Page 12 of Her Lord's Desire

She hesitated, but then nodded. “Thank you, 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. He knew she’d just returned from putting Louisa to bed and had no idea what had transpired in her absence. But being in his family’s service for decades, she didn’t ask questions, but simply nodded.

“Yes, my 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 toward the chairs before his desk. Lucy hesitated, and he could imagine she was picturing herself bent over the arm of the chair, offering her bottom for chastisement. Edward understood her discomfort. Whereas his wife had often joined him in the study simply to read or to stitch her tapestries while he worked at his desk, his ward had only experienced her bottom being tended to in the room. Future misbehavior would see both the women’s bottoms bared and blistered in his study, but he didn’t wish for Lucille to be afraid of stepping across the threshold if she’d done nothing wrong.

“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 and he didn’t rush her.

“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.

“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 if she was somewhat surprised at the gentleness of his voice. He smiled 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 at the time, can you? After all, both you and Louisa broke rules I’m sure the poor man never even considered possible when you switched places in his institution.”

“No… I suppose not,” she admitted.

Edward nodded. He welcomed her honesty even if given a bit begrudgingly

“As I was saying, I will defend his right—and duty as Cressington’s headmaster—to punish you. However, I will never condone his verbal accusations and attack of your character,” Edward said. Her eyes met his again and he saw she wasn’t quite convinced of his sincerity. “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 and 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, her brow furrowed as if wondering why he was asking such a question. He smiled. “You aren’t frightened of this simple cloth are you?”

“Of course not,” she said softly, shaking her head. “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 of being gagged reflected in her eyes as well as painted in a pretty brush of pink across 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 Melvin 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 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 didn’t speak for several moments as she mulled over his words. He knew she was an astute young woman and would conclude that 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. “I still acted the fool. Do you think he believes me to be nothing more than a silly child?”

Edward leaned forward and drew her into his arms. She came to him willingly, her cheek pressed against his chest as she accepted his comfort.

“Sweetheart, I assure you that he does not. I believe the man to be quite infatuated with you,” Edward said, and then kissed the top of her head. “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 her embarrassment didn’t keep her from asking another question. “May I ask a question… I mean without you getting upset?”

Astute or not, Edward understood it would take experience before his ward truly trusted that he wasn’t constantly looking for any trivial excuse to turn her bottoms up. “Yes, Lucille. You may ask me whatever you’d like, as long as you do so respectfully.”

“Thank you. I was just wondering… do you think Charles is like you, sir?”

This time it was he who took time to consider his response. After a few moments, he gave her a soft smile. “I’m not attempting to dodge the question, Lucille, but to be honest, I really can’t say as yet,” he admitted. “I believe Charles is a good man, and he has definitely earned my respect, but, little one, I can’t say I believe he is the proper man for you.” She appeared a little shocked at his openness.

“There are many types of men, remember?” At her confirming nod, he added, “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 I feel you cannot grow to love. You need to trust me and, little one, I will trust that you will follow your heart.” She looked into his eyes for a long moment and then nodded as if seeing his promise reflected in their depths.

“I’ll try. Thank you, sir,” she said.

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