His Lordship's Lap Read online

  His Lordship's Lap

  By

  Breanna Hayse

  ©2016 by Breanna Hayse and Twisted Hearts Productions

  All rights reserved.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Breanna Hayse and Twisted Hearts Productions

  .

  Hayse, Breanna

  HIS LORDSHIP'S LAP

  Cover Art by Serena LaBeaux, images by Adobe Stock Photos

  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 Twisted Hearts' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking/sexual activity or the spanking of minors.

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  His Lordship's Lap

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Breanna Hayse

  Titles

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  Chapter 1

  “Must I go?” she asked, her voice trembling with trepidation as she stared at the large, dark carriage drawn by a team of matched black horses. A young man in red and black livery stood next to the open door, his face lacking expression as he patiently waited upon his passenger. “I’ve never been away from home before.”

  “This is your doing, child. I cautioned you many years ago that your behavior would come back to haunt you, and I’m afraid that now is the time. Lord Harrison is a decent sort and will care rightly for you. There is no need to fear him.”

  “Are Mother and Father coming to say farewell?”

  “They are otherwise occupied,” the old cook whispered, tucking some stray hair back under the young woman’s bonnet before patting the smooth cheek. “This situation was difficult for both of them, and they could not bear to say good-bye.”

  “They could not bear facing the fate that they proclaimed upon their only daughter, you mean. They agreed to sell me off to a man that they know only through their pathetic social standings.”

  “They did not sell you. It was a dowry.”

  “I beg to differ. They accepted his proposal of a purse full of gold in exchange for my hand and the removal of my presence from the country. They used the money to both pay off their debts and silence the whispers.”

  “The debts and the whispers were incurred by the transgressions made against the Prime Minister, child.”

  “That man and his minion are thieves and have done everything possible to muzzle anyone who confronts them with their crimes against the people.” Vanessa threw up her hands in frustration. “Don’t you see the problem? Lord Harrison is a foreigner! He lives away from the laws of England and abides under the rule of a sovereign who holds himself accountable to none. How can a person like that be trusted?”

  “He gave his word. He will do you no harm.”

  “The promise given by a man who has to procure a woman in this manner is an empty one,” came the sharp response. “I will even go further to say that a man who cares only for his wealth, power, and social standing is no man. Lord Harrison gained himself a lower noblewoman as his prize for having a fat wallet. Nothing more.”

  “He is to be your husband. You are obligated to show him honor and respect.”

  “Or what? Is he the type of man who will he beat me into submission because I am equipped with the ability to think? Will he lock me away to ensure my compliance, or starve me to gain my obedience? I owe this man no obligation.” Her eyes flashed angrily.

  “That temper of yours has been the cause of so much distress for you and your family for years. Must I remind you that your lack of self-control is what finally brought your father’s house to its knees?”

  “The Prime Minister insulted me to my face! Was I expected to stand there meekly and allow it to continue?”

  “Gentlemen were present who would have come to your aid.”

  “Gentlemen?" She snorted with derision. "The only males present were cowardly boys who pissed in their boots when they saw with whom I contended. I am warning you that there had best not be one person who thinks that sending me away will teach me to be silent,” Vanessa warned, accepting the escort’s hand and stepping into the carriage. “Lord Harrison and his court will soon acknowledge that I am no mouse. They might believe that they’ve purchased a lady, but they have gained a warrior. Good-bye, Cook.”

  The sound of hooves clipping the ground and the rattling of the carriage wheels echoed through the roomy cabin as she watched her childhood home slowly disappear out of sight. Anger and pride prevented her from crying, and she was determined to prove to her new betrothed and those around him that she would not easily succumb to fear. Raised as the only female of three children, Vanessa Pankhurst was well versed in handling herself in a man’s world. Her two elder brothers were mirror images of their father— selfish, ignorant, narcissistic and self-indulgent. The advantage she gained in living in that environment was the opportunity to excel in activities that were not normally associated with the ladies of her day, and she could ride, hunt, gamble and debate with the best of any man. Likewise, her education exceeded that which the average woman received, thanks to her frugal father, and she was competent in math, sciences, politics, and languages. To her delight, she had been spared enduring the instruction to acquire the mundane and tedious skills required to run a household, embroider linens, or entertain guests with music and dancing.

  Her mother was equally occupied by the political activities of the new women’s suffrage movement, placing her time and energy in exposing deplorable conditions for women in workhouses and jails rather than in the care and feminine education of her only daughter. That sad duty fell into the hands of the cook whose ancient bones could not keep pace with the active, curious and rebellious young lady. Try as she may, the old woman's instructions in polite behavior resulted in a head to head battle with Vanessa's defiance and resistance.

  The young woman's outspoken and unbridled comments against the local government’s treatment of the poor and common born had brought about the unwanted attention of the Queen’s prime minister. Regardless of proving the unethical and manipulative actions against people who lacked either the education or finances to defend themselves, the court sent a representative to her father’s home to demand the proffering of a public apology from the impertinent girl. They also demanded the admission of her ‘misunderstanding’ of the local magistrate’s actions. Vanessa promptly refused and announced that the truth was merely a threat to governmental power, and proceeded t
o ensure that as many people bore witness to the evidence in her possession; evidence that included the threats presented by the Prime Minister himself.

  The Prime Minister was infuriated with her defiance and refusal to comply with his terms and subsequently posted public assertions to discredit Vanessa personally and draw attention from the behavior exhibited by the local people. Indeed, his was a foolish action and enticed the populace to question the man's motives further and roused the interest of those outside the crown’s power. That was when Lord Harrison Ansley, Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, entered Vanessa's life.

  The tall, tanned stranger had been present for the public interrogation and was tremendously gallant in his proclamation that no citizen should be pushed to silence when speaking against wrongdoings. He boldly stated that any authority which threatened the well-being or financial situation of an individual for braving to come forth to protect the innocent should be dismissed from their position and publicly flogged as being a charlatan. He further rebuked the Cabinet and averred that men of integrity would not fear the words of a woman unless those words revealed truth, and then blatantly challenged them to refute the evidence that Vanessa had presented.

  They sputtered and stumbled over their statements, and attempted to justify their position and redirect the attention from themselves. Having given them ample time to prove themselves to be fools, Lord Harrison ordered for them to ‘get their bloody heads out of their arses and put on a set of breaches.’

  Vanessa vividly recalled how the young, handsome nobleman stared down every old, sour-faced, cockless man in the massive room. If it had not been for his final statement, she might have even found him likable.

  “I am seeking a wife and find this woman to be fair of face and quick of mind. I will pay the fines that you have imposed upon her family for her alleged misconduct in return for Miss Pankhurst's grant of freedom to leave British rule. I wish for her to join me as a citizen of Man with all the rights associated with my country. Incidentally, before anyone is insane enough to ask, let it be known that this proposal is non-negotiable. Should you not accept my terms, I will take my grievances directly to the queen. I don’t think I need to remind you that I have Her Majesty’s ear, do I?”

  The Prime Minister shot to his feet and shouted his objection, demanding a reason why the ‘little cunt’ should be rewarded for her actions against the Crown and that she deserved only shame and degradation given her attacks against his position and his person.

  Harrison’s expression remained unchanged as he spoke forth with eloquence. “Your choice of words has left you wanting of self-control, Prime Minister. Her actions are against you and your misconduct, not to the Crown. I remind you that it was your choice to be involved in the local issues when you came to the defense of your friend. I am also well aware of other incidents in which both you and the magistrate have participated. Very aware."

  His tone was menacing as he looked down on the sweating old man who had started to display a nervous tic. "Unless you wish Her Majesty to discover all that her Prime Minister has been doing behind closed doors with the city magistrate, I suggest that you cease this childish blustering and return to your seat immediately.”

  “How dare you threaten me! That impertinent, spoiled, and incorrigible child will never learn proper behavior when offered such leniency.”

  “I threaten no one. Granting my request ensures that Miss Pankhurst has no further need to share her information with the citizens. Although, I must admit that I am fairly confident that you will attempt to continue your activities against the unsuspecting. I take comfort in the knowledge that the people have been informed and know that they have recourse by contacting me directly.” He then narrowed his eyes. “I dare because I do not fear you, your cabinet or the laws of this country. Mann is self-governed and I, Sir, am endowed with the same diplomatic rights of any visiting sovereign. Rights and privileges that were issued by the Queen. Do you question the monarchy?”

  “You are out of line, young man! Do you actually believe that extortion will work in your favor?”

  Harrison laughed sarcastically. “I certainly do, given my Irish inheritance and a fondness for using an enemy’s tactics against them. Grant my request or I will finish what Miss Pankhurst has begun. The world will know about your corruption, lies, manipulation, and theft. I will also spread the word to any who will listen regarding how you acquired your wealth.”

  “I have absolutely nothing to hide.”

  “Really? I would be happy to call in the magistrate to testify. He was really quite eager to share all manner of information when he discovered that I was investigating this case in the name of the Queen. You look surprised, Prime Minister. Could it be that you weren’t aware of the Queen’s interest in this situation? I must say, that dear woman does indulge my personal concerns and whims, especially as they pertain to females.”

  He took advantage of the man’s shocked silence and turned to the equally stunned Vanessa. Kissing the back of her hand, he quietly said, “You will be mine, my dear girl. I will send a coach to retrieve you in ten days. Bring only personal essentials for the journey that can be discarded before you arrive at my home. I will furnish all that you require and even more of what you desire.” Steel gray eyes locked upon her as he held her hand to his hot, soft lips.

  “Is it your intent to keep me naked and dependent upon you?” She whispered through clenched teeth as she quickly regained her clarity.

  “I could certainly arrange that if you’d like.” His lips curled upward in amusement. “You appear to be lovely of form. Hence, it would only be a delight to my eyes.”

  “Lord Harrison, I beseech you—” she began as he started to walk away.

  He leaned over her shoulder from behind to whisper into her ear, “Only call me by that title in public. You will learn to call me Poppa outside of other’s hearing.”

  “Are you mad? I cannot!” She turned to look at him and saw only the broad shoulders as he departed through the door.

  The ensuing ten days had been anxiety-ridden as she paced the floor in her chambers, wondering what type of beast she was to be marrying. Neither one of her parents had uttered a sound regarding her situation, nor had her brothers treated her as anything other than disposable. In truth, her spirit rejoiced at the tremendous opportunity to escape the stifling social prison and the mind-numbing expectations of the British high society. To be in a new environment where she could blossom and grow would be a dream come true, but for one thing – how would men be different than those belonging to proper London?

  ***

  Her recollections continued as she leaned forward in the carriage and removed an apple from a basket, hoping that it would settle the uncomfortable upset of her stomach. Wiping the juice from her chin, she began to wonder if life on Man would be much different than London. Berating herself for not having paid more attention to her history, geography or economics lessons, she admitted to having little knowledge of the island beyond its location between Great Britain and Ireland.

  A long wooden box in the seat next to the basket bounced as the coach hit a pothole. Curiosity got the better of her, and she reached to lift the lid. With a frown, she drew out a simple white frock, an embroidered white apron, and various undergarments befitting a child still in the nursery. A note fluttered to the floor as she lifted the book that rested beneath the material. She picked it up and read the neat script:

  I suspected that a young and inquisitive mind such as yours would require the exploration of closed boxes and covered baskets. Enjoy the contents to the fullest. Man and her people will be new to you, as well as her customs and social environment so I have begun your education before you cross the water to join me. You are to dress in the clothing that I have provided. You may leave your hair loose or tie it with a bow, but it shall no longer be bound to your head. I have also provided reading material for your enjoyment. I wish you a safe journey and ask that respect is exercised to those who e
scort you. Obey me, and you shall be greatly rewarded. Harrison.

  Vanessa reread the letter, her mouth dry as she discerned the multiple meanings hidden between the lines. The most potent presence was within the final sentence, the opposite which warned that to disobey would result in punishment. The words brought to mind the quiet, controlled whisper in her ear on the day of their meeting when he had ordered her to call him Poppa. Like the brush of his lips and his sweet, warm breath against her hair, that whisper left an unexplainable ache in the depths of her belly.

  Her hands stroked the stitched leather and the new gold-dipped pages belonging to the unbroken spine of the pristine printing. The named author, Algernon Charles Swinburne, was a modern-day poet of the decadent school and said to be a braggart in matters of vice. As a result, his literary work was forbidden by every church and any who resided within a prudent and upright household. She mused for a moment, remembering that after hearing of his work, the ever resourceful young woman demanded the intellectual right to debate her father’s words that such ‘apprehensible literature was clearly designed to destroy a Godly mind and draw the pious into the clutches of the hell-bound.’

  She convinced her tutor to obtain several of the poems, discovering that each was filled dark, forbidden secrets and shameful lusts. The poet’s reputation of excessive imbibing of alcohol and deprivation in which he was aroused by the sensation of physical pain, had piqued the young girl’s interest and wonderment. How had Harrison known that this writer was a favorite of hers? Was it coincidental and perhaps a sign that her future husband was aware of the rebellion that surged within her thoughts? Could it also be a warning of what would occur in her future should she fail to comply with Harrison’s foreign ways?

  A second piece of paper, written in same careful and precise hand, slipped from between the pages. She lifted it to the light: