Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3) Read Online Free Page A

discipline.  “I shall see you in my study before bed, Lucille,” Edward said and the girl wailed louder.  Edward allowed it for a moment before continuing, “It has been several days since you’ve been given an appointment, Lucille.  I am disappointed to discover you haven’t learned to be a good girl for me and Mrs. Bremmer.  Perhaps another lesson this evening will help remind you of how it feels to be put to bed on a hot, throbbing rear.”
    Lucy lost her breath for a moment and then sobbed harder, her voice echoing her distress.  She knew her bottom would eventually stop burning from the tawse but that the fire would be reignited this evening.  Edward stepped away and spoke quietly with Mrs. Bremmer.  She nodded and assured him that his wishes would be followed.
    Wiping her cheeks, Lucy once more picked up her needle.  She made her stitches through the fabric as quickly as possible so as not to be late for her appointment.  Lucille shivered as she made her final knot.  She folded the garment and set it atop the pile that had gradually grown during the day.  She twisted her hands together, massaging her sore and pricked fingers.  She had been sewing for hours, and though grateful she was finally finished, she knew her punishment was not yet complete.  She took a deep breath and forced herself to her feet.  Her face flushed as she felt her skirt slide down to cover her bottom.  She had been sitting on the settee, her skirts lifted behind her in order that her bottom was bare on the cushion of the settee.  She had not been allowed drawers all day long and had been conscious of her nakedness beneath her new dress.  Mrs. Bremmer had reminded her whenever Lucy had to sit to lift her dress properly.  Lucy had been embarrassed when having to take her seat at the dinner table.  She had lifted her dress as quickly as she could and only prayed that neither Edward nor any of the many servants had seen her bare bottom being pressed to the surface of her chair.  She swiped her hands down her skirts and then bent and picked up the stack of items.  She stood, wincing a bit at the pull of the wheals across her bottom from Mrs. Bremmer’s tawse.  Taking another deep breath, she swiped a tear from her cheek and began the journey to her guardian’s study.
     

     
     

Chapter 2
     
    Edward heard the timid knock on his door and pushed aside the business correspondence he had been reading.  He had already worked on the household accounts while waiting for Lucille to finish her sewing and come to him. 
    “Come in,” he said and watched as the thick door slowly opened.  Lucille stepped inside and turned to close the door behind her.  Edward knew she was attempting to appear brave but knew her legs were probably shaking.  She stood for a moment as if unsure where to go.
    “Come here, Lucille,” Edward directed and motioned towards his desk.  Lucy walked forward, her eyes unable to keep from glancing at the large armoire that held a prominent place in the room.  She knew what it contained and her heart pounded at the many possibilities.  Edward was aware of her thoughts as he raked his eyes up and down her petite form.  She looked exactly as he desired.  While not dressed anywhere as young as her twin, she no longer looked like a modern young woman either.   Edward had placed a large order with a local seamstress and had been explicit in what he desired.  Seeing his ward wearing one of the new dresses made him realize he had made the proper choices for her attire.
    The dress was a pale grey color with a wide childish collar of stark white.  The bodice was pleated and dropped to a low-waisted skirt where another white band encircled Louisa’s hips.  Beneath the band, a skirt fell to land at mid-calf, the dozens of pleats opening and closing with Lucy’s steps.  Below the hem of the dress, Lucy was wearing thin black stockings and her feet were shod in slip-on simple black shoes.  Unlike the