by Maggie Ryan
“It will be fine, Molly,” Lucas assured her. “Why don’t you go downstairs and have a cup of tea? I’ll take care of the matter.” When Molly didn’t seem ready to leave, he reached out and patted her arm. “I promise, Molly, Lucy will be fine. Go now so I can take care of our girl.” His words seemed to reassure her, and though she hesitated, she gave him a nod, turning towards the stairs. Once she was out of sight, Lucas stepped to the door, opening it and going inside without the advance warning of a knock.
Lucinda looked up from her desk at the sound of the door opening, ready to order Lucy’s nosy nanny to leave her domain. Instead of seeing Molly, she saw Lucas standing in the doorway, his eyes immediately going to his wife. Lucinda followed his gaze to where Lucy was standing, nose pressed to the blackboard in the small circle that Lucinda had drawn on the surface.
Lucas heard Lucy give a soft moan as she realized that he was in the room. Though she was obviously embarrassed at his seeing her being punished, she didn’t move as much as an inch from her position. Lucas looked to Lucinda. “What’s going on here?” he asked, making sure his tone was not accusing in any way because he had given total authority of the classroom to Lucinda years ago.
“Lucille was caught cheating off Henrietta’s math exam,” Lucinda said. “When confronted, she was extremely rude and disrespectful, continuing to argue with me and disrupt the other girls.” She saw him look back towards Lucy before returning his gaze to her. “As I would any of my students, I paddled her for her insolence. As you are aware and would require yourself, it is customary for the girls to stand with their reddened bottoms on display to help teach the other students the folly of disobedience. Instead of appreciating my leniency and the fact that I saved her the shame of her sisters learning she received a caning last evening, Lucille still refuses to admit her naughtiness. I decided to keep her after class in order for her to write sentences. She was placed at the board while I check her assignment. I had almost finished when you arrived.”
Lucas nodded and walked the short distance to her desk, holding out his hand to take the sheaf of papers. Lucinda gathered them together, passing them to him. Lucas looked down at the neat, precise handwriting that filled line after line. I will not be disrespectful or insolent. I will not question Miss Browning’s authority or attempt to assume her position. He flipped through the pages calculating that the sentences were repeated well over a hundred times. Placing the pages back onto the desk, he spoke. “Lucy, you may go find Molly. It is almost time for dinner and you need to change.” Lucinda wasn’t pleased but remained silent. They watched as Lucy turned from the board, her eyes filled with unshed tears. Lucas was prepared to warn her not to speak but she simply nodded and then turned and ran from the room. Once she had gone, Lucas turned back to Lucinda.
“Please explain to me why, if Lucy is being punished for cheating, the hundreds of sentences you required do not address that fact.”
“Surely you are not questioning my authority in my classroom, Lucas?” Lucinda said, not answering the question. “I was under the impression that you trusted me to teach your sisters and now your chi … wife as I see fit.”
“I’m not questioning your authority, Lucinda,” Lucas said. “I am questioning your choice in using that authority. All of my sisters seemed very distraught. I understand that witnessing a sister of theirs being punished while not enjoyable, it is not uncommon. However, for some reason, their reactions to whatever transpired this afternoon cause me great concern.” He paused but the woman said nothing, though her lips tightened into a thin line and her eyes narrowed. Lucas didn’t appreciate her demeanor. “Lucinda, since you are avoiding answering my question, I’d like to see both Ettie’s and Lucy’s math exams.”
“I’m sure that’s not necessary, Lucas,” Lucinda said, “Lucille has learned her lesson and I do not expect further problems with her.”
“I didn’t ask for your permission, Lucinda. Where are the exams?” Lucas said firmly. He watched as Lucinda bent to reach into the wastebasket beneath her desk.
She pulled out several sheets of crumpled and torn scraps of paper, dropping them onto her desk. “I have already assessed the girls’ work, so there was no need to keep the papers,” she explained, adding another few pages to the desktop.
Lucas shook his head at the crumpled mess, picking up two sheets at random but unable to differentiate between the two or even know if the two pages were part of the same set. “Which of these are Lucy’s?” he asked holding out the pages. Lucinda looked at them and shook her head.
“I’m not sure. There were many pages of problems. I suppose those could be hers but, then again, they might have been ones assigned to Henrietta.”
Realizing that unless he pieced each torn sheet together and then asked both girls if they could tell which pages were theirs, it would be impossible to determine the proper pages. He dropped the pages and looked at the governess to find her practically glaring at him.
“If you don’t trust me, Lucas,” she said, “why don’t you just say so? Instead of being grateful for the leniency I did extend to your wife, you are insulting me by questioning my decision to have her write out a few sentences. You certainly don’t seem upset when I require the same from Henrietta.”
Knowing that she was speaking the truth, at least with that statement, Lucas took a deep breath. Was he reacting differently simply because his wife was involved? He knew that Lucy had not been happy discovering she was to return to the schoolroom. Was it really that surprising that she demonstrated that unhappiness in such a manner that had caused Lucinda to assert her given authority? Though the look in Lucy’s eyes when he had dismissed her pulled at his heart, his instincts telling him there was more to this story than he knew, he couldn’t completely deny Lucinda’s insinuation.
“I trust you, Lucinda,” he finally said. “Just make sure that you are treating Lucy the same as you do the other girls. I’d hate to learn that you are singling her out simply because for some reason, you seem to have a problem accepting her.” He saw that the woman had the grace to flush slightly but only nodded her head.
“Certainly,” she said, gathering the sheets up and sweeping them back into the wastebasket. “As I said, I’m sure that she will be better-behaved now that she understands that I am the only teacher needed in the classroom and that as such, I have the authority to make sure proper respect and behavior are demonstrated by every student.”
When Lucas entered the dining room, it was to find everyone seated except for Lucy, who had jumped up the moment she saw him.
“Papa, may I speak to you, please?” Seeing him hesitate, she continued. “Please, Papa. You told me to come to you instead of worrying … remember?” She was very relieved when he nodded and took her hand, leading her out of the dining room. Once in the hallway, she turned to him. “I wasn’t cheating, Papa, I swear to you, I was only attempting to help Ettie. We didn’t even have the same problems. I … I don’t need to cheat. Ettie was struggling, and I thought I could help. I … I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful. I know that I’m not the teacher … I didn’t mean to be naughty, but … but I won’t confess to something I didn’t do, no matter how many sentences Miss Browning assigns.”
Lucas knew she was sincere and had absolutely no doubt that she had not been cheating. “I believe you, Kitten,” Lucas said, drawing her into his arms. “I’m sorry that you had such a difficult afternoon, but Kitten, you can not disrupt the class. I think it is wonderful for you to wish to help your sister, but sweetheart, perhaps you can help Ettie when class is over?”
Lucy nodded, relieved that he believed her. “Miss Browning pad … paddled me. Are … are you going to spa … spank me?” she asked, softly.
“No, Kitten,” Lucas said lifting her chin so that he could look into her eyes. “You’ve already been paddled, and I’m sure you have learned the lesson. Even though I believe you weren’t cheating, little one, you must understand that Miss Browning does have the authority over t
he classroom. Lucy, I am the one that gave her that authority, and it would serve you well to remember that fact.”
“Thank you, Papa,” she said, softly. “Thank you for listening and believing me.” Though she wondered what had been said once she left the classroom, she didn’t ask. Instead, she lifted herself onto her toes and kissed his cheek.
“You are a good girl, Lucy,” Lucas said cupping her face between his palms. “Never doubt that I will always believe you. There is no need to think any more about the incident. Let’s have dinner and then perhaps you’d like to forget about studying and hear about Diablo?”
“You don’t want to hear about Socrates?” she said, and then giggled. Lucas was delighted that her uneasiness had disappeared.
“Perhaps later,” he teased, and bent to kiss her, his lips assuring her that she was forgiven and loved. As they returned to the dining room, she was smiling and didn’t even bother looking at the governess, missing the look of loathing on the woman’s face.
As the family gathered in the library after dinner, Lucy learned that Diablo had been chosen as the stallion to breed a well-known racehorse. She listened in fascination as Lucas told her how good the chances were that any foal of the two horses was likely to become a champion. Lucas was very proud that Diablo was proving to be a great investment, as he was truly a magnificent animal.
“If there is a foal, may I see him?” Lucy asked, when he had finished speaking.
“I’m sure that can be arranged, Kitten,” Lucas said, but warned her again that she was not to go to any stable without him. She told him that she remembered his rule from when she had first seen the stallion. They were drawn away from the subject when Phillip appeared with a silver tray holding a letter and a white card, Lucinda following with her book in hand. Lucas read the letter and turned to where the girls had finished a game of dominoes. “Lucy, Lord Northbridge has invited us to supper a week from tomorrow.” Lucy’s face lit as she smiled, standing to go to him. She had seen Lucinda but pointedly refused to look at her. The governess had moved to sit next to Frannie, who had picked up her tapestry.
“May we go, Papa?” she asked, settling on his lap and praying he consented. She had so much that she wanted to discuss with Emmie.
Lucas smiled and bent to kiss the top of her head. “I see no reason why we can’t accept. I know you would like to see Emmie. It appears that her birthday is also on Saturday, and Lord Northbridge has asked for our help in securing a special gift for Emmie.”
Lucy wondered for a brief moment if Lord Northbridge was asking them to pick out a paddle for Emmie’s bottom, but then blushed hotly. Surely he wouldn’t dare. “That’s nice. If Mo … Nanny Molly helps me, perhaps I can make Emmie something as well.”
“That’s a sweet idea; I’m sure that your nanny would be glad to help you, and I’m sure Emmie would appreciate the gift,” he said, putting the letter aside and picking up the white calling card.
“Frannie, it appears that you not only have a suitor, but he has planned to visit tomorrow.” Frannie blushed and Lucas smiled. “Walter Drakemore … isn’t he the eldest son of Lord William Drakemore?” Frannie nodded, her smile slipping just a bit, but enough that Lucas noticed. “Do you not wish to receive him, Frannie?” She hesitated, and Lucas saw Lucinda reach out to cover her sister’s hand with her own, as if in silent communication. Shaking her head, Frannie looked up to meet his eyes.
“It’s kind of Mr. Drakemore to wish to visit. I’m sure it will be lovely, Lucas,” she said, softly. Lucas realized her wording had avoided his question, but he saw no sign of deception on her face.
“It is indeed wonderful of him,” Lucinda said, her smile directed at Lucas. “He is a wonderful gentleman.”
“Very well, it will be nice to meet the young man. I am a bit surprised he didn’t send a card earlier to make sure you are accepting visitors,” Lucas said, his brow furrowing just the slightest.
“I take responsibility for that,” Frank said, from where he and Bea sat together. “Walter has visited several times while you were away. I assure you, Frannie has been properly chaperoned by Lucinda. Not knowing the date of your arrival, I’m sure he believed his visit would not be considered improper.”
Lucas nodded, having full faith in Frank. For a young woman entertaining a possible husband, Frannie didn’t seem anywhere nearly as excited as Lucy was at simply visiting her friend. Lucas made a note to himself to speak more privately with his middle sister. She was far too quiet, and he felt uneasy, though had no definitive reason.
When it was time for bed, Lucy placed a kiss on her Papa’s cheek. “Thank you, Papa; I can’t wait to visit Emmie. What …what present does her Papa want us to find?”
Lucas chuckled, the look in her eyes showing her trepidation in hearing an answer she might not have expected. He pulled her close to whisper in her ear. “I think I’ll let you guess, Kitten,” he said. “Perhaps if you have figured out the puzzle by the time I come upstairs, I’ll reward my own sweet Kitten. I love having a Kitten to cuddle and pet until she purrs.” He grinned, seeing her eyes widen and her face flush a soft, becoming pink. He patted her bottom. “Good night, Kitten.”
“Goo … good night, Papa,” Lucy managed to say as Molly took her hand. As she said her goodnights to her sisters, it was impossible not to see that Lucinda was watching her every move, disapproval clear in her tight expression. When they entered her room and Molly prepared her for bed, Lucy turned to her nanny. “Do you know what the gift might be, Nanny?” Molly shook her head as she turned Lucy around so that she could brush her hair.
“I’m afraid not, Lucy. Perhaps if you think about everything your Papa said and think about what Emmie might wish for, you’ll be able to discover the answer.” She smiled as she watched Lucy’s brow furrow, obviously attempting to remember if she’d ever heard of Emmie's mentioning anything she was hoping to receive as a gift.
Lucas found his wife awake when he joined her less than an hour later, knowing that she needed additional comfort after her trying afternoon. Hearing him enter the room, she watched as he undressed and extinguished the lamp. “I’m surprised you aren’t asleep, Kitten,” he said, as he sat on the bed beside her. Lucy shivered as he bent to kiss her, his large hands cupping her face. “So tell me, Lucy, am I going to be able to hear my very own precious Kitten purr?” Lucy giggled and then squealed as he pulled her from beneath the covers to sit on his lap. “How many guesses should I allow my Kitten before I pet her and taste her delicious cream?” he asked, bending to kiss her again, his tongue pushing into her mouth, his hands cupping her breasts.
Lucy almost forgot her guess as he released her only long enough to remove her gown, once again claiming her mouth and her breasts, his thumbs stroking across her peaked nipples. She felt his erection beneath her and her quim moistened in readiness to be taken. When he moved one hand between them, dropping to cup her sex, she moaned deeply.
“How many, Kitten?” he asked again as he released her mouth.
“One, Papa,” she said, quivering when she felt a finger slide into her. “Emmie’s Papa is giving her a kitten.”
Lucas chuckled. “Tell me, was that your first thought when I spoke of the gift?”
She blushed, her eyes held by his. Seeing the amusement in them, she giggled. “No, Papa … I thought maybe it was a pad … paddle or something,” she confessed. “But then, I remembered it is Emmie’s birthday, not her Papa’s and your clues, talking about loving kittens and purring, reminded me of how much Emmie loved Cleo. Am I right, Papa? Is it a kitten?”
His answer was to stand, holding her in his arms. He placed her on the bed, on her back, and then positioned himself above her. “Yes, my love, you solved the puzzle. Now, Kitten, let me hear you purr.”
Chapter 17
Purr she did, as well as moan and give soft cries of intense pleasure. Lucy settled herself down against his groin, his cock deep inside her cunny as she rode him. When he placed a hand between their bodies, his fin
gers flicking and teasing her clit, she exploded violently, her hips jerking back and forth as he drove her to climax. When she fell limp across his chest, her body heaving as she struggled to calm, he smiled and pushed up into her slowly and steadily until she was once more riding him, her body throbbing.
“Again, Kitten, come for Papa again,” he said softly, his finger sliding into her back opening. She moaned at the sensation, pushing herself back onto his finger as he continued to take both openings. Though her first experience in his use of her back passage had been shameful as she made her penance, Lucas was teaching her that she could also find deep pleasure in the same place. His finger was removed only to add another, and he began to thrust more forcefully into her. She screeched as pleasure consumed her, her muscles contracting sharply, her cream flooding his cock. He pulled out roughly and placed her on her hands and knees, reaching for the pot of lubricant.
Through the blissful haze of her culmination she felt his fingers, slick with lubricant, once more at her flower as he prepared her passage. She shuddered, but pushed against his fingers, wanting to learn this new lesson—one of pleasure, instead of punishment. She felt his cockhead against her flower as he began to push inside, and she moaned and pushed her bottom against his thrusts, desperately needing him to claim her completely. Lucas traced one of the faint wheals as he slowly and gently pushed into her. Her bottom was no longer red and would not have given testament to her caning, except for the wheals that were not yet faded. When he gave the wheal a gentle squeeze, Lucy threw back her head and howled as she convulsed, even more violently than during her previous climaxes. Lucas gave his own soft yell as her contractions drew his own climax from him, his cock erupting deep inside her before he relaxed, falling across her back. Lucy smiled as his weight pinned her to the mattress, her heart full of love—and the knowledge that, though this man would bare her bottom and spank her, not hesitating to mark her skin, and would then demand her penance with either her mouth or her bottom flower, he would also always make sure she knew exactly how much she was loved.
