His Lordship's Lap

by Breanna Hayse

  Chapter 10

  “Miss? Are you all right?” Marie whispered in Vanessa’s ear during the morning meal. The sweet maid had snuck a pillow for her chair when Harrison wasn’t looking and offered a helping hand as the young woman lowered herself onto the seat. “I’ve tasted his strap before, and it left me sore for days. I’m so sorry.”

  “Does anything help ease the pain?”

  “There is a tincture that is very effective, but we aren’t allowed to use it after we’re spanked. I can try to sneak you some, but the consequences if caught are severe.”

  “He’s used the tincture on me before. I probably shouldn’t invite more problems for myself right now, though. Are those poached eggs and spinach? I hate—”

  “Marie?” Harrison called out, interrupting their whispers. “Are you plotting trouble with my little girl?”

  “Yes, sir, Lord Harrison,” Marie said with a smile, blocking Vanessa from his view and offering the girl a napkin from behind her back. “I was going to ask her if she was in a mood to steal a berry pie from Lady Bess’ baking rack this afternoon. I heard that she took the children berry picking the other day and was planning on baking them up this morning.”

  “No stealing Bess’ pies, young lady,” Harrison grinned. “If you want a pie, ask Cook to make you one.”

  “But Lady Bess makes the best. Everyone on Man knows that fact,” Marie whined, stomping her foot playfully.

  “You certainly are impertinent this morning. Edward!”

  “Yes, Lord Harrison?” the young man appeared instantly in the dining room, glancing momentarily at his smirking fiancée and Vanessa’s uncomfortable fidgeting. “It there a problem?”

  “Please take your lady to her room and give her something to distract her from your sister’s pies. She is attempting to lead my future wife into a life of crime.”

  “Who do you think suggested that we steal them?” Edward asked with a loud laugh. “Bess is so possessive of those damn things and will withhold them from me out of spite. You would think that she would show more care to her little brother, but no.”

  “I promise that if I get one, I might allow you to sniff it.”

  “Sniff it? I want a piece, if you please.”

  “Edward, if I am so blessed to receive one of those famous pies then I am only going to share it with my lady and no one else,” Harrison chortled.

  “That isn’t very generous of you,” Edward grunted. “You always say it’s important to set a good example and here you are, depriving me of a pie that you haven’t even received yet. I’m disappointed.”

  “Tell your sister then. Regarding my generosity, I’ve decided that instead of staying here, I want you to take our little maid home with you and entertain her. I have plans this day that will not require your services.”

  “Are you certain? I’ll stay if you need me.”

  “I’m positive. Take my carriage so you can remain dry. Advise the girls that they have the day to themselves as well, just don’t disturb us. Vanessa and I are going to have a gardening lesson.”

  “Gardening, eh?” Edward winked as the mortified young woman tried to sink under the table. “Well, if that is the case, might I suggest that I take all of the staff to Father’s place? He enjoys a house filled with giggling girls, and I can ask Cook teach them to make her special spice cakes. I’ll bring them back in the morning in time for Sunday chores.”

  “If your cook wishes to have a training day, then allow her the entire weekend. We have the dinner party Sunday, so they could help his staff prepare and then stay through to Monday.”

  “Don’t you need your staff, though?” Vanessa asked, her eyes wide as she realized that they would be alone in the vast manor for the first time since she arrived.

  “Believe it or not, I can cook and clean as well as they can and am capable of managing myself without their help. I will expect to receive a platter of sweets in payment for my generosity, Edward.”

  “All the cooks in this city are aware of your fondness for sweets, cousin.” The other man laughed and winked at Vanessa, “Take a look in his desk drawer. I am willing to bet he has chocolates in there.”

  “Chocolate? Harrison? I adore chocolate.”

  “I will share them with you, but not with him. Off with you, Edward, and be careful in the rain.” After Edward had left the room, Harrison crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow. “Was Marie truthfully speaking with you about Bess’ pies?”

  “No, sir,” Vanessa said honestly. “She was just concerned about the condition of my bottom and was only trying to watch out for me. Please don’t be cross with her.”

  “I’m amused, not cross. I’ve known that girl for a long time and am well aware of her antics. I also thought that you would be more comfortable in knowing that there was no one around this evening, especially after you voiced your concerns about gossip.”

  “This evening?”

  “Yes, I am going to reward you for your honesty, remember? But first, we will take a stroll in the garden and select whatever you would like to taste with me.”

  “Thank you for your consideration,” she said, her face heating under his stare. “I didn’t realize that you had enough paid attention to realize that I would be uncomfortable with anyone around.”

  “I give my full attention to everything, love. Including the hiding of those eggs under the table.”

  “You saw me do that?” Her mouth hung open in shock.

  “Of course, I did. Where are they?”

  “In a napkin on my lap. You aren’t going to force me to eat them, are you?”

  “Not if you don’t care for them.” He laughed, looked around to make certain that there were neither eyes nor ears to overhear his confession. “I do the same thing with eggplant and kale. I can’t abide their flavor and Cook keeps insisting on serving them. I think my mother pays her extra to torment me.”

  Giggling, Vanessa offered a broad grin. “I assume that would be a good reason for me to learn how to develop a menu. I would keep all the awful things from ever being served at our table. Brussel sprouts, spinach, lima beans, gruel—”

  “—Liver, spinach, kale, haggis and anything else that is organ based,” Harrison added with a shudder.

  “Or that looks back at you from a plate.” A sense of genuine fondness warmed her heart as she looked at the handsome man. “Except for my bottom, I’m starting to like you. Especially when you act less uptight and stuffy.”

  “I’m not uptight and stuffy, my father is. I’m just serious about certain things,” he grumbled.

  “I thought you said that pouting wasn’t allowed in this house,” she teased, amused by the sullenness.

  “I’m not pouting; I’m brooding.”

  “And how is that working for you?”

  “Didn’t we recently have this conversation? Just before you got yourself a little strapping, if I recall,” he asked, his lip turning up slightly.

  “That was different. It involved my pouting, and you were bossy. It appears that the tables have turned.” She offered him a large smile, hoping that he would see that she was playing.

  “Didn’t you get enough spanking yesterday for being sassy?”

  “Yes, but now there is no one around, and you could use some taunting.”

  “Oh, really? Let’s go outside.”

  Before she could protest, he had her in the large kitchen greenhouse where the herbs and vegetables were grown for the manor’s meals. She paused, deeply inhaling the scent of the damp air, fresh soil, and cut grass, momentarily forgetting the ongoing soreness of her thrashed backside and the accompanying ache of need centered in her groin. Harrison led her to the tall arbors where the vines were grown and pointed to the cucumbers used for pickling. She shook her head, both embarrassed and intrigued by his eagerness to discover her secret desire. Another gesture towards a slightly larger zucchini also received the same reaction, and he raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t until he lifted a long, thick green Marrow squash that
her eyes lit up.

  “Yes,” she said huskily, feeling the never-ending ache move to her tummy. “I want that one.”

  “Seriously?” he asked, clipping the enormous squash from the vine. “Are you able to take this?”

  “I don’t know; I’ve never seen anything so glorious.” She said, turning the 18-inch long, widely girthed item in her hand. “Does my curiosity make me a deviant?”

  “Only the most delightful type of deviant that I could desire. My span is almost at great as this magnificent vegetable, but its length is about double my own,” he said in a hushed tone. “Still, most women find my size to be daunting and are fearful that I will tear them.”

  “That’s ridiculous. A woman’s body is designed to give birth to a child whose head is many times larger than this.” Vanessa scoffed, trying to wrap her small hand around the diameter of the vegetable. “Have you had many women? Are any from here?” She tried not to feel a twinge of jealousy.

  “I told you before that I’ve never engaged in a relationship with any woman from Man. I’ve met several ladies during my travels as I attempted to find a wife, but our bedding was purely recreational for each of us.”

  “Why didn’t you marry one of them? I mean, you’re young, handsome, educated and wealthy. What woman wouldn’t be interested?”

  “They were interested, but I was not. I was looking for a particular type of woman, and until I met you, I started to believe that she didn’t exist.”

  “You aren’t just saying that to seduce me, are you?”

  “My love, I don’t need words to seduce you, and you know it.”

  Gulping, she ran her tongue over her dry lips. “You are truly as large as this?”

  “I see that your curiosity is piqued. While we are here, there is another vegetable that I would have you try. Ordinarily, it is used for discipline, but I have a strong suspicion that you might find it titillating.”

  “What is it? Ginger?” She wrinkled her forehead as she looked at the light brown and oddly shaped root that he held out for her. “What is it used for? It is not shaped for penetration.”

  “Not the type of penetration that you are considering. Let’s gather a basket for this evening’s festivities. We might as well make this an adventure.” She watched in stunned silence as he carefully selected a small, purple eggplant with a bulbous end that curved slightly upward, a couple of thick parsnips, a green and yellow striped gourd, and a ridged cucumber covered with a layer of bumps.

  “No carrots?” Vanessa asked, her mouth dry as her imagination began to take over. What could he possibility do with all those items?

  “I don’t care for carrots. My mother always tried to force me to eat them as a child, and I avoid them if I can,” he chuckled, holding the basket in front of her. “Tell me, what would you like to indulge in most this evening?”

  “Must I chose only one?” She clutched the marrow to her chest.

  “Of course not! You may have them all if that’s your desire. Let’s return to the house and place these items in your room. We will retire early, and I will reward you for your trust.”

  Vanessa tightened her thighs, gazing at the long squash held firmly in her hands. Was any man truly this well-endowed? Would his cock feel different inside of her than the hard, textured greens that she had taken to enjoy? “I don’t know. Part of me is curious, but then to permit such a deed is humiliating. You aren’t yet my husband.”

  “But I will be. What if I remove your choice?” He pinned her against a post and removed the vegetable from her hands. “What if I tie you down and force you to endure the pleasure of my mouth while fucking you with these delectable plants?”

  “You said that you would never force yourself upon me.” Her breath came in short, labored pants as he held her arms over her head with a single hand and lowered his mouth to the gentle swell of her breasts. She felt the heat of his breath penetrate the material, followed by the dripping wetness down the inside of her thighs.

  “My exact words were that I would never take you by force. I also suspect that the idea of being restrained ignites your passion.” He bit her earlobe. “I will spread olive oil over your body and turn you into a living platter to feed my hunger.”

  “Olive oil?”

  “Maybe even add some aged vinegar or lemon juice for flavor.”

  “It would sting.” She shivered under his grip, lifting her chin as he grazed her throat.

  “I should hope so.”

  “The oil might be a good idea with the larger ones. I usually don’t require much lubrication.” The words slipped effortlessly from her lips, surprising even herself with the boldness of the suggestion.

  The glint in his eyes spelled out his desire. He ran his tongue along her mouth, and the edge of her jawline then nipped her throat. “You’re going to want me, you know.”

  She felt her knees shake and closed her eyes as she attempted to control her breathing. “You have to stop doing this. I can’t think.”

  “You can think. You just can’t say no to me.”

  “You’re a bit arrogant when it comes to your charm, aren’t you?” She lifted her chin as he ran his fingers of one hand down her slender throat, and tightened her fists against the solid hold of her wrists above her head.

  “Not at all. I promise that you will never want to touch another vegetable again after you have me, though.”

  She groaned as he released her wrists and ran both hands down the length of her body and under her skirts.

  “Not here, Harrison!”

  Her request had no bearing as he lifted the material out of the way to expose her naked womanhood and trembling thighs. His mouth ran across her flat belly, and his tongue found her belly button. She quaked as the heat of his tongue played with the little indentation.

  “Harrison, you can’t do this.” There was no fire in her words, just the sounds of a false protest as he urged her thighs apart and nipped the inner flesh gently with his straight, white teeth. She felt his breath against her slick pussy and groaned. “No...”

  “No? Very well, I’ll stop. I don’t want you to believe me to be inattentive to your requests.” Harrison freed her, stood straight and grinned as she slumped her back against the post. “What’s wrong, my dear?”

  “You are a monster,” she panted, her body swirling with a myriad of sensation and need. “How could you?”

  “How could I what? Abide by your petition to stop? My, my, you look very distressed.”

  “You are unbelievable.”

  “You only know the part of it. Let’s go back inside. If you’re a very good girl; we can resume this lesson.”

  Vanessa glowered at him from across the chess table an hour later. He was cruel, much crueler than any man she had ever known. How could he leave her in such a brutal state of arousal and make no effort to finish what he had started? The time ticked ever so slowly and even the beating him in their game did not bring the joy that his touch would have given her.

  “Nessa? I’m in the mood for something sweet,” he suddenly announced. Her ears perked up. Did he mean her? “Have you ever made caramels?”

  Moaning, she shook her head. Was he aware of the degree in which he tormented her? “I am useless in the kitchen. I’ve only just learned how to wash dishes.”

  “I was taught how to make caramels from a lady I met in Spain. I’ll cook, you clean. Come on!”

  Could this man prolong her agony any longer? Just the proximity to his body was making her ache. He rubbed against her every chance he had, brushed his lips against her hair, and had her lick the sticky confession directly off his fingers. With a frown, she eyed the ‘potions’ cabinet where the household kept the different herbs found in the vials that they carried. When he wasn’t looking, she snatched one that was labeled ‘love’ and sprinkled it into the mixture, hoping that it wouldn’t alter the taste enough for him to take notice. She waited in anticipation as he poured the candy onto a sheet and cut it into squares pieces to dry.
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  “Aren’t you going to eat those?” she asked with anticipation as he sprinkled powdered sugar over the cubes.

  “No. I’ve have enough licking the spoons. I’ll give these to my father during church. Caramels always sweeten his disposition, and since this will be an official family gathering, we can use as much help as we can get.”

  His father? Oh no! “Must I attend church? I’ve not made a habit of going since I became of age.”

  “You will enjoy our services. The preacher usually is somewhat tipsy on sacramental wine by the time he takes the pulpit. This often makes for some fascinating comments and very amusing stories. After that, we will go to Sir Landers’ home for the dinner party and salon.”

  “Your parents hate me. I can’t do this.”

  “My parents have to learn to accept you. Don’t worry about them; I promise that I won’t leave you alone for a minute. Trust me.”

  “What are you doing?” she asked as he placed the dish of candies high upon a bookshelf.

  “Keeping them out of your reach so that you don’t spoil your dinner. Don’t think that I didn’t see the look on your face, little girl. I know you want them.”

  Yes, but not for the reason that he believed! She shuddered to think of what was going to happen if people ate the confections during church. “I believe we should make a second batch for church and let me have those.”

  “Good try. Get things cleaned up in here while I get some accounts done.”

  “I hate doing dishes.”

  “That was our deal. No pouting, either. You know what happens if you pout.”

  “That’s not fair. Nothing happens to you when you do it. I want a piece of chocolate, by the way.”

  “So cheeky! You can have some chocolate after dinner. Come in here for a moment,” he ordered, settling on the large serpentine settee in his office.