“Lift your arms,” Philip said, placing Jane upon a stool.
She suddenly felt very self-conscious and irritable. “I have no sheet to hide under.”
“You have no need of one.”
“I will bathe in my shift. I am not comfortable with you looking at my body so freely.”
“I have seen to your toileting and bath, fed and clothed you every day for nearly a month. I bathed you last night, without a stitch of clothing to hide from me. Do you remember that?”
“I was half asleep. I remember nothing,” she lied.
“Why are you suddenly so shy?”
“People will talk,” Jane said, inventing an excuse for him not to see her naked. She did not understand why she felt so inhibited with him all of a sudden. He had certainly seen her at her worst and last night…
“People will talk about what? Only Rama and his wives know that we are not yet wed, so a lack of decorum will not be a subject of gossip. What else would concern you?”
“I can bathe myself, Philip. Please, just go away.”
“I am assuming you are so churlish due to your illness.”
“I am no longer ill, just a tad weak.” Jane insisted, her tetchiness increasing. “I just wish some time alone.”
“I will be waiting in the bedroom for you. I am warning you, young lady,” Philip pointed his finger at her. “If you fall and hurt yourself due to this stubborn insistence of being independent, I promise to blister your bottom as soon as I trust you are back to full health. Understand?”
“Yes! Now leave!” Jane demanded, stomping her foot.
“Don’t forget to stir the water before you get in. This heating system keeps the water warm longer, but can burn you.”
“Will you please just go away?”
Finally alone, Jane stripped herself of her shift and stepped gingerly into the tub after stirring it thoroughly with a long paddle. The scent of rose petals floating on the steamy surface wafted into the air, and Jane took in a deep breath as she eased her body under the fresh, clean water. She dipped her head beneath the surface, enjoying the feel as the heat tingled against her scalp. After scrubbing the remainder of the sea voyage from her hair and body with scented salts and oiled soap, Jane leaned back to close her eyes.
“Are you well, Jane?” Philip called from the other room.
“I am fine!” Jane’s irritability rose. Why would he not give her any peace? “Go find something to do. I want to be alone and not talk!”
She heard no response, only the sound of his boots as he left the guest quarters and closed the door loudly behind him. Guilt plagued her. She had likely hurt his feelings but the truth was that the man was maddening at times! Well, let him stew for a while. She needed some distance from him, especially since he refused to touch her as she had asked. She found herself wishing for a glass of port, and instead of relaxing, her grumpiness increased. Whatever it was that made her feel so out of sorts was not improving with the bath in any way, shape or form.
CHAPTER 9
One week later, the Raja himself presented at the foot of the ornate bed, shaking his head as he listened carefully to Philip’s concern about Jane’s health and the change in her mood and demeanor. Philip had left her sitting in the garden with a book, hoping to avoid some of the unusual snootiness that she had recently displayed.
“She has regained her strength, Rama, but her disposition is changed. She is generally a tad defiant but now she fights with everything I tell her. She is impatient, dismissive, and talks back to me, not rudely enough to be punished, but enough to annoy me. I even caught her bathing in the fountain outside her rooms yesterday! She said she did not want to wait for a bath to be prepared and felt like being in the sunlight. I am worried for her. I have known her nearly her entire life and have never seen this type of attitude. You have four wives and have gone on many voyages. Has this ever occurred with you?”
“One time, yes,” the elegant man said in perfect English. “But, I do not believe this behavior has anything to do with the voyage, my friend. Right before I married Lynette, my fourth wife, she began to cause me much trouble with defiance. While I was accustomed to being challenged on occasion, her episodes became more frequent and of greater consequence. During our wedding trip to China, she suffered the sea greatly. Like your Jane, her body recovered once on land, but her behavior was quite different. Chastisement did little to control her and she grew restless, cross and impatient. I contacted a physician and she was diagnosed with hysteria.”
“I have heard of that condition. Did he help her?”
“Oh, yes! After only one treatment, she was back to her mischievous, but darling self. My only regret was that I was not permitted to observe the procedure. I found it quite fascinating.”
“I would certainly wish to be present. Is that physician available?”
“My first wife has become quite proficient in handling this problem. I will send for her immediately. If anyone can cure your little monkey of her distress, my Usha can.”
Philip thanked the man profusely, said his goodbyes, and then joined Jane on the marble bench in the shaded gardens. He gently took the book from her hands and stroked her face, explaining Rama’s idea.
“Why do you appear so angry, my love?” Philip asked as she pulled away.
“I do not wish to go through a treatment for something that you can cure yourself, Philip. I told you, this ring makes me prickly and I simply want you to touch me. You do not need to look, just touch.”
“You have been obedient to my request?”
“Regarding not satisfying myself? Yes!” Jane snapped. “Even if I defied you, the feelings that your touch invokes are beyond anything I can give myself.”
“How is it that you will allow me to touch you but not examine your ring? Jane, your words make no sense.”
“Stupid man. Leave me,” Jane barked.
“No, I am staying. Ah, namaste, Rana Usha,” Philip stood quickly and brought his hands together. He dipped in respect before the First Wife as she gracefully approached them. “Jane, this is Raj Rama’s head wife.”
“Namaste, Jane,” Usha greeted her.
Jane returned the greeting half-heartedly, her petulance growing by the second. “Beg pardon, Rana Usha, but today is not a good day for me.”
“Usha will help you recover from this condition that is taking away your joy,” Philip said gently, touching her arm.
“You are the one who is taking away my joy. Just let me walk around and get some fresh air. Away from you.” Jane pushed his hand off her.
“Marchioness de Courtier, you must understand that hysteria is a very serious issue, and can lead to all sorts of health problems if left untreated,” Usha explained, touching the agitated girl’s shoulder.
“My name is Jane and we are not yet married. Philip can take care of me just fine, he just refuses,” Jane growled.
“What a temper!” Usha exclaimed. “When was the last time your papa spanked you, Jane?”
“That is none of your business,” the girl said, crossing her arms.
“Jane Amelia!” Philip scolded.
“Show tolerance, Philip. It is her disease that speaks this way,” the older woman said patiently. “Although a thorough spanking might serve to ease some of the frustration she is experiencing.”
“If she continues in the manner, then a thorough spanking is exactly what she will receive. I promise.”
“My husband suggested that you be allowed to observe and perhaps participate in her care. Is this true?”
“Absolutely. I will do whatever is needed to help her.”
“I told you what I needed, Philip.”
“Please seat yourself if you wish to do so,” Usha said to Philip, ignoring Jane’s outburst. “I must insist that you follow my instruction.”
“I don’t want him here.”
“Cantankerous little girls have no place to tell their papas what is permitted or desired.” Usha stood beside the bed, and pat
ted Jane's hand. “I must have access to your body.”
“Why?”
“To tend to you, of course, silly girl. Please remove your dressing gown and sit back upon the bed.”
“In front of him?” Jane asked, shocked that the woman would even suggest such a thing.
“This is my confusion, Usha,” Philip explained. “Even after I cared for her most intimate needs while at sea, she refuses to allow me to look freely upon her body. She also has requested that I touch her but, that too, is with a denial of sight.”
“Hysteria removes all reason from the mind, my friend. Be patient. She will be cured in no time. As for you,” Usha reached over and began to unbutton the girl’s nightgown. “You must not be concerned. I will go very slowly so that you might relax and be prepared for what you will experience. Raise your arms, please.”
“I do not wish to do this.”
Usha held Jane’s cheeks between her hands. “Would you care to be paddled first? A proper spanking might prepare you to relax and I would be more than pleased to administer it.”
Jane quickly shook her head. “No!”
“Then will you cooperate and cease acting like a spoiled child?”
Jane blushed with the reprimand. “If I must proceed with this ridiculous experiment, may I at least stay under the sheets?”
“No. I need to observe your entire body and how it responds. You will also be feeling much heat as you are stimulated and I do not want you to be distracted by discomfort.”
“I truly do not want to do this.”
“Your consent in this case is not required. I can have my sisters brought in to hold you down if necessary, but you will accept the remedy for your condition before it destroys your health and your relations with Philip.”
Jane paled at the threat. "You wouldn’t!”
“I certainly would. Would you care to test me?”
“No.”
“No, Madam,” Usha said firmly, “I am the First Wife of the Raja, Prince of Kerala. I demand respect.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry,” Jane said, shrinking under the woman’s heavy gaze.
“Are you going to allow me to take care of you and behave like a big girl? Or is a spanking in order.”
“I’ll behave.”
“I certainly think a spanking is in order,” Philip grumbled.
Usha looked at him and nodded. “I agree.”
“No!” Jane protested. “You can’t!”
“Philip? Administer a spanking to relax her as Rama taught you.”
“NO!”
Philip easily captured the girl and held her firmly over his lap. He bared her bottom with a sweep of his right hand, and then pinned her kicking legs under his right ankle. Jane squealed as his hand clapped heavily across her jiggling cheeks.
“Very good,” Usha praised. “She is turning a lovely shade of pink so quickly!”
“Yes, she does,” Philip agreed. He dropped four smacks upon Jane’s bottom, alternating between the cheeks.
“Please let me go,” Jane begged, trying to reach back to protect herself.
“Listen to me,” Usha said, squatting before the girl. “This is not for punishment. Cease your struggles and feel his touch.”
“It huuuuurts.”
“Don’t be such a baby, Jane,” Philip scolded. “I have spanked you much harder than this and with half the fuss.”
“Have you?” Usha asked, standing. “Spank her harder.”
“Ow!” Jane yelped as the burn penetrated her body. Another harsh smack left a strange feeling of warmth as the sting quickly faded.
“Harder, Philip. Her body is responding.”
Jane released an audible sigh as Philip’s hard hand released its strength against her sit spots. She felt her tension begin to melt away and started to grow limp under his hold. He spanked her twice more, keeping his hand in place long enough for the sting to dissipate.
“How does this feel, Jane? It is pleasant to you?”
Jane looked up from her humiliating position across Philip’s knee and sniffed. “It still hurts,” she answered in a timid voice.
“Yes, but it is a pleasant sort of pain,” Usha said. “One that leaves a deep glow within your body?”
Jane hid her face in her hands and nodded.
“Excellent. Philip? Spank her ten more times. Go slowly and allow your hand to linger. Do not be gentle. Let her feel your strength.”
Jane yipped again, feeling tears leak from her eyes. Philip was a strong man with an exact swing, and her bottom felt every bit of power through his palm. She began to cry softly, but had ceased her kicking and squirming.
“She has submitted to you,” Usha observed. “Return her to the bed. It is my turn now. Jane? I am going to be touching you in a very familiar manner. This treatment will help you even more than that spanking did. Do you understand?”
“Must you?”
"Yes," Usha replied firmly, pulling the dressing gown from Jane’s body.
Jane clutched the sheets to hide her breasts. “I am truly embarrassed by this. I might never forgive you for forcing me to endure this humiliation,” she growled at Philip.
“Do you feel this way when you frequent the Baths, Jane?” Philip asked.
“The Baths are different, Papa. There are all women there to begin with. Then we are under the water! Please, don’t look at me so. It makes me uncomfortable.”
“You have a very beautiful body that is ripe for love. It is good to allow your man to study your flesh and come to know it intimately,” Usha stated, pulling the sheets from Jane’s hands. “Philip? She will be your wife and your little girl, yes?”
“Absolutely.”
“Then come learn. Do what I do.”
“No!” Jane protested, snatching a pillow to hide herself.
“Young lady,” Usha said firmly. “You will do as you are told. This is for your best and worth a few moments of embarrassment. This man is committed to be your husband. Honor his promise.”
“But…”
“Jane, I expect you to exercise your manners. I have been very patient because I know how miserable you’ve been with your illness, but if you are willful enough to argue, then you are strong enough to be paddled in a manner that will not be as pleasant as that last spanking. Am I clear?” Philip’s stern tone held no room for nonsense. Jane swallowed dryly, knowing better than to question the stare he laid upon her. “I expect a response, little miss.”
“Yes, sir. I’m sorry,” Jane said quietly, looking down.
“Just behave yourself as you know you are supposed to. Please continue, Usha. What would you like me to do?”
“Part of dealing with hysteria is calming the patient,” Usha said, pouring a generous amount of warm, fragrant oil on her palms. “We shall begin with Abhyanga. We anoint the body with oil infused with medicinal herbs to relax and revive the flesh and spirit. Lift your hands to your face and inhale the aroma,” she instructed Philip after drizzling the oil into his palms.
“It makes me want to breathe deeply and close my eyes,” Philip said. “Smell this, Janie. You love Jasmine. Do you remember how you used to hide from me in the gardens during the summer? You would scream for me to rescue you from the bees. I always did, didn’t I?”
Jane nodded, unable to make eye contact as she sat naked upon the bed with her arms folded around her knees and sniffed obediently. The remnants of the delicate, rich and sweet floral aroma lingered in her nose and, with that came memories of when Philip used to chase her around the gardens of her father’s house when she was just a little child. He told the truth—he was always there to rescue her from the buzzing bees, kiss her scraped knees, and pick an apple that she could not reach. She felt a tiny smile part her lips.
“Oil is vital to reduce the pain caused by the hands running over dry skin. It strengthens the flesh and nourishes the mind. Place the flat of your hands upon her shoulders and follow my example.”
Jane kept her face looking down as the two
began to massage her neck and shoulders. She felt her grip loosening from around her knees as she became more and more relaxed under the hypnotizing scent of the oil and the slow, sensual and firm pressing of two pairs of hands over her body.
“Lay upon your back, Jane,” Usha said.
With a sigh, Jane slowly unfurled and, keeping her eyes tightly closed, stretched out upon the bed.
“Dear Lord,” Philip whispered. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“She is lovely of form and face,” Usha said. “What of heart and mind?”
“Both are even lovelier,” Philip said, resuming the massage of her arm. “That is why I have been so concerned with this sudden change in her.”
“In our language, we use the word sneha for both oil and love, so the effect of the massage is as one who is saturated with love and will give a sense of stability, warmth and comfort. The love oil is very subtle so that it can pass through the skin and deep into the body where it is needed the most. Watch and see how she responds.”
Usha continued to massage Jane’s shoulders and arms, paying close attention to the palms of the girl’s hands. Philip followed Usha’s lead, gently caressing and smoothing his hands over her flesh until Jane’s breathing calmed and her lids rested softly over her eyes.
Usha’s fingers moved down over Jane’s stomach, bypassing her breasts. She stroked around the naval, changing the width of the circles to make fleeting contact with the underside of Jane’s perky mounds. Jane gasped when Philip’s hands took over, travelling further and staying in place for longer, until each sweep lingered around the base of her breasts for several seconds. Usha’s hands enfolded her left breast with Philip on the right and together they started caressing and squeezing the plentiful mounds.
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