by Maggie Ryan
Though the count had her bottom clenching, she nodded. "Yes, Sir." She was surprised when Mrs. Goodeman took a seat on a small stool in front of her, placing her own hands over Louisa's. She wasn't gripping them, simply offering her comfort and support as she witnessed the paddling.
Crack…crack…crack… Each stroke connected with a loud crack against her backside, the first set doing a very good job of reawakening the pain from her earlier strapping. Louisa bit her lip, keeping her cries inside, her eyes welling as she paid for the first sin.
"You are doing well, little one," Agatha said, stroking her fingers across Louisa's clenched fingers. "Loosen your bottom, Louisa. Accept the pain as you pay for your naughtiness."
After she'd managed to obey, the paddle descended six times in rapid succession, giving her no pause long enough to even think about the next stroke. Her bottom had been set afire and she could no longer contain her cries as the paddle rested against her rear, pausing briefly before delivering the final six strokes.
Without thinking, her hands turned to link with Mrs. Goodeman's, drawing courage to once more relax her cheeks and lift her bottom. Crack…crack…crack…Six harder blows had tears streaming down her cheeks, and yet her soul was clean as the last was accepted.
After a moment, Mrs. Goodeman rose and Louisa released her hands. She felt her drawers being closed to conceal the evidence of her paddling, and her clothing unbuttoned and smoothed down over her throbbing bottom before she was helped from the bench. Mrs. Goodeman wiped her face with a handkerchief and then bent to place a kiss on her cheek before giving her a hug. Releasing her, Louisa stepped to where the pastor was standing and, when he opened his arms, she easily stepped into his embrace.
"Thank you for paddling my bottom, Pastor Goodeman."
"You are welcome, Louisa. I love seeing you in church each week, but let's continue to pray that I don't see you in my office afterwards, okay?"
Louisa smiled, actually shocked that she was able to do so as she nodded. "I'll try, I promise."
"All we can do is try," Winston said, as he opened the door and gestured down the hall. "Let's get you all back to your Papas, shall we?"
The girls followed him, their bottoms heated but their hearts lighter. It had not been the horrifying ordeal Louisa had envisioned—not that she cared to ever repeat the experience. However, when she stepped into the nave and her Papa opened his arms, she flew into them, and knew without a doubt that it would be a very long time before she did something naughty again. When she informed him of that as he settled her on his lap in the carriage, he chuckled and bent to kiss her.
"I wonder how long my little one will keep that vow, especially knowing we leave for Hunter's Ridge tomorrow. I seem to remember a very sweet and saucy little miss will be waiting at the end of our trip."
"Papa!" Louisa said, and then giggled. "Lucy is a married woman now. I'm sure she is quite the obedient wife."
"Did your lesson on the ninth commandment not take?" Edward teased, as she squirmed a bit on his lap. "You, too, are a married woman, Lady Wintercrest, and yet I can feel your paddled bottom squirming on my lap. We all adore Lucy but, my love, even you must admit the likelihood of our precious Lucy turning into Saint Lucille is highly unlikely." He grinned and chuckled. "Besides, even I would miss the spirit that often causes my niece to have her own backside heated." He patted his wife's bottom, chuckling at her slight wiggle before she moaned and pressed her bum into his palm.
*****
Louisa almost earned a spanking the very next morning as she bounced on her toes after being hauled back once more from where the team of black horses were prancing a bit in their harnesses.
"Louisa, I've told you to stay back and let Mr. Gordon secure the team. Do you need to go sit in my study until we are ready to depart?" Edward asked.
Understanding being sent to the study would most likely mean she was given a spanking before being allowed to enter the carriage, she instantly stopped bouncing. "No, Papa. I'll be good."
Edward gave her a pat on her bottom, as if to ensure she would be. She watched as the horses were backed into the traces and the many straps attached. Her Papa had told her the carriage had undergone some changes in order to make their journey as comfortable as possible, but besides the additional ledge that had been built to the back of the carriage, she couldn't see any other modifications. Every inch of the conveyance had been polished to a bright sheen, the Wintercrest crest on the door standing in sharp contrast to the ink black of the exterior. Trunks had been lashed to the top as well as to the back. The carpet bag containing her nappies and a satchel containing her Papa's papers stood on the bottom step. Nanny Bremmer had filled another satchel with several books for her charge to read during the trip, as well as her basket of sewing items. Louisa hoped to finish the gifts she was planning on giving her sister, as well as her Uncle Lucas. The trip would take at least a week, and she'd need something to occupy her time.
"Maybe I should get some more books," Louisa suggested as she pulled her satchel open, smiling as she saw her doll, Nadine, on the very top.
"Don't fret, I'll make sure my little one doesn't become too bored. There will be plenty of time for all sorts of play." The look in his eyes as he accepted the large wicker basket their cook had prepared had her blushing. Though he hadn't been specific, her tummy was fluttering with the possibilities his assurance provoked.
Edward returned to her side, taking both satchels into his hands. "Go inside and tell Nanny Bremmer we are just about ready. Make sure she escorts you to the potty."
Louisa flushed but nodded, turning to dash up the stairs and burst into the house. "Nanny Bremmer," she called, as she ran down the hall.
"Gracious, Louisa, we do not run in the house, nor do we scream like fishwives," Anna admonished as she walked towards her. "Proper little ladies walk and speak quietly."
"I'm sorry, Nanny, but Papa wanted me to tell you it's time to go."
"Very well. I've gone through the list and hope I've not forgotten something."
Louisa knew the woman had been quite thorough in the packing. Lists had been written and checked, items marked as they were packed and loaded. It would surprise her if a single thing had been forgotten. Thinking of forgetting, she remembered her Papa's instruction. "Nanny, Papa wishes me to go potty before we leave."
"I should think so," Anna said, taking Louisa's hand. "Goodness knows when you'll next have an opportunity."
Louisa didn't reply, having heard her Nanny suggest she be kept in nappies throughout the entire journey. Knowing that she would obediently—if reluctantly—have worn them, she was pleased when her Papa declined, stating he saw no need. After making her toilet, her traveling cloak and bonnet were put on, and Mrs. Bremmer, her own cloak, hat and gloves secure, took her hand once again and led her outside.
Nothing remained on the steps, the last items having been tucked inside the carriage. Mr. Gordon helped Anna inside. She'd be traveling with them as far as the train station, from where she was taking the train to spend the next several weeks with her family. Edward handed Louisa inside and she sat down next to her Nanny. Edward took his own seat opposite the women. The carriage began to move and Louisa clapped her hands, excitement glowing on her face.
"To Hunter's Ridge," Edward said as he gave her a smile.
"To Lucy and Uncle Lucas," Louisa added, and then giggled. "And to Cleopatra! Oh, and I can't wait to meet Lucy's sisters, and Emmie and Lord Northbridge!"
"Then to meeting old friends and new," Edward said with another smile.
The three sat in comfort as they made their way to town. Louisa gave her Nanny a tight hug as they stood on the train platform. "You be a very good girl for your Papa, young lady," Anna instructed. "Remember, Nanny Molly will be in charge of two little ones—make sure you do not give her cause to have me regret my decision not to accompany you."
"I won't, Nanny. I'll make you proud."
"I'm sure you will. Give Lucille my best. Have a
wonderful holiday with your family." Anna hugged her hard, kissing each of her cheeks. "I'll miss you, little one."
"I'll miss you, too."
Edward pressed a package into Anna's hand. "Just a little something from me and Louisa. Open the envelope when you are inside, but know that Father Christmas is watching, and won't be happy if you sneak a peek at the gift before Christmas morn." His words caused Louisa to giggle and Anna to smile.
"Thank you, Sir. Happy Holidays." The call was made to board and, after final hugs, Anna stepped onto the train.
"Do you think she'll be surprised, Papa?" Louisa asked as he drew her into her arms. Making her promise to keep the secret, he'd told her that he'd exchanged the ticket Mrs. Bremmer had purchased to one allowing her to travel first class.
"I hope so, she deserves to have a wonderful holiday," Edward said, then bent to kiss the top of her bonnet. "After all, she does an exceptional job taking care of my little lady."
Louisa smiled and, as the train pulled away, she tucked her hand into her Papa's. "She does, Papa. I wonder if she packed her tawse?"
Edward's laugh rang out as he heard her giggle. "Rest assured, I'd never leave home without one."
Her face turned scarlet as they arrived at the carriage and Mr. Gordon opened the door. Once back inside, he removed her bonnet and her cape, placing them on the seat before pulling her onto his lap.
He bent to kiss her, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips before pressing inside. Before they'd even left the station, her drawers were moistening, her nipples tingling as he claimed her mouth. She no longer minded that they weren't traveling by train, along with many others. Instead, this enclosed space held just her and her Papa, and promises of adventures she couldn't even imagine.
Chapter Five
A few hours later, Edward looked across the aisle as he folded his newspaper. "Put away your toys. We will be stopping for lunch very soon."
Louisa closed the book she had been reading and tucked it and Nadine back into her satchel. "Where are we eating, Papa?"
"There's an inn just a few minutes farther on. We'll have our meal there."
She nodded and, when he beckoned to her, she stood, her small stature allowing her to stand upright. Edward tied the ribbon of her bonnet under her chin, as well as the ribbon of her cloak. The carriage drew to a stop and he stepped out, turning to swing her down before placing her on her feet. Taking her hand, he led her up the walk towards the door, smiling as her head swiveled to take in her surroundings.
The building was white with green shutters, a swinging sign depicting a swan gliding on a pond hung between two posts. Flower beds lined both sides of the cobblestone path, though no blooms were on the bushes. Seeds slept beneath the rich loamy soil, waiting for spring before appearing again. He knew they'd eat in far less attractive inns throughout their journey but was pleased their first meal would be taken in such a nice setting.
He opened the door and drew her inside. The room was crowded with small tables and chairs, many occupied by others stopping in for lunch or simply to enjoy a cup of hot tea or a glass of ale before returning to their own duties.
A pretty young woman greeted them. "Welcome to The Black Swan," she said, as she led them to a table near the fireplace. "Mrs. Brand has prepared a lovely stew today." Though it was chilly outside, the room was warm and cozy.
After removing her outer garments, Edward seated Louisa before removing his own coat and hat. He pulled off his gloves, handing everything to the woman.
"Thank you, Miss," he said, as he took his seat. "The stew will be fine. I'd like a glass of ale, and my wife will have a cup of tea." If his order surprised Louisa, she hid it well. After the woman left, he leaned across the table. "Don't fret, little one. I know you enjoy milk during your meals, and Cook has prepared a bottle for you. I thought it might be nice to feed you myself when we return to the carriage."
"Um, thank you, Papa," she said softly, spots of color appearing on her cheeks.
When the woman returned to set down his tankard of ale and her cup of tea, Louisa asked if she might be allowed a spoonful of sugar. Sweets were something rarely offered at Wintercrest. Edward appreciated her remembering to ask, and nodded his permission.
She sipped the sweetened tea, grateful for the warmth as it settled in her tummy. They were served large bowls of thick stew, chunks of beef and vegetables swimming in a thick broth. Edward buttered slices of bread, passing one to her.
"This is really good," Louisa said after taking a bite.
"Enjoy it while you can. I'm not sure how the fare we'll be eating will stack up against our first meal, but promise I'll not let you starve." He bent a bit closer, his eyes twinkling. "Lord knows I have no desire for my little one's bottom to lose any of its delightful padding."
"Papa!" she gasped, her cheeks coloring once more.
"I only speak the truth," Edward said as he finished his meal and sat back, patiently waiting for her to finish her own bowl of stew. When it was two thirds gone, she laid down her spoon.
"I'm full, Papa. Oh, should we get a bowl for Mr. Gordon?"
"He's enjoying his own now, but that was very kind of you, little one." He nodded to a larger table where several men were sitting, their driver among them as they ate their own fill of the delicious stew. "If you are quite sure you've had enough, what do you say we walk a bit before returning to the carriage?"
"Oh, yes, I'd like that."
Edward paid for their meals and after they'd put their outerwear on, they walked hand in hand down the street. Though the wind had picked up, clouds scuttling across the sky to hide the sun, neither spoke of the growing chill. When her steps began to falter as they climbed a hill, he swept her into his arms, setting her on his hip. At her slight struggle, he patted her bottom beneath her cloak, instantly stilling her.
He climbed the hill and stood, enjoying the vista. Fields spread out on either side of the road, furrows showing where crops would be planted. Birds sang from bare tree branches, and they watched as a pair of squirrels chased each other around a thick trunk, their chatter making Edward smile and Louisa laugh.
"It's very pretty, even bare," Louisa said, tilting her head back to watch the squirrels crawl into their nest at the top of the tree.
Edward grinned, his hand rubbing against the ruffles on her drawers. "I can think of many things I consider lovely when bared." He chuckled as she blushed and buried her face against his neck. "Mr. Gordon is probably wondering what's become of us. Shall I carry you, or are you ready to walk again?"
"I'd like to walk, Papa. It's nice to be able to do so."
He set her onto her feet and they returned to their carriage, both their faces colored from the wind. Mr. Gordon was waiting.
"I've prepared Miss Louisa's bed, Sir."
"Thank you, Gregory." Edward was anxious to show his little one the additional work that had been done. Opening the door, he swung her up inside before entering.
Louisa stood, her eyes large as she stared at the seat where she had just been playing. A net of some sort had been stretched across the edge of the seat and secured to the sides of the carriage. A thick pillow was on one end, a quilt folded at the other. The leather of the seat was covered with a pad. It was as close to a real crib as one could make out of a carriage seat.
"Do you think you'll be able to sleep here?" Edward asked as he removed her bonnet and cloak, placing them on top of his own outerwear on the seat.
"It's really a bed," Louisa said, turning to face him as he took his seat.
"Traveling does not mean my little one should be uncomfortable when she is taking her nap," he replied as he reached for her, turning her around and untying her pinafore's bow. "We have a long way to go, and you'll need your rest."
"I didn't think I'd be taking naps while traveling," she admitted. "Are we are going to sleep in the carriage at night?"
"I believe it is important to maintain your schedule, little one. You will take your naps here, we'll sleep in
inns at night." He set her away for a moment in order to close the curtains at the windows, darkening the inside of the carriage but knowing his little one would appreciate the concealment. He removed her shoes and stockings and then her petticoats and dress, laying every item neatly on the seat. She stood in her chemise and drawers.
"Get a nightie and a nappy out of your bag, sweetie. Don't forget your thermometer, cream and powder." She hesitated, her eyes going to the cloaked windows. "Louisa, this is but the first time I'll put you down, it is up to you if you nap with a hot bottom."
His words had her nodding as she opened the carpet bag containing her items. She located his requests and passed them to him. Before she closed the bag, he spoke again. "Find your dummy, sweetie."
Pulling out her dummy, she closed the bag. He removed the rest of her clothing until she stood nude before him.
She was being very obedient and he drew her to stand between his legs, his hands dropping to cup her bare cheeks, giving them a squeeze. He adored the moan she made and bent forward to kiss her. Though he was usually out of the house when she took her naps, there were no rules that said he couldn't put her to bed with a very contented smile on her lips.
Releasing her mouth, he set her back just a bit and then bent to suckle at her breast. She groaned and arched her back, pressing her turgid nipple into his mouth. When his hand slid from her buttock to press between her legs, she obediently opened them, allowing him access to her sex. Edward slid a finger along the crease of her quim, finding her slick. It never ceased to amaze him how her body prepared itself for him. His mouth moved to suckle her other nipple, her small hands moving to his shoulders as another finger joined the first to spread her nether lips open. He continued to nibble and suckle at her breasts, his fingers finding themselves becoming coated with her cream as he played. The moment he touched her clittie, she groaned and pressed down against his finger.
Not satisfied with simply stroking her, Edward removed his hand and mouth to find her eyes closed, her cheeks flushed, and her breath coming in quick pants. Grinning, he moved her to sit where he had been and went to his knees. "Open your eyes, Louisa." They fluttered open and she gasped as he slowly spread her legs apart, placing the soles of her feet on the edge of the seat, splaying her open to his view.
