The Demure Bride Read Online Free

Papa since it means so much to you."
    "Now that is what I wanted to hear." He kissed her again and then said, "There is another matter we need to discuss, Mandy. You're to see to it that Glimmer is cared for every day; I want you to prove to me that you are responsible enough to own your own horse. You won't be riding her again until I give you permission. You could have injured her today, daughter, but even worse than that, you could have been hurt or killed. You need a reminder not to be that foolish again. Before I let you ride Glimmer again you are going to give me a promise that you won't try to jump her. In the meantime, you won't be sitting a saddle and the only exercise you'll get is from the use of your own two legs."
    "Papa, nooo! I love to go riding! I love Glimmer, too! I will not try to jump her again, I promise! Please do not take her away from me," she begged, tears filling her eyes once again.
    "You won't be riding her, or any of the horses, for at least one week, Amanda." Matt was serious and his facial expression told her there was no point in arguing. She was being punished for today.
    "Why are you doing this, Papa?" Her wounded expression told him she was nearly heartbroken. "You already spanked me, and I have promised you I will not jump Glimmer again. I will keep my word; please do not take Glimmer from me. I will prove to you that I can be responsible, and if I mess up again, you can always take her away then... But, I promise I have learned my lesson. Please give me another chance to prove myself."
    Matt gave her a hard, assessing look. It was clear that he wanted to believe her, and finally he asked, "Will you take care of Glimmer yourself?"
    "Yes, Papa. I will."
    "Okay, honey. I'll give you another chance, but if you jump that mare or I find out that Whitey is the one carin' for Glimmer, you'll get another tanning and I'll use a strap... and you won't be riding another horse on this ranch for a year. I mean that, girl. Do you understand me?" Matt was as serious as he could be and it wasn't an idle promise.
    "I understand, Papa. I am truly sorry I tried that jump today, and I won't do that again."
    "You are more important to me than the horse, honey. That is why I am being so hard on you." He gave her one more hug, and then said, "I have work to do. You take some time this afternoon to think about what you need to say to Rob. I'll see you at supper." He picked up his hat and then left the room.
    Amanda immediately groaned and reached back to rub her stinging backside. Two spankings in one day! Unbelievable! Her Mama was probably looking down on them and shaking her head. Mama did not approve of spanking and it was quite a shock to learn that her Papa had spanked Mama. Amanda did not remember hearing her parents fight, nor did she remember being taken captive by the Comanche. Her Mama was always so delicate and such a lady. It was so hard to picture her married to her Papa... or to picture her over his knee getting a spanking. Amanda had to be honest, her Papa had a good reason to spank her Mama... Just as he had a good reason today, she forced herself to admit. She had been acting like a spoiled brat... She was going to see to it that Glimmer had the best care she could give her. She would not be sitting her saddle again today, and probably not tomorrow; her bottom was unbelievably sore; but she would change her clothing and go and have a talk with Whitey and find out exactly what she needed to do to care for her little mare. She was not in Boston any more, and it was time she accepted that.

    * * *

    "Thanks, son," Matt said automatically when Whitey offered to care for his large white stallion. "How did my girl do today cleaning out Glimmer's stall?"
    "She was fit to be tied, but she did a good job, Mr. Chambers." It didn't occur to the younger man to lie or coat the truth. "She even come out here this afternoon and asked me how to take care of her mare. Said she was going to see to her from now on,