Victorian Brats
Volume One
The Virgin Widow
To Catch a Thief
The Problem Solver
By Melinda Barron
© 2008 by Blushing Books and Melinda Barron
Published by Blushing Books at Smashwords
Copyright 2010 by Blushing Books and Melinda Barron
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Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
ISBN 97-1-935152-04-0
Cover Design: Bethany Burke
This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
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Table of Contents
The Virgin Widow
To Catch a Thief
The Problem Solver
The Virgin Widow
By Melinda Barron
© 2008 by Blushing Books and Melinda Barron
Chapter One
London, Fall 1885
“There she is, Charlotte Hudson, a widow AND a virgin.” The large woman held a fan in front of her face and tittered. I thought I was going to slap her. If she was going to talk about me the least she could do was make sure that I didn’t hear her.
“Rumor has it that she killed her husband on their wedding day.” The other woman sitting next to her was small and mousy looking. My mourning had been over for four days and I had made sure to attend Lord Essex’s party, since I knew half the ton would attend. And I’d made sure to wear something that would catch everyone’s attention.
My red satin dress was low cut and very frilly. Let the old hens gossip. All I wanted was to be in something besides black.
The first woman spoke again. “Look at that dress. Husband hunting again, I would say. And barely out of mourning. Barnard left her money, quite a bit of it I hear. But I’m sure she wants more. Perhaps she should choose an old husband who is about to die. Then she could have his house and blunt and wouldn’t have to worry about living with her first husband’s father anymore. She’ll just need to be sure she makes it to the marriage bed before she kills off this one.”
I turned and stared at her, recognizing Lady Chesterfield. “You’re right, Milady, I’m looking again. But I want someone young, not someone old. Do you have someone in mind? Perhaps your son? I hear he’s looking for a young virgin. Should I offer myself?” My voice was high and several people in the vicinity turned to stare.
Several of the gentlemen laughed boldly and the woman I was addressing gave me an evil stare. “You little hussy, you don’t deserve to be here. And you stay away from my son!”
I returned the stare. “Perhaps I don’t, but Lord Essex invited me just the same. Perhaps I should ask him to seat me next to your son at dinner. His name is Tarleton, correct? I wonder, though, if he would know what to do with a virgin. Several stories I have heard indicate otherwise.”
Lady Chesterfield stood, her bulk quivering with indignation. “I shall have you removed at once you insolent little tramp. Murderer, that is what you are!” She pointed her finger at me and the laughing that had taken place at my comments about Tarleton Tupin, the future Lord Chesterfield, died down.
“I find it hard to see how I can be a virgin and a tramp at the same time,” I said, glaring at her. I started to add more to the statement but I felt a hand on my elbow, squeezing gently and looked up to see Lord Essex staring at me. Our host has mischief in his eyes as he shook his head at me, indicating that I should stay quiet.
“Ladies, ladies,” he said softly. A crowd had gathered to see what would happen next. “It is early in the evening. I believe that if we are to have a disagreement it should come after dinner. Lady Chesterfield, as much as I enjoy your company I would also request that you refrain from calling my guests murderers. It makes me most unhappy.”
Lady Chesterfield turned her glare from me and smiled up at Lord Essex’s handsome face. “Do forgive me, milord. I lost my temper.”
She turned and glared at me again.
“I think, Lady Chesterfield, that the person who deserves an apology here is Mrs. Hudson,” Lord Essex’s voice was like melted chocolate. “After all, she is the one who had been branded a murderer with no evidence to support the idea.”
Lady Chesterfield looked as if she would gag on the words but she uttered an apology, which I accepted. Then her friend took her by the arm and led her away. The crowd was dispersing. I knew they were talking about the incident and that by morning it would be in every gossip sheet in London. After all, my husband had died on our wedding day, after falling from the rooftop of his father’s home. and I had been seen on the roof, talking to Bernard before he died. His father was now my guardian, as I had no other relatives.
I looked up at Lord Essex. He was a very handsome man, about 35 years of age, muscular with dark hair and eyes. My friend Layla said he was the very essence of the phrase “tall, dark and handsome.” Seeing him now I realized that she was right.
“Forgive me, milord,” I whispered softly. “I will gather my wrap and take my leave. Perhaps you could tell my friend Layla, Lady Thomas, where I have gone?”
Lord Essex’s face broke into a large grin. “On the contrary, Mrs. Hudson, this little incident will liven up what has been a rather dull affair. You will not leave. You will stay. And you will enjoy yourself at dinner and at the dancing afterwards. If you do not save me a dance I will be most unhappy.”
He took my hand and kissed it gently, smiling at me as he did so. And then he was gone. I watched him walk up to two of his well known friends, Lord Beaton and Lord Cannonberry. They put their heads together and began talking animatedly. Layla appeared at my shoulder, laughing as she tried to get my attention.
“My goodness I can’t believe you have caused such a fuss on your first night back in society.” She followed my eyes to the trio of Lords standing in the center of the room. “Isn’t he handsome. I think you should set your cap for him. He obviously fancies you, inviting you to his ball, knowing the exact day that your mourning was over. That means he’s kept track of the time. Perhaps he wants the virgin widow in his bed.”
I laughed and turned to look at Layla. She looked stunning this evening in a blue satin gown. She reached up and tucked back one of my dark curls and I shook my head. “He is rather handsome but I think he is a bit out of my league. I mean really I’m the daughter, and widow of a merchant, a well-known merchant whose family moves in society, but a merchant nonetheless. I don’t see Lord Essex inviting me to his bed.”
Layla smiled. She had landed a Lord during her second season and recently presented him with a son. “And would you go to his bed? Would you give yourself to the handsome Lord?”
“Of course not,” I whispered, shaking my head. “I will go to my wedding night a virgin.”
Layla laughed again. “I have news for you Charlotte. You’ve already had your wedding night and you’re still a virgin. I think you should find a way to move out of the Hudson home and live on the money that Barnard left you. Surely someone, perhaps Lord Essex, could help you do that. And then invite him to your bed. You won’t regret it.”
I was staring at Lord Essex as he talked to his two friends. All three were very handsome. Lord Essex was as dark and handsome as his friends were blond and handsome. I stared at Lord Essex again. I wondered what it would be like to lie under him, or any man for that matter. His hands were large and I thought about them caressing my breasts, slipping between my thighs. I wondered what a man looked like without his clothing on.
As if he could sense what I was thinking Lord Essex turned and looked at me, smiling, a seductive twinkle in his eyes. We locked eyes for a moment and I felt my breath catch in my chest. Then he smiled and turned, nodding at Lord Cannonberry, who grinned. They left the room together.
Layla leaned in closer to me and whispered in my ear. “Do it, Charlotte, do it. Think about it. You’re 23 years old and still a virgin. You’ve spent the last year in mourning. I’m sure that Lord Essex would gladly take you to his bed. The man obviously wants you. I’ll cover for you during your trysts.”
I shook my head at her and smiled. “I couldn’t possibly Layla. What would he want with a silly little virgin like me? I’m sure he has many willing women to warm his bed.”
I tried to change the subject. “I hope they have me sitting near you during dinner. I don’t think I can stand it if we’re not. One can only be called a murderer so many times during a day.”
We laughed and moved into the main room. Then Layla’s husband came to claim her, smiling at me and kissing me on the cheek, and I was alone again. The guests were staring at me, turning their backs and talking low. I had that effect on people. My father, Joshua Martin, was a partner with Raymond Hudson, my late husband’s father. They had matched us up to keep the business in the family. My father had died two months before Barnard and I had married.
After Barnard died I’d done the only thing I knew to do. I moved in with Raymond Hudson and his wife, Sarah. The whispers of murder had started two days after Barnard’s death. Several people said they’d seen me on the roof before Barnard had fallen. It was true, but he had been alive when I left. When the actual incident occurred I’d been downstairs with Sarah, making sure the wedding dinner was ready to be served.
But the ton had ignored Sarah’s denials, saying she would have protected me since I was married to her son. I had been branded a murderer. The authorities had not seen fit to charge me, but during my mourning period I had been shunned. No one except Layla showed up for tea, when someone met me out shopping they’d turned their backs. Even Sarah and Raymond had begun to distance themselves from me, even though I lived in their home.
When the invitation to Lord Essex’s ball had arrived I’d been shocked. I couldn’t believe he was inviting me to what was one of the biggest events of the season. Sarah told me I couldn’t attend, because of my mourning. I’d pointed out to her that my mourning period would be over four days before the ball. Then I’d ordered a red dress that was so low cut my breasts were barely covered and taken the family carriage, while Sarah and Raymond had declined to attend.
I stood near a group of women and thought about joining their conversation. Two were friends of mine from school, Rachel Adams, now a mother of three, and Amanda Williams, a new bride. Both turned their backs on me without saying a word.
I looked around for the refreshment table, thinking a drink of lemonade would improve my mood. I moved to the table where a handsome young man about my age handed me a cup. Before I could find out his name his mother came and snatched him away, sending me a look that could have melted ice.
I sipped my lemonade and made my way around the room. No one made an attempt to talk with me. I stood alone for a few moments and then decided that maybe Sarah was right. I shouldn’t have come. I’d caused a ruckus, and Layla was busy with her husband and his friends.
I looked around for Lord Essex, planning on giving him my regrets and taking my leave. I couldn’t find him. I sat down my cup and left the room. The house was enormous and I wondered where he might be. He had stood up for me but I was sure Layla was wrong. He was only being polite to his guest. He didn’t have designs on me.
I moved down the hallway and looked at the paintings on the wall. Scenes of fox hunting and landscapes. I didn’t recognize any of the artists but the paintings were well done.
I took another right down a corridor and realized that the crowd had thinned. In the main hallway people had been mulling around me, trying to ignore me. Now I was alone. I continued looking at the paintings. The doors were shut and dark underneath, except for one room at the end of the hall. A light was visible under the doorway.
I wondered if Lord Essex was in the room and that’s why lamps had been lit inside. I knocked and received no answer. I knocked again and turned the handle. The door opened inward to reveal a library. It was warm and cozy; a large table with several chairs around it lined the far wall. Two of the other walls were lined with books. A warm, toasty blaze crackled in the fireplace. I stepped inside. I loved to read. It was a great passion of mine that my father had indulged. Several large wingback chairs were placed around the room. The Persian carpets looked expensive and gave the room an exotic feeing.
I stopped in the doorway. I could go inside and invade Lord Essex’s privacy, or I could go back to the main room and be ignored, listening to people brand me a killer. I stepped inside and closed the door.
There was a large mirror nestled in between the bookshelves on the far wall. I stared at my reflection. The dress I was wearing was beautiful and the dressmaker had made it perfectly. It conformed to my curves. Sarah said I was too plump but I disagreed. My breasts were large and full, as were my hips. My corset held in my waist, as men liked. My dark hair was piled on top of my head, little ringlets coming down the sides. I knew I looked lovely. It was too bad no man wanted me because of the nasty rumors that were making the rounds.
I turned around and around, staring at my reflection. Perhaps I should do as Layla suggested. If I propositioned Lord Essex would he turn me down, laugh at a silly little girl who no longer wanted the burden of her maidenhead? Layla said the initial penetration was painful. I wondered how painful. I wondered what it would feel like. Layla had tried to describe it, but failed.
“You feel very... well... very full.” The words hadn’t inspired me with a desire to have a man between my thighs, until now.
I went to the near wall and ran my fingers down the leather spines of the books. They were absolutely beautiful, and very expensive. I made my way around, admiring the books and running my hands along the cool wood of the beautifully polished table. I knew that Lord Essex was rich but this room was beyond anything I had ever seen.
I took a few of the books off the shelves and sat down in the chair. Perhaps I wouldn’t leave, I thought. Perhaps I would just disappear for a while. Give everyone something to talk about. Make them think I was trysting with someone in the gardens. Add a bit of spice to the gossip. Leaving was too much like running away. I was never one to run away. Besides, I thought, enough gossip and Raymond might set me up in a house of my own. I liked that idea.
I opened one of the books and began to read. I didn’t recognize the author but the book was an adventure story, of treasure lost and found. I was just finishing the first chapter when a noise at the doorway broke my attention span. Someone was coming in. I realized that I shouldn’t be here, that I shouldn’t have made myself at home in Lord Essex’s library.
I grabbed the book and ran to the back of the room, crouching behind one of the chairs. Just as I settled myself down the door opened fully and Lord Essex and Lord Beaton stepped inside. I tried to control my breathing. My palms were sweating. Lord Essex had defended me with Lady Chesterfield, but would he do so when he caught me in his private rooms?
They were talking but I couldn’t hear exactly what they were saying. Moments later the door opened again. I peeked around the chair and saw Amelia Turnston, a young widow, enter just ahead of Lord Cannonberry.
Lord Cannonberry shut the door and Lord Essex’s voice boomed out.
“You may kneel in the center of the rug, Amelia.” I gasped, and then quickly covered my mouth, afraid my gasp had been heard. When no one came my way I looked out again. Amelia Turnston was kneeling in the center of the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her head bowed.
The three Lords were standing around her in a semi-circle; all three had stern looks on their faces.
“You’ve broken the rules of the Club, Amelia,” Lord Essex said. “Do you have anything to say in your defense?”
Amelia’s voice was low. “No Milords, I do not. Please forgive me for my indiscretion. Please punish me as you see fit.”
I stared at the scene in front of me. The Club? What Club? And punish her? I knew I should stand and make myself known. But I couldn’t. All I could do was stare at Amelia as she knelt, her head bowed.
“Very well, Amelia,” Lord Essex said, his voice stern. “Go and stand in front of the table.”
He made his way toward a cupboard near the far wall where I was hiding. I wondered if he would see me. I crouched down lower, feeling the hard ends of my corset digging into my stomach. The uncomfortable feeling caused me to gasp again and I thought I saw Lord Essex glance my way.
But he did not come over. Instead he smiled and then pulled out a drawer, taking out a long thin strap of leather. I realized at that point what was happening. They were going to spank Amelia with the leather. I looked toward Amelia. She was bent over the table. Lord Beaton was pulling up her skirts to reveal her rear end. Lord Cannonberry was taking hold of her drawers and pulling them down. Her bum was now naked.
Lord Essex walked up behind her. “Hands above your head, Amelia.”
I was on my knees now, still hidden behind the chair but I had a perfect view. Amelia raised her arms above her head, her hands flat on the table. I was in shock, I knew I should cry out, stop this before it went any further. But I was glued to the spot. I wanted to see what was going to happen next.
Amelia’s soft voice was barely audible. “Please forgive me, Milords. I’m sorry for my indiscretion. I pray you, show me my place.”
The leather made a swishing noise as it sailed through the air and landed on Amelia’s bare bum. She moaned softly. “Thank you Milord for showing me my place. May I have more correction, please?”
The leather landed again and again and again. Each time I heard it sail through the air my breath caught in my throat, as if the leather would land on my bum. After each swat Amelia thanked Lord Essex and asked for “more correction.” After a few minutes Lord Essex handed the leather to Lord Cannonberry, who continued the spanking. After a few more minutes he handed the strap to Lord Beaton, who took his place. I could hear the tears in Amelia’s voice. She was thanking them and then begging for more correction in the same breath, her crying very noticeable.
I wanted to jump up and yell for them to stop. I wanted to scream and run from the room, telling every person in the drawing room that a woman was being whipped in the library. But I didn’t. I knelt and watched. The sounds of the leather and of Amelia’s moans were causing my belly to clinch. They were also causing a queer feeling in my quim. It quivered with each moan. I stared at Lord Essex. He was standing off to the side, watching his friends whip the young widow. I wondered what it felt like, what Amelia was feeling.
When Lord Beaton finished the spanking the room was silent except for Amelia’s soft sobs. I could hear myself breathing heavily. I was fascinated. She seemed to love what they were doing to her but why, I wondered, were they whipping her? What gave them the right? Why did she permit it?
There was silence and I saw Lord Beaton hand the strip to Lord Essex. He took it and lightly began to caress Amelia’s rear, which had bright splashes of red spread across it.
“What is the first rule of the Club, Amelia?” Lord Beaton asked, his voice stern.
“Milords are in charge,” she whispered. “Their word is law.”
“And why were you punished today?” Lord Cannonberry’s voice held the same sternness.
“For breaking the rules,” Amelia said. “I disobeyed an order from Lord Beaton today.”
“And what order was that?” Lord Essex asked.
“Lord Beaton ordered me to his home for a spanking today, and I couldn’t make the appointment.” Her voice was soft. “Please Milords, forgive me. Don’t make me leave the Club. I couldn’t get away from my family. I didn’t mean to miss the appointment. Please forgive me. It won’t happen again.”
I watched as the three of them exchanged glances. Lord Essex nodded. “Very well Amelia, we will give you one more chance. You will receive ten more strokes from each of us now. Then you will come to Lord Beaton’s home at precisely two tomorrow. Do not be late. Do not miss the appointment. You will take whatever punishment Lord Beaton gives you. Do I make myself clear?”
Amelia sniffled. “Yes, Milord, I will do as you say.”
I listened as the swats were delivered, one right after the other. Amelia’s moans were growing louder.
“Please Milords, please, I need release.” Her voice was loud, her tone pleading.
“Release is for good little girls,” Lord Beaton said. “Perhaps I will allow it tomorrow, but not tonight.”
The swats ended and Lord Essex’s voice rang out. “You are to make yourself available to any member of the Club when they ask Amelia, is that clear?”
“Yes, Lord Essex, it’s very clear. Thank you for the correction, Milords.”
“Very well,” Lord Cannonberry said. “We’ll see if you’ve learned your lesson tomorrow. You may stand now.”
I watched as she stood, her legs wobbly. Lord Cannonberry supported her on one side, Lord Beaton on the other. Both reached up and gently pushed hair away from her face. Lord Essex moved in behind her and talked softly in her ear. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but she was sighing with pleasure, showing that she enjoyed whatever it was he’d whispered.
Essex then took the leather strap and stepped back. I slipped back down behind the chair. Cannonberry and Beaton were helping Amelia straighten her skirts and fix her hair. The four of them stood in the center of the room and talked for a few moments.
I heard the door open and shut. I leaned my head against the back of the chair, trying to catch my breath. I had not been discovered, amazingly enough. I had started to rise when I heard footsteps coming across the room. Lord Essex had the leather strap in his hands. He crossed the room and sat down in the chair I was hiding behind.
“You may come out now Mrs. Hudson,” he said sternly. I stood up and he turned around to face me.
“My, my, my, what a naughty little girl you are,” he said, laughter in his voice. “Whatever am I going to do with you?”
Chapter Two
Lord Essex had taken off his coat and loosened his shirtsleeves before the spanking. Now, sitting in the chair with the leather draped casually across his lap he looked wicked.
I shivered, trying to find my voice. “Please forgive me, Milord,” I said in a mimic of Amelia’s words. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I was simply looking for a quiet place. I won’t tell anyone what I’ve seen. I swear.”
Lord Essex’s smile deepened. “Oh I know you won’t say anything, Mrs. Hudson. It would further harm your already damaged reputation. I’m not worried about you saying anything. I’m wondering how to punish you for prying into my private affairs.”
He wiggled the leather in his lap and smiled.
“Oh no!” My voice was quivering. I tried to put conviction in my words. “I will not allow you to do THAT...” I stopped and pointed to the table, “to ME. And I did not pry. It was an honest mistake.”
And he laughed. He actually laughed at me. He stood and walked toward me, the leather strap hanging from his hand.
“Oh my dear Mrs. Hudson, you will allow it, and much more before we are finished. And, if it was an honest mistake you should have made your presence known.” He crossed behind me and gathered me into his arms, using the strap to pull me back against him. The leather was resting against my stomach and I shuddered.
His lips were near my ears. Never had a man held me this closely, not even Barnard.
“My sweet Mrs. Hudson, I simply cannot allow you to witness what you just did without any punishment.”
I tried to wiggle out of his arms and he pulled the leather tighter. I could feel his manhood pressed against my bum. It was hard and much larger than I thought it would be. It caused a wave of what I could only assume was desire that made my knees go weak. I wanted to turn around and touch it. To see it. The feelings scared me and thrilled me at the same time.
“Release me,” I said softly. “I promise you I won’t say anything. Please, release me.”
He kissed my neck, just below my ear and I moaned. He dropped the leather at my feet and his hands went up to my breasts, gently caressing them through the satin material. Then he pulled on the bodice and my nipples spilled forth. They were hard and aching. He gathered them in his fingers and gently twisted them. I pushed myself back against him and laid my head on his shoulder.
“Mrs. Hudson how I look forward to training you.” He continued to caress my nipples. “Your sweet bum calls to me even now. However we don’t have time. Dinner will be served in moments.”
My breathing was coming in short gasps. I knew that I should try and break out of his arms but I didn’t want to. “Please.”
He laughed lightly. “Please what, my sweet Mrs. Hudson?” His lips were in my hair, his fingers twisted my nipples harshly and I cried out.
“Please. Stop. No. More.” His voice was deep, his breath tickling my neck.
“Which is it, Mrs. Hudson, stop, or more?” I didn’t answer. I couldn’t answer. All I could do was press my breasts against his hands.
He twisted my nipples again and whispered in my ears. “We’ll walk in the gardens after dinner and discuss this predicament.” He turned me around and looked in my eyes. His were heavy with lust and I knew that mine were probably the same. Watching Amelia being spanked had caused feelings of warmth to spread through my belly. His handling of my breasts had increased that feeling.
He leaned down and took one of my nipples in his mouth. I gasped and tried to pull away and he bit gently. Then I moaned and felt myself melt in his arms.
“After dinner, Mrs. Hudson,” he whispered. “We’ll dance and discuss.” He pulled my bodice back up, positioning it to cover my nipples again. I was speechless, unable to answer. I didn’t want to wait until after dinner. If he was going to divest me of my maidenhead I wanted him to do it right now, before I changed my mind. I could feel the dew on my quim.
He stepped back and offered me his arm. “Shall we?”
I looked down and he lifted my face back up gently. “Soon, Mrs. Hudson, soon. Your training must come first, but soon I will fulfill what you are feeling now. Give it time.”
And then he turned and headed for the door, offering me his arm again as he opened it. “Shall we?”
**********
Dinner seemed to last an eternity. I’d been seated next to two older gentlemen that I did not know. Happily for me they did not shun me. Both included me in conversations and were polite and attentive.
But I was unable to eat much. My stomach was in knots. I pushed the food around on my plate and thought about Lord Essex’s hands on my breasts. I thought about Amelia bent over the table in the library, the three Lords punishing her behind with the leather strap. I looked down the table at her. She was laughing and happy, a rosy blush on her cheeks. She was seated next to Lord Beaton, who leaned over repeatedly and whispered in her ear.
The longer I watched them the madder I became. How dare Lord Essex try to drag me into his debauchery? I didn’t care if he and his friends spanked every one seated at this table. They would not spank me.
I smiled at the ancient Lord seated next to me, and then turned and shot an evil glare at Lord Essex. He had been looking at me already, a twinkle in his eye. That twinkle deepened upon seeing my scowl. Then he took his knife and rapped it repeatedly against the palm of his hand, mimicking a spanking motion.
I couldn’t believe that he would be so blatant. If he thought I was walking in the gardens with him after dinner he was sorely mistaken. Just because I’d melted when he’d explored my breasts didn’t mean I was interested in him. I was 23 years old. I was a virgin and a widow. I would have melted if the old man sitting next to me had played with my breasts. Then I took another look at the aging man. Well, maybe not melted.
I glanced around the table. The women were clearly uninterested in me. The men, however, were very interested. I did have money. I stared at the gathered Lords and gentlemen, trying to decide whom I could flirt with after dinner. Perhaps the flirting could turn into something more permanent.
I glanced down the table again and received a shy smile from Geoffrey Edwards. Geoffrey was the second son of a Duke, untitled but still a good catch. I decided he would do nicely. Then I attacked the remaining food on my plate.
Lord Essex could go to the devil. He could walk in the gardens with someone else. I had other things to attend to.
**********
The second dance of the evening was in full swing when Geoffrey Edwards appeared at my side, asking me to join him on the floor. Lord Essex scowled at this turn of events. He had been dancing with his aunt, a woman barely ten years older than himself who was acting as his hostess.
Geoffrey led me to the floor but I felt none of the exciting shiver when he took me in his arms that I’d felt in the library.
“You look very lovely this evening, Mrs. Hudson,” Geoffrey said. “I’m glad to see your mourning is over and you will be able to join us more often.”
I smiled up at him.
“Why thank you Mr. Edwards,” I whispered. “It is most gratifying to be able to move about in society again.” I lowered my eyes and sneaked a glance at Lord Essex. He was still dancing with his aunt.
I pushed myself closer to Geoffrey. “Not that I don’t miss Barnard, but one does get tired of wearing black.”
Geoffrey laughed and tightened the arm he held around my back. “Perhaps I might call upon you sometime? We could go for a ride in the park, or perhaps to see a play? I will ask your father-in-law for permission, if that is acceptable to you.”
I smiled up at him, but before I could say yes, a hand on my shoulder stopped us both in the middle of the floor.
“Forgive me, Edwards,” Lord Essex said, his voice dripping with anger. “If you don’t mind Mrs. Hudson and I have something we need to discuss.”
Geoffrey dropped his arms immediately and I stepped back.
“Actually,” I said. “I do believe we have finished that conversation, Lord Essex.”
The handsome lord’s eyes darkened even more.
“Mr. Edwards has just invited me to a play this weekend,” I turned and beamed at Geoffrey. “I’m sure my father-in-law would agree to our outing. Shall I look for you around seven?”
Geoffrey bowed and kissed my hand. “The pleasure will be all mine, Mrs. Hudson.”
Then he nodded to Lord Essex and left the dance floor. Couples had been mulling around us, trying to overhear the conversation. Another little tidbit for the gossip columns.
Lord Essex gathered me in his arms and we began to dance. “Mrs. Hudson, you’re not playing by the rules. You’ve seen what I do to those who don’t obey the rules.”
The laughter that had been in his eyes at dinner was gone. He was guiding us toward the open doorway that led to the gardens. The cool spring air was flowing inside. I could smell the flowers that were in bloom. The feeling of warmth in my stomach had returned.
I fought the feeling down and looked up at Lord Essex.
“I told you before I will not play your games. Your secret is safe with me, however.”
He kept his arm around me as we moved out onto the stone landing at the top of the gardens.
“Yes, you did say that,” he said, keeping his arm around me. “However, I don’t accept that. You are not in charge of this situation, Mrs. Hudson, I am.”
He had his arm around my waist and we were moving toward a bench that was nestled near the rose bushes. I could push him away and cause another scene. Several couples were also headed toward the gardens. I knew there was nothing he could do to me physically. It was too public of an area. I was worried, however, about what he could do to me mentally. My ability, and desire, to resist him was hanging by a thread.
All it had taken was the feel of his hand against the small of my back. I had not had this giddy feeling when Geoffrey Edwards touched me. He sat on the bench and pulled me down beside him, nestling me close against him.
“If I were you, my sweet, I would break your plans with Geoffrey Edwards for Saturday evening,” he was whispering in my ear, leaning very close. I was sure every couple nearby was straining to hear what he was saying. “I believe you are going to be otherwise engaged.”
I shook my head. “Geoffrey is a very sweet man. I plan on keeping the engagement. Lord Essex, although I appreciate your interest, I do believe we are not suited for each other.”
I could see Amelia in my mind, bent over the table. Lord Essex was swinging the leather toward her behind. I shivered and he drew me closer. “Say it all you want, Mrs. Hudson, but we are very suited to each other.”
He pulled back and lifted my face so that our gazes met. “Come tomorrow, at tea time. My aunt will welcome you, and then she will give us time together, to get to know one another.”
The anger that I’d felt at dinner returned. “How dare you just assume that I will be at your beck and call! I have other plans for tomorrow.”
I stood and turned. Layla and her husband, Martin, were in the doorway, watching us with great interest. Lord Essex pulled me back down onto the bench and I almost lost my balance. Only his outstretched arm kept me from toppling backwards.
“Mrs. Hudson, tomorrow’s engagement is not an invitation, it is an order.” His voice was steely. Layla and Martin started toward us. “This is my only warning, my sweet. Do not cross me.”
He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek, pulling me to my feet just as Layla and Martin reached us.
Lord Essex turned his smile on the pair. “A beautiful night, isn’t it? If you’ll excuse me I must attend to my other guests.” He kissed my cheek, and then kissed Layla’s, shaking hands with Martin before he disappeared into the ballroom.
My hands were shaking. His voice had held a determination that I had never heard. Layla looked at me questioningly. Martin had a smug smile on his face. “It seems you’ve captured the attention of Lord Essex,” he said.
I looked at him and smiled. Inside I was thinking it was the most stupid statement I had ever heard. Everyone had noticed the attention I had received from Essex. Layla looked at her husband and shook her head, a smile on her face. Then she leaned in as if to kiss my cheek. “What did I tell you? And when do I need to create an alibi for your first tryst?”
She laughed and Martin joined in, even though he didn’t know the joke. I smiled at the both of them and felt my insides quaking. An order indeed. We would see who would win this battle of wills. I would not go gently into Lord Essex’s plans. He could kiss his order goodbye. I would be otherwise engaged at teatime tomorrow.
**********
“My goodness what a scandal you’ve caused,” Sarah said at breakfast the next morning. She had a lineup of gossip sheets by her elbow. I would say she was angry about what she was reading but truthfully I think she was thrilled that I was the focus of attention. It would make her all the more attractive to members of the ton.
“Listen to this,” she said to no one in particular. Raymond was eating his toast, his mind not on what his wife was saying.
“Which lovely widow, who never made it to her wedding bed, attracted the attention of one of the ton’s most eligible bachelors during a stellar extravaganza at his home yesterday eve? The young miss, resplendent in a sparkling gown of red cut low and revealing, even made it into the gardens with the handsome Lord. The obviously smitten host also rescued the pretty young lady from a battle of wits with another of his female guests who dared to use the M word where the young lady was concerned.”
Sarah took a drink of tea and cleared her throat before she continued. “If Lord E plans to continue his pursuance of the young lady perhaps he should make sure that he doesn’t go onto any rooftops with her.”
She slapped the paper down on the table and began to laugh. “My goodness Charlotte what ever did you say to the ‘other female guest?’ And who was it?”
I took a bite of my eggs and tried not to grimace. “Lady Chesterfield seems to think I’m a hussy who shouldn’t be allowed back into society.”
Sarah’s smile disappeared. “My goodness, Charlotte, you fought with Lady Chesterfield? She is one of the most influential persons in society. We will we banned from every affair in London. Perhaps we could make some amends somehow. Raymond, what are you thoughts on the matter?”
Raymond grunted and continued to eat his breakfast. It was obvious he could care less about Lady Chesterfield. Or the fact that the gossip sheet had practically said I’d pushed Barnard off the rooftop.
“I’m going shopping with Layla,” I announced. “I will take tea at her house. I have also declined the Smyth’s party tomorrow, and am attending a play with Geoffrey Edwards on Saturday.”
I stood and straightened my skirts. “If you will excuse me, I will see you later this evening.”
I left without giving Sarah a chance to answer. I knew she was angry about Lady Chesterfield but I was also sure she would fight her way back from the setback. Sarah would never give up. Just like I would never give in to Lord Essex.
**********
By three p.m. I had ordered ten new dresses in varying vivid colors. Of course I had purchased matching slippers, bags and undergarments. Layla and I had been talked about in every store we entered. For once no one was overly rude, which surprised me. But we were certainly the center of attention.
Shopkeepers were happy to see me arrive. I was so tired of black that I went overboard. When teatime came at four p.m. Layla and I retired to her home, laughing and gossiping the entire time.
“Did you see Lady Ingle look at you while they were fitting you for that peacock blue dress? It was obvious that she wanted it, but she wouldn’t be caught dead wearing something you would wear, if you pardon the pun.”
We dissolved into laughter as we sank onto the couch in her study.
“Lord Essex will love you in the blue,” Layla said, gasping for air. “Perhaps you should wear it on the night he takes your maidenhead.”
I had tried not to think of Lord Essex all day. But unfortunately I had failed. Each dress I had purchased I’d wondered what he would think. Would he like the color? The cut? Would he appreciate the matching corsets and petticoats?
I shook my head vigorously. “Lord Essex will not take my maidenhead. And I have no plans for a tryst. I’m going to the theater with Geoffrey Edwards Saturday evening. Are you and Martin attending the play?”
Layla stared at me, a cucumber sandwich halfway to her mouth. “You’re joking, right? Geoffrey Edwards? Over Lord Essex? Have you lost your mind?”
“I would have to say she has,” Lord Essex replied from the doorway. “I very nicely asked Mrs. Hudson to have tea with my aunt and myself today and she missed the appointment. So I had to track her down.”
He stepped into the room with Martin right behind him. “I must say Lady Thomas you look very lovely.” Essex kissed her outstretched hand and I could do nothing but outstretch my own. He kissed it gently and then gave me a wicked smile that only I could see. That smile clearly said that he had won, and would continue winning until he got what he wanted.
Layla was staring at me with her mouth open. “Charlotte, why did you not tell me you were to have tea with Lord Essex? Milord, please forgive me. If I had known....”
Lord Essex cut her off with a wave of his hand. “Lady Thomas, please, call me George. And of course I know you didn’t know. It’s Mrs. Hudson, Charlotte, who is playing hard to get. But I do love a challenge.”
He sat down and helped himself to a plate, which he proceeded to heap with sandwiches and cakes. A maid brought in two new cups, giving Lord Essex a shy look as she placed a cup in front of him. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his long legs at the ankles and digging into his food.
“George came by early this afternoon looking for you two,” Martin said. “Seems he went by the Hudson home to offer his carriage for the tea engagement and was informed that Charlotte was not there. We’ve been waiting for you for several hours.”
Layla gave me a look that caused me to cringe. She was very angry with me. If she knew what I knew, however, she would understand why I was working to stay away from Lord Essex.
I looked at him and felt my stomach muscles tighten as they had the night before. I saw Amelia’s reddened bottom. I heard the leather swishing through the air. I heard its popping noise as it hit, her cry of pain and then her apology for breaking the rules. The palms of my hands began to sweat.
“I apologize, Lord Essex,” I whispered, trying to think of a quick excuse. “But I thought that perhaps after seeing the gossip sheets this morning you would rescind the invitation.”
He popped a cake into his mouth and swallowed quickly. “Nonsense, Mrs. Hudson. A few words do not bother me. In fact I found them quite amusing.”
He wiped his hands on a napkin and took a drink of tea. “Those few words seem to have had quite an effect on society’s hostesses. When I went by the Hudson’s this morning Mrs. Hudson, the elder Mrs. Hudson, was eagerly going through a plethora of invitations that you have received, not the least of which was to the Ellington crush this evening. I promised Mrs. Hudson that we would leave around eight. I hope that time is good for you, Mrs. Hudson. Or should I call you Charlotte, to make things simpler? All these Mrs. Hudsons are making my head swim.”
He laughed and popped another cake into his mouth. There was no way I could refuse. He had already made the arrangements with Sarah. If I backed out now there would be serious questions raised about my sanity.
“And now, Charlotte, I will carry you home in my carriage so you can prepare for this evening.” He stood and offered me his hand. I stood and took it.
Once we were inside his carriage he gave me a cold stare. “I am not used to having my orders disobeyed Charlotte.”
I looked out the window and saw that the carriage was not headed toward my home.
“Tell the driver to take me home,” I whispered.
“Not quite yet,” he said. “You have a spanking coming to you and it will be delivered this afternoon.”
I stared out the window. I knew we would be at Lord Essex’s house in a few short minutes. I weighed my options. I could scream and cry for help, attracting the attention of everyone on the street. That would cause quite a stir in the gossip sheets.
I could run the moment we pulled up but I had little doubt that Lord Essex would follow me and bring me back to his house by force. I could sit inside but I also had little doubt that he would pick me up and carry me inside. Or I could calmly walk inside.
I looked at Lord Essex. The determined look was still upon his face.
“I know what you are thinking Charlotte.” His voice was soft but firm. “I know that you think someone on the street will help you escape your punishment but I can assure you that is not the case. You would do better to walk inside the house on your own. If you choose not to you can be assured that I will carry you inside.”
I wondered what kind of scene that would cause. The gossip sheets would be full the next day.
I straightened my head and looked him square in the eyes. “Very well, I will go into your home. But you should know that I will not submit to a spanking. You have no authority over me.”
He didn’t respond. Instead we stepped from the carriage and went into the house. Several people were on the street, looking at us as we went inside. I knew the gossip would be flying by the beginning of the Ellington crush tonight.
He told the butler that he “didn’t want to be disturbed,” and then headed toward the room where Amelia had received her spanking.
I stepped over the threshold and he shut the door, shucking his coat and vest and rolling up his shirtsleeves. He leaned against the table and crossed his arms across his chest.
“Now, Charlotte, you have control over how the spanking proceeds from here. We have little time, so if you obey my orders and take what is coming to you we can finish this part in short time.”
“What do you mean by ‘this part?’” My voice quivered a bit.
Lord Essex smiled. “You will receive a small spanking this afternoon, forty or fifty strokes.” He said it nonchalantly and I balked. Forty or fifty? Was he kidding? That was a small spanking?
He continued, ignoring the look of disbelief on my face. “Then we will continue the rest tonight, after the Ellington party.”
I stalled for time. “And what is the rest?”
He plastered a wicked smile on his face. “Let’s just say that the title of ‘Virgin Widow’ will not fit you any longer.”
Without waiting for an answer he went to the couch and sat down.
“Come here, Charlotte, right now. If you refuse I will come after you. It will be harder for you.”
I took a few steps and then stopped. Fear gripped my insides, but there was also something else, something I couldn’t identify. I refused to let him see me cringe. If Amelia could take it so could I. They had used leather on her and I noticed no strap. That meant he planned on using his hand. It would not be too bad.
I stopped in front of him and he motioned me to his side.
“Lay yourself across my lap.”
My hands were shaking as I straightened down my skirts and lowered myself. I could feel his hard thigh pressed against my quim. His manhood was pressed against my side. It sent a chill through me.
I started to squirm as I felt him gathering my skirts up. He intended for my bottom to be bare and I was unprepared for that. I knew that Amelia’s had been, but I hadn’t expected him to raise my skirts. I tried to stand and he used one hand to hold me down. My skirts came up above my head and I heard the material of my under-alls tearing, bearing my backside.
“Stop that! Stop that this instance! No! No!” I could feel the cool air on my skin and moments later I felt a resounding slap, followed by four more. I tried to move but Lord Essex was holding me down.
“This is for spying on me.” Slap, slap, slap, slap.
Tears were stinging my eyes as I felt heat rush through my exposed bum. I also felt a warming in my quim, something I had never felt before.
Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap.
“And this is for not following orders this afternoon.” Slap, slap, slap, slap, slap.
I continued to squirm, begging him to stop. But I realized that each time he slapped me I was squirming to try and press my quim harder against his thigh. The pressure on my quim, coupled with the sharp slaps was producing a most enjoyable sensation.
“Are you going to be a good little girl for me, Charlotte?” slap, slap, slap, slap. “Answer me!” Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“Yes,” I whispered.
Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“Louder, and you will call me Master George when we are alone together.” Slap, slap, slap, slap. “Answer me, now!”
“Yes, Master George, yes.”
Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“Yes what, Mrs. Hudson?”
Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“Yes, Master George, I will be a good girl.”
Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“You will be my good little girl, say it.”
He slapped my bum several more times.
I was crying now, my tears staining my cheeks. But the pressure I had been feeling in my quim had intensified. I wanted more. Much more. I found that I loved the contact with him, loved the feelings, both physical and mental, that were rolling through my body.
“Yes, Master George, I will be your good little girl, I promise.” The words made me tingle and I moaned.
Slap, slap, slap, slap.
“Lift up just a little bit Charlotte, and spread your legs.”
I did as I was told without a fuss and sighed as Lord Essex’s thumb pushed its way inside my quim. He used his other hand to rub my reddened behind and whispered for me to “relax, relax and enjoy.”
His thumb began to move and his fingers began rubbing at the front part of my quim. A tingling sensation began to spread through my belly and I sighed through my tears.
Slap. “Spend for me Charlotte.” Slap. “Relax and allow it to happen.” Slap. “That’s it my sweet, move your hips.” Slap.
I was bucking myself against Lord Essex’s thumb, begging him to continue. I had never felt anything so wonderful in my entire life. He moved his fingers and slid his thumb in and out of me as he continued to slap my behind with the other hand. Moments later I cried out in pleasure and Lord Essex slapped my behind continentally until my moaning subsided. I was sobbing silently when he turned me over and gathered me in his arms, wiping away my tears.
“Did you enjoy your first lesson Charlotte?” Without waiting for an answer he kissed me and laughed. “Of course you did. There is more to come my sweet. Just wait and see. Much more.”
Then he stood me up and made me bend over so he could inspect my behind.
“Very nice,” he whispered and he slapped it again, several times. “We’ll see how it looks after tonight.”
I hiccupped as my sobbing subsided. The waves of pleasure I had felt were still rolling through my body. “I can’t take it again tonight.”
“You forgot to say ‘Master George.’” I could hear the humor in his voice. “Obviously the first lesson didn’t take very well. We may have to repeat some of it. Don’t worry Charlotte, I will make sure you are trained properly before you are introduced at the Club.”
“What Club?” I whispered.
“Why The Spanking Club, of course.” And then he laughed.
Chapter Three
My bottom ached. I had pointedly tried not to grimace every time I sat down that evening but I knew I failed miserably.
My peacock blue dress had arrived on time and it fit me well. On Sarah’s command my maid had tightened the laces on my corset until I had trouble breathing. My breasts were pushed up high and the low-cut dress showed them off wonderfully. The maid had ignored my reddened behind but I knew it would be the talk of the household staff.
Lord Essex had arrived on time and our entrance at the Ellington crush caused quite a stir. Sarah loved the attention we received arriving in Lord Essex’s carriage. I had tried to melt into the woodwork but Lord Essex had pulled me close. Geoffrey Edwards had given me a look of betrayal.
Now we were sitting at dinner. I had Lord Beaton on my left side and Lord Cannonberry on my right. Both had leaned in and kissed me on the cheek when we sat down and whispered “Welcome to the Club, Mrs. Hudson.” And our host, Lord Ellington, had also saluted me with a glass of wine. He was a widower, a very handsome man whose 20-year-old daughter Charity acted as his hostess. I wondered if she had done the seating arrangements, or if he had.
What was going on? Was Lord Ellington part of these events? The trio had punished Amelia because she had broken the rules of the Club. I wondered who else was part of this Club. I looked around the table, trying to guess who else might enjoy spanking women. Lord Essex caught my eye and smiled wickedly at me. I intended to ask him these very questions tonight.
And I felt my stomach tighten. Tonight. He was going to take my maidenhead tonight. I would get to see his manhood, which has felt so wonderful pressed against me earlier today. I blushed and looked down at my plate. When I looked back up he was still looking at me and I knew that he knew what I had been thinking about. He winked at me and turned to speak with Laura Winston, who was seated next to him.
Was she part of the Club? How many of the women sitting at this table had their bottoms reddened on a regular basis? How many of them wiggled on Lord Essex’s lap while he played with their quim?
My own quim ached at the thought. Although the spanking had been painful the feelings that had come with it were extraordinary. I was torn with the desire to give myself totally to Lord Essex and the desire to run as far away from him as I could.
It was during the dancing that I received the first answer to one of my questions. Lord Essex had claimed me at the first and refused to allow me to dance with others. This caused quite a bit of gossiping among those attending. I felt particularly bad about Geoffrey Edwards. I was sure I would receive a note from him in the morning breaking our theater engagement for Saturday evening.