Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4)

by Maggie Ryan

  "Oh, thank you, Molly," Ettie said, her smile showing her relief.

  "In the nursery or when you are being chastised, you'll address me as Nanny Molly, and, don't be too relieved. The strokes will be given with the tawse after I've warmed your bottom with my hand."

  "What's a tawse?" Ettie asked.

  "You'll learn that answer in just a bit. And you are not to speak from this point forward unless I ask a question. You've all made your confessions and know why you are getting spanked. After I release you, you will return to your corners and think about your behavior." Giving Ettie a hard look, Molly clarified. "Your corner time will be spent with your nose pressed into the wall, your clothing up and your drawers down. Is that understood?"

  "Yes, ma'am," the three said, Ettie a second behind the other two.

  "Good. Now, let's get those naughty bottoms warmed, shall we?" Evidently no answer was required as she moved to sit on the chair she'd pulled from the desk. Patting her lap, she said, "Louisa, you'll be first. Drawers off, please. In fact, all of you might as well remove your drawers as you'll not be needing them for the near future."

  Louisa stepped out of her drawers and went to stand at Molly's side. Lucy removed hers and Ettie finally did as well, her flush indicating that she was finally beginning to understand that the nanny was very serious about her duties.

  Louisa was pulled across firm thighs and crisp sharp slaps began to fill the room. When she began to kick up, Molly's hand slapped against the back of her thighs.

  "Settle down, young lady. This is just your warm up."

  Smack… smack… smack… smack…

  The nanny's hand continued to lift and fall until the entirety of Louisa's bottom was flushed a deep pink. Only then did Ettie learn what a tawse was as Molly pulled one from her pocket. "You'll count these, Louisa."

  Thwack…

  The first stroke had Louisa cry out, "One," and made Ettie jump.

  Thwack…

  "Two."

  Thwack…

  "Oh, please… three," Louisa cried, her bottom beginning to wag from side to side, red stripes blooming across her hillocks. Ettie had reached for Lucy's hand after the second stroke and they continued to offer each other support as Louisa's tawsing was given. By the time the girl cried out the number ten, she was sobbing and her bottom was bright red.

  "To your corner and I had better see that nose touching the wall. Oh, and remember, stick that hot red bottom well out," Molly directed before turning to look at the two remaining girls.

  "All right, Lucille, right over now." Lucy heard Ettie groan as she released her hand but was soon too busy trying not to earn extras as the hand spanking warmed her before it was her turn to count every single stroke of the implement that Molly wielded with such precision.

  It didn't take but five before she was sobbing harder than Louisa had been. Tawse strokes over a bottom that had been caned only a few days earlier were nothing to smile about. Still, she only had to be told a few times to settle and push her bottom out and when she lost count, Molly reminded her that she was on twelve. The final three were delivered, each counted properly, before she was released to take her corner.

  "No rubbing, Lucille," Molly warned when she saw the girl's hands fluttering over her roasted cheeks. "You did well, don't make me have to take you over my knees again."

  "Yes, ma'am," Lucy said as she took up the position of a well-punished young lady, her nose touching the wall and her bottom pushed well out.

  Turning again, Molly held out her hand to Ettie.

  "Oh, please, I promise I'll never be naughty again!" Ettie pleaded, her hands already cupping a bottom that had yet to feel a single swat.

  "Henrietta, it's time to be a big girl and accept your punishment. Now come here, for if I have to come get you, I promise, you won't like the result."

  Ettie sobbed but stepped forward and allowed Molly to pull her across her lap. "Lift up, let's get this dress out of my way." Once her quivering bottom was bared, Molly began.

  "I'm sorry," Ettie wailed, her head arching back as smack after smack landed, her pale skin rapidly turning pink. When her apology had no effect, Molly's palm landing yet again, Ettie's hand came back in an attempt to cover her bottom.

  "Put your hand down, Henrietta," Molly directed. "You know better than that."

  "But it hurts!"

  "Of course it does, it's a spanking. And, young lady, I will begin again from the start if you don't remove your hand."

  Sobbing, Ettie put her palm flat on the floor as she was tilted slightly forward, her bottom receiving a half dozen more smacks. "You heard Louisa and Lucille and you shall also count each one of these," Molly said, reaching for the tawse she'd laid on the small table at her side.

  "Ow!" Ettie screeched when the split-tongues of the tawse bit into her bottom for the first time. In a move that shocked Molly, the girl was off her lap and scrambling to get up from the floor.

  "Henrietta!" Molly reprimanded, but the girl ignored her and ran to the door, flinging it open. By the time Molly entered the water closet, Ettie was kneeling over the potty, retching.

  The nanny knelt as well, pulling Ettie's hair back as she emptied the contents of her stomach. When she was done, Molly told her to be still as she went to the washstand and poured water onto a cloth, gently washing Ettie's pale face.

  "Ettie, sweetie, it's not going to be that horrid."

  "No-no," she moaned, her hands wrapped around her stomach. "I-I don't feel good, Nanny Molly."

  Molly led her back into the nursery. "Lucy, run and get your Papa please." Lucy instantly turned and was halfway across the room when Molly spoke again. "Honey, you may lower your skirts."

  Lucy released her dress and raced from the room. Molly could hear her calling from the stairs. Sitting in the rocker, she drew Ettie onto her lap, rocking her slowly. "Shh, little one, you are going to be fine.

  Lucas was quick to appear, Lucy at his side. "What happened?" he asked.

  "Ettie was ill and says her stomach is painful," Molly said.

  Lucas knelt by the chair and brushed Ettie's hair off her face. "What's wrong, sweetie?"

  "My tummy really hurts… I-I didn't mean…" Fresh tears slid down her cheeks.

  Lucas stood and scooped her into his arms. "Molly, please run to see if Dr. Fielding has left. If not, have him come up. If so, ask Philip to send Jasper after him."

  "Certainly, sir. You don't think the spanking…"

  "No, Molly," Lucas said. "I think all the candy and sweets from tea are making our girl regret stuffing herself. I'm sure she'll be fine."

  Once Molly had left, he turned to the twins. "You may both write in your journals and when you are done, you may go downstairs to the library."

  "Yes, sir." He had no doubts they'd obey, and saw Lucy move the punishment chair back to the desk before lifting her skirts again and sitting gingerly down on her chair, bare-bottomed as required.

  He went to Molly's room and gently set Ettie down on the bed. "Just relax, the doctor will be in to check you over."

  Molly returned with Dr. Fielding. "So, some little one isn't feeling well?" Lawrence said as he set his black bag on the desk.

  "My tummy hurts," Ettie mumbled, her cheeks coloring slightly at seeing the doctor in a professional capacity instead of as a dinner guest.

  "Well, that doesn't surprise me. I hear you ate quite a bit of candy." Lawrence waited until Lucas had helped Ettie to sit up against the headboard, placing several pillows behind her back. "And, young lady, guilt from being naughty also tends to upset a tummy." They all saw Ettie's cheeks color but she didn't object to the statement. "Open wide." A thermometer was slid into her mouth as the doctor placed his fingers on her wrist to take her pulse.

  Lucas didn't relax until the doctor announced that Ettie's pulse was fine and that she had no temperature. Lawrence checked her eyes, ears, nose and throat before stepping back. "Almost done, sweetie. Can you lie down for me?"

  Molly helped her to l
ie flat on her back and when Ettie whined and shifted her hips a bit, the doctor shook his head. "I'm afraid the discomfort of lying on a heated bum can't be avoided, little one, but I'll try to be quick."

  "Oh…" Ettie snapped her eyes shut, her embarrassment evident to all.

  "Just be still, sweetie," Molly said and held her hand as the doctor palpated her tummy, causing Ettie to moan and state that it hurt. Dr. Fielding waited until Molly loosened Ettie's blouse enough so that a stethoscope could be slid up beneath it, allowing the doctor to listen to her heart. Ettie's eyes remained tightly closed but she wasn't fussy.

  "I think she'll be just fine," Lawrence announced as he began to put his instruments away. Turning back to the bed where Ettie was sitting up again, he smiled. "I'd offer you a peppermint stick but I believe you've had enough treats for a while." At Ettie's blush and nod, he turned to Lucas, who thanked him and led him to the door, both men stepping into the hall.

  "Are you sure she is okay?" Lucas asked.

  "Yes, nothing more than a tummy ache. Keep her in bed for the rest of the day. An enema will help with the bloating. It won't be comfortable but will do wonders towards alleviating the pain, and is far superior to having her continue to vomit. If she isn't back to her old self by tomorrow, send for me."

  "I will. Molly was concerned that knowing she was going to be punished caused her to be ill. I assured her that wasn't the case but, well, this was the first time she has punished Ettie. Could that fact have led to her become ill?"

  Lawrence grinned and shook his head. "Lucas, of all men, you should know that a little one's tummy may twist when informed they are to have their bottoms attended to, but it is extremely rare that the miscreant becomes stressed enough to lead to retching. Has Henrietta been spanked before?"

  "Yes, quite often in her youth, and she has earned herself a paddling or two since I've been home."

  "And did she become ill?" Lucas shook his head and Lawrence nodded. "Your sister overindulged and is paying the price. I wouldn't spank her until after she's had time to rest and have her enema, but other than that, she's perfectly capable of paying the proper price for being naughty."

  "I'm sure she appreciates your discretion in not taking her temperature in your normal way with naughty young ladies, even if she is unaware of that fact."

  "Ah, I admit I did consider it, especially since she had just retched, but didn't wish to embarrass her," Lawrence confessed.

  Lucas thanked him and asked about Bea, pleased to hear that she was just fine.

  "I'll see myself out," Lawrence said. After the men shook hands, he added, "This might sound odd, given the present circumstances, but I was going to ask before Henrietta became ill. Once our patient has fully recovered, I'd like to discuss courting your sister."

  "I'll discuss your desire with Henrietta," Lucas said, thanking him again. Once he had walked down the stairs, Lucas returned to Molly's room.

  "How are you feeling?" he asked, bending down to kiss Ettie's cheek.

  "My tummy still hurts," she said, her hand rubbing across what he could now see was a distended abdomen.

  "Nanny Molly is going to help you with that," Lucas said. "I promise you are going to feel better soon."

  "Lucas, Mo-Nanny Molly, I promise I wasn't trying to get out of my punishment. I-I know I earned a sp-spanking."

  Lucas nodded. "I'm very proud of you for admitting that fact. Nanny Molly will discuss that with you later, but not right now. Let's just get you feeling better, okay?"

  "Yes, sir, thank you," she agreed.

  He took Molly out into the hall and gave her a rundown of the doctor's orders. "I'll tend to it," Molly assured him. "I'd like to suggest that we allow Ettie to stay here tonight. I can sleep on a pallet but would feel better if someone was with her just in case it is more than a tummy ache."

  "That's an excellent idea but there is no need for you to give up your bed. Ettie can sleep in Lucy's crib." He chuckled and shook his head. "I guess it will give her another idea of what a nursery is for if she is thinking of living her life in this dynamic. Tomorrow will be time enough to finish her punishment, but I do feel it important that you give her the full dose."

  Molly looked towards the bed where Ettie lay and nodded. "I hate to have to punish her but have to agree."

  Lucas laid his hand on her arm. "You've proven time and time again that you are capable of doing an excellent job."

  "Thank you, Lord Huntington. I also understand you are giving me your trust."

  "You've earned it, Molly," Lucas said. "I'll stay with our patient while you get whatever you need."

  Chapter Eight

  "I want you to be a good girl for Nanny Molly," Lucas instructed once he returned to Ettie's bedside. "Remember, little one, she has the authority and the experience to tend to a naughty girl who fails to properly accept the lessons being taught."

  "I'll behave," Ettie said softly.

  "Good girl. She is going to give you an enema—"

  "Noo, please, Lucas…"

  "Hush, honey. Dr. Fielding ordered one to ease your stomach. It won't be pleasant but it is necessary. Afterwards, you'll stay in the nursery for the night so that Molly can keep an eye on you. We don't want to leave you alone in case you are ill again. Do you have any questions?"

  "May I have my doll?"

  Lucas smiled and nodded. "Yes, you may. I'll bring her to you and tuck you into bed. Now, be my good girl." He gave her a kiss and then stood. "I'll see you in just a little bit."

  He walked back into the water closet, where Molly was preparing the enema. "I've informed Ettie what is to happen and instructed her to behave."

  "Poor little thing," Molly said, blushing a bit but showing him the end of the tubing. "I'm using the smallest nozzle."

  "Very good. I'm going to check on the twins and if they have finished, I'll take them downstairs. I'll have dinner sent up for you."

  "Thank you." She shook her head and sighed. "Who knew that what should have been a simple afternoon tea would turn into such an unpleasant event."

  Chuckling, Lucas patted her arm. "Now, Molly, with these three girls, I'm rather surprised it has taken this long for triple trips across a knee. Don't fret, everything will be fine." He moved through one door into the nursery while Molly went through the other, back into her room.

  Seeing Lucy and Louisa sitting quietly, their books closed, Lucas asked if they had completed their entries.

  "Yes, sir."

  "Good, let's gather up your nightgowns for this evening. Ettie will be sleeping here and there is no need to disturb her later if she's already asleep."

  Neither girl asked questions as they got their nightgowns and dressing gowns and placed them on their husbands' beds before each took one of Lucas' hands as he led them downstairs. Informing them that he'd be right back after retrieving a few things from Ettie's room, he left them at the entrance to the library. The twins went to the small desk where Franny was drawing.

  "Franny, I am so sorry to have ruined your afternoon," Lucy said.

  "I am, as well." Louisa added.

  Franny gave them both a smile. "I appreciate your apology but I don't think it was truly ruined. Sam… um, Mr. Benedict, was very understanding about everything and asked if he could visit, so I don't think he was too concerned."

  "Really? Oh, that makes me feel so much better," Lucy said. "I-I really think he is a nice man."

  "I agree, and he has such a sweet dog," Louisa said. "I hope he allows us to come again to play with those puppies." The girls exchanged hugs and when Franny returned to her work, the twins saw that Edward had entered the room. Louisa immediately went to him where he was seated and climbed onto his lap.

  "I'm sorry, Papa."

  Edward patted the cushion at his side, Lucy went and sat, leaning against his arm, and made her own apology.

  "You okay?" Edward asked, putting his arm around her and patting her hip.

  "Yes, sir, just very glad that Franny doesn't think we totally
ruined her day."

  "I'm glad to hear that but I don't think you need worry. Mr. Benedict seems like a man who understands that life can throw you a situation totally unplanned." He bent and kissed her forehead. "I promise, everything will be okay."

  * * * * *

  Ettie lifted her head from the pillow when Molly returned.

  "Okay, sweetie, let's get this done so that you'll feel better."

  "I feel better now," Ettie said, her eyes darting to the red bag that the nanny had hooked onto one of the bed posts.

  "I'm glad to hear that and after we're done, you'll feel even better." Molly guided her from the bed and removed all of her clothing except for her chemise. She guided the girl back down, instructing her to lie on her left side. "Have you ever had an enema, Ettie?"

  "Y-yes, ma'am, but not… not for a long time," Ettie said, her cheeks flushing.

  "I assure you, the process remains the same. At least you know what to expect. Go ahead and pull your leg up to your chest. It will be more comfortable than lying over pillows."

  Ettie obeyed and only gave a slight whimper when Molly pulled her right cheek away from its twin and applied a dollop of lubricant. "Just relax. I know it's cold but it will help the nozzle slide in."

  "Please, I-I…"

  "Ettie, sweetie, I realize your tummy hurts and I understand it is embarrassing to receive an enema but it is necessary. I want you to consider the fact that you could be lying over a pile of pillows and have a bag twice as full as this one flowing into you. You not only were naughty but you also cursed. As it is, a thorough mouth sudsing will have to wait until tomorrow."

  "But no one even knew I cursed until I confessed!" Molly gave her a look that had Ettie blushing. "Um, I guess that doesn't matter?"

  "It does make me proud of you for making a complete confession; however, it doesn't keep the sudsing from being necessary. Now, are you ready?" At Ettie's nod and whispered response, Molly patted her hip. Ettie felt her face heat and she squeezed her eyes shut when the tip of the nozzle pressed against her bottom-hole.