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