Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3)

by Maggie Ryan

  “Did you mention the position is that of Headmaster?” Edward asked as he crossed the room to seat himself in a chair across from the couple. Charles looked at him and nodded.

  “Yes, I’m sure I did. I don’t know what that has to do…” his voice drifted off as the truth finally dawned on him. “Oh God,” he said quietly. “I have been a fool. Lucille, please forgive me. I…I didn’t even think about Thorne or…or what happened. God, please, please say you forgive me. I can’t believe I was so careless,” Charles said forlornly. Edward sat back and shook his head. Lucy responded to strength and firmness. Charles was practically begging for her understanding and Edward wondered how far his pleas would get him. Lucy looked first at Edward and then at Charles.

  “I’m sorry, Professor,” she finally said. “I…I didn’t mean to cause you discomfort. I…I just heard you say that word and all I could remember was the awful things he said to me,” she confessed. Charles relaxed a bit, though he gave her hands a quick squeeze.

  “I promise I won’t be that kind of Headmaster, Lucille,” Charles said. “You know I felt awful about what happened. Your guardian has gone out of his way to make sure that your school will be in far better hands. Even if those hands aren’t mine, I promise that the future students will not have to live in real fear of their Headmaster.” Lucy nodded and flushed, knowing his words were true. While Thorne had been absolutely horrid to her, she knew that many young women had received harsh discipline under various Headmasters, yet had no irrational fear of the title.

  “I know, Professor,” Lucy said. “I know you are a kind and gentle man. You have never frightened me. I…I know you would never hurt me or…or anyone. Please, Sir, I have no excuse. It’s I that must ask for forgiveness.” Charles felt his hopes dash at her words. She was not speaking as if she were a young woman who thought he was a man she could love. Her tone was sincere, her words were kind, and yet her countenance was one of a student asking for forgiveness from a favorite teacher. Nothing in her manner showed her interest in him in any other manner. Charles closed his eyes for a brief moment and then released her hands.

  “There is nothing to forgive, Miss Furniss,” he said as he shifted away from her. “You are a wonderful young woman who was treated very unfairly. I admire you so much. Please, let’s forget about this. I…I will give you time to consider my words. All I can ask is that you don’t make your decision simply because of my position. I…I can always refuse the position if you find you simply can’t tolerate me as Headmaster.” Lucy was shocked at his words and understood he was giving her power that she had never expected. She looked across the way and saw Edward watching her. He gave her no clue as to what her response should be. She reached out and placed her hand on Charles’ arm.

  “Thank you, Professor,” she said. “You are a good man.” Charles nodded and slowly stood. He didn’t want her to think of him as only a ‘good man’. He desperately wanted her to think of him as ‘her man.’

  “I’ll say my good night,” Charles said and gave her a small bow before turning to Edward. “Thank you again, Sir,” he said stiffly. “I…I will keep you informed of my progress.” Edward stood and walked to the door with Charles.

  “Don’t give up so easily, Charles. No weak man will ever truly win Lucille’s heart. She needs a firm, strong hand as well as a loving heart to capture her love. I assure you, she can overcome her fear of the position. What she would never be able to dismiss is if she were to see you weak and unsure,” Edward said before he opened the door. “Take the opportunity before you to learn and learn well and quickly,” he warned, knowing Lucas was arriving soon. Charles nodded and wondered if he should mention that he’d unconsciously popped his hand against his ward’s bottom. He decided the information might embarrass Miss Furniss, so he said nothing of it.

  “Thank you, Edward. I appreciate all you have done for me,” Charles said. “I assure you, I will do my very best and take your words to heart. I apologize again for this evening.” Edward shook his head.

  “Apologies are unnecessary, Charles. You have done nothing wrong. I hope to hear from you by the end of the week,” Edward said. Charles nodded and slowly walked down the steps. Henri had the coach ready and once more drove the Professor home.

  Edward closed the heavy door. He walked down the foyer with the intention of going into his study for his nightly drink. As he approached the library, he became aware that Mrs. Bremmer and Lucy were standing in the doorway. He stopped and turned towards them.

  “Excuse me, Sir,” Lucy said quietly. “I…I know it is time for me to go to bed, but…I’ve asked Mrs. Bremmer to wait a moment. I’d…I’d like to speak with you if you’d allow it.” Edward was impressed with her polite request.

  “Certainly, Lucille,” he said. “Shall we speak in my study?” He saw her face flush and one hand move behind her as if to protect her bottom from any attention. He gave her a soft smile. “Lucille, my study is not only used to tend to naughty bottoms,” he assured her and saw her color deepen. “Little one, it is where we may speak in private.” She hesitated, but then nodded.

  “Ye…yes, Sir,” she said, and when he motioned for her to precede him, she stepped into the hallway.

  “I shall call you when we are done, Anna,” Edward said to his housekeeper. She had returned from putting Louisa to bed and had no idea what had transpired in her absence. She wisely held her tongue.

  “Yes, your Lord,” she said and turned to walk away. Edward followed Lucille and opened the door of his study. The lamps had already been lit and the room was suffused with a soft light.

  “Please, sit,” Edward said motioning towards the chairs before his desk. Lucy hesitated, her mind picturing herself bent over the arm of the chair, offering her bottom for chastisement. Edward saw her discomfort. “Perhaps you’d be more comfortable on the settee?” he suggested. She nodded and soon was perched on the edge of the leather settee. Edward positioned the large leather ottoman in front of her and seated himself. She was practically shaking and he reached forward and took her hands into his own. She stiffened but stopped twisting the linen handkerchief in her hands.

  “Relax, little one,” Edward said. “You have nothing to fear. Please speak freely.” Lucy took several moments to form her thoughts.

  “I want to apologize, I suppose,” she began hesitantly. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene. Do…do you think he hates me now?” Edward smiled, though her eyes were lowered. He also chose his words carefully.

  “Lucy, sweetheart, I appreciate your apology. However, it is unnecessary. I know you were frightened and simply reacted,” he assured her. Lucy lifted her eyes to his, as she was somewhat surprised at the gentleness of his voice. She saw him smile down at her. “Lucille, just as I will defend Thorne’s right to cane your bottom,” he said, and felt her attempt to pull away. “No, honey, I don’t believe you can argue his right to do so, can you?” She wanted to shout the man had been a monster but also remembered her crime and the incredible feeling of guilt she had felt after drawing her sister into her scheme.

  “No…I suppose not,” she admitted honestly. Edward nodded. He appreciated her honesty.

  “As I was saying, I will defend his right - and duty - to punish you. However, I will never defend his right to verbally accuse and attack you,” Edward said. Her eyes met his again and he saw she was surprised. “Lucille, he had no right to frighten you so. You are an innocent young girl and he is a mean-hearted man. Remember, I told you there are many different types of men in this world?” She nodded having remembered almost every word of that conversation. Edward squeezed her hands.

  “Good, well, Thorne is simply an evil man. He abused his position of trust, and, little one, despite the pain he caused you, you should also feel proud.” Her eyes showed her confusion and he smiled. “It is because of that attack that his true nature was visible. He has been removed from his position and I assure you, the future students of your school will appreciate your part in that.” He was pleased
to see her relax and even saw the corners of her mouth lift. He squeezed her hands again and then gently pulled the wadded cloth from her hands. Her face flushed, but she released it to him.

  “Lucy,” he said and she lifted her eyes again. “This is a handkerchief is it not?” She nodded wondering why he was asking such a question. He smiled. “You aren’t frightened of this simple cloth are you?” She shook her head.

  “Of course not,” she said softly. “It can’t hurt me.” Edward nodded.

  “Correct. However, do you remember the cloth I put into your mouth?” he asked and saw her memory in her eyes as well as the color of her cheeks. She didn’t answer, but gave him a slow nod. “That’s right. I used my handkerchief to teach you a lesson, but Lucille, it is only a word. Your professor gave you his handkerchief to give you comfort.” She nodded again but he knew she still didn’t understand.

  “Lucy, every school needs a Headmaster,” he began, and saw her flinch. “Not every Headmaster is like Thorne. Can you tell me you believe your Professor could possibly become the sort of man that Thorne was?” He saw her become aware of his train of thought.

  “No, I…I don’t think that,” she admitted.

  “Then, Lucy, you have nothing to fear. Just as handkerchief is a word, so is Headmaster. Words cannot hurt you, little one. Professor Lloyds is simply trying to better his life. If he accepts the position, he will have a much better future. Trust in him, little one; trust that the same man who showed nothing but concern while tutoring you, will also show concern for any student he must attend to. You know the only students sent to his office will surely deserve to have their bottoms caned. Trust him to do so with a true concern for their well being.” Lucy thought about his words and understood her fright was unnecessary. She knew Professor Lloyds was a good man. She smiled when Edward tucked the handkerchief back into her hands.

  “Sir,” she said softly as she returned to her earlier question. “Do…do you think he hates me?” Edward leaned forward and drew her into his arms. She went willingly, her cheek pressed against his chest as she accepted his comfort.

  “Oh, sweetheart, I assure you that he does not hate you. I believe the man to be infatuated with you,” Edward said, and then kissed the top of her head. Lucy smiled against his chest before he set her gently from him. “I believe you will discover he will ask to escort you again. What you need do, Lucille, is determine if you believe you can love a man who is more than likely to become a Headmaster, knowing what that entails.” She blushed hotly, but dared to ask another question.

  “Do you…do you think he is like you, Sir?” she said and worried that her question would cause his easy manner to disappear. Edward thought before answering.

  “I can’t say as yet, Lucille,” he admitted. “I believe he is a good man, he has earned my respect, but, little one, I can’t say I believe he is the proper man for you.” She was a little shocked at his openness. Edward smiled.

  “There are many types of men, remember?” She nodded remembering their conversation the night of her celebration dinner. “Rest easy, Lucille. I told you that I would guide you as you begin courting. I am promising you now that I will not choose a man that I feel you cannot grow to love. You need to trust me.” She looked into his eyes and saw his promise reflected in their depths.

  “I’ll try. Thank you, Sir,” she said.

  “You are most welcome, little one,” he said and then stood and walked to pull the bell cord to summon Mrs. Bremmer. Lucy stood and straightened her skirts. Though she suddenly remembered her feeling of shame in her outfit, she understood that it truly didn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things, what mattered was finding the right man - one she could love as fiercely as she had discovered Louisa loved Edward.

  “Thank you for speaking with me,” she said again. Edward nodded and bent to brush his lips over her forehead.

  “You are a special girl, Lucille, and I promise to protect you always,” Edward said. He opened the door and found Mrs. Bremmer waiting. He watched as Lucy slipped her hand into the older woman’s.

  “Good night, Sir,” she turned to say.

  “Good night, little one. Sleep well,” he answered.

  Chapter 4

  Louisa and Lucille finally found a chance to be alone. The next day, after they had been awakened from their naps, Mrs. Bremmer gave them permission to walk in the garden. Louisa made sure they were out of sight before taking her sister’s hand and pulling her deeper into the garden.

  “Where are we going?” Lucy asked, though she knew she’d follow her sister anywhere.

  “To my secret place,” Louisa answered, and giggled. Lucy found herself smiling as well and her smile widened when her sister stepped off the paved path and moved several feet into the trees. “Come see,” Louisa said as she parted thick branches of a huge weeping willow tree. Lucy stepped forward, and then into the opening. Her breath caught as she realized the tree branches swept the ground but formed a large secret room.

  “This is wonderful,” Lucy said as her sister beamed. The girls sank onto the carpet of clover. As one, they began to pluck the pinkish-white flowers that grew from the thick green leaves. They began to chain the flowers together, something they had often done as small girls. After a few minutes, Louisa spoke.

  “Tell me, what happened with your Professor?” she asked. Lucy flushed, causing Louisa to smile. “Did he kiss you?” Lucy looked at her sister in shock.

  “Of course not!” she said. “He…he wouldn’t take such liberties, Louisa!” Louisa feigned shame and then smiled.

  “Well, how will you know if you like him, if he is too proper?” she said, remembering that Edward had kissed her the second time they had found themselves alone. Of course, the kiss had only come after he had given her the first spanking of many. She shivered a bit with the memory. Lucy smiled and shook her head.

  “I don’t know. I don’t know if he’ll ever even escort me again,” Lucy confessed. Louisa was surprised at her sister’s words.

  “Why? What happened?” she asked, the flower chain momentarily forgotten.

  “He spanked me,” she said.

  “He what!” Louisa said loudly and then she lowered her voice. “Spanked you? Why?” Lucy was shaking her head vigorously.

  ‘No, I guess it wasn’t really a span…spanking. He…he just swatted me when I ran out into the street without looking. There…there was a carriage coming, but I didn’t see it,” she confessed. Louisa relaxed, though she understood her sister could have been seriously injured.

  “I’m surprised a swat is all you received, Lucy,” Louisa said. “If Papa saw me do that, I guarantee I wouldn’t be able to sit for a week. He hates it when people he loves put themselves into danger.” She then looked closely at her twin. “Tell me, how did you feel when he spanked you?” she asked.

  Lucy was still trying to figure out how she felt about even confessing the act. “It really wasn’t like that, Louisa. He only struck me once and seemed embarrassed about it. It didn’t hurt, but I did cry because I was so ashamed of dressing like this and knowing all the other girls are able to dress in the best fashions to impress their suitors. I bet they don’t have suitors who feel free to smack their bottoms either!” Louisa shook her head and sighed.

  “You’d be surprised, Lucy. I’ve found that there are many, many women who live as I do. You will not be the only eligible female who is being presented by a strict guardian. Besides, a man should fall in love with who you are and not for what you are allowed to wear,” Louisa said firmly. Lucy found she couldn’t argue with her sister’s logic. Hadn’t Charles said he didn’t care about fashion? She relaxed and smiled as she added another flower to her chain.

  She told Louisa about her conversation with Edward. Louisa was a bit surprised, but found herself pleased. She reached out and patted her sister’s arm.

  “Don’t worry, Lucy,” she said, as she took up her chain again. “I think your professor is half in love with you already. I’m sure he’ll
call on you again very soon.” Lucy sat quietly wondering at her sister’s words. Did Charles love her? He had confessed to being attracted to her, yet did that mean he loved her? She shrugged her shoulders.

  “I don’t know, Louisa, I…I have nothing to offer him,” Lucy said. Louisa giggled.

  “Of course you do, silly, you have yourself. He could do no better than to take you as his bride,” Louisa assured her. Lucy found herself uncomfortable with the thought of marriage. She still wondered if she was more like her sister than she wanted to admit. She picked up a flower from her lap and remembered her thoughts of her dress and her sister’s advice.

  “Louisa,” she said quietly. Louisa lifted her eyes and knew her sister was about to speak of something that concerned her. “Do you…do you ever feel bad about…well, about your life? I mean...I’m not sure I could ever marry a man who is so strict.” Louisa wasn’t surprised at the question; in fact, she thought it long overdue. She was aware of how difficult and shocking it had been for her sister when she learned Louisa’s true lifestyle. She had no intention of lying to her twin.

  “Lucy, I am happy. I love Edward and he loves me. I know it is hard to understand,” she admitted. “I know this lifestyle is not one we ever knew existed. I can’t say that I enjoy being spanked so often, but I’ve learned that Papa only punishes me when I’ve been naughty. It’s really not that different from when our father disciplined us. The rest was hard at first and I…I was scared that you would no longer love me when you discovered that I am treated more as Papa’s child than his wife.”

  Lucy felt her sister’s pain and sat forward and threw her arms around her twin. “Oh, Louisa,” she said, “Don’t ever think that. You are my sister, my twin…we are part of each other. I will always love you.” Louisa hugged her sister hard and the girls sat back again.