Homecoming

by Maggie Ryan

  Lucy’s soft moan turned to harsh cries as his fingers pressed against her burning wheals, his demanding thrusts pushing her arousal away. By the time he pushed deep, once again buried to the hilt, to erupt deep within her bowels, she knew exactly what was required to make a proper penance.

  Lucas bent over her small frame, his breath coming in pants as he attempted to regain it. He lay against her back for several minutes before slowly withdrawing his softening shaft from her, drawing a final moan as it slid free. He stepped back and lifted her from the pillow. Sweeping it to the floor, he laid her down and then climbed onto the bed beside her. Lucy shocked him by moving to gently place her small hand on his softened cock, bending forward to give the head a gentle kiss.

  “I’m … I’m sorry I was so naughty, Papa. Thank you for allowing me to make my penance,” she whispered, before releasing him. She looked up to meet his eyes, her face colored with her embarrassment. “Than … thank you for being … gen … gentle.”

  Lucas’s heart filled with his own emotion. He was very proud of her. He gathered her into his arms and pulled her to lie beside him. Though she had not cried once she truly submitted to making her proper penance, she curled into him, her soft tears wetting his chest. Lucas didn’t question her tears; he knew it was a release of her pent-up emotion and fears and guilt. He simply held her close, his hand running up and down her back until it settled against her hot bottom.

  Lucy shuddered, her bottom burning, but realized she felt completely free of any guilt. She felt safe, loved and protected as he held her against him. She moaned deep in her throat when she felt his hand move between her thighs, his hand cupping her sex. She held her breath as his fingertips fluttered at her opening, the barest touch causing her stomach to flip and her moisture to flood her quim. Just as he knew she was aroused after making her penance with her mouth, he would now discover she was dripping and in need after making the even more submissive penance he required. He moved his fingers lower to tap against her slightly swollen flower, his finger running around the rim.

  “I’m proud of you, Kitten. I love you with all my heart. I will teach you that your flower can bring you much pleasure. Now, little one, sleep … sleep well,” he whispered against her hair as he removed his hand to stroke her back.

  She expelled her breath, her hands clutching at his chest, wanting to beg him to let her spend, no matter where he wanted to touch her, to press into her. Lucy gave a soft sob, her entire body throbbing and burning, feeling his complete dominance, his total and absolute control over her but she understood that, just as she wasn’t allowed pleasure after making her penance on her knees, she wouldn’t be allowed pleasure after making penance with her bottom. Her husband understood her, knew of her uncontrollable response, knew she was practically squirming with the need to spend, and he wasn’t belittling her, wasn’t shaming her. He had punished her, had claimed her bottom-flower, accepting the proper penance required for continued disobedience and then held her close, comforting her, loving her.

  “Good night, Papa,” she said softly, her hand against his heart. “I love you.”

  Lucas bent to brush his lips against her hair, knowing that he would make sure she exploded until she couldn’t again before she left the bed the next morning.

  Chapter 16

  Lucy was in class the next day. She had never once imagined returning to classes once she had graduated and most certainly not once she had wed. Mrs. Mayes directed them to a room in the East wing. Once Lucy was seated in a desk beside Ettie, Molly was summarily dismissed by the governess. Lucy managed to give the nanny a small smile as if to state she would be fine. She discovered that it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be, as her sisters were there as well. She had vowed to herself that she would behave—partly because her intense lesson of the evening before kept replaying in her mind—and partly because she definitely didn’t want to give the governess any excuses to tattle to her Papa about her behavior. He had made love to her that morning, and it had been wonderful to receive his love after receiving his discipline the evening before. She almost giggled, thinking how easy it was to submit to his commands as they made love and hoped that one day she could just as easily submit to his rules and not be naughty. She was smiling when Miss Browning appeared at her desk.

  “I’m glad to see you appear quite happy to return to the classroom, Lucille,” the governess said as she placed several papers on Lucy’s desk. “Shall we see if you are as smart as you claim to be, though I have yet to see the certificate you supposedly earned.”

  Lucy didn’t answer, realizing that, though she had graduated, if Edward had ever received her certificate from Headmaster Thorne, he had not passed it along to her. She simply nodded and began to work through the papers.

  Though the governess said nothing as she reviewed Lucy’s work, she was surprised to discover that Lucas’ wife was quite accomplished in most subjects. She decided to concentrate on improving her French, as well as having her read some advanced books on history and philosophy.

  Lucy vowed not to fuss about her assignments. Perhaps if she proved her intelligence, her Papa would eventually relent and allow her to stop attending. If not, she would most probably be a schoolgirl until Ettie wed, and she certainly didn’t want to think about how long that might be.

  “How was class this morning?” Lucas asked as he entered her nursery after her nap. Molly was brushing Lucy’s hair after re-dressing her in the new school uniform.

  “It was fine, Papa,” Lucy said, not wanting to complain, though she had not truly enjoyed the morning. “Miss Browning is having me study Greek philosophers. I am reading about Socrates and will start with his student, Plato, next week. I suppose I will learn to love reading philosophy.”

  Lucas could easily hear the lack of enthusiasm in her voice. He didn’t really blame her, as he hadn’t particularly enjoyed such boring, ancient studies himself. However, it was not his place to choose which subjects Lucinda assigned to her students. “I’m sure you shall, Kitten,” he said, to encourage her. “You are a voracious reader after all.” He had to force himself not to chuckle at the look she gave him, silently but clearly saying that she thought he might have lost his mind. “I won’t see you until dinner, Kitten. I’ll be in the far pastures this afternoon, working with Diablo. You be my good girl and have a good afternoon.”

  “Perhaps you could use my help, Papa,” Lucy suggested, causing Molly to smile. “You know I love horses. Wouldn’t that be a better thing than philosophy to study? What good does philosophy do when I’d rather learn more about your horses and your plans for Hunter’s Ridge? I wouldn’t mind classes if you were my teacher.”

  Lucas chuckled and drew her into his arms, his mind instantly flashing through all the many lessons he had begun to teach his little minx. He grinned and looked down at her upturned face. “My philosophy on the subject is this, little one. As much as I adore teaching you all sorts of lessons, a breeding barn is no place for a little girl. I prefer my Kitten to remain safe inside her classroom. Now, I’m sure you don’t wish to be late to class and cause Miss Browning to be upset with you. Have a good afternoon, and you can tell me all about Socrates after dinner.” He bent to give her a kiss and a gentle pat on her bottom before leaving to return to his work, as Molly led his reluctant schoolgirl back to the classroom.

  The afternoon did not go well for Lucy. Lucinda passed out thick pages of mathematical problems to both Ettie and Lucy to complete as she worked with Frannie and Bea on other subjects. Lucy sighed deeply as she carefully worked her way through the problems. She was practically finished when she heard Ettie give a soft groan. Looking to see the governess busy with her sisters, Lucy bent across the aisle.

  “What’s wrong? Do you feel ill?” she whispered.

  Ettie shook her head and whispered back, “No, but I just don’t understand these problems. I hate math!”

  “Perhaps I can help …” Lucy began, but stopped when she became aware that Miss Brownin
g had walked to stand in front of their desks.

  “Lucille, would you care to explain why you are cheating off Ettie’s paper?” she demanded, her eyes flashing. “I thought you said you had graduated; are you a liar as well as a cheat?”

  Lucy shook her head, memories of being caught actually cheating flashing through her. “I wasn’t cheating! I was only trying to help Ettie ….”

  “I see,” Lucinda interrupted, her arms crossed as she stared down at her newest student. “Let me make sure I understand. You, a student in my classroom, have decided that you are a better teacher than I am?”

  “No, I didn’t mean …”

  “I’m speaking, Lucille,” Lucinda said. “I must say I’m rather surprised that you already seem to have forgotten that you were punished just yesterday for your need to be rude and disrespectful. Didn’t you also receive a spanking for interrupting your Papa last night?”

  Lucy’s face burned as the woman dared to ask such a personal question. Her hands clenched in her lap as she attempted to control her desire to jump up and leave the classroom.

  “I’m waiting for your answer, Lucille,” Lucinda said when the girl didn’t answer. “Did you or did you not receive additional discipline for your disrespectful behavior and for interrupting your Papa?”

  “Ye … yes, Ma’am,” Lucy finally whispered, not able to raise her eyes above her desk top for fear the woman would see how angry she was. Gathering her courage, she continued. “I still wasn’t cheating, Miss Browning.” She took a deep breath and lifted her face, her stomach clenching at the look of disgust in the governess’ eyes. Desperately wishing to explain what had happened, she made another attempt. “I don’t need to cheat, Miss Browning. Why would I even do that when the paper you assigned me is not the same as the one you assigned Ettie?”

  Her attempt at explaining had the opposite effect as the governess spoke. “And how exactly would you know that the pages are different, Lucille, unless, of course, you were looking at Ettie’s paper only to discover that cheating would not help you complete your own assignment?” Lucinda picked up the sheaf of papers on Lucy’s desk, flipping through them. Though many problems were answered, the last few pages had yet to be completed. “Despite your supposed familiarity with these problems, I see that you have yet to complete a great deal of the assignment and …”

  “Please, Miss Browning, I …” Lucy attempted to explain again.

  “Good Lord, Lucille! I can’t fathom how you refuse to learn to keep silent when adults are speaking to you! Perhaps you are simply begging for my attention,” Lucinda said harshly. When Lucy’s mouth dropped open and her eyes flashed with barely concealed anger, Lucinda raised a finger. “Don’t you dare speak. I explained to you yesterday that I will not tolerate disrespect or rudeness in my classroom. Go to the front and wait for me to give you the personal attention you seem to crave,” Lucinda ordered, tossing the papers back onto the desk and turning to face her other students, clapping her hands to make sure they all focused their attention on her.

  “Girls, I want you all to remember the instructions you brother gave in dealing with his … his little girl. Though we can expect some naughtiness from such a young child, we cannot condone such behavior as cheating and lying in this school. We are all aware that Lucas does not allow Lucille to be disrespectful and rude as her spanking clearly demonstrated yesterday. Allowing her naughtiness to go unanswered only serves as doing her a great injustice. I expect each of you to bring her naughtiness to my immediate attention so that the matter can be dealt with correctly. It is our duty to make sure that this spoiled, selfish little girl gets all the attention she desires. If you disobey your brother’s wishes or question my authority and dedication to assuring that we all abide by his decisions, you will find yourself joining your little sister at my desk. Is that understood?” Though both Bea and Frannie simply stared at their teacher, unable to answer as both were stunned at what was happening, Ettie’s loud gasp drew Lucinda’s attention back to her.

  Ettie was unable to believe the governess she had taken lessons from since she was a small child was the same woman standing between their desks. Lucinda had always been strict, always quick to dole out discipline in her classroom, but the woman had always been fair. The way she was speaking about Lucy was even more demeaning that her conversation of yesterday and Ettie was horrified. “Miss Browning, I … I promise, she wasn’t …”

  “I didn’t ask your opinion, Henrietta. I simply want to know if you understand the necessity of proving to Lucille that it would be far better for her to behave than to continue to disrupt my classroom or question my authority,” Lucinda said firmly. Not bothering to wait for Ettie’s reaction, Lucinda returned her attention to Lucy who was still sitting at her desk. “Do I really need to send for your Papa, Lucille?”

  Fearing that the woman would not only send for Lucas, but that he would be very disappointed that his wife had not made it through even a single day of school without getting into trouble, Lucy shook her head. “No … no, Ma’am.”

  “You’ve caused quite enough disruption, Lucille. It is unfair for you to continue to make your sisters uncomfortable. Either do as you were instructed immediately or I shall have Beatrice ask your Papa to join us,” Lucinda said and when Lucy slid from her chair and walked to the front of the room, Lucinda followed. Once at the front, Lucy was instructed to bend over Lucinda’s desk and grip the edge of the desk on the opposite side.

  Humiliated that she was obviously to be punished in front of her sisters yet again, she turned to the governess. “Please, you … you can’t! Only my Papa or … or Nanny Molly can …”

  “Nonsense,” Lucinda snapped. “I not only assure you that I can, Lucille, I promise you that if you do not obey me this moment, you’ll find your bottom bared to your Papa for additional chastisement when he learns that not only are you a cheater and a liar, you continue to be defiant when you know you need to be punished.”

  Fearing that she might be correct, Lucy gave a sob and then bent as required. She was very grateful that only the governess would see her bottom as she was facing her sisters. She blinked back tears at seeing their concerned, sympathetic gazes. Her teeth captured her bottom lip as she felt her skirts and petticoats being lifted and attached by their loops. When she felt fingers at the ribbon of her drawers, she wanted to plead for the governess not to bare her bottom but was determined not to give the hateful woman the satisfaction of hearing her beg.

  Lucinda hid her surprise when she lowered Lucy’s drawers to discover that Lucas had certainly seen the need to give the woman a true punishment. Seeing the wheals and remembering the feeling of a cane being applied to her own posterior when she was in boarding school, she felt a surprising flash of sympathy for the girl. Despite that moment, she opened the top drawer of her desk and withdrew the sturdy paddle that she used in the classroom.

  Lucy attempted to accept her punishment with as much dignity as possible. Though the desk beneath her cheeks became slick with her tears, she didn’t plead or ask for mercy. A dozen very hard swats were delivered to her already-tender bottom before Lucinda considered the paddling done. She instructed Lucy to stand and when the girl obeyed, she unhooked her skirts, allowing them to fall over her red bottom. “You may pull up your drawers and return to your seat,” Lucinda instructed. Once she had returned to her desk, Lucinda instructed her to turn the desk to face the wall. Humiliated, knowing she was basically being told she wasn’t trusted to keep her eyes on her own paper, Lucy turned her desk and gingerly took her seat. Satisfied that the girl understood the additional lesson, Lucinda told her to have the problems finished before the end of class. Lucy nodded, picking up her pencil and began working through the problems, occasionally lifting a hand to wipe a tear off her cheek.

  Lucas was very pleased with the afternoon’s work as he entered the house. His clothes were filthy and he instructed Joseph to arrange for a bath. After bathing, Lucas dressed, anxious to find his wife and tell her abo
ut his afternoon. Though he was surprised at the urge to share the details of the estate with a woman who was more like his coddled child, her sincere interest in her new home, especially anything involved with the horses, made him desire to share his excitement.

  Entering the library, he was surprised to find Lucy absent. “Where’s Lucy?” he asked. “Is she with Miss Molly?” He saw his sisters looking at each other as if unsure how to answer a simple question. It was Ettie who spoke.

  “No, Sir,” she said softly. “Lucy is … is still in class.” Seeing him look at the clock on the mantel and turn as if to leave to find Lucy, Ettie spoke quickly. “Lucas, she wasn’t cheating … I swear, she was only trying to help me. Please … please don’t be angry with her.”

  Lucas turned back to face Ettie, concerned at the depth of her emotional appeal as well as very surprised at her words. He noticed that both Bea and Frannie were also nodding, agreeing silently with Ettie’s appeal. All three looked as if they had lost a dear friend. “Girls, you don’t need to worry. I’m sure Lucy will be able to explain why she has been kept in class.” Not waiting to hear any response, he climbed the stairs leading to the east wing and made his way down the hall towards the classroom. He saw Molly seated in a chair outside the closed door of the room. The look of utter despair on her face caused his heart to stutter. What the hell had happened to cause such mournful appearances on the faces of everyone?

  When she saw him approaching, she jumped up and met him halfway. “I’m so sorry, Sir,” she said. “I tried to speak to Miss Browning, but she informed me that I don’t have the authority to enter the classroom. I … I decided to wait here until Lucy comes out. I … I can’t believe that she would cheat. She has no need …” She stopped speaking, obviously too distraught to continue.