Homecoming

by Maggie Ryan

  “Good girl,” he said coming towards her. She had the tip of her finger in her mouth, sucking at the pain and he felt his cock twitch. He closed the distance and she gave a startled shriek as he lifted her and then took her seat and placed her on his lap. “Show me,” he said and when she held out her finger, he could see that it must be quite sore indeed. “I think you’ve done enough sewing for the day,” he said and she smiled gratefully. Lucas chuckled again, easily remembering how she had received her first mouth washing when she had cursed while repairing a dress that had torn when he grabbed her off the ladder in the library at Wintercrest. Lucas bent and kissed the tip of her finger before kissing her lips. She sighed and kissed him back, his touch instantly causing her heart to beat faster and her tummy to flutter.

  “Ready for a quick tour?” he asked, and she immediately nodded, squirming to get off his lap. “We won’t be able to see a great deal, as it is almost time for luncheon. What would you rather see first? The house or the grounds?”

  “Oh, the grounds, please. May we go see the stables?” Lucy asked, practically bouncing in her excitement.

  “It’s still very muddy from the rain,” Lucas said, and saw her excitement dim. “However, I believe we should be able to walk out to the training ring.” Her quick nod caused him to chuckle as he led her to a small room beside the kitchen. “Joseph, do you know where Ettie’s boots are?” he asked, after looking on a shelf. His valet had been busy polishing several pair of his employer’s boots and smiled over at Lucy.

  “I just finished them, Sir,” he said, reaching down to his side to lift a pair of black boots. “I’m afraid even these are too large for your girl. Perhaps there are some up in the attic from when the girls were smaller?”

  Lucas seemed to consider it and knew his valet was right. The boots would simply be too large and awkward for Lucy to attempt to walk. He was about to tell her they would tour the house instead, but saw her teeth worrying her bottom lip. “I suppose I’ll just have to carry you, Kitten,” he teased. “I mean, if you want to see the horses.”

  “Oh, yes, Papa, please,” she said, with no hesitation or embarrassment, her arms rising exactly as would those of a small child asking to be carried. When he grinned and easily lifted her, she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist as her bottom settled onto his arm.

  Joseph smiled, seeing her snuggle into him, her giggle and Lucas’ chuckle proof of their happiness together. He’d make it a point to find suitable footwear for Lucy. Her husband might be able to tote her around for a tour to see the horses, but she’d need a pair of her own boots if she ever rode one.

  Being outside was wonderful: the air was crisp, the sky a beautiful blue, with only a few puffy cumulus clouds slowly drifting across. Lucas first showed her a large kitchen garden behind the house. Several girls were working among the rows, weeding and picking vegetables under the direction of Edith. The cook smiled and walked over to the couple, a large wicker basket filled with plants hanging from her arm, a pair of shears in her hand.

  “Good morning, Sir,” she said. “Good morning, Lucy.” Lucy smiled brightly at the older woman.

  “Your garden is wonderful,” Lucy said, and smiled at seeing the woman’s pleasure.

  “Thank you.” She held out a sprig of bright green leaves towards Lucy.

  “Oh, it smells like peppermint candy!” Lucy exclaimed, the scent intensifying as Edith crushed one of the leaves between her fingers.

  “Yes, it does. We have several varieties of mint. The plants are useful for more than tea,” Edith said, holding out a sprig of spearmint.

  Lucy smelled the plant, recognizing the scent as the same that wafted from her teacup in the afternoon. She pointed to a rather strange looking plant that had large, knobby bulbs dangling from its roots. “What’s that one? Is it used in tea as well?”

  Both the cook and Lucas chuckled, causing Lucy to glance alternately between them.

  “This is ginger root,” Edith explained, holding up a plant and snapping off one of the knobby bulbs. “It is a useful plant. It can be used to spice food, or even sliced into slivers and steeped into a tea that is effective relief for an upset tummy.” She paused, her eyes sliding to Lucas and noted that his eyebrows were arched—as if daring her to explain its other, more embarrassing use. Edith slipped the root back into her basket. “Perhaps one day your Papa can give you a more complete lesson on the benefits of vegetables.” Lucas chuckled, but Edith ignored him. “Your Papa loves his fresh vegetables, though I’m afraid the season is almost over. We’ll be canning the rest of the tomatoes and squash soon. Perhaps you’d come visit me? Ettie loves to help, and I think you would enjoy it, if your Papa allows,” Edith said.

  Lucy nodded and was pleased when Lucas gave his permission—if she weren't otherwise occupied. Though she wasn’t sure what he meant, Lucy couldn’t wait to spend time with both the cook and Ettie.

  They said goodbye and continued the tour. He showed her the more formal gardens and she giggled upon seeing a huge willow tree, knowing that behind its low-hanging branches she’d find a secret room like the one she and Louisa had shared at Wintercrest. When Lucas’ hand reached up to grasp a thin branch, she blushed remembering how that same tree had provided two of its limbs for her very first switching. She was glad when he released the branch without a word and carried her further into the gardens. Lucy was amazed at the size of the gardens but was more interested in the sight of several horses in a distant paddock.

  “Papa, may we see the horses now?” she asked, pointing to them. Lucas nodded and picked his way as carefully as he could through the grass, the mud making itself known, sucking at his boots once they left the stone pathway and walked towards the corral. Lucas sat her on the top rail, keeping his hands around her waist. Seeing him, a stable boy approached leading a horse. Lucy held out her hand when told and found a sugar cube dropped into her palm.

  “Careful,” Lucas warned but needn’t have. Lucy had ridden since she was a small child and was entirely comfortable around the animal. She held out her hand, palm flat, so that the horse could easily nibble and then take the treat from her hand. As the horse crunched the sugar, Lucy gently stroked her face.

  “She’s beautiful,” Lucy said. The horse was the color of butter, large brown eyes looking at the young woman. “What’s her name?”

  “Delilah,” Lucas answered as he gave her another sugar cube. Lucy smiled and turned to look at him.

  “Samson and Delilah,” she said, and he nodded.

  “This is your horse now, Kitten,” Lucas said, and her eyes shone. “She reminds me of you, all golden hair and big, beautiful eyes.” Lucy flushed at the compliment and bent forward to give the horse a kiss right on the white patch above her eyes before offering the sugar.

  “Hello, Delilah,” she said softly. “May we ride now?” she asked, turning to him again.

  “Not today, little one,” he said and saw the disappointment on her face. “It’s too muddy and too close to luncheon. If you are my good girl and the weather holds, perhaps we can have a ride in a few days.” He knew Lucy was disappointed but was proud when she didn’t argue. They stayed a few more minutes, and then Lucas turned back towards the house. He put her down right outside the door where Joseph had been working. Joseph helped him remove his muddy boots, offering him a clean pair. Lucy’s face lit when he held up two pairs of boots.

  “I checked the attic. You’ll need a pair to ride. Perhaps one of these will work.” Lucas was pleased at his thoughtfulness and gave her a nod, indicating she could try them on. The first pair was only a little too large, but the second pair fit her as if they were made especially for her. She impulsively threw her arms around Joseph and thanked him profusely. Joseph grinned and Lucas smiled. He was amazed that a simple pair of old boots, ones that had been worn by another, brought such joy to her face. He chuckled as she hesitated when Joseph began to remove them—as if she wished to wear them, instead of her shoes.

&nbs
p; “I’ll polish them for you, Lucy,” Joseph said. “They’ll be ready for when your Papa takes you for a ride.”

  His words caused Lucas to chuckle again, knowing exactly what she was thinking as he watched her face turn scarlet. “Go wash your hands, Kitten and I’ll meet you in the library.” He bent to kiss her; she was smiling as she hurried off.

  Lucy went into the library to see her sisters at the game table. Ettie rose and came to her, taking her hand. “Would you like to see my room?” Ettie asked.

  Lucy hesitated but turned to Molly. “May I, Nanny?”

  “I suppose that will be fine, but luncheon should be ready soon. Make sure you listen for Mrs. Mayes to call you,” Molly answered, pleased that Ettie was helping make Lucy comfortable in her new home.

  “Yes, Ma’am, we will,” Ettie squealed as she began to pull on Lucy’s hand. As they passed Lucas in the hall, Lucy remembered he had told her to go to the library.

  “Is it okay if I go with Ettie?” she asked, hoping he’d not think she had disobeyed him.

  "That’s fine, Kitten; don’t be late to luncheon,” Lucas said, and they both giggled, Ettie explaining that Nanny Molly had already said the same thing. Lucas watched as they both ran up the stairs.

  “Did Lucy behave in the nursery?” he asked quietly, when he entered the library and took a chair next to Molly’s.

  “She did quite well, Sir,” Molly said as she clipped another thread. “She squirmed a bit, but I know it was a bit embarrassing for her to have the seamstress take such thorough measurements. I have the ones you requested,” Molly said, holding out a folded slip of paper. Lucas took it and slipped it into his vest pocket. “I was going to ask whether you wished her nighties to be tailored as well.” Molly continued.

  “Only those she wears in her nursery, Molly. I see no need to tailor the others. Since she wears them only in my chamber, if the need arises for me to punish her, it is easy enough to have her hold the gown up to offer her bottom, or simply strip her fully.” Molly flushed but nodded quickly.

  Lucas read his paper until Mrs. Mayes announced that luncheon was ready. Ettie and Lucy came running down the stairs, laughing as they entered the dining room. Lucy had enjoyed Ettie’s room, which was large and airy. Though the girl was only months from her majority, it was obvious that she was not yet ready to put away her childish toys. Dozens of stuffed animals lined a large window seat where Lucy could easily imagine curling up with a good book. The shelves held more books which Ettie claimed as her favorites, and the girls discovered they both loved fairy tales. When Ettie proudly showed Lucy her favorite doll, Lucy admitted that she had brought her own childhood doll with her. Ettie suggested they go to Lucy’s room to get Nellie and Lucy blushed hotly, shaking her head as she searched for some excuse. She desperately didn’t want Ettie to realize that, while her room still held the trappings of childhood, despite her age, Lucy’s room was a true nursery. She had been very grateful when Mary had arrived to inform them that luncheon was ready, sparing Lucy from having to create an excuse. Despite her fear of her sisters discovering that she was treated even younger than the childish clothing she wore indicated, she soon realized she had something else to fear. Within days, her family would discover exactly how convenient the tailoring of Lucy’s clothing facilitated baring her little bottom.

  Chapter 12

  Over the next few days, Lucas gave Lucy additional tours around the estate. Though she really enjoyed spending time with her new sisters, she adored the time alone with her husband. Lucas always made certain the tour included a visit to the stables, the place where Lucy seemed happiest. Loving horses himself, he was delighted that she shared the same passion. Within a few days, both Samson and Delilah would nicker when she entered the stables, knowing that she always had a carrot or an apple for them.

  When Lucas left her with Molly in the afternoons so that he could meet with Frank or do other work necessary around the estate, Lucy either read or worked on her embroidery. It was a different life than that she had known at Wintercrest, but she was happy and gradually accepted Hunter’s Ridge as her new home.

  On Thursday afternoon as the family was finishing luncheon, Lucinda surprised Lucy by addressing her directly. “Lucille, “I’m sure you can’t wait to join your sisters in the classroom.”

  “Classroom? What … what do you mean?” Though a memory of a uniform being mentioned flashed through her mind, Lucy chose to ignore it.

  Lucinda shook her head as if the child were being deliberately obtuse. “Surely you know what classrooms are, Lucille. You must have had a least some education. School of course, Lucille. Your sisters attend school every day. What did you think occupied their time when you were playing? Classes are conducted every day after breakfast and again in the afternoon. Correct me if I am mistaken, but wasn’t that why Mrs. Harris was here? I’m sure you prefer wearing your precious little dresses, but didn’t she measure you for your uniform when your nanny took her to your room? Oh, excuse me, your nursery?” she asked, enjoying the look of unease on Lucy’s face.

  Lucy couldn’t believe what she was hearing, and her face flushed hotly in knowing that the entire table had heard the condescending way the governess was speaking to her. “Of course I know what a classroom is. I’m not as simple-minded as you seem to believe, Lucinda,” Lucy said, her hands clenching together in her lap.

  “Lucille!” Lucas said sternly, drawing her attention to him. “You are not …”

  “I won’t!” Lucy said, interrupting him, ignoring the look of warning on his face, as well as Molly’s soft gasp. “I received a very good education and already have earned my certificate. I have no need of further lessons and will never take classes again, especially from someone as rude and hateful as your horrid governess!”

  “That’s enough!” Lucas said, shocked that his little one was not only interrupting him but was practically screaming. “You are to apologize immediately for your rudeness …”

  “My rudeness! That’s bloo … that’s ridiculous!”

  “Hush!” Lucas said, his eyes locked onto hers. “You are to lower your voice and remember my rules. Apologize, before …”

  “No! I won’t. She should apologize to me! I am not some stupid child! Perhaps you’ve forgotten that I am you wife! Lucinda has been nothing but hateful and rude to me since I …” When he pushed back his chair and stood, Lucy stopped speaking, as if she finally realized how angry he was. She stood so quickly that her chair fell over with a crash. Before she took two steps towards the door, her husband captured her arm.

  In direct contrast to her screeching, Lucas’ tone was low, though it instantly captured everyone’s attention. “Lucille, I suggest you remember what happened the last time you ran from me,” he said, looking down at her flushed and angry face. “Pick up your chair and stand behind it.”

  Lucy didn’t move for a minute, too shocked at her own behavior and her husband’s tone to even breathe. She vividly remembered what had happened every time she had attempted to run—she had been switched not only on her bare bottom, but up and down the entire length of her legs. She began to tremble. “I … I’m sorry, please …”

  “Do as I say,” Lucas said, releasing her arm. With a sob, she obeyed, straightening the chair, not daring to look at the faces of the others as she stood behind it, her hands clutching the edge of the chair back. Lucas bent and lifted her dress and both petticoats, slowly raising them until he found the loops that Molly had stitched into the petticoat.

  “No … no, please … please don’t … not … not here,” she begged as she felt the first ribbon loop being placed over the button on her left shoulder. “Please … I’m sorry … I’ll go … please … I’ll apologize.” She moaned louder as Lucas ignored her and looped the second ribbon. Her dress and petticoats now hung in a drape across her back and to each side of her ruffled drawers. “Please … take me … take me upstairs,” Lucy begged.

  “Look around you, Lucille,” Lucas ordered, and Lucy did s
o, her eyes darting around the room, her color deepening on her cheeks as she saw the stunned faces of her new family. “Where are you?”

  Lucy hesitated but finally answered. “The … the dining room.”

  “Did you misbehave in your nursery, Lucille?”

  She shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks. “No … no, Sir.”

  “No, you chose to misbehave at the dining table in front of your family. If you are embarrassed that your family will see your little bottom being blistered, then, little one, I suggest you choose to behave in their presence.” He paused for a moment. “I see your lessons on cursing were ones you have taken to heart, for which I’m sure you are grateful. I can’t understand why you continue to forget simple rules of common courtesy, though, unless my lessons have not been enough to convince you that I’m quite serious.”

  Lucy felt her stomach clench as the awful memory of the humiliating cleansings she had received for cursing came back full force. Following on its heels, memories of being strapped in the train compartment had her entire body trembling. “Papa … please … I … I … they were enough. I’m sorry ... but … she …”

  Evidently she had said all she was to be allowed, as Lucas shook his head and gave his instruction in a tone that made her skin go cold. “I’m not concerned with Miss Browning. As you pointed out, you are my wife, and as such, my concern is with you. Since you are an intelligent, educated young lady, I am quite positive you do not misunderstand what happens when you scream and throw tantrums. Haven’t you had a few lessons about that behavior as well?”

  Lucy nodded, feeling that she was about to be ill. “Yes … yes, Sir. I’m sorry, please …”

  “Bare your bottom for your spanking, Lucille.”