Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3) Read online

  “Wonderful, Charles,” Edward said. “I am very pleased to hear your decision. I assure you that you will find no better tutor than Miss Summers. She has run her school for years with great success. You will learn all you need, and I believe, find yourself learning a great deal more as well. I just ask you enter into your schooling with an open mind. Granted, these girls are schooled in far more than reading, writing, or mathematics. They must be, in order to fulfill the positions for which they are being prepared.”

  Charles swallowed hard and nodded. He had received Edward’s detailed letter explaining exactly what sort of school Miss Summers led. Edward suggested it as the best possible place for Charles to learn quickly how to administer the strict corporal discipline necessary for a Headmaster. Edward had been impressed with Charles’ earlier confession that he was totally uneducated in discipline of any kind. Having seen his reaction when Lucille had been strapped in his presence, Edward was pleased at the man’s honesty.

  “Thank you, Edward,” Charles said. “I promise to do my very best. Believe me, the irony of your offering me a tutor is not lost on me.” Edward chuckled as he remembered employing this young man to tutor his ward.

  “Think nothing of it, Charles. We all must start somewhere. While it is surprising to discover your ignorance in the matter of discipline, I assure you that it is a course of study that will capture your interest. As you know, the school board, as well as myself, have no interest in placing another Thorne into the position. You have shown that you have empathy for your students and a great deal of patience. Your tutoring of Lucille impressed us greatly. It is the least we can do to allow you to have the tools necessary to feel you can make your final decision. If, after your studies, you agree that you feel capable of taking responsibility for our young women of society, I assure you the job will be yours,” Edward said and watched the man smile. Edward knew the offer had come as a complete surprise and knew Charles considered this great fortune as a possible path to be able to offer Lucille his name in marriage. Edward allowed him a moment.

  “Charles, I have agreed that you might call upon Lucille,” Edward said and the man’s attention was captured fully. “However, I feel I must inform you that you are not the only man who has sought such permission.” Charles felt his heart lurch at the news. He hadn’t thought of having competition for the lovely young woman. Edward saw his reaction and said, “Now, man, don’t fret. I believe you do have an advantage, don’t you think? After all, Lucille already knows you and has come to trust in you as well.” Charles relaxed and smiled. It was true, the young woman had spent several hours with him and he had even witnessed her in a truly shameful state. The fact that she had remained mostly comfortable in his presence despite that fact gave him feelings of hope.

  “Thank you, Edward,” Charles said and decided to press his case just a bit. “Perhaps I shall be able to further my head start. With your permission, perhaps you would allow me to escort Miss Furniss this evening? A nice walk to the park would offer her a lovely outing…perhaps even an ice-cream to enjoy?” Edward smiled at the man’s eagerness but couldn’t fault him for it.

  “Since it has been a few days since Lucille has been in need of punishment, I feel she has earned a treat. I’m sure she would love an outing,” Edward said, and then stood. Charles followed suit.

  Charles tried not to show his response to Edward’s mention of punishment, though the image of Lucille’s bottom did flash through his head. “Thank you, Edward. I…I must say I am quite taken with your ward. Any advantage available to me, I confess I won’t hesitate to claim,” Charles said as he followed Edward from the study. Edward chuckled, but didn’t reply. He knew his friend, Lucas, would soon have an even greater advantage. With his impending arrival, he would have immediate access to Lucille, as he would spend time under the same roof. He didn’t feel it necessary to inform Charles of any competition other than allowing him to know he was not the only man interested in luring Lucille away from Wintercrest Manor.

  Lucy was indeed thrilled when, after dinner, Edward nodded to Charles who then spoke.

  “Miss Furniss,” Charles said as he helped Lucy from her chair. “Would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the park? I believe there is an ice-cream stand that we can visit as well. Do you like ice-cream?” Lucy smiled, but then remembered that she was not in control of her own life. She looked up to see Edward looking at her.

  “Sir, might I accept?” she asked politely. Edward was very proud of her for seeking his permission before even answering Charles’ request.

  “Yes, little one, if you’d like. You’ve been a very good girl lately and haven’t given me cause to punish you for several days,” Edward said, enjoying the flush that quickly colored Lucy’s face.

  “Th…thank you, Sir,” she stammered and then turned to Charles. “I’d like to walk with you, Professor Lloyds,” she said. She saw his smile, and hers brightened. “And, yes, Sir, I really like ice-cream.” Charles chuckled.

  “Then, my dear girl, you shall have a double scoop,” Charles said. Lucy accepted her cloak from Molly and saw the girl smiling at her. Lucy allowed Charles to drape the material around her shoulders and then turned to say good-bye to her sister. When she saw Louisa’s wistful face, Lucy’s pleasure dropped. She realized that her sister very rarely left the confines of her home.

  “May Louisa go with us, Professor Lloyds?” Lucy asked. Charles looked down at the small hand she had placed on his arm. He felt a moment of regret but smiled at her upturned face.

  “Of course she may, if that is what you wish and Edward agrees,” Charles said and turned to Edward. “Perhaps you’d both like to walk with us?” Edward was once more impressed with the young man. He had also seen his wife’s disappointment and had been proud of her for not whining or showing her disappointment other than the sadness obvious if one looked closely into her eyes.

  “I’m sure Louisa would love that, Charles,” Edward said and could sense his wife holding her breath in anticipation. “We will join you for a little while, though I’m afraid we must return soon, as it will be time for Louisa to go to bed.” Louisa flushed, but didn’t protest, her small body almost quivering with delight. “Molly, please bring Louisa’s cape as well,” Edward said. When the maid reappeared, Edward draped it across his wife’s shoulder and bent to whisper in her ear.

  “You’ve been a very good girl as well, little lady,” he said, and saw her smile.

  “Thank you, Papa,” she said, not even hesitating to address her husband as he preferred. If Charles wondered at the address, he wisely said nothing. He tucked Lucy’s hand in the crook of his arm and soon the four were walking down the sidewalk towards the city park. Louisa watched her sister as she listened attentively to whatever Charles was saying. She turned to her husband.

  “This is wonderful, Papa, thank you,” she said again. Edward squeezed her hand and smiled.

  “You are welcome. I know your life can be difficult at times, but want you to understand that I appreciate it when my little lady works hard to be a good girl. Lucille has been very well behaved since her last paddling. I believe she will also work hard on being a proper young woman and deserves a bit of fun as a reward,” Edward said.

  Louisa smiled and enjoyed the evening. The air was brisk, but her cloak assured she wouldn’t chill too much. Her husband kept her safely beside him, her hand never allowed to slip from his arm. When they reached the ice-cream stand, Edward bought her a double-dip of strawberry ice cream and watched as her tiny tongue darted out to lick up the creamy treat before withdrawing back between her full lips. His cock instantly grew hard in his pants and he saw her face flush when her eyes met his.

  “We shall finish our treat on our way home, Charles,” Edward said. “I trust you to have Lucille home within the hour.” Lucy was very surprised to find Edward allowing her to remain in the park, but said nothing, as she had no desire to question his unexpected leniency.

  “Certainly, Edward,�
� Charles agreed. “Thank you for a lovely evening. Good night, Lady Wintercrest,” he said as he gave her a small bow. Louisa smiled and thanked him as well. She tucked her hand into her husband’s arm as he led her back the way they had come. The cone was soon consumed and as they reentered their home, Edward bent to wipe her mouth with his handkerchief.

  “Go with Mrs. Bremmer, little lady,” he said. She smiled and ran her fingertips over his cheek.

  “Thank you, Papa,” she whispered and went up onto her tiptoes to brush her lips across his. They were still chilled from the ice cream and Edward felt his cock twitch again. He knew his own little one would soon be suckling and enjoying more cream the moment he joined her in their bed. He knew that she realized it as well, from the look of desire shining in her eyes.

  Lucy and Charles settled on a nearby bench to enjoy their cones. Lucy was quiet now that her sister and guardian had left them. She found she had no idea what to say. Though she had grown comfortable in Charles’ presence, that had been when their roles were properly defined. Now that she had left the school, she felt uneasy. Charles realized her distress.

  “Relax, Miss Furniss,” he said quietly. “There are no quizzes or exams for you to take. I simply wish to get to know you better as the young woman you are, not as my former student. I find I am very attracted to you.” He saw her flush and continued, “I have sought permission to call upon you, Lucille, and simply ask if you can possibly see me as a suitor?” Lucy’s heart pounded as his words defined their new roles. She found herself remembering how Edward had told her she would most likely have suitors and understood that Charles was her first. She smiled and lifted her eyes to his. She saw the sincerity in his gaze and felt her stomach flutter. She remembered that he had seen parts of her that never should have been revealed to any suitor. Her ice cream was forgotten as the memory returned full-force. Attempting to push the thought from her mind, she looked about the park. Suddenly, she became aware that she was dressed far differently than other young women being allowed an evening’s outing. Her eyes glanced around, seeing several girls giggling and flirting with their escorts. Every single one of them was wearing a fashionable dress, their hair pinned up and faces colored with face-paint to enhance their features. Lucy dropped her eyes and saw her own dress. Today she was wearing one of a soft mauve, though it still had the white collar and band about her hips. She wore the simple slip-on shoes over her plain black stockings. Her hair had been brushed and plaited that morning by Mrs. Bremmer and was draped down her back. She suddenly felt foolish and wished she had never left the house.

  Charles became aware of her increasing distress. “Lucille? Are you feeling well? Do you feel ill?” he asked, his concern apparent. She wished she could lie, but she simply shook her head and tried to fight the threatening tears. Charles saw her cone dripping down her hand and reached out to take it from her. “Please, Miss Furniss, have I said something to offend you? I assure you I have no desire to frighten you. Please tell me what can I do?” Lucy knew her actions were causing him distress and hated herself for it. He had never ever been anything but incredibly kind to her.

  “I…I don’t know why you’d want to court me, Sir,” she said, so quietly Charles had to bend closer to listen to her. “I…there are so many beautiful young women who…who don’t…don’t dress like this,” she said her fingers plucking at her skirt. “I’m not like them, Professor. You know that Ed…I mean, my guardian, disciplines me. You…you should court modern women, not me.” He was shocked. How could she possibly think that when she had occupied his thoughts for weeks?

  “Miss Furniss, I assure you I’ve thought of little else but you since I saw you last. I don’t care how you dress; you are a beautiful young woman. You are the reason why I am trying to procure the position of Headmaster,” he said honestly. Lucy’s eyes widened and flew to his.

  “Headmaster?” she said, her heart beating hard against her chest. “You…you are going to be Headmaster?” Charles saw the fear in her eyes as well as heard the disbelief in her voice.

  “Well, I hope to be,” he said honestly. Lucy immediately moved away from him. The only experiences she had ever had with any Headmaster included having her bottom caned and her morals questioned. Obviously having seen her strapped, her professor now wished to cane her! She stood without thinking and turned to run away. Charles was able to drop both their cones to the ground and grasp her arm before she managed to move more than a few feet.

  “Lucy, stop, please,” he said.

  “Let me go!” she cried pulling against his hold. Shocked at the fear in her voice, he released her arm. He watched as she began to run towards her home. He looked around to see that her flight was drawing attention their way. Blushing, he quickened his stride and followed the fleeing girl. He had no idea what had transpired, but knew his first attempt at courtship had just failed miserably.

  Charles managed to almost catch up to Lucy before she turned the corner that would lead to Wintercrest. He called out for her to stop but she ignored him. Seeing a coach coming down the street his heart almost stopped. He bellowed as loudly as he could, “Lucille, stop this instant!” At his tone, Lucy froze in mid-flight. She stood, her chest heaving from her run, and felt him walking up behind her. “What in the hell are you thinking? You were going to run into the street!” Charles demanded, as his patience finally frayed. “You could have been seriously hurt. Why are you running from me like I was attempting to attack you! I demand you explain yourself,” Charles said, as he reached out to take her wrist. She attempted to pull away and was shocked when she felt his hand connect - hard - with her bottom. She gasped and looked up to see his eyes widen as well. Understanding what he had just done, he instantly released her arm. Lucy stood still, her heart pounding, as she tried to assimilate what she was feeling. With no true answer, she simply burst into tears and threw herself into his chest. Charles staggered from the impact but regained his balance and closed his arms around her small form.

  “Shah, Lucy, shah,” he said, as he attempted to quiet her. “It’s all right, Lucy. I…I don’t know why you are so frightened, but Lucy, shah, stop crying and talk to me,” Charles said. When she didn’t immediately answer, he simply held her closer and let her cry. He found he enjoyed holding her close, regardless of the reason. He bent to kiss the top of her head, something he had seen Edward do to his own wife. Lucy didn’t seem to be affected by the kiss, but Charles most definitely was. The feel of her hair against his face only made him wish he could loosen her braid to bury his nose in the sweet-smelling tresses and run his fingers through her curls. She fit him beautifully, the top of her head resting under his chin. He was much shorter than Edward, but was lean and muscular. Her tears gradually subsided as her embarrassment consumed her. She didn’t know what to say to the fact that he had smacked her bottom.

  “I’m…I’m sorry, Professor. I…I didn’t mean to be naughty,” she said as she pulled back. Charles dug in his pocket and handed her his handkerchief. Lucy wiped her eyes and handed it back, remembering that last time he had offered her such comfort. Charles remembered as well.

  “Keep it, Lucy,” he said softly. “Perhaps one day I won’t have need to dry your tears.” She flushed but offered him a small smile. Encouraged, he continued, “I don’t believe you were being naughty, Lucy. I believe you were just frightened. Can you tell me what frightened you so?” She slowly nodded. Charles realized they were standing on the open sidewalk, in full public view, his arms wrapped around an unmarried, unclaimed, un-chaperoned young woman. He cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should return to the park?” he suggested. Lucy shook her head, having no desire to return to where others might wonder at her dress or her tear-stained face.

  “May we just go home, please?” she asked. Charles didn’t want to chance her bolting from him but understood.

  “If you promise to speak to me,” he said. She nodded and they stepped further apart. She flushed as she realized just how they must have appeared. She allowe
d him to tuck her hand into the crook of his arm. They were silent for the remaining journey, Lucy attempting to calm herself and Charles praying that he was not doomed from their very first outing.

  They entered the house far earlier than Edward had deemed. He had only just sent his wife up to bed when he heard the door open and saw his ward slip inside, followed by Charles. Edward watched as the young man helped Lucille with her cloak, removing it and then laying it on the bench by the front door. Neither seemed aware of his presence near the bottom of the stairs.

  “Shall we speak in the library?” Charles said quietly. Lucy nodded and they walked past the stairs, unaware they were being observed. Edward shook his head wondering at their behavior. His eyes had immediately seen evidence of tears on Lucy’s face. He would have instantly stepped forward to demand an explanation, but Charles’ own face and his concern had stopped him. It was obvious the young woman was upset, but Edward would wait to judge until he had all the relevant facts. He waited until the couple entered the library before stepping down the last few stairs. By the time he entered the library, Charles had seated Lucille on the settee and was sitting beside her, his hands clasping hers in her lap.

  “What happened?” Edward said making sure he kept his voice low and controlled. Charles looked up and flushed, feeling like a failure.

  “I’m not sure, Sir,” he said somehow feeling uncomfortable addressing Lucy’s guardian by his Christian name at this moment. “We were simply enjoying the park when Lucy became distressed. We…well, I was speaking of my interest in courting her. I...” he paused feeling like a schoolboy. He straightened his back and strengthened his voice, “I was telling Miss Furniss of my desire to further my ability to care for another. I was about to tell her about the position I have been offered when she became quite upset. The next thing I knew, she had practically run all the way back here.” Edward saw Lucy’s face and saw her embarrassment. He, unlike, Charles had instantly understood her reaction.