Lucy Surrenders (20 page)

"Do you feel you can stay in place, or shall I bind you while I switch your legs?" Lucas asked.

Lucy shook all over, her legs already threatening to collapse under her. She couldn't imagine being bound. "I ... I ... will ... will stay ... stay..." she managed. He nodded again, taking her arm and leading her to the back of the bench.

"Bend over and grip the slats of the bench," he said, guiding her over the bench's backrest. The edge of the bench pressed against her stomach as she reached for the slats, wrapping her fingers around them.

"You may keep your legs together, Lucille," he said, and watched as she immediately pressed her thighs together. "This will sting a great deal," he warned as he tapped the spot he intended to strike first. "Your bottom is well-padded for a switching; your legs are not. You will learn not to run."

Lucy learned the horrid truth of his words as the switch began its journey down the backs of her legs. She was writhing over the bench, her head thrown back as she screeched out her pain; Lucas continued striping her legs until he had covered them from the tops of her thighs to her slender ankles. Dozens of red welts covered her legs, and he knew she would feel them for days, burning and itching under her clothing as they slowly healed. When he was satisfied that she had learned a most painful lesson, he helped her to stand.

She kissed the tip of the switch where it had become ragged with her switching. "Thank ... thank you, Papa," she said, her voice stronger, though her body ached far more. She hadn't fainted or died. She had been given the worst switching of her life and knew she would never, ever forget it.

Lucas took both switches and snapped them in two, throwing them to the ground. He then took her into his arms and kissed the top of her head as she sobbed against his chest. "Don't ever run from me again," he said, his own voice showing his emotion. She nodded, understanding from the ragged edge of his voice that she had caused him to give her pain he had no pleasure in delivering. He kissed her again and then guided her back to the other side of the bench. Lucy's face burned as she was pressed to her knees. She hadn't expected to be performing a penance outside, where anyone walking by might witness the act.

"What ... what if some ... someone comes?" she whispered, her eyes still swimming with tears as she gazed up at him. Lucas traced her cheek with his finger.

"Be grateful I am allowing you to make this penance, little one," he said and she felt a sense of foreboding flood her. "You will soon learn that a different, more intimate penance is required when you give me cause to switch, strap or cane you for naughtiness." She wanted to ask what he meant but suddenly was terrified of the answer. Instead, she submitted and was soon obediently accepting his tribute and his forgiveness.

Since there was not a corner available, she had spent a half-hour standing on the path, nude from the waist down, hands again cupping her elbows, legs wide, bottom pushed out. The time had been spent in silence until the birds returned to nearby branches, their daily routine no
longer interrupted by her shrill cries. Lucy felt a sense of peace fill her as she accepted that, while she would be leaving these gardens, she would soon be arriving at her new home, with the man she loved. Lucas dressed her, her small moans of discomfort ignored as he drew her stockings up over her welted legs, her drawers over her welted little bottom.

"Shall we discuss your leaving Wintercrest?" he asked, drawing her down sit on his lap, her hiss of pain ignored.

"No ... no, Sir," she said. "I ... I understand. I ... I was just ... frightened."

"Kitten," he said, holding her close. "I understand it is frightening. It was frightening when you moved to Wintercrest Manor, but you found a home within these walls. I understand it will be difficult to leave your sister, especially since she is the other half of you," he said, softly. "I promise, you will fall in love with Hunter's Ridge, as well. You will learn to feel safe and protected within its walls.

"She nodded and lifted her face to his. "I know," she whispered. "And Papa, you are my other half now."

Lucas felt his heart swell as he bent to kiss her. She clung to him, her need for reassurance radiating from her small body. Lucas stood, easily carrying her up the path and back to the house. The couple, who had only just presented themselves for the first time in days, again disappeared, as he took her to his room.

Neither was aware of passing the library, where Edward and Louisa were sitting, each reading a book. The two looked at each other and smiled. "I'll tell Mrs. Bremmer to prepare another tray," Edward said, chuckling. Louisa giggled, her heart finally releasing the tension that had gripped it since Lucy had fled the room. She knew her sister would be all right the moment she saw her cradled in the arms of the very man that caused her cries to float through the open windows of Wintercrest Manor.

Lucas and Lucy joined them for dinner. Lucas helped her to her chair, observing her wince and hearing her small moan as her bottom met the hard surface of the chair. As Molly placed the first dishes on the table, he called to her. "Please bring Lucy a pillow," he requested. Though Lucy was horribly embarrassed, she was grateful for his concern. "Lucy, I have a surprise for you," he said, reaching out to take her hand. Her eyes lifted, a small smile curving her lips at the thought of an unexpected present. He saw Molly returning, a large pillow in her arms. She met his eyes and saw his nod. Smiling, she went to Lucy's chair and gently took her arm when Lucas released her hand. Louisa watched, her expression puzzled. She looked to Edward, but his attention was focused to the opposite end of the table.

"Stand up, Lucy," Molly said firmly and helped her to do so. Lucy looked to the servant and watched as she placed the pillow onto the chair.

"Thank you, Molly," Lucy said softly, feeling herself being guided to take her seat again.

"From now on, you will address her as Miss Molly and answer her questions with a simple 'Yes, Miss'," Lucas said, and her eyes snapped back to his. He smiled and took her hand again. "I know you will miss your sister when we leave, little one," he said. "While I can't spirit her away from Edward, I have offered Molly a position such that which Mrs. Bremmer holds at Wintercrest in helping Edward with little Louisa." Lucy's eyes widened as she turned again to look at the woman who was only a few years old than she.

"Molly?" she asked, not truly understanding.

"Miss Molly," Lucas reminded.

Lucy flushed, suddenly remembering how Molly had been the only one to tend to her in the past several days. She also remembered the girl's helping Mrs. Bremmer administer the awful punishment enema she had been given. Blushing, she saw Molly in her new role. "What if she doesn't want to go with us?" Lucy asked her husband.

The answer didn't come from him. "But I do, Lucy," Molly said. "I am most grateful for this opportunity and promise to tend to you as your Papa wishes." Lucy's eyes fluttered closed as she realized even the girl's tone of voice seemed to take on authority. "There is nothing holding me to Wintercrest while Mrs. Bremmer's heart is here with Louisa. Do you not wish me to attend you?"

Lucy swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. She somehow understood that, though it might not be Molly, someone would always serve to help Lucas with the raising, discipline and everyday needs of his little one.

"It ... it's fine, Molly," Lucy said, squirming slightly on her chair.

"Miss Molly," the young woman reminded her. "You've already been reminded, Lucille. I'm sure you can remember, or do you need a more firm reminder?

"Lucy's heart pounded when Molly dropped her hand into the pocket of an apron Lucy just now realized was exactly like the one Mrs. Bremmer wore. She watched in horror as a tawse was pulled from the pocket. Lucy was quick to shake her head. "Noo ... no, Miss ... Miss Molly," Lucy managed, and almost wept with relief when Molly returned the implement to her pocket.

"Don't ever suppose I will not spank your bottom if you test me, Lucy," Molly said with authority. "Mrs. Bremmer made me a gift of the tawse so that I will always be prepared in case you doubt my word." She picked up the pitcher another servant had just placed on the table and filled Lucy's glass.

"Ye ... yes, Miss Molly," Lucy whispered, her heart pounding as another element of authority was quite adequately demonstrated.

"Good girl. Be sure to finish your milk," Molly said, to make her point.

"Yes, Miss," Lucy said softly, picking up her glass and taking a sip. Molly smiled across Lucy at Lucas, and he smiled in return. Molly had been reassured by him that he would teach her what he desired in raising his little one and would never undermine her authority in the girl's presence. Molly nodded again and was smiling as she returned to the kitchen. Lucas knew it would take some adjustment on Lucy's part, but also knew she would welcome the familiar face, once surrounded by strangers in his home. They all relaxed and began to eat, Lucy's unease gradually lessening. After the meal, Lucas escorted her into the parlor, and Molly soon joined them. As he opened each trunk and surveyed its contents, Molly marked items off a pad that he had given her. Lucy simply sat as still as possible on her painful bottom.

"I believe you should probably pack some additional nappies in with Lucy's traveling clothes," Lucas said as he opened a box that Eleanor had packed.

"Certainly," Molly agreed, reaching in and removing a large handful of the cloth nappies. "Some rubber pants as well?" She suggested, and looked to see Lucy's face flaming with embarrassment. "It would be a shame if she should wet her new clothes or the linens on the train when she naps."

"Yes, thank you," Lucas said, watching as those items were removed and added to the pile of nappies. Lucy remained silent as her new role descended upon her. She had not been forced to nap or wear nappies since that first day as she had spent every moment with her husband. She understood that once the day dawned, and they began the trip to his home, she would most certainly find her days structured in a much more restrictive manner. She wanted to protest as a large pacifier was passed to Molly, but her bottom reminded her of what happened when she disagreed with her husband.

"I believe she will find comfort with this in her mouth as she sleeps," he said, and then looked at his wife. "Oh, don't forget to place her doll in her travel bag, as well. I know she enjoys napping with it."

"Yes, Sir," Molly said, making a note on her pad. The two continued to open and discuss the contents of the trunks as Lucy simply listened. Mrs. Bremmer entered but stood simply observing. Molly seemed flustered for a moment until the woman gave her a nod.

"You are doing just fine, Molly," Anna said, proud that Lucas saw potential in the servant whom she had begun to train for Lucy from the moment the girl arrived at Wintercrest. "Don't ever be afraid to ask Lord Huntington questions, Molly," she offered. "Remember, it is far better to make sure his instructions and intentions are clear before you pass them on to your charge. Also remember, you are subject to discipline at Hunter's Ridge the same as you were under Lord Wintercrest's rules."

"Yes, Mrs. Bremmer," Molly said, blushing just a bit, remembering the times she had been punished by either the Lord of the Manor, Henri, or most often, by Mrs. Bremmer herself. She remembered standing and bending across the large kitchen table the moment the housekeeper had returned from tending to Lucy's punishment. She had lifted her skirts up onto her back and parted her own drawers. The strapping had been intense, both in the pain the leather made as it struck her bottom, as well as the added humiliation of knowing the entire household staff had been gathered to witness her punishment. "I understand," Molly said.

Anna nodded and turned to Lucas. "You made a good choice, Sir," she said, with a smile. "Molly is a good girl and has proven to be a fast learner. She will tend to your little one with love, as well as the necessary strictness."

"Thank you for suggesting her, Anna," Lucas said, taking the time to give the woman's cheek a kiss. "I'm sure she will be just fine, and most importantly, I know she loves my girl." Anna nodded and left the three to finish their work. By the time the last trunk had been inspected, a small paddle, a stiff leather strap, and a pair of thin ropes had joined the pile to be carried onto the train, just in case their little one chose to be naughty.

Lucy found herself grateful when Molly finally turned to her. "Come, Lucy," she said, gathering up most of the items but handing the stack of nappies to Lucy. "Give your Papa a kiss. It is time for you to be put to bed.

"Lucy felt as if her world was tipping out of balance, but she dutifully walked to Lucas and rose up onto her tiptoes to brush her lips across his cheek. "Good ... good night, Papa," she said.

Lucas smiled down at her, his hand cupping her cheek. He bent to kiss her properly, his mouth pressing hard to hers. She felt her body stir out of its stupor, her sex immediately moistening. "Good night, Kitten," he said and turned her back towards Molly, giving her small bottom a gentle swat. "Be a good girl for Miss Molly. I'll be up soon."

"Pa ... Papa?" Lucy asked quietly, wondering if he would be upset she hadn't immediately followed Molly from the room.

"What, Kitten?" Lucas asked.

"Is ... may ... is...?" Lucy attempted, though fear of his refusal made her words stick in her throat. Lucas saw her distress and knelt down beside her, his hand cupping her cheek.