Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3) (9 page)

“I know you are
, but we are here to take care of that naughtiness.  Relax your bottom, Baroness, let your buttocks relax and hang loose so that each stroke will do its job to teach you your proper duty,” Charles said and Eleanor found herself very impressed with his calm yet authoritative manner.  Willamena’s soft cry spoke of her embarrassment at his instruction, but they both watched as the young woman softened her buttocks until they were rounded and loose.  It was obvious Charles had been paying very close attention during the past week.

Charles lifted the cane and placed the first stroke.  As it cracked across the
top of the offered cheeks, Willamena moaned deeply.  Charles saw that, though the stroke had landed where intended, the wheal was not immediately apparent as he knew it should have been.  He tapped her bottom again and then lifted the cane higher over his shoulder.  The second stroke cracked much louder when he remembered to flick his wrist with the blow.  Willamena lifted her head and cried out loudly as the wheal rose on her bottom only slightly below the first.  Charles stepped a bit further away and snapped the cane forward again.

“Noooo!” the woman sobbed, her head arched back at the fire of the stroke.  “Oh, please, Sir…please, not so hard…I…I can’t bear it,” she sobbed
, but remained in position.  Charles looked to Eleanor, who simply shook her head and smiled.

“You shall bear it, Willamena, and thank me for it after we are done,” Charles said
, as he tapped the cane lower on her bottom cheeks.  Stroke after stroke cracked against Willamena’s bottom, forming almost a perfect pattern down the surface of her buttocks.  Charles’ aim had only allowed a slight overlapping of two wheals.  Willamena was soon wailing, her knees bending after each stroke was given and received.  Nine lines of fire decorated her rump before Charles paused and allowed the girl to compose herself before receiving further instructions.

“Naughty little girls need to have a hot bottom to remind them to be good girls.  Now,
bend further forward please, Baroness, and push up your naughty bottom so you may accept the next strokes right on your sit-spot,” Charles ordered.  Willamena sobbed hard, her bottom on fire, as she bent forward, covering her face with her hands to willingly submit the most sensitive part of her bottom to the cane.  Charles nodded, appreciating her immediate submission, and was further pleased when she remembered to loosen her thoroughly whealed bottom.

“Very good, Willamena, your Papa would be pleased,” Charles said before lifting the cane from the offered bottom.

Strokes ten and eleven cracked loudly in the room, each raising a wheal along the line where her bottom met the tops of her thighs. Willamena was wailing now, her face buried in her cupped hands, her bottom wagging up and down and side to side in a futile effort to ease the burning across her cheeks.  Charles stepped slightly to the side and tapped the cane on a diagonal across the wheals raised on her bottom.  He had learned that this was considered ‘closing the gate’ and as he gave her the last stroke, harder than any previous, the wheal bloomed instantly across the previous wheals as she shrieked from its fire.  He smiled noticing that the lines did, in fact, resemble an innocent garden gate.

“
Ohhhh, please…I’m so sorry, Sir! Please…no more…” Willamena sobbed as her bottom bounced wildly.  Charles wasn’t even aware when he stepped closer to her and ran his hand across the wheals he had painted onto her posterior.  He was amazed at the heat each gave off and realized he could feel the ridges of each wheal.  Eleanor remained silent, allowing him to complete the session as he saw fit, though knew she would remind him that he shouldn’t physically touch the punished bottoms of his future students.  For now, she understood his unconscious desire to feel the tactile evidence of his discipline.

“Willamena,” Charles said softly. 
“You may rise and go to the corner to consider your behavior.  Keep your skirts up and your caned bottom properly displayed.”  Baroness Willamena Johansson, a respected woman of upper society, slowly stood, her face tear-streaked as she kept her skirts off her well caned bottom.

“Than
…thank you, Sir,” she said.

“You are most welcome.  You did very well
in offering your bottom, little one.  I am sure your husband would be proud of you for accepting your caning so well.  I’m proud of you as well,” Charles said and smiled at her.  She returned his smile with one of her own before walking to the corner where she buried her nose against the wall and pushed her bottom well out into the room.   Charles kept her on display for a half-hour as he simply watched her after he returned the cane to the urn.  Eleanor seated herself at her desk and entered the details of the session in a journal.  She would go over everything with the woman’s husband upon his return.  She smiled as she made her entry.  She knew the man was a strict disciplinarian and wondered if perhaps his little wife had simply missed having her bottom tended to.  Regardless, her bottom now bore a dozen distinct wheals with only the first less prominent than the others.  It would be at least a few days before Willamena sat without remembering this session.  Eleanor knew Charles would not only be quite capable of handling the position of Headmaster, he had the proper attitude when administering a harsh caning.  His strokes had been purposeful, and without a doubt, hurt quite fiercely, yet he remained calm and concerned about the poor miscreant’s feelings.  His choice of words when lecturing the poor girl had been more than adequate to enforce the feeling of guilt and the need to willingly atone for her naughtiness.  Eleanor knew many a young student would learn a great deal when faced with disappointing the young, attractive Headmaster of their school.  Forcing a naturally kind and gentle man to assume the role necessary to attend to their naughty bottoms would assure his future students worked hard at learning to conduct themselves appropriately.  Eleanor smiled; she knew young women would be quick to discuss just how effectively the new Headmaster could wield a cane.  If hearing the Baroness fairly howl as the cane bit into her ample rump was any example, the entire student body would soon know it would behoove them to avoid being sent to Headmaster Lloyds’ office.

After the punished
Baroness received Charles’ permission to remove herself from the corner, Charles handed her the discarded drawers and watched as she stepped into them, a blush upon her cheeks.

“I don’t expect you’ll forget your husband’s wishes for good behavior any time soon,” Charles said
, as the woman stood after adjusting her clothing.

“No, Sir, I’m sorry
I was so naughty.  I’m sorry you had to cane me but thank you for the lesson,” Willamena said softly, but with respect in her tone.  Charles was surprised when she unexpectedly threw her arms around him.  He hugged her gently in return, knowing she was seeking a bit of comfort after her painful discipline. 

“Just see to your better behavior, my dear.  I’m sure your husband will have another lesson for your bottom upon his return,” Charles said
, and then took her arm and led her to the door.  He opened the door for her. 

She turned back into the room, “Thank you, Miss Summers, I’ll try to be a better role model for my sisters,” she said. 

“I’m sure you shall, my dear,” Eleanor said with a smile.  “Now, hurry along, as I’m sure Nanny Bishop is waiting to put you to bed.  Remember, no rubbing that aching bottom, Baroness.  Remind Nanny to tie your hands to the bed.  I would hate to have to call you back into my office again this evening if your hands were discovered where they are not to be.”

Willamena blushed
hotly, understanding the unspoken warning, and trying to ignore the evidence of her arousal that was moistening her inner thighs.  She nodded, “Yes, Ma’am.  I…I’ll remind my nanny, Ma’am. Good night.”  Charles watched her walk down the hall, again amazed at the realization that no one would necessarily know that the Baroness had just gotten her bottom caned.  He closed the door and turned back to Eleanor.  He was unable to hide the smile of satisfaction lighting his face.  Eleanor smiled back.

******

The occupants of the parlor had been silent as Charles related his story.  Even Lucas
, who had no prior knowledge of the reason for the man attending Eleanor’s school, was impressed.  He could easily picture the scene.  He glanced at Edward and saw him smile and nod his approval.

“He did an excellent job, Edward,” Eleanor said.  “I have no reason to doubt that Charles will make a fine Headmaster for the school.  He not only saw to her discipl
ine with a firm hand, she left feeling far better after paying for her naughtiness, without feeling shamed by the experience.”  Edward had to admit he, too, was impressed.  If Eleanor felt she could praise the Professor so highly, he believed her every word.

“I can’t thank you enough, Eleanor,” Charles said
, and gave her a slight bow.  “Though I now admit that young women need a firm hand, I will always believe in giving comfort after their poor little bottoms have paid the price of their naughtiness.  I will do my very best to keep your high regard.”  Eleanor laughed, the sound delightful in the room.

“I’m sure you shall, Charles,”
she agreed and then continued, “perhaps a certain ward we both know won’t agree, but, Sir, you shall make a fine disciplinarian for any naughty bottom.”  Charles smiled; Lucas frowned.  Though he had already known that this man was courting Lucille, he had no knowledge that this lifestyle was totally new to him.  Edward saw his friend frown and was quick to ward off any untoward statements Lucas might make.

“I’m sure the school board will agree, Charles,” Edward said.  “I believe congratulations are in order
, Headmaster Lloyds.”

Charles stood as Edward came forward to shake his hand.  “Thank you, Edward,” Charles said.  “
But Sir, I must ask for your patience in informing the board.”  Edward was very seldom surprised, but he was at Charles’ comment.  “I feel I need to speak with Miss Furniss before I accept the position.”  Lucas shook his head, wondering at the man’s indecision.  What sort of man turned down an opportunity to a better life, not only for himself, but for any future wife and possible children?  What did Miss Furniss have to do with a man making the best decision for his family?  Edward didn’t speak for a moment, but then nodded.

“As you wish, Charles,” he conceded.  “I don’t suggest you wait long, Cha
rles.  It is important that whoever takes the position do so at the earliest opportunity.  The board is anxious to have the matter settled, and the man will also need time to settle into the position before the term begins.”

“I understand, Sir,” Charles said
, knowing he was taking a chance on losing the position.  He wanted to accept it immediately, and knew he could do a very good job with the added responsibility.  However, having witnessed Lucille’s intense dislike, he found himself torn.  Eleanor also wondered at his hesitancy, but didn’t speak.  She stood and put her empty glass down onto the table by her chair.

“It’s getting late, Edward,” she said with a smile.  “Thank you so much for a lovely evening.  It was a pleasure to see you again, Lucas.  Shall I be watching for your visit to meet my
newest little ones?”  Lucas smiled, took her hand and pressed a kiss against it.

“You never know, Eleanor,” he said
, charmingly.  “I promise to visit if for nothing else than to see you again.”  If Eleanor was surprised at his words, she didn’t show it.  She nodded and was soon walking with Charles towards the front door.  As they all reached the door, Charles turned to Edward.

“I’d like to call on Miss Furniss tomorrow
, if that meets with your approval, Edward,” he said with a quick look towards Lucas.  He had determined that the man was a houseguest of Edward’s, and would be seeing a great deal more of the young woman than he.  He intended to give the man a run for his money.  Remembering Lucy’s response to the man, Charles smiled at the thought that she seemed barely able to stomach Edward’s friend.

“That will be fine, Charles
, and I’m sure Lucille will be pleased,” Edward said.  Charles shook both men’s hands and then escorted Eleanor down to the waiting carriage.

Edward and Lucas settled in Edward’s study.  After taking a sip of his brandy, Lucas leaned back in his chair.

“Okay, I admit it,” he said with a smile.  “You can pick the best of the lot.  Your girls are beautiful, though Lord knows how you managed to get Louisa to agree to wed you,” he joked. 

Edward smiled knowing hi
s friend was just plain jealous.  “What can I say, her taste is impeccable,” Edward said.  He then told his friend of meeting Louisa and all that had transpired to bring both girls under his roof.  When he finished, Lucas sat quietly for several minutes.

“She has a fierce spirit, Edward,” he said
, and saw that Edward agreed.  “Despite her attire and her obvious submission to authority, I believe she is far more the hellcat than the kitten,” Lucas observed.  Edward sat back in his chair, slightly surprised at how astute his friend was.  He had described Lucille to perfection.  Though she had come a very long way within the last few weeks, there remained a band of steel beneath her soft exterior.

“
Since when have you run from a challenge?” Edward asked with a grin.  “I don’t see Charles running, and believe me, every bit of this is new to him.  I suppose the question is which one of you can teach steel to bend but not break?”  Lucas knew Edward was not giving him his complete approval.  Hearing the story in the parlor told him that Edward respected the teacher.  Unused to competition, Lucas found himself looking forward to the challenge.

“Don’t worry about me, Edward,” he assured his friend.  “I have no i
ntention of hurting your kitten.”  He paused as Edward rolled his eyes.  “I warn you though, I do have the intention of making her purr.”  Edward leaned forward.

“
I would expect nothing less, Lucas, but let me warn you,” he said, his voice firm and tight.  “I have come not only to respect Lucille, but to love her as well.  I think you would be a perfect mate for her, however, do not take advantage of my friendship.  There will be no dalliances here.  You are not to attempt to win her if it is only to put another notch in your belt.  She is not one of Eleanor’s students.  She is an innocent and, Lucas, she shall remain so or you shall deal with me.”  Lucas heard the warning and understood.  He nodded and then stood.

“I understand, Edward,” he said, “I will behave myself.”  Edward nodded as he tossed back the rest of his drink.  The men extinguished the lamps and headed towards the stairs.  As Lucas undressed and went to bed, he added a final statement to himself, “I will heed your words, Edward, but I promise you this…I will win her heart.”

The next morning Lucy made sure to make her apology during breakfast.  Mrs. Bremmer was pleased, but still plopped her back down on the settee and handed her the mended dress.  Lucy sighed seeing that more than half of her stitches had been removed.  As Louisa sat sewing a tapestry in a chair, Lucy redid her work.  The next time Anna checked, Lucy watched, massaging her fingertips as several stitches were again removed.  Clamping her mouth shut, Lucy simply accepted the dress for the third time.

Lucas found the girls and smiled at the sweet scene.  He first went to look at Louisa’s work.  Every stitch was beautifully placed and he praised her work.  She gave him a smile and quietly thanked him.  He then turned to Lucille.

“I thought you finished your mending last evening, Lucille,” Lucas said.  He was surprised when she lifted her eyes and glared at him.

“I did, but Mrs. Bremmer is not as appreciative of my efforts as you are of Louisa’s,” she said
, her tone indicating her anger.  Lucas appreciated spirit but he was far less accepting of obvious anger.

“Careful, little one,” he said.  “I saved your bottom last night because I accept the blame for tearing your dress.  However, don’t think I won’t hesitate to tend to it in the future if your
tone does not change.”  Louisa gasped softly, but Lucy only nodded and dropped her eyes back to her lap.  She was angry but also felt a bit guilty as she remembered he had stopped Mrs. Bremmer from spanking her.  Her face flushed at his veiled threat and her blood rushed through her body as she realized he meant what he said. 

“Yes, Sir,” she managed to say
, if only in an effort to keep her bottom safe.  Lucas nodded and considered the matter closed. 

Over the next several days, Lucas discovered that winning her heart was not going to be easy.  Lucy made every attempt to avoid being in his presence.  When
they ate their meals or whenever he did manage to be in the same room, she was unerringly polite.  Lucas found it somewhat amusing at first but quickly found himself irritated by her constant curtsying, thanking him anytime he passed her something on the table or continued to address him as Lord Huntington with a voice that sounded like it was dripping maple syrup.  He did not complain or reveal that he was unamused, but would catch Edward looking at him with a knowing smile. Lucy never went far enough to warrant discipline, but he found himself thinking more and more about upending the small woman and trying to spank some sense into her.  He found he missed the spirit in her voice and her beautiful eyes.

Originally, Lucas had been unconcerned about Charles Lloyds.  However, as several evenings passed with Lucille
’s being escorted by him to the neighborhood park or even on long walks through the gardens surrounding Wintercrest, he did begin to wonder what he was doing wrong. 

Lucas also became aware that
, even as he was watching Lucille, Louisa was watching him.  He found he approved of her sister’s diligence, understanding that Edward’s wife simply wanted what was best for her sister.  One afternoon, Lucas returned to the house earlier than usual; Edward was still in town with a client.  The house was too quiet.  He sighed to himself, wondering how he could get past Lucy’s barriers.  He went through the house and out into the gardens, walking down the paths and chiding himself for his inability to form a plan.  He had seen Lucille saying good night to Charles the evening before.  After the man left, Lucas, from the shadows of the parlor, saw the girl reach up and touch her cheek.  He instantly knew that regardless of how innocent Edward thought the girl was, she had obviously just been kissed.  He shook his head, fearing that he was falling further and further away from her mind.  He was surprised when he found himself thinking about what was best for the girl.  Was he simply trying to win her because he hated to lose?  Would she be better off with Charles?

Lost in thought, Luc
as’ reverie was interrupted by the faint and distant sound of feminine giggles.  He looked behind him, but saw nothing.  He looked all about, but again saw nothing that could have produced the very delicate, nearly imperceptible laughter.  Then it came again, and realizing that it was off the path, he walked softly towards the feminine voices.  Pausing before a large weeping willow tree, he recognized that the sound was coming from behind its branches.

“He kissed me,” he heard Lucille confess
, and he froze in place.

“
Who kissed you?” Louisa asked.

“Louisa!” Lucille said as if she were shocked.  “Charles, of course, who else might have cause to kiss me?” 

Louisa smiled and teased, “Our Lord Huntington?”  Lucy felt her entire body flush remembering how she felt whenever the man was near her.

“No, of course not.  It was Charles,” Lucy said firmly.  Louisa giggled.

“Well, what was it like?” Louisa asked, and then giggled.  “Did it make your tummy tingle?”  Deep inside their secret place, Lucy blushed and then shrugged.

“It
was nice, I guess,” Lucy said.

“Oh,” Louisa said
, shaking her head.  The first time Edward had kissed her, she felt as if she would simply burst into flames.  Lucy sighed at her sister’s lack of enthusiasm.

“It was only on the cheek, Louisa,” Lucy defended herself.  “I…I wasn’t expecting it.  I’m sure it will be better if he does it again
.  I…I certainly didn’t tingle.”  Lucas almost laughed.  If this was her reaction to her first kiss by a man who was constantly calling on her, then he felt hope bloom again.  Hearing the tone of her voice, he knew that Charles was not the man for her.   The gloves were coming off, he decided.  He would no longer stand in the background.  It was past time for him to step up and teach the little kitten how she could be made to purr.  Not even realizing that he had answered his earlier questions, Lucas had decided he was the better man for a certain little tiger.  With a plan in mind, he slipped away, leaving the girls to their secret place.

The next day, Lucy was sitting in the library reading a book while waiting for Louisa to join her.  A small cry caused her to look up. 

Her eyes flew open and she jumped up from her chair.  “Oh, you are precious,” she cried, as she ran to the small white bit of fluff wobbling into the library.  She soon had the small kitten scooped up in her hands and was pressing her nose into the soft, white fur.  “Where did you come from?” she asked the kitten, as she looked around. She stiffened slightly as Lucas walked into the room.  Her eyes narrowed at his smile.

“You always look like you could use a good cuddle,” he said
, and watched her face color.  Lucy looked at the kitten she was stroking and knew she should put it down and ignore the man,  however, the small animal gave a soft mewl and then licked her finger with its tiny pink tongue.  Lucas saw her reaction to the animal and wished he had thought of licking her finger.  He felt himself becoming aroused and quickly brought himself under control. He was saved from speaking when Louisa joined them and immediately squealed her delight.  The girls were soon seated on the settee, the small bundle between them as they stroked the kitten.

“Oh, Lucy, it is so cute,” Louisa said
, and looked at Lucas.  He again knew why Edward had picked the young woman.  Her face was shining with joy, all over the presence of a tiny cat and her sister’s obvious happiness.

“I
thought Lucy might enjoy a kitten and be willing to call a truce,” Lucas admitted.  Louisa smiled.

“It is such a sweet offering, Sir,” Louisa said
, aware that his words had caused her sister to stiffen.  “Have you picked a name, Lucy?” she asked.  Lucy shook her head, still trying to decide if she was angry with Lord Huntington.  Lucas walked to the settee and bent to stroke the kitten with his finger.  His nearness made her skin hot.

“How about Charles?” Lucy said
, looking at Lucas with a fake smile on her face.

Lucas didn’t bite.
  “Well, that’s as good a name as any, Lucy,” he said, as he kept his eyes glued to hers.  “However, little one, she might prefer a girl’s name as she is soft and tiny and beautiful.  This little kitten is definitely not a mangy tomcat.”  Lucy flushed realizing he was teasing and yet she felt herself holding her breath. 

“Breathe, Lucy,” he said
, as he smiled and dropped his eyes back to the kitten.  She managed to take a much-needed breath and felt a bit silly.  No matter where the kitten had come from, her heart was already lost.

“What about Cleopatra?” she asked
, finding herself a bit tired from the effort required to ignore Lucas. He was a man that simply could not be ignored forever.  Lucas lifted his eyes back to hers and smiled.  Lucy felt her stomach flutter.

“That’s a beautiful choice,” he said
.  Louisa remained still and quiet, though she was definitely aware of the conversation.  Lucas smiled again and then stood. 

“Thank you, Lord Huntington,” Lucy said softly.  “I…I hope
Ed…I mean, my guardian…allows me to keep her.”  Lucas found himself extremely glad he was able to reassure her.

“I’ve spoken to Edward, Lucy. 
Cleopatra is yours if you want.  Consider her a new beginning for us.”  Despite the shiver his words caused, her smile lit the room as she scooped Cleopatra into her lap. Lucas saw Louisa smile broadly at him and he winked at her.  She clapped her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle and he grinned just as broadly.  “She is your responsibility as well, Lucy,” Lucas warned her.  “I don’t want Mrs. Bremmer angry with us because Cleo causes her additional work.”

“Yes, Sir,” Lucy said quickly.  “I’ll do everything for Cleo, I promise.” 
Lucas knew she would be as good as her word.  He was more than pleased.  Not only was it clear she adored the gift, she had called him ‘Sir’ without her usual false sweetness.  His determination increased.  He would never be content with hearing the word spoken so sweetly only this one time.

The girls were fussing over the kitten when Edward found them.  He smiled at the joy emanating from both of them.  He drew Louisa away from the kitten as he pulled her onto his lap.  After giving her a kiss, he bent to whisper in her ear.

“Should I get you a kitten as well, little lady?” he asked.  Louisa smiled and shook her head.  She lifted herself to whisper in his ear.

“No, Papa, I have you to cuddle.”  Edward was enormously pleased and was soon pressing his lips hard against hers.  Louisa felt the familiar tingle of arousal flow through her body.  Even as she returned the kiss, she had a moment’s thought as to how her sister had described her first kiss from Charles. 
She knew that only a few weeks ago, Lucy would have settled for almost anyone that could take her from Wintercrest.  She prayed that her twin would no longer wish to do so.  She deserved happiness and Louisa wanted her to wait however long it took until she found her heart truly captured.  Her thoughts left her sister as Edward kissed her again.  Lucas smiled at the two.  Edward might demand his wife be his child-bride, but it was obvious to anyone that saw them together that he loved her with all his heart.