Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,46

of you as well,” Charles said and smiled at her. She returned his smile with one of her own before walking to the corner where she buried her nose against the wall and pushed her bottom well out into the room. Charles kept her on display for a half-hour, simply watching her after he returned the cane to the urn.

Eleanor seated herself at her desk and entered the details of the session in a journal. Charles knew she would go over everything with the woman’s husband upon his return. Charles couldn’t help but hope the baron agreed that he’d done a proper job in punishing his wife. As Charles considered that, he also wondered if perhaps Willamena had simply missed her husband or perhaps it was as simple as the fact that the woman missed having her bottom tended to by her strict papa.. Regardless, her derrière now bore a dozen distinct weals with only the first less prominent than the others. It would be at least a few days before the miscreant sat without remembering this session.

For the first time since he’d opened the envelope containing the news that he was being considered for the appointment, Charles felt himself capable of handling the position of headmaster. He’d not faltered during the administration of his first caning, nor had he felt he’d been unduly harsh. His strokes had been purposeful, and without a doubt, hurt quite fiercely, yet he remained calm and concerned about the poor woman’s feelings. If the baroness’ tears were any proof, his choice of words when lecturing Willamena had been more than adequate to enforce the feeling of guilt and the need to willingly atone for her naughtiness. After the punished Baroness received Charles’ permission to remove herself from the corner, Charles handed her the discarded drawers and watched as she stepped into them, a blush upon her cheeks.

“I don’t expect you’ll forget your husband’s wishes for good behavior any time soon,” Charles said, as the woman stood after adjusting her clothing.

“No, sir, I’m sorry I was so naughty. I’m sorry you had to cane me but thank you for the lesson,” Willamena said softly, but with respect in her tone.

Charles was surprised when she unexpectedly threw her arms around him. He hugged her gently in return, knowing she was seeking a bit of comfort after her painful discipline.

“Just see to your better behavior, my dear. I’m sure your husband will have another lesson for your bottom upon his return,” Charles said, and then took her arm and led her to the door.

She turned back into the room, “Thank you, Miss Summers, I’ll try to be a better role model for my sisters,” she said.

“I’m certain you shall, my dear,” Eleanor said with a smile. “Now, hurry along, as I’m sure Nanny Bishop is waiting to put you to bed. Remember, no rubbing that aching bottom, baroness. Remind Nanny to tie your hands to the bed. I would hate to have to call you back into my office again this evening if your hands were discovered where they are not to be.”

Willamena blushed hotly, and Charles’ breath caught as the rather cryptic warning became clear with the memory of seeing a sheen on the baroness’ inner thighs as she writhed from the administration of the rattan rod.

“Yes, ma’am. I… I’ll remind Nanny Bishop, ma’am. Good night.”

Charles watched her walk down the hall, again amazed at the realization that no one would necessarily know that the baroness had just gotten her bottom caned. He closed the door and turned back to Eleanor. He was unable to hide the smile of satisfaction lighting his face. Eleanor smiled back.

The occupants of the parlor had been silent as Charles related his story. Even Lucas, who had no prior knowledge of the reason for the man attending Eleanor’s school, was impressed. He could easily picture the scene. He glanced at Edward and saw him smile and nod his approval.

“He did an excellent job, Edward,” Eleanor said. “I have no reason to doubt that Charles will make a fine headmaster for the school. He not only saw to the baroness’ discipline with a firm hand, she left feeling far better after paying for her naughtiness, without feeling shamed by the experience. I assure you that the young women attending Cressington will be quick to discuss just how effectively their new headmaster wields a cane. If hearing the baroness fairly howl as the cane bit into her ample rump was any example, the