately, as our wedding day draws closer, I find I am worrying more and more about our wedding night,” she gasped out, gripping the front of his shirt.

  “In what way?” he asked.

  “I’m frightened.”

  “About what?”

  “Ethan,” she hissed. “Do not be so obtuse. Look at the size of you and then look at me. What if we can’t do it? What if we don’t fit together like we are supposed to? What if it hurts so terribly I cannot stand the pain? I’ve heard stories, Ethan, stories that scare me half to death,” she nearly choked out, twisting his shirt in her hands.

  “I will not lie to you, Älskling,” he sighed. “The first time can be painful, but I am not a boy who will take you fast and rough. I will do everything I know to help you. A good husband wants his wife to enjoy mating with him. He wants her to find pleasure.

  “He rides her gently, making sure not to injure her, at least until the time when she wants it to be otherwise,” he said with a slight smile.

  “What do you mean? Won’t a woman always want to be treated gently?” she asked, suddenly appearing fascinated by his words.

  “At first that is very important,” he agreed. “Later, when they are used to each other and she has learned to accommodate him, it is not unusual for an experienced woman to want things to move along a bit harder and faster.”

  “I don’t understand,” she said.

  “I know you do not and you will not until that time comes. You must not worry so. I will not use you as a rutting farm animal uses an available female. I will love you tenderly and do my best not to hurt you,” he promised softly, pulling her close for a kiss.

  “Then take me now, Ethan,” she pleaded. “I am distraught and I want to look forward to my wedding and the wedding night with happiness and not fear.”

  “Martha, you do not know what you are asking of me. It is not the way I was raised. I want you to come to me as a virgin bride.”

  “Well I don’t,” she replied crossly. “Really, Ethan, I can’t believe you won’t do this one little thing for me. You say you love me, but refuse to consider how I feel about this. What difference does it make if we do this now? Wouldn’t you rather have me come to our wedding happy and eager instead of scared to death?” she demanded.

  “Yes, of course I would prefer that,” he answered thoughtfully.

  Ethan was surprised and completely tempted. At the same time, he worried that if he failed to perform properly, or hurt her unduly she might call
off the wedding entirely and insist she would prefer to remain single. It was quite a dilemma, until she snaked her arms around his neck and began to nibble on his ear.

  “Martha, that is not fair,” he protested weakly. “I am trying to think of all possible consequences of what you ask of me.”

  “Ethan, for once can’t you be a little less thoughtful and a little more spontaneous?” she breathed in his ear before biting sharply on the lobe.

  “Ouch, you are being very naughty,” he cried, rubbing his earlobe.

  Martha said nothing; she simple lifted one of his large hands, slipped it inside her robe and placed it on her breast. He felt her pebbled nipple pressing against his palm, felt his member swelling faster than it ever had in his entire life and knew with one hundred percent certainty that he had lost this argument.

  With a heavy sigh, Ethan removed his hand, after tweaking her nipple and lifted her from his lap. He placed her on the couch and rose to his enormous height, looked down at her and shook his head. He locked the front door; made sure the screen was in front of the dying fire and returned to the couch.

  Reaching down with one hand he pulled her to her feet and right over his shoulder. She squealed out in surprise, but did not struggle. Halfway up the stairs, he swatted her bottom, hard.

  “What was that for?” she gasped, lifting her head.

  “For being so darn stubborn,” he replied as he continued up to her room.

  “Ethan, I’m afraid of heights,” she cried, clutching his shirt fretfully.

  “Then perhaps you should have married a stubby, little man,” he offered as he strode down the hallway.

  “Perhaps I still will,” she sassed.

  He swatted her again as he entered her room.

  “Ouch!”

  “You no longer have any such option,” he informed her before tossing her on her bed and following her down. “From this moment on, you belong to me and only to me, forever,” he breathed against her lips. “Say stop now, Älskling, for this is your last chance,” he warned.