by Alta Hensley
She had no time to ask and could not even if she had wanted to. Her nanny stood behind her, keeping the girls quiet as Nanny Beth walked at the front of the line, escorting them down the locked corridor, on to the ground floor, and then out through the front door.
The air was frigid and without a coat, Gia wrapped her arms around herself. She shivered and stamped her feet, trying to keep her extremities warm.
Stepping carefully along the stone path with her head bent down, she followed the girls across the steps and around the back of the building, in through another door. Could they not have led the girls in any other way, without them having to set foot outside? Shivering, Gia felt relieved when a blast of warmth hit her upon entering the building.
It took several minutes for her teeth to stop chattering as she bounced aimlessly around as she stood, waiting. Slowly, the girls standing idly by began to disperse. When Gracie laid eyes on her papa, she squealed and ran off to him, throwing herself into his arms.
Even the headmaster had a beautiful young blonde, with blue eyes and a light dusting of freckles on her skin, attached to his arm. Gia had heard Mollie speak of an 'Etta', who had once been a student; who had recently graduated and was now married to Mr. Hartley. Could this be the young woman who had been talked about? The woman was dressed in sheer silver, which sparkled under the chandelier lighting. The gown had been made short and scandalous; not even her white stockings could save her from the scandal of what she wore, much the same as the other littles in the room. Were the attendees all to sign a contract that barred them from speaking about what they saw at the event? Certainly those who had been a papa or little would understand the lifestyle, but what about those who were curious, and had come based on an invitation that they did not fully comprehend?
Etta smiled politely in Gia's direction, catching her eye, before whispering something into the headmaster's ear. He nodded and unhinged himself from her grip as she strode straight towards Gia.
"Hello," Gia said, her voice catching in her throat as she smiled politely. She felt awkward standing around by herself. Where was her papa?
"Hi, I'm Etta Hartley," she said, holding out her hand for a proper introduction.
Gia shook the young woman's hand, she did not seem to be much older than herself. "I am Gia Hayes. This is quite the party your husband has put on."
Etta smiled and nodded, glancing back toward Philip. "Yes, he does love reminiscing. How long have you been at Ashby? I do not remember him mentioning a little Gia."
Gia blushed. Why would Mr. Hartley mention her? Had he ever told his wife that he had hired a nanny who had eventually become a little? Her cheeks burned just thinking about the embarrassment she would feel if everyone discovered the truth. "I have only been at the chateau for a short time." She did not wish to lie, and she had now been a little for the same length of time she had been a nanny.
"I remember my first days quite clearly, as though they were just yesterday," Etta said, with a smile and shining eyes. "Are you getting along with the other littles? I remember little Gracie from my time at the Ashby." Etta waved to the other girl, having caught sight of her friend.
"Yes," Gia said. She did not wish to elaborate on the difficulties she had had with befriending the other girls. Gracie had sided all too quickly with Teresa. Mollie had been kind, but Gia desperately wished Teresa would leave the chateau. Could she be so lucky as to find a way to get her expelled? Was it even possible?
"Excuse me," Etta said, sounding much more grown up than little. She rushed across the marble floor and squealed, jumping up and down as she threw her arms around Gracie, reuniting with her old friend.
Gia watched from a distance, jealous of the affection the friends shared for one another. She had not felt that way even towards Mollie. When she eventually graduated, would she be forced to return to Ashby with her papa? It was not that she did not enjoy her time under Nanny Vivian and Headmaster Philip's care, but Gia was not sure that she would want a yearly reminder of the discipline and life she had been faced with.
"You seem awfully quiet."
His voice startled her, and she felt his warm hands touching her shoulders.
"Papa!" Gia squealed, delighted that he had come. Her heart pitter-pattered and her cheeks further reddened as she spun around and threw her arms around him in a tight hug. She did not wish to ever let go. "You came to the party." The smile did not leave her face, no matter how hard she might have tried to hide it. She had missed her papa, and had not wished to disappoint him.
"Of course. I would not miss such an extravagant event, especially if it includes my little Gia." He pulled her back into his arms, his hands on her lower back as he brushed his lips against hers.
"How long have you been here?" she asked. The room slowly began to crowd with more people, most of whom she did not recognize.
"Only a few minutes. I would have come earlier but a tree had fallen on my route, which caused a delay. I am sure you do not care about that," Papa said.
She shook her head. That was not true. She did care about him, and wanted to know all about his coach, where he lived, what he did, and when she would see it. She had not had time to answer when a man cleared his throat behind them.
"I would not have expected to see you here, Georgiana."
Gia's face lost all color as she spun around on her heels. His dark brown eyes and receding hairline made his face appear oblong. Cousin Oliver. What was her older cousin doing here? Two thick wrinkles protruded from his forehead, and his brows formed a frown that never ceased.
"What are you doing at Ashby?" She felt certain her heart would stop beating at any moment.
Papa's hand dropped from her shoulder to take her hand. Was he trying to make it clear that she was taken? That was not what Theo needed to worry about. There was no reason to be jealous.
"I would ask the same of you, but then again, this is much better than living as a street urchin or a whore," Oliver said.
Gia pursed her lips, breathing heavily in through her nose and exhaling just as loudly. Thankfully, the room was filled with chatter and no one but the three of them could hear their conversation. "You do not get to go around calling me such names!" she said. Unafraid of her cousin, she stepped closer. "It would be best if you left, before I bring over the headmaster and have him toss you out on your arse!"
Oliver's eyes narrowed and his nose twitched. He showed no hint of fear at her threat. "What lie did you tell this gentleman to get him to choose you as a little?" He turned to Theo. "Did you know that her parents threw her out because she had been drinking? They found her with blood on the sheets and a boy in her bed. If you are expecting a proper lady, I can assure you all you will find with Giana is a scandal."
"Get out!" Gia screamed, her voice this time rising above the noise and the chatter.
Her papa's hand fell from hers as he took a step back. "I did not lie to you," Gia said, glancing at Papa.
"It is better he learns the truth now than to discover what a whore you are after you are wed," Oliver said, stepping toward the door. "I do not know how you discovered a street urchin as a little, but if all your girls come from such reputable backgrounds, I am sure you will stay in business forever." His sarcastic tongue landed him a sharp slap to his face; for Gia could not contain herself.
The room had fallen silent and as Oliver stepped outside and the door shut behind him, all eyes had landed on little Gia. She swallowed nervously, not enjoying being the center of everyone's attention. There were times when she did not mind Papa's affection or Nanny Vivian's ministrations, but this was too much.
Papa's gaze narrowed as he stepped closer to Gia.
Whispers filled the room, but no one appeared to resume their conversation or ignore the scenario entirely.
"You lied to me," Theo said, his voice loud, stern, and sharp.
Gia took a sharp breath, her heart speeding up quickly at the fear that he would abandon her. "I never lied to you."
"You told
me your parents were dead!"
She hung her head, embarrassed and filled with shame. "You're right, and for that I am sorry." She could not deny the lie she had told, any more than she could change the scandal that had in no way been her fault. Would he even let her explain her side of what had happened?
"How can I trust you?" he asked. "You promised to be honest with me, Gia."
"I have been." Her voice hitched and trembled as her eyes glistened with tears. No. She would not cry. She swallowed the pain and the sadness, for she needed a level head and a clear mind. They had to work this out.
"Since when? What have you told me that was truthful? You swore you had two parents who died. I respected your wishes by not asking further questions, and I now see what a fool I have been. How could you do that?" Theo made for the door, the same one that Oliver had been told to leave from. Except Gia did not wish for her papa to go.
"I am so sorry, Papa. Please, do not leave." The tears began to fall, slipping down her cheeks, dancing under the chandelier light, mingling as they cascaded down her face and chin on to the ivory gown that had made her look so beautiful.
"I do not see another choice." Papa stormed out of the ballroom, the door slamming shut behind him.
Her eyes watered more and her bottom lip trembled. "No." The words slipped past her lips but he could not hear her. "Papa. No." She ran outside into the frigid cold, without a coat or cloak to keep her warm.
She could see Theo just up ahead, and hear his heavy footsteps as he walked briskly towards his coachman.
"Papa. Please, I am sorry. Let us talk." Would he even listen to what she had to say?
Her heart slammed against her ribcage. She felt certain the beat was so loud that he could hear it from across the lawn. She ran to catch up as he stopped in front of the carriage, not having stepped inside out of the cold yet.
"There is nothing left to say. You may finish your semester, which is already paid for. I cannot be your papa."
"Papa."
The word made him flinch. "It is Theo," he said, correcting her.
"Theo. Mr. Elliott," she said, "please. You know my cousin lies. You were with me when I was in the examination room. Doctor Colt had no reason to lie, to tell you that I still had my virtue intact if that was not the case."
Theo remained quiet and contemplative for a moment.
Considering he had not set off without her or continued to argue, she decided to give the rest of her explanation. She felt she owed him that much. "I swear to you, I did not knowingly lie with another man. A few months ago, a young gentleman asked for my hand in marriage. My parents did not know his background, and suggested that they should spend some time getting to know his family. We sat around with drinks, and the entire night after that is fuzzy. I believe he drugged me, possibly my entire family. Maybe his parents were involved in the scandal, trying to ruin my reputation or steal my dowry. I woke up naked beside the man who had asked for my hand. The sheets were caked in blood, but I have no memory of doing anything with him. My parents told me that I must marry him or leave their home. They would not let the scandal sully their name and reputation. When I refused, I was pushed out of the front door without a moment's hesitation. That was when I saw the dead animal; the blood that had been spilled on the sheets had never been mine."
"Did you go back and tell your parents, try to explain any of it to them?" Theo asked.
"They would not let me inside, even though I banged on the door for hours. I had nothing but the clothes on my back. I lived on the streets. My dowry did not follow me. I stole what I needed to survive. I have never prostituted myself, as my cousin so elegantly put it. I assure you, Theo, you are the only man I have ever been with."
"How do I know Doctor Colt and Mr. Hartley are not involved in the deception?" Theo asked.
"If they had been, do you think the headmaster would have allowed my cousin into the ballroom? It was by invitation only, which meant someone who was already a papa invited him to the party." Gia doubted that anyone would come forward. Surely she would not feel brave enough if it had been herself on the other side of that scenario. "Please, come back inside."
"No."
"Please. I beg of you." She had apologized. Was that not good enough for him? Would it be over forever because of the damage she had caused by lying? She had known there was a risk involved in keeping such a scandal secret, but it had been to protect him. There had been no good way to tell him what had happened to her.
"I have a reputation to uphold, Gia. I cannot be lied to and then return as if all is well."
She pursed her lips. What would fix the problem between them and make it all go away? "Perhaps a punishment is in order? A public one, as well as a public apology for my deceit. Please! I will do anything to become your little again." She hated to even dare suggest it, but the thought of his hand on her bottom in front of everyone set her quim on fire. Worse, she was not wearing bloomers! Oh, how they would all see her displayed if he gave in and allowed himself to be her papa again. Would he accept the offer and agree to have her back as his little Gia?
"Trust, Giana! Trust is required to have this lifestyle. If I am to be your papa, and you are to be my little girl, we must have trust."
Gia nodded. "Yes, I understand that. I have so much to learn, but is that not what my time at the Ashby Chateau is for? To learn? To understand? To become the perfect little for you? Please… Papa… please allow me to be your little Gia once again."
His shoulders seemed to relax. "You did lie to me about your parents being dead. That cannot be ignored if we are to continue down this path together, as papa and little. But yes, I will still be your papa."
She felt the weight in the pit of her stomach lift, delighted that he still wanted to be her papa.
Chapter XVII
Theo's heart pumped hard as he took her firmly by the hand and led Gia back into the ballroom. She had stood in the cold, shivering and telling her story, trying to convince him not to leave.
He had not wanted to leave, but the one request he had had all along had been honesty. She had sworn to be honest, but it still hurt him to think that she had hidden her past and lied to him, even if she felt it was to protect herself.
Theo opened the door and a few glances came their way. The spectators were probably surprised to see that he had returned to the party, and was holding Gia's hand.
She had been right. There was only one way to move past this. A display of discipline, an act of correction that would keep her in line and demonstrate that lying was frowned upon. If he did not act in such a manner, Theo was uncertain what would become of his little Gia. The headmaster now knew of her lies, and if Philip had previously been unaware of her circumstances, Theo worried she would once again be forced out onto the streets. For some reason, he knew Gia was telling the truth; and her story was not that far-fetched. There were far worse crimes—like murder—committed solely for one's dowry. Killing an animal and drugging the family, did not seem so far-fetched as he might have liked.
He led Gia to a table at the center of the room, right under the crystal chandelier that hung as the centerpiece. A few papas and their littles who were standing nearby stepped aside as he removed his hat and coat, then proceeded to take a seat on the chair.
She stood there in front of him, not moving. Her hands shook, but he could not tell whether it was her nerves or the cold that made her shiver. He wanted to cuddle her, but his anger from her betrayal had cut right through him. Gia was right. This was the best way to end the problem. She would learn not to lie to him, and he would be able to move on, past the feeling of her dishonesty.
"Bare your bottom," Theo ordered. "You will not lie to me again, little Gia."
Slowly she began to lift the hem of the ivory gown that he had bought and had delivered for her to wear.
"Over my lap," he said, giving her instructions.
She chewed her bottom lip and rested against his legs while her bottom was on display for the entire
ballroom. She shut her eyes as his hand came down to spank her.
Did she not wish to see everyone staring at the display of discipline?
A few mumbles and murmurs erupted through the crowd. Theo thought he heard a woman moan behind him. The group gathered in a circle to watch as he reddened her bottom, swat after swat, showing her who was in charge.
"Do you know why you are being punished?" Theo asked.
"I was very bad," little Gia said, jumping with each swat as his firm hand landed on her blushing skin.
"Spread your legs further apart," he said, commanding her to show more of her bottom and her glistening cunny for all to see. Theo glanced down at her pink lips, puckered out for him, and swatted her bottom again, harder. His palm was stinging but he would never admit that to her. He could deal with a slight twinge of pain if he knew it would keep her from repeating such an act again.
Another gasp could be heard behind them. It took all the self-control he had not to turn around and see who had made such a noise. Were the onlookers aroused or shocked by the display of discipline? All the littles and papas had been in this very position themselves inside the chateau, of that he had no doubt. Perhaps it was unusual for the party, but it would be well remembered, and spoken of for years to come. All he hoped was that, when the time came, his little Gia would graduate and they could look back on this party—and future ones—together.
His palm covered her bottom, from the plump, round top to her seat, just above her thighs. Had he had a paddle or cane nearby, he would have used it to prevent her from making the same mistake ever again. Theo did not appreciate being lied to or embarrassed. This was giving him the opportunity to move past what she had done; and there would be no pleasure following the spanking. No reward for good behavior.