by Maggie Ryan
*****
Alexandria saw Janey stand, giving her partner in the naughtiness one final look before she moved through the door, Miss Summers following. As the door began to swing shut, she could swear she heard Miss Summers saying how sad it was to see another piece of ginger. When the door clicked shut, she took a big gulp of air, only then realizing she'd been holding her breath.
Though she tried not to, it was impossible not to look across the corridor. Claudia was hiccupping and sniffling. Even though the door was closed, the headmistress gone, she wasn't attempting to drop her hands to her bottom. Alexandria realized she was counting the red lines that were vividly painted across Claudia's backside.
Caned! Yes, she had seen a thin rattan rod in Miss Summers's hand when she'd placed Claudia at the wall. When a shriek came through the door, Alexandria knew that Janey was getting her own dose. Shuddering, she squirmed on her chair, her bottom clenching at the thought of wearing such perfectly placed lines of correction. She felt a bit guilty at the fuss she'd made when she'd received her spankings that morning—those had been given with nothing but the palm of Nanny Jenkins's hand! Alexandria clenched her eyes shut as cries continued to sound and then gave her own screech when she felt someone touch her hands.
"Shhh, it's just me, Lexie."
Her eyes flew open to see Lord Hollister. He had taken the chair beside her without her noticing. How long had he been there? Oh, he could not only see Claudia's bottom displayed, he could hear Janey's cries. Did he know she'd been naughty that morning? Would he think... "I already received forgiveness! I'm not in trouble!" she blurted, blushing when he looked down at her quizzically. "Oh, I mean I'm not sitting here... well, yes, I am sitting here, but—"
"Shhh, Lexie. You aren't supposed to talk in the chair line even when you aren't waiting to be punished, little one."
Feeling a bit foolish, she nodded. At the next wail, she gave another soft cry, and when he stood to lift her out of the chair, she buried her face in his neck. While it was still quite awful to hear Janey's cries, it was far easier to do so cradled on his lap with two strong arms wrapped tightly around her and a warm, comforting neck against which to hide her blushing face.
The door opened again a few minutes later and Janey joined Claudia. Her bottom cheeks bore the same number of wheals, her face was also tear-streaked. Alexandria didn't notice another woman walking towards them until Miss Summers spoke.
"Margaret, the girls will reflect on their behavior for half an hour. They are confined to the nursery for the rest of the afternoon. Mrs. Yardley will have their bottles sent up for lunch. After they make their journal entries, they are to go straight to bed with their reminders securely seated."
"Yes, Ma'am." Margaret looked at the girls and shook her head. "I just don't understand why these two keep getting themselves into trouble."
Eleanor gave the woman a smile and turned again to the girls. "Claudia, Janey, you are to each add two demerits to your books."
"Oh, please, Miss Summers," Janey said, turning her head to look over her shoulder. "That will give me five! My Papa will skin me alive!"
"Perhaps you should have considered your Papa's displeasure before you continued to be a naughty girl. You'll add the two, and I suggest you do not give your nanny cause to assign you another. Perhaps a harsher atonement will convince you that your nightly prowls are not worth the price. Now, turn back to the wall. I'll see you at dinner."
The girl moaned but obeyed, and Margaret took a seat in one of the chairs. Eleanor smiled. "Lord Hollister, I'll see you and Alexandria now."
Alexandria didn't think she'd ever have been able to walk into the office on her own. Her heart was still pounding in her chest as Max set her onto her feet and stood himself, but her hand was in his. He gave it a squeeze and her the strength she needed to allow her feet to move.
Eleanor was at her desk when they entered. Alexandria gasped when Eleanor picked up the cane.
"Please... I'm sorry," Alexandria said.
Max looked down to see her staring at the thin rattan rod in Eleanor's hand. Her hand clutched tighter to his own and he could feel her beginning to tremble. Her other hand was behind her, splayed across her backside.
"Lexie, look at me," he said softly. When she didn't, he bent to cup her cheek, turning her head to him. "The cane is not for you, little one. You've done nothing to have earned the cane."
"But I was na—a naughty girl," she whispered.
"So you said earlier, but I'm quite sure you've not been naughty enough for the cane," Max said. He moved again, taking a seat on the same chair she had earlier, and easily lifting her onto his lap. Eleanor replaced the cane in a large urn beside a bookcase before taking her seat behind the desk.
"Your Papa is correct, Alexandria. The cane is reserved for girls who have earned it due to continued misbehavior. Your sisters were warned the last time they snuck out of bed that if they were caught doing so again, they'd spend a day in penance and have the cane applied to their bottoms. Then, even knowing that they had an appointment to receive their punishment, they continued to misbehave and earned themselves an additional set." She paused as she saw Alexandria squirm on Max's lap. "Though you have been spanked once today, you've been forgiven. I will warn you though, if your nanny needs to spank you repeatedly in a day, you will find yourself in my office for a paddling. Do you understand?"
Alexandria stiffened, but when the question was repeated, she nodded.
"Lexie, you need to sit up and look at Miss Summers when she's talking to you. You also need to verbally indicate your answer."
Pushing herself away from his chest, she nodded and looked across the desk. "How... how many span-spankings before, before—"
"Before you are sent for a paddling by me? Is that your question?"
"Yes, Ma'am." Alexandria prayed hard that it was a very large number as she'd already been the recipient of two spankings—though the headmistress had only mentioned the one she'd witnessed after the fact.
"How many has Nanny Jenkins given you, Alexandria?"
Squirming again and wishing she hadn't asked the question, she lowered her gaze. "Um, two."
"I see," Eleanor said. "Other than the one you received before I saw you in your naughty corner, tell your Papa and me why you received another."
Alexandria truly didn't want to admit the reason but knowing that a cane was in the room and pretty positive a paddle must be as well, she forced herself to answer. Stammering a bit, she told them about the second spanking.
Eleanor waited until Alexandria lifted her eyes to hers. "And, little one, is there anything else you feel you need to confess?"
"But I didn't really mean it... I was just mad."
"Mean what?" Max asked, his hand turning her head to look into her eyes.
"I-I didn't mean it when... when I wished you'd go to hell." Realizing what she said, she slapped her hand over her mouth.
"That's twice you've wish to see me in hell. Care to tell me why?"
His hand on her chin wouldn't let her look away. She had expected him to be angry, and yet the look in his eyes showed nothing but tenderness. He hadn't behaved as if learning of her two spankings angered him, though she had felt a hand drop to pat against her bottom. Unable to remain still under his gaze, she wiggled on his lap.
"Um, because my... my bottom was hot, and I wanted you to-to feel hot, as well."
*****
It took every ounce of his restraint not to burst into laughter. Of all the reasons he could have imagined, that one would never have crossed his mind. Feeling her squirming again and wondering if she was aware of his thickening cock beneath her bottom, he almost told her that he was indeed feeling quite warm, but forced himself to be firm.
"That was a very naughty thing to wish, wasn't it?" At her nod, he continued. "I know I heated your bottom and heard you wish me to Hades yesterday. You just admitted that you continue to wish I'd go visit the Devil. Tell me, Lexie, is that where you truly wish me to
be? Do you desire I take my leave of you?"
"No! I mean, please. I-I even asked Mrs. Yardley to help me learn to cook."
Though enchanted by her exclamation that she didn't really wish him to go, he was confused. "Why did you ask Mrs. Yardley for that lesson?"
"Because I want to know how to prepare food that you'll enjoy."
"Lexie, I have a cook. Her name is Darlene Thompkins. Her husband Calvin is my driver."
"Oh, I-I guess I should have known that. Um, I can clean and wash and iron, though sometimes I burned my father's shirts. Mum and I had a small garden at home and... and I can even help with children. I'm willing to learn whatever..."
Max shook his head and tightened his hold. "Little one, I have maids for those chores. I have a gardener and a housekeeper. I have no children that need to be cared for—at least, not yet."
"Then why are you offering me a position?" She turned her head to look at Eleanor. "Or if Lord Hollister has no need, perhaps I can work here… at the school?"
Max's own confusion evaporated instantly at the understanding that she was under the impression he'd placed her in a school to learn some sort of trade. She obviously had no recollection of him stating they'd marry. She'd been so exhausted the afternoon before that she'd never awakened, even when Eleanor and Juliette undressed her and tucked her into one of the guestrooms. He had gathered up her letters and, when Eleanor offered him a piece of ribbon, he'd tied them in a bundle, placing them where she'd easily find them after she awakened. When she continued to sleep well after the others girls had gone to bed, he'd made his decision.
Though he had every right as her husband to climb into the bed beside her and stake his claim and consummate their marriage, he'd forced himself to leave the room. He'd kept his oath not only from a sense of honor, but because his soul and heart had wanted her from the moment he'd recognized her. Perhaps if she had awakened he would have told her, but as she continued to sleep, he found himself asking himself if this life could also be something she wanted. His instincts were telling him that this small woman he held on his lap was one of those rare souls that would find true happiness in submission. She would stay here, under the guidance of staff who were experienced in training women who would find happiness in their submission. He would not take her virginity until they were in their home, in their marriage bed. Oh, she'd pleasure him in other ways—after all, he was a man, not a saint. Her training had already begun, but he would leave her maidenhead intact until she was begging him to relieve her of that final barrier.
Reaching out, he cupped her chin and turned her face back to him. "Little one, you saw me purchase the license. Lexie, you became Lady Alexandria Madeline Hollister yesterday."
"I-I thought it was just a dream. Why would you marry me?"
"Alexandria, I've been looking for you for a long time. I'm just sorry I didn't find you months ago. I so wanted to meet your mother, and will always regret that she won't know that you have been found, that you are safe."
She continued to stare up at him, her eyes filling with unshed tears that tore at his heart. When the first slipped free to slide down her cheek, his thumb tenderly wiped it away. "Oh, Lexie, don't cry. I can't undo the past but now we have a lifetime together."
"I… you… we just met! How—"
"Shh, little one. I feel as if I've known you for a long time. Your father and I became good friends and spent many an evening exchanging stories. He loved you and your mother very much." He brushed another tear from her cheek. "Do you trust your father, Alexandria?"
"Oh, yes." Her instant reply was accompanied by the slide of another tear. "I loved him and miss him so."
"I do, as well," Max said softly. "Then trust that love and respect. I wish he could be here to tell you himself, little one, but all I can do is ask that you trust me to prove I would never marry a woman I didn't love, one I didn't believe could find her own happiness in loving and serving me."
Alexandria swiped her cheek with her hand. "I don't know how to be what you want."
"You can learn, Lexie," he assured her. "This school and your new sisters will all help in your journey."
"If we are married, then why did I wake alone? Why didn't you call me to y-your chambers? Is this to be a marriage of… of nothing more than to allow you to fulfill a promise you gave my father?"
"I assure you that is far from the truth. There will be everything and more than in any other marriage you are acquainted with. I am a demanding man, Alexandria, but I am also one who finds great pleasure in providing you with all that you need. There will be not be a day you aren't told that you are loved, or feel that I do not wish to hold you."
Her smile lit up her face and her eyes sparkled. "Can we go home now?" She turned to look at the woman behind the desk. "I thank you for allowing me to stay, Miss Summers, but now that I'm a married woman—" Her words were cut off by Max.
"Lexie, I am not only your husband, I am your Papa as well."
"Is that why everyone addresses you as my Papa? I'm not sure I understand exactly what that means."
"It means that you will stay with Miss Summers and learn how to please me. You'll learn that naughtiness earns you a hurting bottom. You'll learn that obedience and submission will bring you pleasures you can't yet imagine. You'll learn how to live your life in two roles—as Lexie, my special little one, and as Alexandria, my wife."
"But why can't you teach me? I-I don't want a… a nanny, or teachers. I just—"
Max placed a fingertip against her lips. There was no time like the present to begin her lessons.
"Shh, Lexie. You need to understand, marriage does not negate your need to obey. You'll obey me in all things—or find your little bottom reddened." He paused, closely watching her eyes. Though her cheeks pinkened, her eyes never dropped from his. He felt her wiggle on his lap, innocent of what just that slight movement was doing to his cock. Testing her further, he continued. "And it won't be just my hand. You'll discover that many implements are used for reminding a little one it doesn't pay to be a naughty girl. I have canes of my own." At that statement, her eyes widened but she only nodded her head. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, Max… um, Lord... Sir."
"It's Papa, Lexie. You'll call me Papa."
"Yes, Pa-Papa, but—"
"Then hush and listen." He knew he'd never forget hearing those words for the first time. He also knew she was about to learn that her life would not be the one she was most likely envisioning. "It's time we finish here. I believe Dr. Gibbons is waiting to see you."
"But I don't... I'm not ill!"
"The correct answer is 'yes, Papa.'" She blushed but repeated the words, and he grinned. Nodding at Eleanor, he sat back in his chair and listened while the woman began to speak, his eyes never leaving Lexie's face. It was wonderful watching the different emotions on a face he would never grow tired of looking at.
Chapter Seven
Eleanor calmly explained how Alexandria could expect her days to be spent. Max loved watching her blush and feeling her squirm when she was told that she'd be awakened daily by her nanny and prepared for her day. He watched her grimace when told that she would need to ask for permission to tend to her toilet, and that her nanny would take her to use the potty chair. His cock twitched as she was reminded that she was never to cover herself when naked, or to rub her bottom to ease the pain after a spanking. Though he had thought it adorable when she had done so the previous day, and might continue to allow it in the future, he knew it was strictly forbidden in Eleanor's school. He'd often heard her tell a naughty pupil that she had chosen to earn a spanking and could, therefore, just let the burn in her backside remind her to make a better choice the next time.
After being dressed in her school uniform, Alexandria would break her fast with her sisters in the large dining room. Her days would be spent attending various classes, with the occasional trip outside the school that might include walks in a nearby park or visiting a museum. When Eleanor told her that ve
ry good little ones could earn an outing with their Papa, she turned her head to give him a shy look, a smile curving her lips.
"Is this a fancy finishing school?"
"It's more than a finishing school," Eleanor informed her. "You will find most of the same curriculum as any other prestigious school for young women but you'll have additional lessons as well." The woman gave her a moment to reflect on her words. "After luncheon, you will be put down for a nap."
"Naps? Only children take naps," Alexandria stated, only to be reminded that Little ones also took naps.
Eleanor continued to lay out her schedule. As well as classes she'd attend with her sisters, she'd also receive training her Papa requested. Max had adored the quick look she had given him, her bottom lip captured by her teeth as if worried exactly what that training would entail. He would be the one to introduce her to such intimate classes… ones she'd begin soon, he thought, as his cock pulsed beneath her bottom after seeing her release her lip only to swipe the tip of her tongue across it.
"You'll be changed into other clothing for dinner. Some evenings we will have guests but regardless, at this evening meal, you and your sisters are expected to conduct yourselves as you would in any fine home or restaurant."
"But I don't have fancy clothes. I've never changed for dinner or eaten in a fancy restaurant."
"Your Papa has provided for your clothing. Everything can be learned," Eleanor assured her.
Hearing that she would have free time after supper to visit with her friends, play games, sew or read, Alexandria smiled and admitted she loved to read. Eleanor reminded her that such activities would only be available if she had completed her assignments and was not being punished.
The only time she protested again was when Eleanor informed her that since she was a new student, her bedtime would be seven o'clock.
"Seven! That's far too early! I haven't gone to bed so early since I was a ch—since I can remember."