by Allison West
"May I help you?" the young woman asked. Her voice seemed older, more mature than he first thought. It took Mr. Elliott a moment to regain his composure and realize that the young woman who stood before him was in fact a lady, a woman with her breasts bound tight under the gown.
"Little Leda, where are you?" He heard a voice from behind her call out.
"At the door, Papa. There is a gentleman to see you."
"Mr. Francis Marlowe," Theo said, catching sight of the gentleman in dark black trousers and matching waistcoat. "I was hoping to have a moment of your time. My name is Theodore Elliott."
"I am sorry, but I do not believe we have ever been acquainted, Mr. Elliott," Mr. Marlowe said, scrutinizing him as he protectively ushered the woman behind his body.
"Please, call me Theo. I wanted to stop by and ask your thoughts on a certain finishing school—the Ashby Chateau. I received your name from an associate of mine, and was hoping you would have a minute to speak with me."
"You are seeking a reference in regards to sending your betrothed to Ashby?" Francis asked. He paused and stepped aside. "Do come inside out of the cold."
"Thank you," Theo said, wiping his shoes clean of the last remnants of snow that had stuck to the soles. "I do not have a betrothed, so much as I am seeking a woman whom I will find satisfying on many levels. There are rumors of a school which develops young ladies into littles. I do not know if Ashby is the school I speak of, but it comes highly recommended. As I said before, an associate informed me that your Leda had spent some time at the facility." Theo cast his eyes at the woman who still stood closely behind, before looking back at Francis.
Francis's eyes squinted slightly. "Yes, Mr. Hartley runs the finishing school. He is known for interviewing potential suitors. Perhaps you should make an appointment with him." Francis led Theo further inside his home into the living room, offering him a seat.
"That is where I come to you, Mr. Marlowe." Theo sat down, his eyes never leaving Francis's. Though the house was large and exquisite, he expected no less from a gentleman who paid for the proper schooling for his little one. Wooden floors under his feet, with high ceilings and a gorgeous custom trim around the walls. Painted in a warm beige with white borders, the house emanated a homey feeling. The paintings affixed to the walls were masculine, with dark rich bold colors and sharp lines, very abstract.
"Please, call me Francis."
"Francis, it is my understanding that the headmaster will only speak with a potential suitor for a young woman at his school if he comes with a direct recommendation from a former alumnus."
"Leda, dear, would you put on the kettle for tea?" Francis asked his young wife.
Theo glanced briefly to examine the wedding band upon Francis's finger. It did appear as though they were married and she seemed pleased, with a smile on her face, and offering to help him at a whim. Those were small tasks he desired of a woman for himself.
Francis's voice dropped so that no one could overhear their conversation, including Leda. "Are you sure you are looking for a woman to become little? It is not for everyone. Most do not get through the first round of questions with the headmaster."
"I desire a woman who will submit entirely to me. I wish to cuddle and comfort her, delight her with the promise of our future together, and make her life carefree whenever possible. I wish to nurture a woman in the most intimate of ways, not just marry her. Do you know where I might find a young woman who shares the same aspirations if not at Ashby?"
Francis chuckled. "No, I would say not. Ashby does offer something no one else does. But the headmaster requires a lot from the papas. Not to mention the sizeable expense associated with it."
Theo nodded. "I have no problem with the expense, nor rising to the standards set by the school. This is something I deeply desire, Francis. I am sure you can understand that need."
"I do. I understand it completely."
Leda returned, her footsteps light on the wooden floorboards. The house was large, but not nearly as lavish as Theo's own estate. The golden hues of the walls brought in more warm light from the afternoon sun, adding a touch of color to the pale blue and white couch, which Theo sat upon.
Carrying with her a silver tray containing tea and biscuits, Leda bent down to place the items on the wooden table beside the sofa. "May I get you anything else?"
"That will be all, Leda," Francis said, gesturing for her to come sit on his lap.
Theo could not help but smile, comfortable at the intimacy the two of them shared as she sat down upon Francis's lap and he wrapped his arms around her. Leda cuddled her head against Francis's shoulder, curling her knees up to her chest. She truly looked like a little angel wrapped in the strength of her husband's embrace.
Theo reached for his cup of tea, the heat wafting upwards as he blew upon the hot liquid before bringing the porcelain to his lips for a sip. What Francis and Leda shared seemed unconventional, but it was what he desired the most. He hoped he was not being rude in discussing it further with Leda in the room. "May I ask you, Leda, what did you think of your time at Ashby?"
Leda exhaled a heavy sigh and then glanced up at her papa, apparently awaiting either permission, or for him to speak about her time at the school.
"It was long," she said at length, her face becoming slightly crestfallen upon thinking about her stay at the school, "but I am glad to be home with Papa Francis."
"Had you two been acquainted with one another prior to her enrollment?" Theo had an inquisitive mind and did not seem to stop asking questions until he felt satisfied.
"Yes, we were betrothed when Leda was a young child. I insisted upon her admission into Ashby to ensure both of our happiness."
"I can see you are pleased with that decision. After seeing the two of you together, my conviction that this is the right path for me is even more clear," Theo said.
"You are prepared for what it takes to be a papa?" Francis asked. "Have you really done your research on having a little of your own?"
Theo nodded. "I am a very powerful and wealthy man, Francis. There is not much I want for that I cannot just take or buy. But this is different. I want a wife who will give her most innocent self to me. One who can trust in me, as I will work every day of my life to prove that she can do so. The moment I heard of the Ashby Chateau, I knew this is what I had always been looking for and needed to feel complete." He took a sip of his tea, surprised that he had opened himself so freely to them. "For the first time in my life, I desire something I cannot acquire easily. I have to earn it. I do hope I can count on your recommendation so I, at least, have an opportunity to prove myself worthy."
Francis kissed the top of Leda's head before stating, "Yes, I will send a letter by courier on your behalf, Theo. Please do tell me your surname again." He gestured for Leda to get up.
She climbed off his lap and retrieved a piece of paper and pen.
"Elliott," Theo said, and further spelled it out for him. "I appreciate your time and your help in this matter. If there is anything I can ever do for you, Mr. Marlowe, please do not be a stranger."
"Of course," Francis said, nodding in agreement as both gentlemen stood and he walked Theo to the door. "I wish you well."
Theo stepped outside and buttoned his coat, slipping his hands into his pockets until he reached the carriage, where his coachman had been waiting diligently for him.
"Are you ready, sir?"
"Yes," Theo said. "Take me back home at once." He had half a dozen women arriving before nightfall whom he was to interview. There was little chance any of them would satisfy him in the same way a young woman with an education from Ashby would. However, the letters by courier had been sent weeks ago and the appointments made with his housekeeper. He would sit with the young ladies, listen to their stories, and discover whether he could save on the tuition fees for choosing an elite gem from the chateau. His standards were high, and with Francis having agreed to send a letter directly to the headmaster, all he had to do was anticipate a
response.
Theo was not one to sit down and idly await news from Mr. Hartley. He needed to feel as if he had the power to do something, to discover his own happiness, however difficult or challenging it might prove. There had to be a young woman out there who desired the same as he did, who would not consider his behavior deviant or crass. He wanted her acceptance, willingness to participate, and devotion entirely to him. Was it too much to ask for?
Chapter 3
Giana rode to the Ashby Chateau in his carriage with Mr. Hartley. The ride had been awkward, mostly because she did not know what to say to the man who was no longer just a stranger, who had been kind to offer her a meal, but who was now her new employer. He had asked her many questions, but allowed her to remain private about her past on many things. Whenever she would answer a question quickly, or attempted to avoid answering a question in its entirety, Philip would smile softly and allow it. He had given her a little more insight into the school, but not nearly enough to satisfy her growing curiosity. She did, however, know enough of his expectations to feel she was not completely entering the situation blind.
"Take my coat." Mr. Hartley had removed the material from his shoulders and draped it over Giana's.
He must have been chilly, with the carriage curtain offering little protection from the frigid temperatures.
"Thank you."
"I assure you, the moment you set foot into Ashby, you will find yourself right at home amongst the ladies. As a nanny, your room will be on the first floor of the building. All our charges are kept upstairs, to avoid any chance of one thinking it might be smart to run away. That is not to say we have not had our fair share of trouble over the years, but I assure you that if you follow the rules and are strict when necessary, the girls will obey your commands."
Giana found it difficult to speak. When had she ever forced anyone to do anything? As an only child, it was not as though she had experience caring for any siblings, or even cousins. She would learn, and though she may not have had a great deal of time to discover how to become a nanny, Giana had no intentions of ending back up on the streets. He had promised her food, clothing, and shelter—all of which seemed like a dream to have now. She did not need the luxuries her mother had sported, like pearl necklaces and diamond rings. A roof over her head would suffice.
"Do you have any last minute questions?" Mr. Hartley asked. "You will be given a brief tour before your first day begins."
"Will I start tomorrow?" Giana asked. It already had grown dark outside, and surely after having eaten dinner, it was night time. Though she did not know the hour, she expected a warm bed to come before taking care of her charge.
"No. You will begin this evening, after the tour. Nanny Beth will show you around the chateau, then you will be responsible for putting your girls to bed. I do not anticipate you will have any trouble."
Giana breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Very good."
As they approached Ashby and the carriage came to a stop, the coachman stepped out and around, opening the door and offering his hand, first to Giana, and then to the headmaster.
Giana stayed a few steps back, tentative as she watched Mr. Hartley stride quickly through the cold weather for the door. Did he always walk with such purpose, or was it the fact she was still wearing his coat?
"Come with me, Giana," he said, insisting she keep up with him. Philip unlocked the front door and led her through the pristine hall. The floors were made of marble and shone as she walked, her heels clicking over the material. "All nannies have their own room. It is smaller than the nursery your charge will be in, but I suspect you will have no complaints."
Philip unlocked the door and showed Giana into her room. A small bed nestled against the wall at the furthest end. The bedroom was covered in decorative wallpaper, with a blue and black damask pattern that had faded, with cracks of white showing through. There was also a dresser, porcelain tub, and a wardrobe. She did not yet check to see what clothes had been provided for her.
"Nanny Beth will give you a tour of the littles' school. In the meantime, here is the key to your room," he said, handing her a single key swinging from a chain. "I suggest you wear it close to your chest. The key also unlocks the front door, and provides access between the finishing and littles' schools."
Giana wordlessly took the key and slid the necklace it was attached to beneath her dress. The metal felt cold against her breast, and even though it momentarily had been in the headmaster's hands, it had not warmed up enough for her to consider the temperature anywhere close to pleasant.
"Nanny Beth will get you acquainted with little Teresa. She has been at the chateau for three weeks now. We still consider that a new pupil, but she has had enough time to learn the routine. I am confident you will be able to handle her temperament."
"Very well," Giana said. There was no reason to argue about whom she would be a nanny for; it was not as though she was familiar with any of the girls at the chateau yet.
"Come with me," Philip said, leading her out of the room.
Giana locked the door and then followed Philip through the corridor and up the stairwell. Once on the second floor, she had to unlock another set of doors for entrance inside.
"This is our littles' floor," Philip said. "Nanny Beth should be up here, putting Gracie to bed. I will ask Nanny Vivian to take over for her while she gives you a proper tour and goes over the schedule with you."
"Yes, of course." There was a schedule she had to keep? Giana could not remember the last time she had had to keep time and be somewhere specific. Her life would change along with those of the other women at the chateau.
"Nanny Beth," Philip said, calling out to a woman with thick muscles and dark curly hair pinned tightly to her head. She stepped out from one of the rooms dressed in a gray dress that flowed down to the floor. It did not look overly posh or expensive, but it seemed to appear as though it kept her warm, and was likely comfortable enough. Was that what Giana would be expected to wear?
"Yes, Headmaster Philip," Beth said. She spoke with a lisp, due to the gap between her two front teeth. Nanny Beth was a burly woman, with a deep voice and a robust figure. Her thick muscled arms were unlike anything Giana had witnessed on a lady before. She was anything but fine and dainty.
"I would like you to show our newest nanny, Miss Giana, around the floor, and please be sure to show her to little Teresa's quarters. After the tour, I would like the two of them to get further acquainted before bed."
Giana tried her best not to show a hint of fear. If she was supposed to be tough and stern like Nanny Beth, then she had a lot to learn.
"I shall be in my office. If you need anything, Nanny Giana, please come and speak with me," he said, heading down the hall and opening the door on his right. The lettering on the glass window in his door read: Headmaster Hartley.
Removing the smile from her face, Giana turned to see that Nanny Beth had already begun walking back toward the doors from which she had entered. To the right was a giant glass window that was dark, as there was no light seeping into the room.
"This is the playroom. The little ones are to socialize after breakfast and lunch." Beth did not bother with letting Giana inside to examine the room. Tomorrow she would see it when she took the girl there to play with her friends.
"Little Teresa's room is on the far left," Nanny Beth said, coming back down the hall. "There are half a dozen doors. Remember which room is your charge." Nanny Beth pointed at the handle and tapped it. "Give Teresa a bath, and then put her to bed. I will be in to check on the bedtime ritual to ensure it is followed according to her papa's strict standards. If she gives you any trouble at all, take her over your knee."
"You want me to spank her?" Giana asked, appalled by the idea of spanking a grown woman. The way Nanny Beth spoke of the young women as if they were children in need of correction… it all seemed so ordinary to her. Philip had mentioned disciplining her charge to Giana, but she had not thought she would be required to show such forc
e. Such action was far from dignified. Was it not embarrassing for the young woman being spanked?
"There are times when a spanking will be entirely necessary and nothing else will do. Spanking is the easiest and most docile punishment that is offered. There are other, harsher punishments that Headmaster Philip will inflict when required, or until you are confident in your own abilities to fix the problem." Nanny Beth glanced Giana up and down. "I suggest you go back down to your room, bathe, change into an outfit better suited for you and which fits, and then return to put little Teresa to bed. If you go in looking as you do, you will not come out alive. Teresa has a mouth on her that will set fire to that drab gown. I will put Mollie and Gracie to bed. After I am finished with my responsibilities, I will check and see how you are handling Teresa."
Giana nodded without saying another word.
"What are you waiting for?" Nanny Beth asked.
With haste, Giana took off down the hall, unlocked the door, and rushed down the steps back towards her room. She had not the faintest idea where to find heated water for the tub.
Grabbing the key from around her neck, she removed the chain and unlocked the door.
Footsteps slapped over the marble floor from behind her.
Giana spun around on her thin-soled shoes, coming to stare at a young woman with dark black hair and brown eyes. Dressed in a pink gown that was sheer and revealed no undergarments, Giana tried not to stare at the woman… little… before her.
"Are you supposed to be down here?" Giana asked.
"You left the door ajar," the young woman said, pointing toward the stairs. "I wanted to see what was down here."
"What is your name?" Giana could not afford to be fired for being so careless as to not properly lock and secure the door, allowing the girls to leave. If one of them ran off, she would never forgive herself.
"Mollie," the girl said, glancing down at the floor. Her bare toes scratched over the marble flooring. She had the palest skin Giana had ever seen, and an oval face, with small ears hidden beneath the long brunette tangles.