by Susan Thomas
Smack! The paddle landed this time across the middle of her bottom and another leg twitched to accompany the delicate ripple of her bottom and the intake of breath. Erin felt the spanking was deliberate, which sounded silly because of course he meant to do it, but what she meant was he was picking each spot with care and taking his time to get the force of the smack just right. It was not hurried or frenzied or random but very, very deliberate.
Ruth was far more stoical than Erin who tended to make a great deal of noise quite quickly. Ruth's noises were restricted to intakes of breath, hisses and gulps, but the tiny jerks of her whole body and the reluctant movements of her legs told the story of a painful spanking. It wasn't until about the eighth or ninth smack of the brush that landed on the left cheek that her noise increased. She made a sort of gulping "ooooh" sound, quite high pitched and girly, and when the paddle next cracked down on her right cheek she made a long sound, also high pitched. After that the sounds grew higher in pitch and louder; her legs began to kick as the paddle smacked down again and again in its deliberate way.
Erin continued to watch, fascinated by the gentle ripple of Ruth's bottom and the contrast with the increasing noises Ruth was making, which didn't change in nature, just grew in volume and pitch. She sounded so very girly, an unmistakable feminine quality that made her sound younger than her eighteen years. Her bottom passed now from being red all over to red with strange dark red blotches, some curved showing the edges of the paddle. These looked nasty, angry and frightening. Erin recognized them for she had these every time she got the paddle spanking and knew how sore they would be and how they would bruise and take a fair time to go.
The paddle continued its deliberate progress of spanking the young bottom that lay bare below it. The strange blotches multiplied quickly now and seemed to go with the desperately frantic sounds that Ruth was making. Erin saw that the girl's bottom had reached the same state as hers was usually left in and wanted to shout Stop, but feared that would earn her a trip over her uncle's lap at home. However, just as that thought crossed her brain Mr Whittle paused and examined Ruth's bottom. He let the girl off and she knelt on the floor beside him taking in great gulps of air while a trembling hand reached back and she let her fingers gingerly touch her clearly very sore bottom.
"Have you learnt the lesson Ruth?"
"Yes Papa."
Mr Whittle looked at his other two daughters and at Erin. "Have you learnt the lesson this chastisement teaches?"
Sarah, who had been in this position herself not that long ago, was again suspiciously meek, "Papa, I taken the lesson into my heart."
Abigail was monotone. "Papa, I have taken the lesson into my heart."
He looked at Erin.
"I have learnt much today sir," she said as submissively as she could make it sound.
Mr Whittle seemed pleased with this answer which in fact could be taken in many ways. What worried Erin was that this seemed so routine. The three girls were clearly routinely spanked for 'sins' such as not listening carefully in sermons. At least she had been spanked for things more clearly wrong than that.
After this spanking the three Whittle girls were whisked off with their mother to prepare food for the evening. Boys (Josh and Caleb) were not allowed to help with food preparation - that was women's work. It was something Unity would not stand for and Josh was being made to help cook and thoroughly enjoying it too. In fact Unity said he had the potential to be a good cook. Erin wasn't sure if they thought of her as a real Christian girl because she was exempted from the kitchen and she found herself alone with Mr Whittle. This could be dangerous so she felt she had to get him talking.
"Mr Whittle, now we are alone I wonder if I might ask you a question about Christian marriage that I am woefully ignorant about."
"Of course Erin you may ask me any such question."
"I know that in some marriages the husband sometimes chastises or spanks his wife. I understand that in the church I attend the assistant pastor advises such couples. Is this practice scripturally based, and if so what is it?"
"A most excellent and pleasing question young Erin. I am delighted that you asked. It brings joy to my heart to see the way your mind is working. The Lord is doing a mighty work in you to be sure. The start of this is submission, Erin. As you heard today all of us must be in submission to our Heavenly Father. Then in Peter 3 verse 1 we are told, 'Likewise, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands'. We find the same thought in Peter 3 verse 5 to 6. The principle there is clear that wives must be in submission to their husbands just as all must submit to our Heavenly Father and his appointed authorities. It is not an 'if' or a 'maybe' Erin, not in the least. It is a clear command."
He continued. "Now of course the use of the rod of correction is clearly mandated not just for children but all who show a lack of understanding. For example, Proverbs 10 verse13, 'On the lips of the discerning, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks understanding.' That is not to say that the good Christian husband may be abusive or over-zealous in chastising his wife, not at all. In fact the exhortation is to gentleness but that does not mean weakness. No Erin it means the gentleness is reproof or correction only and only what is needful to achieve that. A husband must love his wife as himself. However, there is much to be said and I will give you a little pamphlet on this subject for I have only dipped your toe in the water of it."
On the way home Erin thought that just maybe being submissive to Josh would be rather nice but mostly she thought what a weird household the Whittle home was. Suddenly Josh said something quite vehemently.
"I tell you Erin we are not ever spanking our children because they can't answer some fool question or other about a sermon in church."
Erin laughed. "I had much the same thought earlier today."
It wasn't until after she had dropped Josh off at Unity's and was driving home that his words suddenly registered. "Our children," he had said. "Our children."
As she went in the door his words were like the chorus of a song repeating over and over again in her head, our children, our children our children.
Chapter 12
Erin came in the door in a dream with 'our children' still going through her brain. She just wished Josh would say something more definite because she knew now that it wasn't just sexual desire she felt for him but something much deeper. She drifted around her room in a happy dream listening to music and dreaming about a life with Josh. There was a strange feeling in her tummy that went right down 'there' when she thought of being submissive to Josh, and as for Josh spanking her... It should frighten her because he was big and strong but somehow it seemed all too delicious.
There was a knock on the door and she called, "Come in."
Her aunt came in looking flustered.
"Auntie whatever is the matter?"
"Erin, I know you love your uncle and you two are real close now but you won't tell him what I said will you?"
Erin couldn't think what there was to tell and said so.
"You know, about husbands spanking wives and what I said..."
"Oh that. No of course not, I shall say nothing. By the way I asked Mr Whittle about it today and he gave me this pamphlet. He also explained how wives must be in submission. He is very pleased with me right now. Oh and Ruth got spanked... weird just ‘cos she couldn't answer a question about the sermon."
Her aunt read the pamphlet through. "Well, well someone has produced a pamphlet. Who would have thought it?"
"You know auntie it is no use saying Uncle Jack is soft hearted and wishing that sometimes he'd spank you. If you want that then you should tell him."
Her aunt blushed a deep shade of red and fled the room.
Monday morning dawned and Erin had a lot to do what with college and work for Uncle Jack. She had a day and half off but one of those days had been spent at the Whittles so she was busy. By Thursday she had another half day to herself and she rushed to her room to work on college stuff. It was not an easy
course and required a lot of effort. She was buried deeply when she heard her aunt calling from downstairs.
"Erin, it's Ruth for you." Erin was surprised but called for her aunt to send the girl up. Ruth came in looking very tense.
"Hi Ruth, what are you doing here?"
"The Lord has sent me to ask your advice."
"Me! Well sit down girl, make yourself at home. Why would the Lord send you to me of all people?"
"I judged you and have fallen into sin. My pride led me to make terrible assumptions about you. I don't know how you will ever forgive me."
Erin was stunned and not someone who held grudges. "Ruth, honestly girl, whatever it is you think you have done to me is now forgotten. It never happened. But why do you need my advice?"
"My father now has great hopes for you. He says the Lord is doing a mighty work in you."
Now Erin felt guilty because she had been playing Mr Whittle mainly to keep her bottom safe from more spanking but she could hardly say that so she just looked interested and waited.
"As I prayed the Lord convicted me of my sin of pride and my judgement of you, and told me that you could help me."
"OK, but what with and why me?"
"Well as to the why, I guess because you come from a foreign country and a different culture but you have accepted our ways and taken chastisement bravely. Then my brother plainly loves you and he is a good person. He is clever, strong and kind. He would not easily love someone so much as to leave home. Then also you are growing as a good Christian girl very fast so my father tells me."
By now Erin felt like screaming but she kept calm and said mildly, "But Ruth you haven't told me what troubles you."
"Two weeks ago my father told me that a neighbour had asked him for my hand in marriage. He is a farmer nearby and his wife died a year ago. He has a teenage son aged fifteen but he wants a proper family and sees me as ideal for his wife. My father says I must decide but I ...well I... don't know what to do."
The last words tailed off into barely a whisper. Erin felt out of her depth but sometimes you simply can't duck out of something and she sensed this was one such time. "May I ask some questions Ruth?" The girl nodded. "How old is this man?"
"He is forty years in age but he is a fit man and strong. It is a good farm you know and he is righteous and an elder in our church."
Erin ignored that and asked, "Now just leaving aside submission and the church and his elder-ship and all that - is there anything you have in common? Like do you both love painting or art or music or reading or... I don't know, anything at all?"
Ruth thought for a while and replied carefully. "Well other than church no, I guess not."
"Ruth do you like this man?"
"I don't really know him. I have hardly had much to do with him. I know his son a lot better."
"And what's he like?"
Ruth snorted. "Not nice at all. Not his fault I guess his mum has been ill most of his life then died."
Erin sat back feeling a huge responsibility rest on her shoulders. She really couldn't figure out why Ruth had settled on her to give advice but now she had she had to tread carefully.
"I can't tell you what to do Ruth, what I will tell you is how I see it, then you must decide. If you marry this man you will be a farmer's wife which at eighteen is quite a big task. Then you will be a stepmother to a boy who you don't like much and who will probably resent you a lot. Worse still he is only a few years younger than you so there is no way you can win him around or manage him. Then your husband would be forty which quite apart from the large age gap means he will be in a hurry for those children he craves. Soon you will be ..." Erin sought for a way of saying pregnant that wouldn't upset Ruth, "… with child and will have to manage your wifely duties and a stepson while a mother to be. Then there will be a baby, probably resented by your stepson who could well feel supplanted. How many other children? Well we cannot know but your mom has had five, so why not you too."
Erin continued. "By the time they all reach the age to leave home he will be in his sixties already. You may well end as his nurse rather than his wife. It is sad what has happened to him but he cannot put back time by marrying you. I think your life could well be miserable and you end by resenting him which would not be right. If I was in that position I would tell him I was honoured by his offer but that I could not accept."
She watched Ruth carefully for a reaction and for what felt an eternity there was nothing then Ruth suddenly burst into huge gulping sobs. Erin reacted by holding her and Ruth sobbed and sobbed as if there was a huge well of misery gushing out. In the middle of all this, unnoticed by Ruth, Carol walked in to ask if the girls wanted some refreshment. She looked open mouthed and Erin used her head and eyes to tell her to go quickly.
At last Ruth stopped and after a while said, "I don't want to marry him but I thought perhaps it was my duty. But the Lord, through you, has made it clear that it is not. Thank you Erin."
Erin took in the girl's white face and peaked look. "Have you eaten anything?"
"I haven't felt hungry for ages."
"Right downstairs we'll pig out on my auntie's cake."
In the kitchen Erin explained briefly to her aunt and explained the need for food and drink for Ruth then excused herself for a moment. Out of earshot of the kitchen she rang Josh.
"Hi Erin..."
"Whatever you are doing stop now. I need you here now, immediately. It's urgent."
"Five minutes..." The call was abruptly terminated and true to his word Josh burst into the kitchen five minutes later, took in his sister and in seconds was beside her with an arm around her as Erin outlined the problem.
"What will Papa say? Will he be cross with me?"
"I'll come with you." Josh was firm.
"Me too, we'll all go together." Erin too was firm.
When they walked into the Whittle house Josh had his arm around his sister and Erin held her hand. Mr Whittle looked stern but mystified. "What is this all about Joshua?"
"Ruth has something to say father and we have come to support her. Ruth..."
"Papa, I love and respect you. I am honoured by Brother Brigg's proposal of marriage but after thought and prayer I don't wish to accept it."
Mr Whittle stood still and stern for what seemed a long time without reacting then suddenly moved. He moved so fast that Erin could do nothing to stop him and she feared he was going to strike Ruth. He didn't though; he put his arms around her and gave her a huge hug. Erin knew a hug from him was rare so it obviously had deep significance. Then with his face still stern he announced he was going to see Brother Briggs to convey the decision and afterwards would be at prayer until dinner.
Erin and Josh were practically forced to stay for evening meal which was very early by Erin's standards but then the farm day started early. She and Josh rang their homes to say they wouldn't be back for a meal and Erin steeled herself for a stiff occasion. To her amazement it was positively light by normal standards. Ruth seemed relaxed and ate like a horse. Mr Whittle beamed at Erin several times. Mrs Whittle was positively jovial, most unlike her normal dour manner, and all the others chatted really quite normally. It was if Ruth's decision had woken the family up.
Erin pleaded pressure of work to go while at least some of the evening remained and was hugged tightly by Ruth who whispered, "Thank you sister, I'll never forget it." Then she was hugged all over again by Mrs Whittle who seemed quite emotional. Finally Mr Whittle patted her arm which she thought was the first time he had ever touched her.
Erin rushed to her bedroom and threw herself into her work trying to make up her lost afternoon. She worked hard but had to be up early for work so didn't want to be up too late. Normally her aunt chivvied her into turning the light out at some point but there was no appearance and then Erin noticed it was really quite late. She stopped wearily and decided she need something to drink before bed so went downstairs. As she came back upstairs she heard a strange sound and stopped on the stairs. What was it?
Then it dawned on her; it was a hand smacking down on a bare bottom: smack, smack, smack, all with accompanying little squeals, squeaks and gasps.
Erin froze and then did something really quite naughty. She couldn't resist standing close to her aunt and uncle's bedroom door. There was no doubt about it. Uncle Jack was spanking her aunt's bare bottom. Erin fled to her bedroom shutting the door as softly as she could.
Chapter 13
At breakfast the next morning Jack, Carol and Erin were tired, though for different reasons. Erin looked carefully at her aunt and uncle. They both seemed very happy, they were normally a quite affectionate couple but today they didn't seem to be able to stop touching each other. Erin thought about it and began to blush. It had dawned on her that they had probably made love. She sometimes forgot older people did that. In which case why had Uncle Jack spanked her? Was it possible that there was another reason for spanking someone other than punishment? Or, Erin's mind mulled it over, was there a place where it was sort of punishment but welcome punishment?
She was finding it really difficult to handle these thoughts and they made her blush. If her aunt and uncle hadn't been so wrapped up in each other they would have noticed. Then she remembered the feelings that all the talk about wives being submissive had started, how she fancied being submissive with Josh and if he spanked her... well only a little bit of course because a proper spanking really hurt.
