Little Secrets (7 page)

He strode across the hall, hating himself for it but at the same time needing assurances that she had not been touched by another man. Had her previous papa, the man who had brought her in, made her come under his touch? Charley may not have had the authority to know such answers, but he could not allow his mind to swim with such horrid thoughts of his little Eliza. He needed a physician to confirm that she remained with her virtue intact.

His hand rapped at the door, knocking profusely until he heard the heavy footsteps from the opposite side and the door squeak open.

"Can I help you, Mr. Lockwood?" the headmaster asked.

"Headmaster Philip, I was hoping to have a word with you in private."

Philip sighed and stepped aside, allowing the new papa to enter the office. He pinched the bridge of his nose momentarily, before dropping his hand as he shut the door with a forceful smack. "What can I do for you, Charley?"

"I desire confirmation that my little Eliza remains untouched. I had not realized the intimate extent of what transpires at Ashby, and I cannot in good faith marry a woman who is not a virgin." He did not wish to sound cruel or callous, but he had a reputation to uphold, and if Miss Eliza's reputation had been tarnished before or during her stay at the Ashby, he could never live it down.

"Please, sit," Philip said, gesturing to the sofa in his office.

Charley strode across the room and sat down. His leg bounced as he found it difficult to keep still. "I find Eliza to be quite beautiful and charming, sir. I do not wish to break her heart if she cannot offer me two things."

"Two things? Her virtue, I presume, is the first. What is the second thing you desire?" the headmaster asked.

Philip came around the desk, taking a seat as he seemed to relax. Was this a common occurrence, asking to perform an examination on a little to ensure her maidenhead was intact?

"I need a son to carry on the Lockwood name. I recognize she cannot guarantee me a son, but I do need a wife who is capable of conceiving. I must know of any childhood illnesses or afflictions that would render her barren."

"Mr. Lockwood, I can assure you that Miss Eliza has remained a virgin under our care, and that we have a doctor on staff who would be willing to verify that statement and examine her again. However, I will not lie to you. Whether she is capable of bearing a child, and a boy at that, will depend on the two of you, after you are wed. Her records indicate she suffered from no childhood diseases that would render her infertile. I see no reason why she cannot conceive—assuming you, sir, are capable of having children."

Charley pursed his lips and stood. "I have a friend who is a doctor. Would it be improper if I brought him to Ashby to perform the exam?" When his fingers had slid into her slick quim, he had not felt the tight flesh of her maidenhood intact, but he had not known exactly what to search for, either. He trusted his physician friend and was not sure the same could be said for anyone hired by Ashby. Would they not have the chateau's best interest at heart?

"I am sorry, Mr. Lockwood, but that would be most inappropriate. Our physician, Doctor Colt, is entirely capable of performing the examination on your little Eliza. In fact, he is the in house practitioner, responsible for all the girls' health and well-being. You are most welcome to sit in on the examination. I do understand the concern you might be facing, realizing that she had a papa before you found her. However, I can promise you that nothing was shared between little Eliza and her papa. He had not been afforded any private time with his little one, and it is my understanding that he has not been around much at all."

"Why is that?" Charley asked. What made the man deny the affections of little Eliza?

"My understanding is that Preston's affection is not for young, innocent women. His father insisted the arrangement go through and so he enrolled Miss Stead as a formality. Perhaps he thought sending her to a school of littles would keep her from speaking poorly of him. Her secret must be kept to uphold her pristine reputation, and he has given her the opportunity to make the acquaintance of another fine gentleman," Philip said. "I do not think you need to concern yourself with what did not happen. I can assure you that Preston has no desire to return. I have spoken with him in great length, and understand that this lifestyle is not for everyone."

Charley could not believe what he was hearing. "He set her up!" It was worse than he first thought—that the gentleman had perhaps preferred a woman in his bed instead of at the chateau.

"Perhaps." Philip clasped his hands together in front of him. "I cannot say without a doubt that it is true, but I suspect as much. I hate to admit that I could not see right through his charm. He came with two recommendations from past clients, and had a strong demand for submission from little Eliza. I do believe she will be happier with you, Charley. Do not feel that she cannot make you happy because it did not work between her and Preston."

Nodding, he knew that the headmaster was correct. Charley had felt a spark of warmth and hunger, especially when he had been forced to spank her bottom. Just the memory alone made his cock stir in his trousers. He shifted to hide his discomfort. It was not appropriate to have such thoughts in the presence of Mr. Hartley.

Charley stood, pushing himself from the sofa as he headed for the door. "I would like to keep company with Miss Stead for the remainder of the afternoon."

The headmaster smiled, seeming pleased with the declaration after the inquiry mere moments earlier. "I am sure she would be delighted to have you in her presence. Nanny Agnes will be spending time with the two of you, and tomorrow I shall have Doctor Colt perform a thorough examination of your little one."

"I do not require a chaperone, Headmaster Philip. I can assure you that my intentions are noble and that little Eliza will be pleased to have my company."

Philip nodded, running his hand through his dark hair. "Yes, I am sure she feels that way, but time alone with papas must be earned." He glanced down at his desk, rifling briefly through his notes. "Seeing as how Miss Stead has been here for six months, it would be wise to continue her bottom training. Perhaps Nanny Agnes would be willing to demonstrate how we plug a little's bottom. I expect, with her weekly training, that she might be physically ready by this weekend to submit, Mr. Lockwood. Do not do anything to jeopardize that special time."

"You have nothing to concern yourself with, Headmaster Philip. Little Eliza is in good hands." Why would Charley have any reason to sabotage what he desired? Was the headmaster hinting that he knew what had happened between him and his little one just minutes ago? Surely there was no way to see and, if he had suspected, then would he not have interrupted the two of them? Charley would feel no amount of guilt for disciplining his little Eliza before he decided it appropriate to reward her for submitting to him. She had pleased him greatly.

Leaving the headmaster's office, he stalked down the hall and gave a prominent knock on his little Eliza's door.

Nanny Agnes swiftly pulled it open, glancing him up and down. "I thought you were leaving."

"I had business to attend to, and it is completed." He did not wish to elaborate on the specifics. It would do his little Eliza no good to know that he did not trust she had remained untouched. Charley did not fault her for anything that may have transpired with her previous papa. She was not in control and had no say in the matter.

"May I see my little one?" Charley asked. His tone remained firm, his hands bunched at his sides into fists. She would not refuse him. The question was merely a formality of being polite. He had paid for her tuition, and she was to see him whenever he wished. Was that not how it worked, a littles' school that focused on submission? He still did not entirely understand what he had stumbled upon, that afternoon when he had climbed the fence and met Eliza.

The confliction and confusion had not vanished, the desire to share the hidden world he had discovered made his heart pulsate. Would she ever forgive him if he wrote about her story? Little Eliza, who had been betrothed only to discover the man she was to call papa would leave her an orphan, abandoning her when she needed a strong man the most.

"Papa," Eliza squealed, climbing down from the bed. "You came back for me." The smile lit up her face, her eyes shining with joy as she reached for his hand.

He had never seen a grown woman so carefree and happy. The sadness he had witnessed earlier had now vanished. "I always keep my promises," he replied. He took her hand and headed further into the nursery, shutting the door behind them.

Nanny Agnes remained by the door, keeping a watchful eye over her charge and the new papa.

He slowly began to understand the apprehension in the older woman's gaze. She did not trust Charley. He could not blame her. Eliza had been abandoned by a man who had sworn his love to her, and it had not ended well for either of them. Perhaps time would be all Nanny Agnes needed to realize that Charley did not wish to disappoint Eliza or her caregiver.

Eliza had not unlatched her hand from her papa's. She had not expected to see him back so soon in the nursery. The young woman had been quite certain it would be days before his return. Whatever made him desire to be near her, she did not wish to push him away. "Come, let us have tea together," she suggested.

In the corner of the room sat a small table with two chairs.

"Nanny Agnes, would you be kind enough to bring us both some tea?" little Eliza asked.

Charley smiled politely, releasing his grip from her hand, and followed her to the table, pulling back her chair for her to sit down. "Shall we have pretend tea or are we having a true cuppa?"

Nanny Agnes opened the door. "I shall return with tea and biscuits. Please, Mr. Charley, do keep your hands to yourself."

His ears burned as he sat down across from Eliza, not so much as looking at Nanny Agnes.

Eliza's eyes widened. Did her nanny know what had transpired between the two of them? She had been careful not to tell the older woman or so much as hint at the affection she felt from her papa's touch.

Charley locked eyes on his little one, and as the door shut and Nanny Agnes stepped outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. They sat for several moments in complete silence before Eliza could not take it any longer.

"I swear, Papa, I did not tell anyone about what happened after you spanked me." It took every bit of courage inside her to speak the truth. It had not been easy, especially to confess on the discipline that had been well earned. She did not pretend to believe she didn't deserve to have her bottom swatted. Her intent to garner her papa's attention had worked, even if it had not been how she had planned it.

"Good, because I do not wish to soil your reputation."

They sat in complete silence again, the awkward muteness once again reaching a level that Eliza could no longer stand.

She opened her mouth only to hear the squeak of the door interrupt them. Her nanny had not been gone long.

"I have brought your tea and biscuits," Nanny Agnes said, carrying a silver tray. She placed the tray on the table and pulled back the curtains to allow a bit more of the afternoon sun to warm the room. Quietly, she walked to the opposite end of the room, where a rocking chair was nestled near the wall. Agnes sat down, her hands clasped together in her lap, her eyes on the two of them the entire time.

"Nanny Agnes, when will I have alone time with my papa?" Eliza did not desire to have her nanny gawking at them whenever they sipped tea, laughed, or had an intimate conversation.

"When you are well-behaved and have earned it," Nanny Agnes answered.

Papa smiled warmly, easing her discomfort. "Do not concern yourself with her, little Eliza."

She found it difficult not to worry when her nanny watched her every move. If she slipped up, would she be bent over her nanny's knee? "Can I ask you something, Papa?" She could not contain the nagging feeling that crept upon her. Her eyes were trained on the tea and she added a bit of sugar before having a sip, unable to look at him, embarrassed that she even felt it necessary to ask.

"Of course. You may ask me anything, and I will always be honest with you." He reached across the table, resting his hand upon hers. "What is it?"

"Why were you really visiting Ashby when we first met? You were not invited to the chateau. Had you been, you would not have found it necessary to climb over the gates."

His eyes widened. "You saw that?"

Eliza nodded slowly. "Yes. What were you doing here?" She could not understand why he would find it necessary to sneak in if he desired to send his sister to the finishing school. Wouldn't he have been invited to meet with the headmaster? Certainly if he could afford the tuition, why would they not want his sister to be enrolled as a student?

His voice dropped lower, clearly wishing to keep the conversation solely between them. The room, though, was quiet, and without the chatter of the other littles, she worried for him. What did he desire to tell her that he did not wish her nanny to overhear? "We can discuss it later, if you would prefer?" she said. She did not want to wait to hear his answer, but could see the hesitancy in his hazel gaze. His eyes were alluring, and she found herself unable to break his stare.

"I will tell you now," Papa said. He continued to keep his voice low. "It is as I said before, little Eliza, I wanted to investigate what type of school this was for my sister. I wanted the very best, and Ashby has a reputation, but it also harbors a hint of mystery, do you not agree?"

Eliza would not have thought anything at all strange about Ashby before being part of the secret school of littles, but now that she was being trained to become little, it did seem a bit peculiar to her. "You suspected the school of littles?" Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped. "Surely if you knew, others may, as well. Oh, this cannot be good, Mr. Lockwood."

"You are to address me as 'Papa,'" he reprimanded, his tone sharp. "No. I had not been made aware of the secret littles' school. Even when I first saw you, I did not understand the dress you wore or why you were crying."

She reached for her tea, taking a sip, her eyes on the steam as it wafted upward into the air. "You must have suspected something to sneak in without permission." It seemed a rather bold move for a gentleman who desired to send his sister to the chateau. Did he not worry about being caught?

Papa nodded and sipped the tea from his porcelain cup. "I did have some curiosity, given the difficulty of obtaining an invitation from the headmaster. Not only were references required, but one could not merely show up. I found that peculiar and, as a journalist, I could not help but feel the curiosity tugging further when I saw you."

"You write for the newspaper?" Eliza gasped, her eyes widened as she shook her head. "You cannot talk of this place to anyone, Papa. Please, I like it here." Would he destroy her happiness because of a careless attempt to divulge Ashby's secret? Why would he do that to her? She was overthinking what he did. Journalists reported the news they had been given; they did not make stories and reveal their personal desires in an article.

"Drink your tea before it gets cold." He sipped more of the dark liquid, blowing gently as the top layer shifted with his breath. "You are safe here, little Eliza. I would do no such thing to jeopardize that fact."

It was more than about being safe at Ashby, though, for if he did reveal to anyone the secret of the littles' school, many would not be safe. The ladies' reputations would be ruined, including those at the finishing school. Which meant his sister would no longer have the ability to marry a wealthy husband who could take care of her.

Eliza smiled weakly, not wanting to break the spell between them. She had been foolish to think he would write an article about Ashby. Surely he must have signed away the ability to speak of this place when he enrolled his sister and paid her tuition. "Do you like what you do?" She sipped her tea, enjoying the warmth as it slid down her throat. Her fingers grabbed a biscuit, taking a taste, not caring if it spoiled her dinner. Nanny Agnes had been kind enough to bring them tea without a fuss. If Eliza had asked for it without Papa visiting, her nanny surely would have turned her down.

Papa nodded, placing the cup on the table. "Yes, I do enjoy my work. At times it gives me the ability to see different parts of the city while also staying close to home. It is not often I have the pleasure of speaking about what I enjoy doing."

"Why is that?" she asked.

Papa smiled warmly and stood. "Those are enough questions today, Eliza. You are to be little, and with that comes the luxury of not having to worry about being grown up. Come, I spoke with Headmaster Philip, and it was decided that I will plug your bottom this afternoon."

Her eyes widened and her cheeks instantly flushed. "Papa, you cannot!" She had never had a man touch her bottom and place an implement into it. Today he had spanked her, which had made her heart race and her quim throb, but it went beyond the intimate acts of what he suggested. He was going to have to explore her bottom hole and push the glass bulb in past her pink pucker. The room sweltered and she worried that she might faint. "Please. I do not wish to be plugged, Papa. Why must you demand this when I have been good?" She felt there was no reason to face a punishment when she was on her best behavior, at least since he had spanked her.

"It is not a punishment, little Eliza. Consider it a gift to me. Your submission makes me happy, and you want to please me, do you not?" Papa asked.

Nodding vigorously with wide eyes, she reached for his hand. "Yes, Papa. I will do whatever it takes to please you." She squeezed his hand, nervous for the plug to enter her bottom. It was not that she had never worn one, though usually it was before bed when she had been naughty. Nanny Agnes administered the plug as a disciplinary device. The fact her papa wanted it for his pleasure made her nipples harden and her cunny tingle.

He guided Eliza to the bed and she sat on the edge, waiting anxiously, her stomach filled with butterflies.

"Nanny Agnes, could you show me where the plug for her bottom is located?" Papa asked.

Eliza's head swam and her cheeks burned. Did his words have the power to start a fire in her quim? It felt as though he most certainly was capable of trying. How had he done so, by just asking where the plug was located? What would happen when he removed her bloomers and examined her bottom? Thankfully, the sting from her spankings earlier had vanished, but she did not feel quite ready to have his hand on her bare skin so soon.

"Yes, of course." Nanny Agnes got up from the rocking chair and briskly strode with purpose to the dresser, pulling open the drawer, and in one swift movement she retrieved the black leather box inside. "I would suggest using the biggest plug. She has had plenty of training, and will be ready soon for her papa to take her."

Eliza's eyes widened. "Take me where?" she asked. She had not fully come to terms with what plugging her bottom meant. She had assumed it was to teach her to be docile, as it had been used quite often after a vigorous paddling to her backside.

Papa's eyes shone as he retrieved the implement, along with a jar of lubricant, and brought it over to the bed. "We will remove your bloomers, little Eliza."

She inhaled loudly, her hands shaking as her nerves felt as though they were on fire. "I do not want to."

"I was not asking, Eliza," Papa said. He placed the objects onto the mattress and reached for her hips, sliding his hands up under her dress.

Her breathing hitched, surprised by his boldness in front of Nanny Agnes. The older woman made no attempt to stop him or shoo him away to do the task herself.

Eliza lay back on the mattress, fanning her face as the room spun.

Papa's touch grazed the delicate skin of her sides, and gently he eased down her bloomers. She stared up at the ceiling, trying to concentrate on anything that would keep her scent of arousal from wafting up toward him. Did he know how easily he set her body aflame? What made her so uncontrollable when he touched her? No one else had that power, not even Preston; not that he had ever so much as even kissed her.

She hungered to feel her papa's lips against her bare skin and his breath on her lips. He had only so much as kissed her cheek. It was not enough. She wanted more from him. Did he not crave more too? When had need begun to outweigh the control she felt as a young woman? The yearnings of a child, wanting without knowing the cost or consequences, seemed to take over.

His fingers were firm yet gentle, commanding as he removed her bloomers and bent down to pull the cotton entirely off her legs, letting the material tumble onto the floor. He did not so much as lift the hem of her dress and yet she felt as though she was fully exposed, the proximity and intimacy already made her heart race.

"Roll over. We are not done," Papa said.

Little Eliza did not think she could feel any hotter or more nervous when she rolled onto her stomach, obeying his every command.