Lord Edward's Law (Women of Wintercrest) (9 page)

“Oh dear, I should have checked on this sweet baby.  Please, come in honey.  I’ll change you in just a moment when I finish with Amy.”  Louisa blushed
, but was pleased to hear her husband explain her need.

“Louisa just needs the chamber pot
, Nanny Claire.  My little lady was allowed to wear bloomers today.”  He saw the relief flow across his wife’s face and made sure she was to be kept in her place.  He reached down and quickly patted her small bottom.  “You weren’t in bloomers yesterday were you, Missy?”  Louisa didn’t want to answer, but the hand against her bottom served as a very good reminder of what her husband required when he asked her a question.

“No…no, Papa,” she whispered.

“That’s right.  Louisa was a naughty girl yesterday and spent the better part of her day with her spanked bottom covered with her nappies.  She promised to be a good little girl today and was allowed her big girl bloomers.”  Louisa’s face flushed at his words but she said nothing.  She hated the attention being directed at her.  Edward patted her bottom once again and then bent down to speak quietly in her ear.

“I think I allowed you out of your nappy too soon, little lady.  Perhaps if you’d been wearing a nice fluffy nappy you would have been able to sit quietly during church.”  He rose enjoying the look of guilt in her eyes.  “We shall continue this discussion at home in your nursery, my dear.  For now, you may wait for Amy’s nanny to help you go potty and, young lady, you better be a very good girl for Nanny Claire.”  Louisa nodded vigorously, her mind whirling from his whispered speech.  Edward popped her bottom once again and she squeaked,

“Yes, Papa….I’ll….I’ll be good.”  Satisfied that he’d given his wife something to think about, he dropped a kiss on the top of her head and turned to leave them to their needs.  Claire had been Amy’s nanny since her wedding and knew all the subtle signs of a Papa’s warning to a little one.  She bent to clasp Louisa’s hand and gave her an encouraging smile.

“
Don’t you worry, Lord Wintercrest.  I believe your little lady will be a very good little girl for me.  Rest assured, I’ll take care of your little one and bring her back to you.”  Edward nodded and left his wife to the nanny’s care.  He understood that most men in his position hired women to serve as full-time nannies or governesses for their child brides.  He, however, would never give up the joy of personally handling his wife’s life.  He found a great deal of pleasure in all aspects of training Louisa.  He also knew that, by allowing others to assist him on occasion; especially strangers, his authority and her submission were simply reinforced.  He was grateful that Anna was available and very well suited to assist him at Wintercrest, but only on the occasions he desired.  For now, even with another young woman to train, that was enough.  He believed the men who concentrated on training their own little women found far more satisfaction than those that chose an easier path.  He chuckled knowing that both the women of Wintercrest would most probably disagree but, he didn’t care.  After all, he was Lord Wintercrest and Louisa and her sister would simply learn to obey his rules or find their bottoms aching. 

As Edward returned to the parlor, Louisa f
ound herself being led to a small stool and pushed down upon it.

“Sit here
, sweetie.  I’ll be but just a moment.”  Louisa nodded, happy she could remain silent and attempt to compose herself.  Edward’s tone had sounded calm and normal to the other women in the room but Louisa knew it for what it truly meant.  He was far more upset with her squirming in church than he had seemed despite the fresh bruise she knew must be on her inner thigh.  He had reached under her dress and pinched her sensitive skin causing her to yelp during the service.  She had been so thankful he hadn’t taken her out of the chapel.  She shuddered as she thought about what happened in the private area of the church where Pastor Reed took the naughty girls.  Remembering how each woman had returned, repentant and with obviously well-spanked bottoms, she shivered again.  She wondered how it must feel, standing in line with others, waiting your turn to go across a man’s knees, or bent over a chair or bench, baring your bottom to be disciplined while people other than your family watched.  It had been humiliating enough to position herself for her co-caning with Lucy in Headmaster Thorne’s office, and that was only witnessed by her husband!    She remembered how her body had reacted knowing Edward was watching another man cane her bare bottom.  How would she react with other naughty little girls all waiting to be disciplined?   She felt her stomach tighten and her face flush with her thoughts.  Forcing the thoughts away, she sat up taller and glanced around the room. 

It appeared to be almost a duplicate of her own nursery though there were a few things she didn’t recognize.  She also saw a large cradle in one corner of the room and wondered if Amy really slept in it. 
Her eyes finally found her friend who was laying on a changing table much like her own.  Amy didn’t seem the least bit concerned that she was discovered half naked by her friend.  Louisa found herself returning Amy’s sweet smile.  Claire, her nanny, returned to the changing table and spoke quietly to the young woman.  Amy giggled and then Louisa watched as she obediently lifted her legs by herself and allowed her nanny to diaper her.  When she was swaddled tight, she was helped off the table.

“Okay
, Miss Louisa.  It’s your turn.”  Louisa looked around and saw the woman pull a chamber pot from a cabinet under the table.  “Come on, let’s get you pottied so you and Amy can go play.”  Louisa was embarrassed but walked to the women when she gestured to her.  She wanted to ask for privacy, but suddenly she found her bloomers pulled down to her ankles and her dress lifted, as she was guided to sit down on the pot.

“That’s a good girl. 
Go potty now, I’m sure your Papas are ready for their luncheon, no time to dawdle.”  Louisa blushed again, but nature took its course and she was soon being wiped clean and her clothing arranged.  She found Amy taking her hand and pulling her from the nursery.  Louisa forgot her discomfort as the girls ran down the hall, their hair flying out behind them as they giggled and ran to find the men that were far more like Papas than husbands. 

Chapter 5

As Louisa enjoyed being pampered and taken care of, Lucy was struggling with a new batch of equations.  She had been studying for the past several hours and her mind felt too crammed with facts to focus.  Charles remained patient with her, as she was definitely trying. 

He finally took the pencil from her
and suggested, “I believe you can do well with a small break.  How about a walk about the garden?  The fresh air will help clear your head and you can then begin again.”  Lucy wanted so much to agree but found herself wondering if Edward would agree that walking about the garden would be a good way to spend her time.  She looked around and saw Mrs. Bremmer.  She was surprised to see the older woman smile.

“I think that is a lovely idea.  I’m sure Lucy would appreciate a walk.  Lunch will be ready when you return and then Lucy may return to her studies.  Go along, Lucy.”  Lucy jumped up practically knocking her chair over in her excitement.  Charles was a bit shocked but delighted to see her so anxious.  He held out his arm and she shyly put her hand into the crook of his elbow.  He led her out of the house and onto the path that would lead them throughout the lovely gardens.  Lucy drank in the fresh air, the breeze feeling wonderful against her flushed face.  She had no idea that her professor couldn’t keep his eyes off her.  He saw an astonishingly beautiful young woman on his arm. 
He hadn’t truly seen her before.  Though he had taught both her and her sister, seeing them in an environment outside of the school removed the veil from his eyes.  Charles realized he no longer thought of her as his student; ever since yesterday he had been thinking of her as a woman and also as a possible wife.  He wondered if she could have similar thoughts.  He found himself stopping near the exact same spot he had stood to listen to her punishment the day before.  He glanced towards the house and lifted his head as if listening for the quiet echo of her cries.  Lucy had no idea he was remembering the sweet sound of her voice raised in agony as she was being paddled for failing her first exam.  She began to grow restless when he didn’t continue their walk.

“Professor?” she said quietly.  “Do you want to return to the house?”  He seemed to shake himself and then looked down at her.  His own face flushed at the delicious memory.  He knew, of course, that students were
subject to corporal discipline at the school but he had never even spanked a woman before, much less paddled or caned one.  He wondered what it would feel like to have this woman bent forward, offering her bottom for correction.  His thoughts went further as he imagined what her bottom would look like as it was bared to him for his hand to stroke, to pat and then to actually spank.  He wondered what it would sound like as she cried under his own hand as her porcelain skin began to redden.  He wondered if she would beg and plead for mercy or simply cry with the pain of his spanking.  He felt himself stir inside his pants and he blushed again.  Lucy was amazed to see him color and wondered what he must be thinking.  She followed his gaze and saw him staring at the open window of what appeared to be Edward’s study. 

She suddenly understood what he was thinking about.
  “Oh,” she said quietly. 

Her tone caused Charles to glance down at her and he saw her discomfort. 
He was immediately ashamed of himself and his indecent thoughts.  “You are right, Miss Furniss.  We should return and continue your studies.  I want you to do very well on your last practice exam.  I don’t want you to have to repeat your discomfort of yesterday’s failure.”  Lucy knew what he meant and knew he must have been able to hear her cries when Edward had paddled her yesterday.  Her face was quite flushed and she didn’t speak though her stomach was churning.  What must he think of her; of Lord Wintercrest?  Feeling her tremble, Charles placed his hand over hers.

“Please, Lucille, don’t…don’t be embarrassed.  I assure you that I have nothing but the highest regard for you despite your…um, your…”  He knew he was simply making the poor girl feel worse and had no idea how to continue his thoughts.  Instead, he patted her hand and turned back towards the house.  Lucy was highly embarrassed and
Anna noticed both seemed flushed after they entered the house.  The table had been cleared and they sat down to lunch.  They were quiet as they ate, neither sure of what to speak about.  Mrs. Bremmer watched the two and shook her head.  Goodness, this man had no idea how to handle a special little one.  He was most obviously interested in Lucy but just as obviously unable to assert his authority.  She shook her head, knowing that he would never find Edward giving him permission to wed their little one.  He was far too weak, and whether or not Lucy agreed, she needed a strong, strict man to lead her down life’s many paths.

The two continued their lessons after luncheon.  Lucy was busy working down a column of problems when they heard the front door open.  Lucy looked up and Charles began to stand when he froze in place.  The sight before him astonished him.  Instead of seeing a replica of his student, he saw a very pretty little girl.  She stood
beside her husband who was removing the cloak from her shoulders.  Lucy saw her face flush as she realized they had a guest, but Louisa didn’t try to move or turn away.  Edward handed both his coat and Louisa’s cloak to the waiting Molly who made a small curtsey before taking them away.  He gave his wife a small push and she seemed to come awake. 

She dropped her own small curtsy
and greeted their guest,  “Good afternoon, Professor Lloyds.” 

Charles finally managed to reach his full height and found his voice.
  “Ummmm, good afternoon, Lady Wintercrest, Lord Wintercrest.” 

Edward grinned knowing the sight of his wife surprised the professor. 
Edward certainly didn’t feel the need to explain anything to this man.  Instead, he looked down at his small wife and spoke quietly but clearly as her eyes met his.  “Go to your room, Louisa.  I’ll be up in a moment to tuck you into bed and we will discuss how important it is to pay attention during services.  Mrs. Bremmer will escort you while I check on Lucy’s progress.”  Louisa’s earlier smile disappeared, but she nodded and hurried out of the room; Lucy watched as she was followed up the stairs by Mrs. Bremmer. 

Her attention was returned to Edward when he
spoke,  “And how is our little student progressing, Charles?” 

Charles shook his head as if to clear it
and said,  “She is doing very well, Sir.  I believe she will pass her exam; both today and tomorrow.  She has worked extremely hard today.”  Edward nodded and smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.  I’m glad to know our girl is quick to learn her lessons.  I’ll allow you to continue.  I need to attend to my wife, but I will return shortly and Lucy may take her test.”  Charles simply nodded, not knowing how to respond.  Both he and Lucy watched him climb the stairs before they turned to each other.

“Do you need a break
, Miss Furniss?” Charles asked quietly.  Her face was flushed with embarrassment for her sister, but she shook her head and they were soon going over another set of equations. As she worked through the problems she found herself listening for any sounds of distress from upstairs, but other than the sounds of servants moving about the house attending to their duties, she heard nothing.  Charles watched as she finished the list of problems, finding that he was thinking about how Lady Wintercrest had appeared. Louisa Wintercrest appeared even younger than she had when he was her professor.  While still extremely beautiful, he found that he would describe her more as fetching or even sweet.  She had looked years younger than her twin sister.  Charles considered himself an educated man, but he was discovering there obviously were some things he knew nothing about.  He glanced over at his student and smiled seeing her concentrating on her paper, her tiny teeth nibbling on the end of her pencil.  Her feet were crossed at the ankles and swinging slightly back and forth, a few inches above the floor.  The women were both very tiny things weren’t they?  While his student was an adult young woman, he suddenly found himself wondering how he would feel seeing Miss Furniss dressed identically to her sister.  His face heated and a part of his anatomy twitched.  He looked up the stairs as if he wished he could follow the Lord and Lady of the house and discover what was truly happening inside Wintercrest Manor.   He was a man of the world and his earlier suspicions about Lord Wintercrest were growing.  His musings were interrupted when Lucy spoke. 

“I’m done
, Sir,” he heard Lucy say and he shook his head as his attention returned to the reason why he was at Wintercrest.  He was happy to see that she hadn’t missed a problem and praised her.

“Very well done
, Lucy…I mean, Miss Furniss.  I believe you have nothing to fear.”  He watched her relax and quickly made sure he had everything ready for her next quiz.  He felt momentarily guilty when he found himself half hoping she’d miss at least a few problems.  He berated himself for his thoughts, knowing that if she did, her bottom was likely to pay a harsh price.  Thinking of her bottom caused his face to flush and it was still red when Edward rejoined them.  Seeing how flustered the tutor was, Edward grinned wondering exactly what the poor man must be thinking.  However, his concern was for his ward and he turned his attention to her.  He asked Charles to give her the test exactly as he would at the school the next day.  Charles agreed and soon had Lucy seated; her pencil flat on her desk, her hands folded in her lap.

“You will have exactly one hour to take the exam.  You will not be allowed to leave the room until the exam is over.  I will remind you of the time remaining to you during the test.  Remember to do the easy ones first and then tackle the harder ones.  Remember to check your answer and
, Lu…umm, Miss Furniss, remember to relax.  You can do this.  You know this material.    Don’t panic, simply work out each problem bit by bit.”  Lucy nodded, his encouragement giving her strength.  She watched him place several sheets of paper face down on her desk. 

He moved to a chair across the room and pulled his watch from his pocket.  He waited until the second hand moved to the twelve o’clock position and then
said, “You may begin and good luck.”  Lucy turned her test over and began to scan down the list of problems.  She began to fill in her answers as she went through the pages.  She found several easy to answer and relaxed a little.  She continued to relax until she began to run into harder questions.  She heard Professor Lloyds tell her that she had half an hour left but still didn’t panic. Most of the problems had been answered, but several remained.  She began to panic a bit when she heard she only had ten minutes left. 

She scrawled her answer to the last question just seconds before
she heard, “Time is up.  Put down your pencil and turn your test face-down on your desk.”  Lucy obeyed and then sat back, her fingers suddenly aching from clenching her pencil.  She watched as her test was removed.  “You may stand and stretch your legs, Lucy.   I’m sure you must be exhausted.”  Edward heard him address his student without the proper title and saw his charge smile and rise from her chair.  She thanked him quietly and then walked around the room.  When she became aware Edward was watching her, she halted.  He smiled at her and she relaxed a bit.

“I’m sure you did well
, Lucy.  You studied hard and I’m sure I will be pleased.  Go now and refresh yourself while your professor grades your test.  I shall send for you when I am ready.” 

“Yes
, Sir.”  She gave him a small smile and then walked up the stairs and into her room.  She sagged against the door and, after doing her necessary, allowed herself to lie on her bed.  She found herself praying that she had done well and, in praying, remembered the service earlier in the day.  She wondered why she had never truly thought about the many secret lives that must exist all around her.  She had never suspected that her sister’s marriage was anything other than what society accepted.  Suddenly, she sat up and had a new thought.  Who decided what society accepted or what they condemned?  If her own sister lived a secret life, but one that was obviously shared by others, then who was she to judge?  Smiling, she lay down again.  Her fear of hurting her sister lessened a little.  While she would probably never understand her sister’s choice of this type of life, she would make sure Louisa knew she still was very much loved by her twin.  She was almost asleep when a knock sounded on her door.  She rose and went to the door, opening it to find Molly.

“His Lordship asks you to join him in his study Miss Lucy.”  Lucy’s heart stuttered at the
request, which she felt was surely a sentence.  Her bottom clenched even as she tried to appear calm.  Evidently she wasn’t quite able to pull off the act, because as soon as she entered Edward’s study, she felt she was going to collapse.  She wasn’t aware that her professor was seated on one of the side chairs that faced Edward’s desk.  Her attention was caught and held by her guardian.  She tried to discern how many problems she must have missed, but his face gave her no clue.  She found her eyes flick to the cabinet that held his choice of implements to use on naughty girls but, as the doors were closed, she saw nothing. 

Edward watched all her thoughts flow across her face.  She was almost as easy to read as his own little wife.  He knew she was hoping that whatever problems she had missed would be
very few, to make any coming discipline as light as possible.  He knew she was clenching her little bottom tight under all her clothing and knew her knees her shaking. 

“Lucille, you did very well,” Edward informed her, his voice soft and pleasing.  He saw her breath exhale and wondered if she had been aware that she had been holding it.  He allowed her to relax for a moment and then said, “You did miss a few
, my dear.”  She gasped and he saw her hands twist in her dress.