Louisa Revealed Read Online Free Page A

sisters
were allowed to pull up their drawers and lower their uniform skirts.   Both men watched,
both feeling the unacknowledged arousal of seeing such a lovely sight as
bloomers were retied and skirts hastily rearranged.   The girls’ faces continued to show their
embarrassment, as both burned as brightly red as the multiple rows of wheals
covering their aching bottoms.   The
girls were made to apologize again and then to thank the headmaster for his
concern for their welfare.   After
all, if the man didn’t care about the students, then he certainly wouldn’t take
the time to discipline them would he?   Lucy and Louisa made the proper apologies as Edward stood between
them.   He also thanked Thorne for
his time and attention.
    “Rest assured, Sir, that Monday will find a much
better-behaved and better-prepared student in Lucille.   I thank you for allowing my ward a
chance to retake her exam, as I realize you could simply fail her.   We all appreciate your mercy and concern
for her future.”   Thorne accepted
his thanks, knowing that if it had been truly his choice; the little sneak
would never have been given any leniency.   However, Lord Wintercrest held a great deal of sway in high society, and
Thorne knew better than to deny him.   He did have an additional plan to extend Miss Furniss’ punishment and
spoke.
    “I, too, hope that your ward will be able to
pass the final examination, Sir.   However, she is dreadfully lacking in mathematical skills.   Perhaps I can offer some
assistance?   While waiting for your
arrival, I spoke with our mathematics professor.   I am pleased to offer Miss Furniss the
opportunity of being tutored by Professor Lloyds.   Regular hours have ended, but I know for
a fact that Professor Lloyds has waited to hear if you feel your ward could use
his services.”  
    Lucy gasped, wanting desperately to leave the
horrid school and try to recover from the past hour’s events.   “No… please, I promise I will attend to
my studies, Edward.   I don’t need a
tutor.   I promise I’ll study
hard.”  
    Edward did not appreciate his ward’s
interruption.   It seemed it would
take far more than a caning to teach her the proper place for a female in a
man’s world.   He tightened his grip
on her upper arm and said sternly,   “You
will do well to remain silent, Lucille.   Instead of spending your life selfishly thinking only of your needs or
wants, it would serve you far better to listen to your elders.   Have you forgotten our last conversation
about your need to learn obedience?   You’ve already earned a reminder of your duty this evening, but I would
be more than happy to refresh your memory right now.   Is that what you wish Lucille?   Do you need to go across my knees and
have me administer a reminder to your impertinent bottom even now?”
    Lucy bristled at both his words and his tone
even as her face turned scarlet with embarrassment.   She could see Headmaster Thorne
smirking, as if he wished to witness just such a physical reminder.  
    Lucy remembered her prior failed attempt in
asserting her independence.     She was a grown woman, having turned
eighteen a few weeks earlier and had believed her age gave her authority over
her decisions.   She had quickly been
forced to realize that, though her recent birthday gave her the gift of
majority, her guardian had the ultimate authority over her and would until she
wed.   She had simply informed Edward
that she no longer felt the need to remain at school; after all, the season
would soon begin and she knew she’d find a suitable husband quickly.   Edward had smiled and assured her that
she would continue her schooling until she graduated.   He pointed out that she had yet to have
even a suitor and believed her ‘engagement’ was somewhat premature.   Lucy had felt ridiculed at his tone and
had looked towards her sister for support.  
    But, horribly, Louisa had not taken her side as
Lucy had