Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3)

by Maggie Ryan

  “Go ahead, Lucille. Put on your drawers,” Edward instructed. Lucy whimpered but stepped awkwardly into the drawers and pulled them up underneath her new dress. Edward didn’t move or offer her privacy. He watched as her fingers fumbled to tie the ribbon around her small waist and adjust the fabric. After she had removed her hands from under her skirts and smoothed them down, he spoke again.

  “Tell me, Lucille, do you find yourself now grateful for the clothing provided to you?” he asked. She slowly nodded her head and realized she had truly acted without thinking that morning.

  “Yes, Sir, than…thank you, Sir,” she said feeling far more covered than she had all day. Edward smiled.

  “Lift your dress and stand by the chair, Lucille,” he ordered stepping back and turning to walk to the armoire. As he unlocked the door, Lucy began to cry softly. She wondered why he had even bothered allowing her to dress when he obviously meant to spank her. She stepped to the chair and slowly drew her dress up to her waist. She blushed as her drawers came into view but was grateful she hadn’t been ordered to lower them. Edward’s lips curled into a quick smile of amusement knowing the poor girl had no true idea of exactly what her new drawers offered. He chose a small paddle and returned to stand next to her chair.

  “You have been a very good girl these past weeks, Lucille. I must say I was very disappointed in you this morning,” he began. “I thought you had learned that being naughty is never a good choice.” She flushed hotter, her eyes unable to look away from the paddle he was casually tapping against his leg.

  “I’m so sorry, Sir,” Lucy said. “I…I wasn’t very awake and…and didn’t understand you had changed…changed my wardrobe. I…I know I shouldn’t have shouted or been rude to Mrs. Bremmer,” Lucy confessed. “But, Sir, I apologized and…and asked for a tawsing. I…I didn’t mean to be disobedient…”

  “And yet you were, Lucille,” Edward said. “You are having a problem remembering to both think about your words before they spew from your mouth as well as remembering to treat every single adult in your life with respect. Mrs. Bremmer’s word is second only to mine. You are to do as she instructs every single time. If she decides you need to have your bottom reddened, you, young lady, will ask her to redden it for you. She is only doing her duty and attempting to raise you to be a good and proper young woman.” Lucy wanted to argue, but knew it would be considered naughty as well as fall on deaf ears. Instead, she bit her lower lip and simply nodded.

  “Yes, Sir…I’m sorry, Sir,” she said yet again. Edward nodded.

  “I know you are, sweetheart, but also know you are far more sorry that you were given this appointment. Turn around and bend over the arm of the chair,” Edward said firmly. Lucy sobbed once but did as she was told. Her hands reached under the edge of the cushion as they had when she had received her last strapping in this very spot. Edward stepped closer and said, “Reach behind you and open your drawers, Lucille. You need to first bare your bottom and then make your apology and ask for your paddling.” Lucy froze, and with his words, understood exactly why she had been mending all day. Sobbing, her shame intense, she found she could easily slide the fabric of her drawers apart, exposing her bottom to Edward’s view. Her hands paused for a moment when she felt the first of the exposure. Edward was about to chastise her when, with a small cry, she finally pushed every inch of fabric off her bottom. With the exposure, folds of fabric fell to the sides of her hips, the pale skin of her bottom as well as the backs of her thighs very well framed by the white cloth of her drawers before the fabric gathered again in cuffs around each of her slim calves.

  “Very good, Lucille. Make your apology and present your bottom and let’s get this naughtiness spanked right out of you,” Edward instructed.

  “I’m sorry,” Lucy sobbed. She forced herself to her toes and lifted her bottom to present it for chastisement. “Please may I have my…my paddling?” Edward gave her his answer as his first stroke burned into her upturned bottom. She groaned and soon had her hands buried under the cushion as she attempted to accept her punishment with as much dignity as possible. Edward was proud of her, but continued to paddle her until the entire surface of her bottom was pulsing and beet-red, its color heightened by the contrasting white of her drawers. He stepped forward and placed his hand onto her lower back, pressing it down hard.

  “Bottom tilted higher, Lucille. I’m going to paddle your sit-spot so that you will remember the importance of being respectful to Mrs. Bremmer,” Edward said. She sobbed, but obediently rose slightly and moved forward on the chair. She tightened her grip around the cushion and spread her legs a bit wider before tilting her bottom up to her guardian. “That’s correct, Lucille. Submitting your bottom properly shows me that you do desire to be my good girl,” he praised, before striking her with the paddle. Her legs began to kick up and down as she fought the searing pain of the paddling.

  “Please…no…no more, please, Sir,” she cried, her hands clutching at the cushion as her bottom wagged from side to side and then up and down. Edward ignored her and continued to roast her sit-spot until it was a red as the rest of her bottom. He finally lowered the paddle and stepped back. Before him, lying over the arm of his chair, was a very well toasted, crimson-red little rump. Edward replaced the paddle into the armoire as Lucy attempted to regain her composure.

  “You may rise and go to the corner, Lucille. Keep those drawers well parted and your dress up. I want you to display that naughty bottom correctly,” Edward said, moving back behind his desk. Lucy struggled to stand and then walked to the corner. She stepped into it and before leaning forward to press her nose against the wall, she used her delicate fingers to draw the sides of her drawers well apart and drag her skirt up to her waist, holding it there. Edward gave her one glance. “Bend a bit and push that bottom right out, Lucille; I need to see it properly protruding from the rear of your new drawers.” She sobbed but obeyed, his words describing the required position causing her great embarrassment. Edward nodded his approval and turned back to the unfinished mail still waiting upon his desk.

  Edward finished his business correspondence before reaching and pulling a bell cord on the wall behind him. He poured himself a glass of brandy while he waited. His eyes took in his ward as she stood in the corner. He was very pleased to see that she was now still, her cries having quieted into only the occasional sniffle. A knock sounded on the door and he called his permission to enter. Mrs. Bremmer nodded to him and he motioned to the corner. She stepped forward and took Lucy’s upper arm. “Come, Lucille, it is time for bed,” the housekeeper said softly. “I know you must be a very tired little one.” Lucy turned from the wall but made sure she didn’t drop her skirts, since she had not been given permission to do so. Anna led her to the desk and reached to pick up the remaining pile of drawers that Lucy had set upon the desk more than an hour earlier.

  “I’m sorry I was naughty, Sir,” Lucy said softly. “Tha…thank you for paddling me.”

  Edward stood, and dropping a kiss on her forehead, said, “Good night, little one. I’m sure today’s lesson will help remind you to be a good little girl. As you now know, your new undergarments will make it quite easy to tend to your bottom should you decide to be naughty.” Edward observed her cheeks flush and added, “I do hope that you are able to sleep well, little one.” He watched the two women walk from his study; one was a mature, middle-aged woman dressed quite stiffly in her daily uniform, the other, a beautiful, petite young woman, her skirts lifted to her waist, her punished red bottom peeking from the parted fabric of her drawers.

  With Lucille even now being tucked snugly into her bed, he returned to his desk. The last pile of mail consisted of a few envelopes, heavy and sealed with wax. He smiled, thinking he was finally receiving a response to his own letter posted weeks ago. He slid his letter opener under the flap of the first envelope and broke the seal. As he pulled a thick parchment from the envelope and unfolded it, his smile broadened.

  The first letter Edward rea
d was from his childhood friend, Lord Lucas Huntington. The men had known each other for decades. If Edward had a twin, it would have been Lucas. The two had manufactured quite a bit of mischief throughout their childhood and had attended school together. Memories flooded through Edward’s mind as he recalled receiving a very hard caning which had been followed by Lucas receiving his own. The memory caused Edward to remember the scene in Thorne’s office where both his wife and his ward had bent side-by-side, bottoms bared and raised as they both went under the cane. That day had been the beginning of a new openness at Wintercrest. No longer was his little wife allowed to live under any deception. Lucille was quickly informed that life at Wintercrest Manor ran far differently than she had believed. The secret was revealed that her twin sister, Louisa, lived her life far more like that of a coddled - yet strictly disciplined - child, rather than as a grown woman who was Edward’s wife. Lucille had been shocked, but Edward knew from her behavior that she was gradually growing accustomed to her new life. Edward pushed the thoughts of his girls away as he once more concentrated on the letter before him.

  Lucas had been abroad for the past two years expanding his business interests. Edward was extremely pleased to learn that the man had recently returned to his own ancestral home, Hunter’s Ridge, and was finally ready to settle down and marry. Edward and Lucas both shared the same proclivities and Lucas had been the first name to pop into Edward’s head when he began to consider Lucille’s future. Lucas wrote to inform Edward that he would be in town soon, which suited Edward well. He knew his friend would have fully approved of the session that Edward had just conducted. Lucas was a man who also believed in firm discipline and that red bottoms were a necessary lesson for the females in his life. Having being the eldest in a large family, he had never hesitated to discipline any of his female siblings as well as the women he had courted. Edward found himself looking forward to the man’s visit and was anxious to see his reaction to Lucille. Edward set the letter aside and picked up the next.

  He was quite surprised to read its contents. The sender was not a name that had even crossed Edward’s mind. He tapped the edge of the envelope against his chin as he considered the man’s words. It seemed that his little ward had made quite the impression. Edward knew Lucille had been initially frightened upon meeting this formidable man. Edward shook his head but was still smiling. Whoever would have guessed that Pastor Reed, the leader of his community’s church, was writing to inform Edward of his interest in calling upon Lucille. Edward set the letter aside and picked up another.

  The final envelope did not contain a letter but held a formal invitation to the opening ball of the season. Lord and Lady Eddington were hosting the event, which told Edward many things. The couple had met Lucille during her celebratory dinner upon her successful graduation. They held a great deal of respect in society, both in that considered “normal” as well as the more selective one in which couples shared the lifestyle that Edward followed. The couple had been wed many years, serving as role models for how this particular lifestyle could be fulfilling for both partners. While Lady Eddington was allowed to dress according to her age and station whenever she left the privacy of her husband’s estate, Edward knew that within their home, and often among their group of acquaintances, she was George’s own special little girl, often wearing dresses comparable to the ones Louisa wore daily. Attending the party would be a wonderful lesson for both his wife and his ward. He would, of course, accept the invitation and knew his wife and ward would both be excited about the prospect of attending their first party.

  Edward sat back in his chair and rolled the heavy crystal glass between his hands to warm the brandy before taking the final sips. He was very pleased with what he had read. He was also thinking of the letter he had written to Charles Lloyds. He had instantly known that the professor was interested in Lucille as a possible wife, instead of simply as his former student. Edward still retained several doubts about Charles’ ability or even desire to tend to Lucy in the way she needed, but despite his doubts, Edward had to admit he was growing to admire and respect Charles and was willing to give him a chance. It would all depend upon the next few weeks and how Charles reacted to Edward’s suggestions. Edward rose from his desk and extinguished the lamp. He had several things to attend in the coming weeks. He would speak to Anna in the morning so that she could properly prepare the house for Lucas’ upcoming visit. Edward was looking forward to seeing his friend and still felt the man was the most likely candidate to become Lucy’s husband. Edward felt that Lucy was far more likely to consider Lloyds as a possible husband simply because she at least knew something of the man and his character. Charles had been nothing but supportive and kind while tutoring Lucille. Edward knew that his ward was most likely under the impression that her sweet Professor was incapable of dealing with naughty young girls, as he had never had a cause or the right to punish Lucy. Edward grinned, knowing that despite his ward’s innocence, he himself had witnessed Charles’ reaction to the discipline Lucy had received upon failing her practice exams. Edward knew that whatever the final outcome, the next few weeks would be educational and telling for everyone.

  As Edward entered his bedchamber, his thoughts left Lucille and her possible suitors. He saw his own wife sleeping peacefully, her hair spread across the white linen bedcovering. Edward soon slid into bed beside her, pulling her to lie upon her back as he gently lifted her nightgown to bunch above her breasts. He saw her nipples pucker immediately in the cool evening air. Louisa slowly came awake as she felt her legs being pushed apart and her husband’s lips descending upon her nipple, his tongue quickly laving it.

  “Papa,” she sighed and then moaned as his teeth began to nibble on her sensitive skin. Edward loved the sound of her sleepy moan and felt his cock stiffen as he positioned himself at her entrance.

  “Yes, my love,” he whispered as he moved to her other breast and took that nipple between his teeth. Louisa arched her back and moaned again, her hands beginning to pull against the restraints she always wore when in her husband’s bed. Edward slid into her easily; she had moistened the moment he lifted her gown. He rode her slow and easy, his mouth moving from breast to breast as he suckled and nibbled on her swollen nipples. Louisa felt her sex stretch, completely full of her husband. His mouth upon her breasts was causing her desire to explode to consume her every thought. She was soon begging for permission to take her pleasure. Edward released her nipple only long enough to grant her that permission.

  “Yes, little lady, you may spend when you wish,” he said, and then watched as she arched her back, soon moaning and gasping, her head twisting from side to side as her climax claimed her. Edward was soon thrusting hard and fast into her and the minute she began to spend again, he joined her, shooting his seed deep inside her womb. He moved to kiss her and heard her whisper her thanks for being allowed her pleasure.

  “I adore feeling you spend when I am buried so deeply within you,” Edward said, loving the way her face flushed at his words.

  “I love you, Papa,” she said as he bent to kiss her again.

  “I love you as well, Louisa,” Edward said, before settling her against him, her small sweet bottom pressed into his groin. Louisa sighed and was soon deeply asleep, not aware her gown remained twisted above her breasts, her bare bottom nestled against her husband. She simply knew she was loved and that was enough.

  Chapter 3

  Edward looked up from his seat in the library when Henri appeared. Louisa looked up as well from where she was sitting on her Papa’s lap. Lucy was totally involved in the book she was currently reading and didn’t move until Henri spoke.

  “Sir, Mr. Lloyds is here,” Henri announced. Lucy’s head raised and her eyes darted towards the doorway. She didn’t see her former professor but realized her heart had started to beat just a bit faster. Edward smiled and gently removed Louisa from his lap.

  “Thank you, Henri, please show him to my study,” Edward said. Henri nodded and left the ro
om. Louisa looked to her sister and saw her flush. Louisa smiled knowing that Lucy was anxious to learn what Professor Lloyds might want. “You girls be good,” Edward said as he guided his wife to sit in the chair he had just vacated.

  “Yes, Sir,” the twins chorused as one voice. Edward smiled, never tiring of sharing his home with the two young women. He bent to press a kiss to the top of Louisa’s head and then walked to his study. He opened the door and stepped inside where he saw Charles standing before the French doors that led to the garden. Charles turned at the sound of Edward’s entrance.

  “Good afternoon, Lord Wintercrest,” Charles said holding out his hand. Edward shook it and motioned for Charles to take a seat.

  “Good day, Charles,” Edward said and chose to seat himself in an adjacent armchair instead of distancing himself from his guest by sitting behind his large desk. “I trust you received my letter?”

  “Yes, thank you, Sir,” Charles said politely. Edward smiled and leaned a bit forward.

  “Come, Charles, I believe you and I are beyond such formal titles. Please, call me Edward,” Edward said, wanting the younger man to feel relaxed in his presence. Charles nodded his acceptance.

  “Thank you, Edward,” Charles began. “I have come to offer my response to your suggestion. I’ve given it quite a bit of thought and find I agree with you. I find no other course available if I am to learn what is needed to feel capable of accepting the position of Headmaster.” Edward sat back in his chair and rested his chin on the tips of his fingers. He was pleased at the man’s words and appreciated the effort Charles was making to become prepared to take up the much-desired position of Headmaster at the girls’ former school.