“He has said nothing. In fact, he had the housekeeper pack my trunks and send them ahead. I suspect we will be gone for a while though. I will write to you, of course.”
“I will miss you.”
“And I, you.”
“May I join you, ladies?” Philip asked.
“Please, do. Tea?” Jane asked, smiling sweetly when he locked gazes with her.
“Yes, thank you. How have you been, Nettie? I hope your father was not too severe with you.”
“He suspended my spending for one month,” Nettie pouted. “You did not have to tattle on me.”
“Yes, I did. I hope you appreciate the undo leniency you experienced. Had you been my daughter, you would have received the same as Jane. A bare bottomed spanking over my knee.”
“Jane is neither your daughter nor a child, and neither am I. You have no right to treat her in that manner. You are her fiancé, not her father and must treat her with dignity and respect.”
Philip raised his eyebrow with a look of amusement on his face. “Really? You have an interesting perspective. Continue.”
Nettie reddened, sinking slightly under his gaze. Her voice turned a little less confident. “She is a grown woman. She no longer needs a father to guide her. How do you reason this is right?”
“You still require your father to provide you with money and a home. How is your situation any different than hers?” Philip asked calmly.
“I do not see how you can compare…”
“Nettie, please don’t quarrel with Philip,” Jane interrupted gently. “He only wants what is best for me. He always has. If I had obeyed him and not overindulged in drink and frivolity, I would not have been punished. It was distressing, yes, but he did not harm me.”
“You do not need to defend him. He can speak for himself,” Nettie stated.
“He can but this is about me. I am to be Philip’s wife and titled a Marchioness,” Jane looked at the man for approval. He nodded with a small smile. “I will also be an equal owner of a large trade company. I must do what I can to make him happy and feel at ease with my behavior. I have, sadly, given him too much grief over the last few years.”
Nettie looked at the amused expression on Philip’s face. “He doesn’t look grieved. In fact, the insufferable man appears happy!”
“That is because she has paid the price for her transgressions and now seeks to please me. How could I not be happy about that?”
“Mark my words, Jane,” Nettie scowled, “you will change your mind very soon if this is the road he is taking. To strip you of all your independence is to put you back into the dark ages.”
“I have not removed her independence,” Philip frowned. “I have merely given her direction. Something that you, young woman, seem to sorely need. It appears that I need to have yet another talk with your father.”
“You shall do no such thing!” Nettie stood up. “Jane, I love you but I cannot spend any more time around this...this…Neanderthal!”
Jane watched open-mouthed as her friend stomped away in a huff. She turned to Philip. “I don’t understand why she is so upset. She did not behave this pugnaciously when I told her that you had spanked me in the past.”
“She has lost her playmate, Love. She knows that you will no longer be participating in her drinking parties and other unseemly activities. She will calm in time. I do wish to thank you for your understanding, and your consent. I was both pleased, and surprised, by your statement.”
“I owe you at least that,” Jane said demurely. “Papa?”
“Yes, darling?”
“I liked it immensely when you slept next to me that night. Will you do it again?”
“Once we are married, yes, of course.”
“No, before we marry; just as you did. It made me feel safe.”
“Even with knowing you had a spanking coming?”
Jane wrinkled her nose. “Especially with knowing I had a spanking coming. Please?”
Philip leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms in contemplation. “I will agree, under one condition. You allow me to look at your ring.”
Jane paled. “I cannot! It is inappropriate and, well, I do not want your eyes so close to my maidenhead.”
“It is not my eyes that worry you,” Philip chuckled. “Fear not. I will not lay a finger upon you unless you request it.”
“No more spanking then?” Jane brightened.
Philip laughed. “I said finger, not a palm. You may come into my bed as well, but the condition remains.”
“That is so not fair!”
“Yes, well, that is why it is good to be the Marquis,” Philip laughed. He stood and offered her his arm. “Would you care for a stroll, Lady Jane?”
“I would, Marquis de Courtier.”
***
“How much longer must this torture continue?” Jane asked warily.
Philip pressed a cool cloth to her forehead. “It only takes about a month from Southampton to Sri Lanka, my dear, and then a day or so after that, depending on the weather. This seasickness will pass shortly and then you can enjoy the voyage.”
“I feel positively dreadful,” Jane groaned. “Wait. Sri Lanka? You are taking me to India! Please say you are taking me to India!”
“Ah, my secret is out. Yes, I am taking you to India. We are to be guests of Raj Rama at the palace in the southern state of Kerala. I want you to meet his wives and family.”
“I cannot dream of meeting anyone while feeling this ill.”
“You’ll feel fine in a few days, darling. Just relax. I am here to care for you.”
Philip’s few days lasted nearly three weeks into the voyage. With few exceptions, Jane remained in her compartments with her head either on a pillow, leaning against the bulkhead, or hanging over a bucket. Philip did everything possible to make her comfortable while methodically following the advice of the ship’s physician. He took her for short strolls on deck for fresh air, read to her in Hindi, fed her soup and rice, and tried to dispel her boredom when she was finally able to verbalize her wretched condition. So great was her misery that she did not care that she missed all the social gatherings and fancy meals supplied on the luxurious steamship. Secretly, Jane was grateful that she was spared the over-abundance of clothing, and social politics, which accompanied such events.
Her health improved as they entered the final week of their voyage, but so great was her relief to be off that awful vessel that she slept for the entire carriage ride to Raja’s palace. Philip spoke quietly to the servants as he carried her into the guesthouse, asking that they prepare her a hot bath and some mint tea. Jane could barely keep her eyes open, wincing as the scents and sounds of the foreign environment overwhelmed her senses and produced an immediate headache.
Philip kissed her forehead and placed her upon a soft mattress in a dimly lit room. She heard him hush the voices around them before he leaned over to whisper an order for her to rest. Jane was more than ready to comply. She was so exhausted that the thought that he would bathe her barely resonated through her mind.
His hands were gentle and comforting after lowering her into the tub. Jane kept her eyes closed, pretending that the feel of his touch had no effect on her travel-worn body. The sponge he held touched every inch of her, followed by massaging fingers. From her toes to her temple, there was not a part of her body left undiscovered by those same fingers, including her ring. They brushed lightly against the gold trinket, not to arouse, but to soothe. Even the touch on her breasts lacked sexual overtones. Papa was caring for her, through and through, and Jane never felt more safe and loved than that moment.
He returned her to the large, soft bed and patted her naked body dry with a soft towel. After tucking the sheets around her, Philip slowly massaged Jane’s neck and shoulders, using warm oil scented with lavender, sandalwood and white musk. She felt her body sink deeper into the mattress as true sleep overtook her.
***
“Where are we?” Jane whispered as Philip lifte
d a glass of sweet, warm tea to her lips the following morning.
“Padmanabhapuram Palace, baby. When you feel up to it, I will show you around.”
“I am already feeling so much better. How is it that I was so ill during that trip? The ship barely rocked,” Jane asked, accepting a spoonful of sweetened boiled rice with pieces of banana mixed in.
“Some people don’t do well with the ocean. More?”
“Yes, please,” Jane said, accepting another bite. “I didn’t know you spoke Tamil so well!”
“I spend quite a bit of time here so it behooves me to speak both Hindi and Tamil. Were you able to understand?”
“Enough to recognize the difference between the two languages. I am glad you gave me those lessons. Philip?”
“Yes, darling?”
“Would it seem improper for me to call you Papa while we visit here?” Jane asked.
Philip looked pleased. “I would prefer you did so. Rama’s younger wives all refer to him as such. It is a well-kept secret here at the palace,” Philip lowered his voice, “but the Raja spanks his wives on a regular basis and also engages with the three younger ones as his little girls in private.”
“He does?” Jane’s eyes widened.
“Every two or three days, he sends the children away with the nannies and has those three dress in British school girl uniforms with their hair in pigtails for their lessons. They are a content group of ladies and he loves each of them dearly. You can understand now why I found his way of doing things very appealing and desired to have the same with you.”
“Yes, it makes more sense to me now. I did not realize that it was the Raja of whom you had spoken of as your friend. He was the one who advised you to engage in this way of living, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” Philip stroked her face. “You’ve found it to be good for us though, have you not?”
“Very much so. But why would he have them dress like schoolgirls? Those uniforms are itchy and uncomfortable.”
“It helps them maintain the frame of mind for their tasks. In many ways, our clothing will dictate our behavior as much as those things around us. When you dress as a lady, you do not climb trees, do you?”
“Gowns do not lend themselves to doing much of anything fun. I feel as though I am playing dress up most of the time, and against my will. I do hate being restrained by clothing,” Jane wrinkled her nose.
“Perhaps you would enjoy being restrained in other ways.” Philip’s eyes brightened.
“I heard sexual overtones in that question, Mr. de Courtier. The shame!” Jane grinned.
“You heard correctly. Our physical engagement with one another will be encouraged and nurtured in this place, and there are many ways to enjoy the body.”
“You are speaking of the Kama Sutra again, aren’t you?”
“I am. Have you enjoyed reading it? The maid found my book in your wardrobe.”
Jane felt her face warm. “I, uh…”
“Please, do not be embarrassed. I am thrilled that you are taking interest in the book. We, of course, will incorporate our own particular desires as we explore its contents.”
“I cannot believe the maid took it to you,” Jane stuttered. “The things she must have thought of me!”
“She was very verbal in her opinion of what ladies should fill their mind with. I am also fairly certain that she took plenty of time to look through the book herself. It is in Sanskrit, so she could not read it, but the illustrations are clear as to its contents.”
“I wish to change the subject back to the Raja and his family, and the reason behind having a grown woman dress as a child,” Jane announced.
“Very well,” Philip laughed. “Just understand that in India, sex is not a forbidden subject. You must grow used to discussing the topic openly and without embarrassment.”
“I will need some time to acclimate myself to the environment and the culture, that is all,” Jane said, drinking more tea. “Papa? Why do you have me garb myself as though I were ten years old?”
“You tell me, baby.”
“It does make my bottom more accessible in case I find trouble and that is something that remains in the back of my mind. Other than that, and climbing trees, I see no purpose but for comfort.”
“Comfort, freedom, and a means of expressing yourself without concern of public opinion. As for trouble, your bottom has been spared for nearly two months,” Philip said with a grin.
“Well, yes. I could not very well bring you trouble as ill as I was, could I?”
“Even ill, you provided a challenge for me. You are not the best of patients.”
“No one appreciates having a cold rod stuck up their ass.”
“Jane! Language! The ship’s physician was making certain that you were not contagious and required that your temperature be monitored.”
“Every day?”
“That was my doing,” Philip shrugged. “I was obsessed.”
“With my bottom or with my health?”
“Both, you sly little fox. I plan to put that lovely little pucker to good use one day soon.”
Jane flushed again, the images from the book flashing through her mind. Could a man actually put his cock there? She found it intriguing, but it was not a subject fit for proper conversation. “Back to our discussion of the royal family—why not dress them as a child of their own culture?”
“Rama is as westernized as a man of his power and position can be, and his attraction to the way we conduct ourselves is strong.”
“Do you find it unusual that he is attracted to the type of rigid lifestyle that you and I wish to escape from?”
“Everyone has different interests and we must learn to honor and respect them as long as they do not bring harm to others. He feels as I do regarding the terms used by our girls. My joy is immense when you call me Papa and I sense that you are also as content with it as I.”
“I am,” Jane admitted. “It makes me feel very safe and dearly loved. Except when you spank me. I don’t care for that at all.”
Philip laughed. “I hope you understand that, no matter how many times you tell me how much you dislike being spanked that it will not stop me.”
“I do understand, but that does not mean I won’t be persistent in trying to get you to change your thoughts on the subject.”
“Be as persistent as you like, darling. I must tell you that not all spankings are for punishment. When we marry and become intimately involved, then I will show you other ways to enjoy a spanking.”
“Philip? I don’t mean to sound brazen, but must we marry to be in a physical relationship?”
Philip stared at her wordlessly. After a moment, he shook his head. “Forgive my silence. Your question took me by surprise. I did not think you would want to pursue a physical relationship without marriage.”
“We will be married eventually, right? This ring,” Jane glanced down to her groin, “makes me constantly uncomfortable. Because of it, I long to be touched in that manner. Especially since you started caring for my personal needs.”
“You were unable to take care of yourself. I did what any responsible and loving partner would do, nothing less.”
“Except satisfy me as you take your time down there with a washing cloth,” Jane said sardonically. “It’s pure torment.”
“It would not be appropriate for me to take advantage of your weakness in that manner, Miss Jane,” Philip scolded half-heartedly.
“What if I wish for you to take advantage of me?”
“Do you satisfy yourself?”
Bravely, she nodded, her eyes downcast. “It is shameful, I know. But yes, especially since I came across that book. Not often, for I feared being caught unawares by a nosey maid.”
Philip laughed loudly, hugging her. “I love how you simply ‘came across’ a book that I had hidden behind several layers of others and on a recessed shelf. No need to blush, darling, your curiosity and sense of adventure is very attractive to me. Back to the issue of self-plea
sure. It is not shameful to be filled with passion. I do wish you to forego self-stimulation until you are stronger, though. Even better, so that I might watch.”
“You are not serious, are you?” Jane’s mouth hung open.
“Yes, I am. I warned you that I had unusual needs that you might find uncomfortable. I am very visual,” Philip said softly, “also very oral. I love the taste of a woman’s flesh against my tongue.”
“You like to lick?” Jane asked in innocent confusion.
Philip chuckled. “In as many sweet places as I can. Let’s get you stronger and then we can pursue countless things that will tantalize your passion.”
“Like what?”
“You will see. Eat some more rice.”
“I would rather you touch me, Philip. I am feeling that aching need that needs to be relieved.”
“Not yet. Show me that you are once again healthy and I promise to satisfy your appetite.”
“I wish it now. I also wish a bath. A real bath than I can swim through.”
“No. I will bath you after you have finished your meal. Don’t be cross with me. I only want what is best for you.”
“Will you rub my bottom again like you did the day of our picnic?” Jane asked slyly.
“If you think I am going to touch you intimately, you are sadly mistaken,” Philip declared. “After your bath, I will massage your back if you like.”
“I still wish a real bath,” Jane pouted.
“You are certainly recovering enough to argue. Do you also wish a real spanking?”
“No.”
“Then be a good girl and eat.”
Jane obeyed, grumbling her discontent with every bite. Philip did not understand that his touch lit a fire within her, and that the flame had grown since he took it upon himself to give her sponge baths while aboard the ship. He was always as discreet as he could, keeping her covered with a sheet and avoiding touching her flesh directly with his hands. But when he lingered between her legs with the warm, soapy sponge, and when his fingers accidentally brushed against her secrets, she was left only wanting more.
Jane wobbly walked to the bathing area and leaned against the doorway, staring at the deep, copper tub that occupied the center of the tiled room. The base was set several inches into a shallow pit and surrounded by glowing red stones covered with sand and river pebbles. An ornate metal grating protected the bather from stepping on the smoldering charcoal palettes under the stones and sand, and also served to add steam to the chamber when water was splashed upon it. Like every room in the palace, the ceiling was tremendously high and decorated with latticework, encouraging the circulation of fresh air through multiple openings in the walls. Layers of colored mica covered the high windows and reflected rainbows of sunlight upon a bubbling fountain and leafy green, flowering plants that graced the enclosed courtyard.
Little Lady Jane Page 9