The Reformer (18 page)

“Over that, young lady. And pull your night dress up.”

“Lord Ryan—”

“Aryanna, do it now or things will go much worse for you. You have given me no choice. This must be done.”

Aryanna trembled as she forced herself to obey, bending her stomach over the padded edge of the horse and grabbing the bar below. She held her breath as Ryan pushed the nightdress clear from her bottom and thighs, feeling more exposed to him that she ever had. Blood rushed to her face as she realized that her womanhood was clearly visible to his eyes and that there was nothing she could do to hide from him.

Ryan, too, was aware of her soft, velvety pink lips as they pouted from between her thighs. He was also equally aware of the beautiful, pale moons that graced either side of that flower. They were smooth, white and unmarked… a canvas for him to paint upon. In his right hand he held a wide leather strap that had been folded in half and joined with a wooden handle. The edges had been beveled and oiled, so nothing sharp or cutting remained. It was a tool of his trade. Silently, he lifted it to shoulder level and, with a wide arc, joined it to the quivering buttocks below.

Aryanna threw her head back in shock as the device contacted her flesh with a cracking sound that was heard echoing through the barn. Before she had a chance to react, the strap fell again, striping the tender creases that joined her thighs and her bottom. This time, a wail of pain flew from her mouth, catching in her throat as a third, equally powerful lash marked her upper thighs.

Her skin reddened quickly, each stripe etching a clean outline of the strap across the snowy field below it. Ryan gritted his teeth, allowing the strap to collide in a greater arc than before. A scream cut through the air as the mark across the crown of her bottom turned an angry red. Four strokes, and already she showed signs of bruising. Unaware that he had an audience surveying his work, Ryan paused, made a decision and placed the strap upon the bench. He then seated himself on a hay bale.

“Aryanna, come to me,” he ordered firmly. Aryanna sobbingly struggled to remover herself from the saw horse and obey, her legs wobbling. Ryan placed her to stand between his knees and looked into her face. “Do you feel you have been adequately punished?”

Aryanna hesitated and first nodded her head but then shook it. Gerard watched proudly as Ryan kissed her forehead before placing her across his lap and proceeding with a firm, solid spanking of her bare bottom with his experienced palm.

“I am hoping, my dove,” he said as he sent smack after stinging smack upon every inch of her backside, “that you will not force me to take you in hand again in a manner such as this. You were very, very naughty.”

Aryanna wept helplessly, kicking her feet and sobbing her apologies. It was not until she released herself to his will and stopped her struggles that the spanking ceased. By that time, her bottom reminded Gerard of a glowing coal. The older man stepped into the barn, surprising Ryan as he still held the crying girl over his lap.

“That seemed an appropriate degree of discipline. Now finish up so we can get to work.”

“Papa! I am sorry,” Aryanna cried out as Ryan pulled her into his arms. “You and Mama angry too.”

“No, my pet. We are not angry with you. We love you dearly.” He leaned forward to touch a strand of stray hair. “We just don't like how you behaved.”

“You love Eliza too?” A twinge of jealousy was obvious.

Gerard winked at Ryan. While Aryanna had repented of her mistake for striking her reformer, she certainly had not altered her feelings of possession. “We love you as we love Ryan. You are like a daughter to us.”

“Really, Papa?” Aryanna had her arms wrapped around Ryan's neck and turned her face toward Gerard. “You and Mama love me like little girl?”

“More than just a little girl. Like our little girl. Now go to the house and get cleaned up and dressed. I'm sure you have chores to do while Ryan and I go to work.”

“Yes, Papa. Ryan? I am sorry.”

“All is done now, dove. I—” Ryan was interrupted by Aryanna planting a huge kiss on his mouth, unbothered by Gerard's presence. Gerard cleared his throat as Ryan returned the gesture, jarring the young lovers out of their embrace.

“There will be time for that later, children. Aryanna, to your chores. Ryan, let us depart.”

Aryanna stood outside the front door, watching the two men gallop away on their horses. Tentatively, she reached back to rub her stinging posterior. A smile slowly crossed her face. She had a family now, and they truly loved her.

* * *

“Mama? May I ask you a question, please?”

“Of course you may. What is it? Hold still,” Brigit ordered as she brushed out the long hair after dressing the young woman to attend church.

“Might I have your permission to help Aryanna with the canning? I don't know how, but maybe she could teach me.”

“You truly wish to assist her? Then yes, absolutely. I am very proud of you, Eliza. I want you to see something,” Brigit said, standing the woman in front of the mirror. “Look at who you are becoming. Isn’t she beautiful?”

Eliza stared at her reflection. Gone were the angry lines that came from constant sternness. Her hair fell in soft, thick waves, framing a face that held some color from being in fresh air and sunshine. Her skin glowed with health, and, she looked younger and prettier than she could remember.

“What has happened to me?” Eliza asked, peering into the mirror.

“The inner beauty of who you are is starting to show. Are you pleased?”

“I'm stunned. I never thought I looked… nice.”

“More than nice,” Martha said, slipping a pink dress over her head. “You are beautiful.”

“Thank you, Nanny,” Eliza smiled, hugging the old woman.

“Martha? Will you be coming to church with us today? I would love to have you sit in the family pew with me.”

“Madam, I would be honored. My thanks.” Martha blushed with pleasure.

Brigit hugged her. “For years I was terrified of you. I never realized how loving and gentle you really were. I am sorry.”

“Madam, I gave you good reason to be fearful,” Martha chuckled. “You challenged every instruction I gave. But look how lovely you turned out. And now, you are bringing out the same from our Eliza.”

“
We
, Martha dear, are all partaking in this transformation. Now, let us break fast and then rejoice in the presence of God.”

Martha scurried from the room, not wanting Lady Brigit to see the proud tears in her eyes. Her very first 'baby', a girl who was as much a child to her as if she had given birth, had truly grown up to be a woman of substance, dignity, and grace.

Chapter Twelve

Aryanna sniffled, feeling self-pity as she attempted to sit at the large table and prepare the produce for canning. The sense of loneliness was overwhelming, and she found herself longing for human companionship. She looked up with surprise as the three women entered the room.

“Aryanna, my love, how are you feeling this morning?” Brigit asked, embracing the girl warmly before touching her chin and lifting her eyes.

“Hurt, Mama. Ryan angry after I hit his face,” Aryanna said sadly. “Almost as bad as Headmistress’ leather.”

“Perhaps, but you deserved it,” Brigit stated, noticing Eliza lower her face. “Sometimes we do things that warrant a hard strapping. Isn't that correct, Eliza?”

“Yes, ma'am,” Eliza said softly. “I'm sorry about this, Ary. I know it hurts.”

“We came to take you to church with us. Would you like to go?” Brigit asked, brushing the girl's shimmering hair from her face. “It might be difficult to follow, but you won't be by yourself.”

“I am not dressed, Mama. I—”

“Nanny will help you. Hurry now!” Brigit smiled, gently pushing her towards the doorway. She then turned to Eliza. “Are you alright?”

“I frightened that little girl's heart,” Eliza whispered, “I never thought I had that type of cruelty within me. What can I do to make it right with her?”

“You have already started to become friends. She will have to heal from her fear on her own. With Ryan's help, of course.”

“They will stay together, won't they?” Eliza asked, a touch of longing in her voice.

“I believe they will. Fear not, child. One day, you will find a love for your own heart.”

“Headmaster Stewart has caught my eye…”

“Eliza, listen to me. Once you are reformed, a man like Henry Stewart will not be satisfactory for you. You will desire a man like your reformer. Nothing less.”

“Like Papa? Surely, except for his son, there are few men like him,” Eliza commented in disbelief.

“This is very true. And there are few men better. Wait for the one who can capture your heart and command your body. You need a strong, sturdy man to help keep you soft.”

Eliza bit her lower lip, thinking about Brigit's words. Aryanna did not know how fortune had smiled upon her when Ryan had come that day. She hoped she could find a way to tell her.

* * *

“Things might get bad here, son. I don't know what else we can do but offer support to our people. We have not had rainfall for too long,” Gerard commented, stopping to cool off under a large shade tree. He had already removed his riding coat and pushed up his sleeves, and the time was only eight o’clock in the morning!

“If the townsfolk do as suggested, they will be prepared as best as they can. What should we do about the other provinces?”

“Poor Nells,” Gerard said, patting the sweating horse beneath him. “I think it might be good to try out our new toy, son. What have you?”

“Mother can't argue this logic,” Ryan grinned. “We do need to save the horses from this heat.”

Gerard laughed with a nod and headed slowly back to his home. He grinned as he started the Jowett automobile and placed goggles over his eyes. Ryan, just as eager, joined him, and together the two began the loud trek to the far towns to give warning of the continuing drought.

* * *

The four women fanned themselves prettily in the shady confines of the large church, the oldest two combing the congregation for possible matches for Eliza, while Aryanna attempted to focus on keeping up with the sermon. Eliza sat next to her, using her index finger to follow along with the readings and trying her hardest not to doze in the smoldering heat.

“A swim in the pond would be so nice right now, would it not?” she whispered to Aryanna.

“Yes, and not be here. I do not like church,” came the whispered response. She yelped as Brigit gently pinched her thigh, reminding her to keep quiet. Aryanna hid her mouth, suppressing her giggle, and soon Eliza too copied the gesture. Martha, on Eliza's left side, also gave a small tweak.

The pastor looked up as both girls suddenly broke forth in uncontrollable giggles. Martha scowled as Brigit joined them, and, before the pastor had the opportunity to scold, many others began to shake with laughter. Soon the building was filled with loud, rambunctious chortles. With a loud sigh, the pastor closed the Good Book, shook his head, and dismissed the service. Martha snatched the two younger women by the hand and dragged them out, followed by a giggling Brigit.

“Lady Remington? A word, if you please, madam,” a male voice called from behind. Brigit turned and flushed as the pastor approached the four women. He cleared his throat as he gazed at the girls, then at Martha. “Do I have need to discuss this incident with Lord Remington? I thought you had outgrown having outbursts during services.”

“I beg your pardon, Reverend. I was caught up with the heat,” Brigit said softly, notably chewing on her lower lip as she tried to maintain her composure. “I assure you, it will not occur again. Please, I ask your forgiveness.”

“Child, I have known you since the day you stepped foot into this building and demanded a cushion for your pew,” the priest chuckled. “It will happen again, of that I am certain. Are these your new wards?”

“Yes, my husband and Martha are working with both,” Brigit answered, avoiding Aryanna's questioning frown. “Aryanna is from Russia. She is new to our language.”

“I would suspect your son to have a greater amount of patience with that order of teaching than your husband, my lady,” the reverend said slyly. She reddened in response. “Next time you wish to trick a man of the cloth, don't look so obvious. Get on with you, ladies. Have a safe journey home.”

Brigit tilted her head respectfully and placed her hand on the small of Aryanna's back to lead her towards their carriage. She said something to the driver and climbed inside with the other three women.

“My Lady, your behavior at church will not go unspoken. The reverend will tell your husband of it, be certain,” Martha said with a hint of concern.

“Laughter is contagious,” Brigit shrugged, grinning at the two younger women, “Surely Gerard will understand. Besides, he chose not to be with us this day. If he wishes me to behave in services, he knows he must be present.”

“Mama, will Papa be angry?” Aryanna asked in concern, eyeing Eliza.

“Yes, pet, but only with me. You are not to worry. Perhaps the good Reverend won't have opportunity to tell him of our slight breach in behavior.” Brigit smiled with a wink. Aryanna looked confused. Why was she not worried about her husband's anger? This did not make sense to her.

“Aryanna,” Martha touched her knee. “The reason Mama is not upset with the prospect of being discovered is that she trusts Papa to be fair. If he is angry, then she knows it is warranted.”

“I do not understand.”

“With real love comes forgiveness,” Brigit explained. “My actions were wrong, but not unforgivable. If Papa feels discipline is justified, he will proceed. I do not fear him. He loves me and therefore will do what he feels is right and best for me.”

“I did not realize that he still disciplined you,” Eliza said quietly. “You are his wife and a lady…”

“I am still, and always will be, his ward and his responsibility. That is why I love him so,” Brigit said. “How would you ladies like to join me for Sunday brunch? I am having our driver take us into the city.”