Becoming His: The Teaching of Rebecca Page 4

  “Yes ma’am,” Rebecca replied her jaw clenched. By the time she was done, she was very late to the kitchen. She explained to Mrs. Williams what had happened but wasn’t surprised when she was bent over the large counter and her bottom slapped a dozen times with a heavy wooden paddle. She had seen several of her coworkers standing about and knew that they were all being reminded of their duties. Rebecca rose from the table, rubbed her bottom and said, “Thank you for disciplining me Mrs. Williams. I won’t be late again.”

  Mrs. Williams was proud of the young woman. She was a very hard worker and had only been reprimanded a few times. She knew it wasn’t truly her fault she had been late but also knew she had to show her charges that responsibilities were taken seriously. Besides, what were a few quick pops on one’s bottom? She hadn’t even lifted the girls dress. Rebecca returned to work, her face flushed and her bottom tingling.

  Several weeks later, Rebecca had just finished the last of the dishes and put them away. She had promised Millicent that she didn’t mind doing so as the poor girl was obviously terrified of dropping another. Her father had been furious at the loss of his daughter’s income and had taken it out on her poor bottom. Millicent had been unable to sit comfortably for over a week and her hands continued to shake while doing the dishes. The room had been cleaned and most of the staff had already gone upstairs to prepare for bed. Mrs. Williams, Patsy, Hannah, Rebecca and a few others were making the final preparations for the next morning when the door opened and Miss Lambert appeared. Rebecca felt her heart begin to beat harder as it usually did when the awful woman was anywhere in her sight. She said a quick prayer that she was safe even knowing that if she were, some other was most likely in trouble.

  “Good evening, Miss Lambert,” Mrs. Williams said. “Did you need something?”

  Edna looked over at Rebecca and said, “Yes, Rebecca, come with me please. Mr. Danvers needs to speak with you.”

  Rebecca’s heart stopped. Her pulse pounded and her hands clenched.

  Mrs. Williams watched the poor girl and thought she probably should have given the girl a proper spanking when she had reported late the other day. If she had, perhaps Miss Lambert would have been satisfied and not seen the need to report the silly lateness to Mr. Danvers. Her heart went out to the poor girl but she could offer nothing in support. She knew she’d have the jar of salve prepared and offer what comfort she could upon Rebecca’s return. “Immediately, Rebecca. You must stop this constant dawdling!”

  Rebecca gave her friends one last look and then stepped forward as if accepting her fate.

  Edna took her arm and none too gently pulled her from the room. Rebecca’s mind was full of nothing but the memory of Millicent’s caned bottom, her own clenching in abject terror. She desperately wanted to run away but knew she had absolutely nowhere to go.

  CHAPTER 4

  Rebecca tried to remain calm as she followed Miss Lambert. She was terrified but determined to remain strong. She couldn’t fathom why she had been ordered upstairs. She followed the woman through the office door and kept her eyes on the floor. She stopped when the other woman did, finding she wasn’t quite brave enough to face her tormentor. Because she didn’t raise her eyes, she did not see there was another man in the room besides Mr. Danvers.

  This man sat in a leather armchair before the fireplace, silently appraising Rebecca. She was incredibly small, making him question if her supposed age was her true one, and she was obviously frightened as evidenced by the way her entire body seemed to be trembling. Her hands fluttered at her sides as if wishing she could hold onto something and he saw her finally twist the fabric of her uniform in her fists.

  He glanced at Miss Lambert who had moved to stand beside the desk. His eyes moved to Connor Danvers and saw him gazing almost hungrily at the servant. His instincts picked up on the fact that this man wanted something from this girl and he had a good idea of what that something was. He returned his gaze to the girl and pondered what it was that made the older man so earnest.

  “Look at me girl!” Danvers barked. The girl jumped but immediately lifted her face, her eyes locking onto the man. Once she had obeyed, Mr. Danvers settled back in his chair.

  Rebecca kept her gaze steady but her breath was shallow and her knees were shaking nearly to the point of knocking. She was too frightened to look anywhere else as she was terrified. Rebecca could see huge cane leaning casually against Danvers’ chair, just waiting to be used. Danvers seemed to enjoy her terror but his enjoyment made the other man speak.

  “That’s enough.”

  Rebecca was shocked to hear another voice. Her head whipped to the side to see that someone was seated by the fire. He was in shadows but the authority in his voice was unquestioned. She turned back to the desk to see Mr. Danvers looking rather upset and part of her mind thrilled in the sight. Still not knowing what was happening, her fear quickly replaced her amusement.

  “Tell the girl Danvers. You are wasting our time and, as you know, my time is precious to me.”

  Danvers nodded though obviously unhappy at taking orders from the stranger. He attempted to regain control of the situation.

  “Rebecca, I am pleased to see you. Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of her. Rebecca was confused. His tone was almost friendly—it was a most unfamiliar sound. She hesitated until he said again, “Please sit. I need to speak with you.”

  Rebecca reached out to grab the back of the chair. “You….you aren’t going to…to cane me?” She saw him flush as well as heard a sharp intake of breath from the fireplace chair.

  “Don’t be silly child. Why would you ask such a question?”

  Rebecca had no idea what was happening. She finally managed to sit before her legs gave out. She fell rather than sat onto the chair and clasped the arms tightly. She waited to be reprimanded for being late to her kitchen duties or at least for not answering his question, but the room remained silent.

  Finally, Mr. Danvers said, “I see no cause for you to fear me, Rebecca. After all, haven’t you been treated well during your stay with us?”

  Rebecca’s eyes widened. What was he speaking of? She had lived every day of the last few months in nothing but fear, especially after Millicent’s experience. She opened her mouth but no sound came out. She felt rather than saw the stranger lean forward, his elbows on his knees, his chin cupped in his hands. He was finding this all extremely interesting. He was very interested to discover what exactly had been happening behind these walls.

  Noticing that the poor girl hadn’t yet answered, he said, “Miss Matthews?”

  Rebecca was shocked to hear the formal address. She turned slightly to face the corner where the man sat.

  She didn’t see his eyes widen. She was absolutely stunning, he thought. She might be dressed as a servant, but her bearing and her beauty belied the fact. He looked over at the desk to see Danvers squirm slightly in his chair. He looked back at the girl. “Can you answer Mr. Danvers’ question please?”

  Rebecca was confused and it took her a moment to finally remember what the question had been. She turned back to Mr. Danvers.

  “Ummm, I…I’ve been paddled, sir.” The stranger noted the girl seemed terribly ashamed at the admittance.

  “I see, but that wasn’t by me was it Rebecca?”

  Rebecca had to shake her head. “No sir. Miss Lambert paddled me once and Mrs. Williams paddled me in the kitchen sir.”

  Edna turned to her boss and explained, “She reported to her duties extremely late sir and though Mrs. Williams saw fit to paddle her she must have forgotten to make a record of it as is her duty.”

  Danvers nodded and knew he’d be speaking to the woman soon enough. He returned his attention to Rebecca. “I’m so sorry to hear that Rebecca, and I assure you that I will speak with Mrs. Williams. However, as I pointed out, you have no reason to be nervous with me, correct?”

  Rebecca looked at the three people truly not understanding why she was here. However, she had the di
stinct impression that Mr. Danvers felt accountable to the stranger for some reason. She also feared what he would do after ‘speaking’ with Mrs. Williams. She bit her lower lip and said, “Please don’t bother Mr. Danvers. I was late and deserved what I got. It didn’t hurt and I haven’t been touched since. I certainly don’t blame Mrs. Williams. She has been nothing but kind to me.”

  Edna was fuming. She had never heard of this saucy girl being paddled which, Mrs. Williams knew, was an immediate cause to be sent to visit her or Mr. Danvers. She had been waiting for a valid reason to take her own paddle to the saucy little bottom and was enraged that she had been denied the opportunity to make Rebecca truly beg and plead for mercy as her bottom was truly paddled. She glared at the girl not realizing that she was being observed.

  The stranger looked at Rebecca both impressed by her admitting she had earned her punishment as well as not taking the opportunity to blame Mrs. Williams, doing her best to protect the woman who ran the kitchen. He spoke with authority.

  “Miss Matthews, my name is Patrick McGavin. I was your father’s friend as well as his attorney. I was sorry to hear about your parents deaths. Please accept my apologies for not coming to you sooner. I just returned to the country after being overseas for the past year. It was quite a shock to hear of your parents and your uncle’s deaths. Believe me, if I had known what had occurred here, I would have been here far sooner.”

  Rebecca had no idea what he was talking about but found his voice caused her to shiver. It was firm yet smooth, kind yet hard. She still couldn’t truly see his features but he didn’t sound angry, well, at least not at her. His tone changed when he turned to address Danvers. “Conner, I find it repulsive at what you have obviously done. I have no idea how you thought you had the authority to remove Miss Matthews from her classmates and use her as a servant. I assure you that I will discover the proper recourses to make sure you are brought to the justice for what you have done.”

  Danvers half stood. “I beg your pardon sir,” he protested. “How was I to know she had a guardian other than her uncle! I assure you sir that I was under the impression that she was alone in the world and had no resources. You should be glad I didn’t just send her out into the world alone. Instead, I allowed her to work for her room and board and earn a good wage. I will be glad to defend myself and this institute in any court. I’m sure you’ll find the courts will agree that I was supremely kind in allowing Miss Matthews to stay with us when I could have just as easily turned her out penniless into the streets.”

  Patrick listened and then shrugged. “Oh, I’m sure they would be impressed with your compassion sir. You may be correct about the courts sir, but I assure you if I find that you have caused any harm to Miss Matthews you will answer to me.”

  Danvers sat back down but didn’t look as sure of himself as before.

  Patrick finally stood and walked to stand before the girl. She looked up and up until her eyes met his. She felt she could lose herself in those eyes. They were the deepest blue she had ever seen. He was far older than her though much younger than Mr. Danvers. He was extremely tall and broad. His shoulders were wider than any she had seen. His hair was coal black and tied back at the nape of his neck. His coat was richly appointed, the buttons seeming to strain across his chest. Rebecca dropped her eyes and he could hear her intake of breath. His crotch was in direct line with her seated position and he was amused to see her face flush and her eyes dart back to his. Her face colored even more as she realized he had watched her admire his build.

  He smiled and she dropped her eyes to the floor. His heart lurched at her position. He had learned quite a lot in the quick look. Her eyes were the color of emeralds, her lashes thick. She had an oval face with delicate freckles spattered across her cheeks and nose. He saw a smudge of what looked like flour on her forehead and could picture her lifting a dirty hand to wipe her brow. Her mouth was full with plump lips that even now were being worried by her tiny white teeth. He found he desperately wanted to taste them and nip at them with his teeth. Her hair was pulled back in a rather untidy braid with escaped tendrils framing her face but the vibrant color was one of fire. His fingers ached to loose her hair and run through her tresses until they fell about her shoulders in a curtain. She looked all of ten, except for the round breasts which appeared full and round under the uniform that hung on her tiny frame. He found he wanted nothing more than to see her bottom, hoping it was as lovely as he suspected. He couldn’t tell much as she sat hunched in the dim light of the room. However, he had seen enough to understand why Danvers had looked so hungrily at the girl.

  He turned back to the desk. “Prepare the papers Danvers. I’ll sign them while your servant gets Miss Matthews’ things. We will be leaving immediately.”

  Danvers heard Edna’s quick intake of breath and knew she was angry at being addressed as his servant. He heard a little gasp from Rebecca as well. He looked at her in time to see her cover her mouth with her hand. He turned to Edna. “Miss Lambert, please be so kind as to gather Miss Matthew’s belongings.”

  Edna itched to slap someone, especially Rebecca whom as she could have sworn the little hussy actually dared laugh. Instead, she marched stiffly from the room.

  Rebecca dared not move. The events the total opposite of what she had expected. If she had heard true, she would be leaving! Leaving! She wanted to do a little dance of joy or at least shout.

  However, she realized she didn’t know this man who seemed to be familiar with her. She didn’t want to be a servant, didn’t ever want to see Mr. Danvers or Miss Lambert ever again, however, she found she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave with this stranger either. Her life had undergone far too many changes within the past year. She had grown accustomed to her role as servant and though not truly happy, she was comfortable enough. The two men ignored her as they talked quietly. The door opened and Miss Lambert as well as Mrs. Williams appeared.

  “Sir, Mrs. Williams wishes to say goodbye to Miss Matthews. She refused to allow me to bring Rebecca’s things.”

  Danvers looked up to see the plump woman standing beside the door, a valise in her hands. He really couldn’t say anything in front of McGavin but knew he’d be saying plenty after he departed. His eyes told Mrs. Williams that she would soon paying a price for her impertinence and saw the acceptance in her eyes. He smiled tightly and then said, “Very well, as I was going to send for her to attend me after we are done here.”

  He heard both Rebecca and Mrs. Williams gasp but neither said a word. Not successful in concealing his cruel smile, he waved his hand. “Go ahead but make it quick.” Mrs. Williams was quickly by Rebecca’s side. She set the valise down and leaned down to hug the young woman. Rebecca felt her eyes fill with tears as she hugged the woman back. This woman had been nothing but kind to her and she was afraid she had gotten her into a great deal of trouble.

  “I’m going to miss you, Miss Matthews.”

  It felt funny to have the head housekeeper address her so formally. “I’ll miss you too. Please….will you please tell everyone good…goodbye for me?”

  Mrs. Williams heard the fear in the young woman’s voice. She bent closer and whispered, “Be brave Rebecca. Anything is better than living here. You’ll be safer away from them. You are a good girl, a strong girl. Be brave and happy Miss.” Rebecca hugged the woman hard before she was released. “I’ll tell them, Miss Matthews. You have a safe journey now. Patsy and Millicent are so happy for you my dear.”

  At the mention of her friends, Rebecca looked to Mr. Danvers. “Ex... excuse me sir?” Both men looked over at her. Rebecca blushed but continued. “Mr. Danvers, you told Mr. McGavin that I was working for you but I have yet to receive any wages though I know I do owe you for one plate.”

  Patrick was amused and impressed at her bravery after watching her fear only moments before. He watched as Conner squirmed a bit and simply arched his eyebrow.

  “Well Danvers? It seems you have been lacking in paying Miss Matthews her wages.”


  Danvers flushed but said, “Of course... of course. Surely Miss Matthews understood I was just keeping her wages safe for her while she remained under my care.”

  Patrick chuckled, “Oh, I’m sure. However, there is no longer that need. Please pay her immediately.”

  Rebecca was surprised to see Mr. Danvers get up and go to a corner safe. She watched as he opened it and brought back a pouch. He fumbled inside for several moments before pulling out some bills and adding a smaller stack of coins. “Here you are, Miss Matthews. Don’t you worry about the cost of a plate. It is just silly crockery after all. It is certainly nothing to be concerned about.”

  Rebecca felt her blood boil as she stood. Mrs. Williams watched as she stepped to the desk. “I don’t believe you Mr. Danvers. If crockery doesn’t mean anything to you then I’m sure Millicent disagrees. After all, you viciously caned her for breaking some of those silly plates. Now, how much is a stroke of a cane worth?”

  Patrick heard everyone gasp but he chuckled again. The look on Conner’s face was priceless and he would have willingly paid any price to see it again. The young woman might be tiny but her temper was obviously far larger. Connor finally mumbled an amount and Rebecca counted out the correct fee.

  “It seems hardly worth the pain you caused.”

  Patrick watched as she turned her face to his. “Sir, is my existence dependent upon my wages?”

  He shook his head, “No, little one. You will find you have no need of this money.”

  Rebecca nodded and gathering the pile into her hands, she turned and pressed the money into Mrs. Williams’ hands. “Please divide this among the girls, Mrs. Williams. Tell them I will never forget their friendship. They treated me kinder than anyone here.” She bent forward and said so softly that only Mrs. Williams and Patrick could hear her. “I’m so sorry but I…I think I got you in trouble. I didn’t mean to, please forgive me.”