His Lordship's Lap Page 6

  “What do you think?” he asked, walking her to the door.

  “It frightens me. It is a cold and unpleasant building, much like a convent or, perhaps a prison,” she muttered, clutching his hand.

  Lifting her knuckles to his lips, he kissed her. “The design is intended to avoid distractions. It is a place of learning. You have nothing to fear from anyone here.”

  “Other than you?”

  “You only need to fear what I can do to your backside should you show defiance or rebellion, but nothing more. You might also need to fear the faeries should you forget to wish them well when you cross a bridge,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

  Vanessa groaned, “Then I am doomed. According to your valet, it was the traits of defiance and rebellion that attracted you in my direction. I also don’t believe in fairies.”

  Harrison laughed. “Then you are certainly doomed. The island’s faeries don’t like to be ignored and will stir up trouble to blame the hapless and unsuspecting human. Allow me to show you around.” Removing their coats and quickly wrapping a blanket over her slightly rain dampened shoulders, he escorted her through the quiet building. A woman appeared with two cups of steaming hot tea, curtsied without a word, and scurried away with barely a glance.

  “That was odd. She is the first person who I have not heard greet you.”

  “That is Lady Elizabeth Landers. We call her Bess, and she is our headmistress.”

  “Marie spoke to me of her and said that she was made Head Mistress as a punishment for her wrongdoings.”

  “It’s true. Bess is responsible for training schedules and the provision of appropriate subjects and instructors to meet the students’ needs. She also acts as an active ear for the men to practice their scolding techniques and critiques the effectiveness.”

  “The men are permitted to scold her without cause? What kind of brutality is that?”

  “She committed a horrific crime.”

  “Marie said that her crime was falling in love with your brother and because of that love, she is subjected to demeaning and ridicule for the remainder of her life. What of her children and the shame that they will have to face growing up?”

  “The words spoken are just an exercise. There are no barbs behind them to cause her undue suffering. As for her children, they will be careful never to follow in their mother’s footsteps.”

  “Words stay in the head and the heart forever. Words that are without praise will destroy the spirit. Better that you would have allowed her to divorce and marry the one she loved,” Vanessa said heatedly. “Do you also allow these students to practice beating upon her?”

  “Of course not. Her bottom belongs to her husband, her father and myself. No other. You’re angry again.”

  “Yes, I’m angry. Can’t you see the injustice you are serving here? This woman was involved in a miserable marriage. She met someone and fell in love, and took the chance to be happy. Now she will not only suffer from the derision freely given to her by the men in this country but also be without the one she loved. All of you claim to care about the citizens, yet she has no reason other than her children to be here. Gossip will destroy them as well.”

  Harrison nodded, drawing his brow into a frown. “I admit that you have a valid point that warrants consideration. I’ve known Bess since she was born and it grieves my heart that she is unhappy, but she knew the laws.”

  “A land whose laws that remove all choice and freedom is a dictatorship. Is that your goal?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  “Then change those things that are steering your country in that direction. What in the world is that shouting?” Vanessa asked, turning her head to the sound of a man’s voice.

  “It sounds like a student practicing his scolding.”

  “Those words are not ones that should be directed towards anyone, especially a lady. They are patronizing, coarse and cutting.”

  Harrison sighed and led the way to the room where an average sized young man wagged his finger in Bess’s tear covered face while shouting indignities at her for not bringing him tea. Before Harrison could stop her, Vanessa wrestled herself between the two of them.

  “How dare you dress down this woman as though she was a stupid child,” she snarled, staring directly into his face with an icy countenance. “Do you believe that being a man means insulting and beating her down to the level of a worm?”

  “Out of my way, woman, or you will be taught manners as well,” the man threatened, reaching for a cane that leaned against the wall.

  “You would dare strike me?”

  “Enough,” Harrison interjected. “What is happening here?”

  “That wench knows I want hot tea when I arrive. She did not bring it.”

  Harrison frowned, watching as Vanessa embraced the sobbing woman. “The Headmistress is here to serve the academy, not you. Lady Bess is not employed here as your servant, nor does failing to bring tea warrant anything as severe as a caning. You seem to have forgotten that a gentleman exercises self-control and doesn’t need to resort to shouting invectives or issuing threats. Nor is he permitted to berate or command a woman who does not belong to him. Incidentally, this is my betrothed, Lady Vanessa Pankhurst. Nessa, this is Randolph Keyes. His father sits on the seat of parliament.”

  “She has much to learn about our country and how to conduct herself. You had best teach her these things before you allow her to mingle with our community,” the young man said resentfully.

  “Yes, she does have a lot to learn, however, no one other myself has the authority to reprimand her. As for your commentary of what I had best teach her, you seem to have also forgotten your place here as well as to whom you are speaking. Where is your tutor?”

  “He is not yet arrived, Your Lordship.” The young man lowered his eyes while clenching his teeth.

  “I wish to see both of you in my office immediately upon his arrival.” Harrison eyed the two women. “In the meantime, Mr. Keyes, fetch Lady Bess a cup of tea and offer your apologies for your words.”

  “Headmaster, I will not serve a woman unless she wears a crown. This whore—”

  “You arrogant, self-serving toad!” Vanessa growled. “Do you think that you will earn respect and regard by bullying those who you perceive to be weak? Is all of this bluster and ostentatious display a means to compensate for having a tiny prick?”

  “Vanessa, be silent. This issue is not your concern.”

  “Like bloody hell, it isn’t. Boys like this are more concerned about themselves and their pride. You are breeding another prime minister here, Harrison. Teach this youngster a lesson in respect before he harms someone with his hideous temper.”

  “Now see here, I will not have some stupid female speak to her betters in this manner!”

  “Enough!” Harrison roared. “If I ever hear you refer to a woman as stupid again, I will remove you from training for at least one year. I will also remind you that you are no better than any other person on this continent, male or female. As for you, young lady, you’ve said enough as well, and unless you wish to be in anyone’s hearing while being scolded, I suggest you lower your voice and guard your tongue.”

  Vanessa stared at him and acknowledged the warning look in his eye with a nod. She turned to face the sardonic grin on the other man’s face, lifted her chin, and smoothed out her skirts.

  “Since I am not permitted to tell you what I think of your attitude, I will do as a man would and show you.” With that, she slapped him solidly across the mouth, and taking with it, his smirk.

  “Vanessa!” Harrison barked.

  She ignored him and focused on the shocked, red face of her opponent. “You are never to speak to me again with anything other than manners or my foot will find its way right between your legs. Believe me; you will not be standing straight for a while after that.”

  “Bess? You may return home for the remainder of the day,” Harrison said, gripping Vanessa’s elbow firmly. He turned to the stunned young man. �
�While I do not agree or support Miss Pankhurst’s actions, I do agree that your temper requires work. Don’t forget to tell your tutor to see me immediately upon his arrival. Nessa, please come with me.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To my office,” he said firmly, leading her out into the cold, damp hallway. Once they entered the room, he placed her on the chair, pointed a finger for her to stay put, and then strolled over to light a fire in the large hearth. Silently, he poured himself a finger of brandy and stared out the window as he sipped it.

  “Were my instructions too complicated for you to understand?” he asked as the rain pounded on the glass, casting a drab, gray hue through the window pane.

  Vanessa faced the floor. “No, Poppa.”

  Harrison turned, hearing her address. “Thank you for minding me in at least that request. While I understand your intent, you behaved out of line and overstepped yourself.”

  “I know. He roused my temper with his arrogance and that smile.”

  “Neither was any reason to entice such poor behavior on your behalf. It placed me in an awkward position.”

  “I apologize. I was only thinking of that poor woman.”

  Harrison sipped his drink and then handed her the glass. She looked at him with confusion and then took a tiny sip herself. Immediately, she felt warmth flow through her body.

  “I cannot excuse this. Our position depends on how we are perceived by others,” he explained, sitting across from her and taking back the glass.

  “You sound sad. I don’t understand.” Vanessa looked at him with confusion. “You should be livid.”

  “I don’t allow negative feelings to dictate my actions. Whether dealing with my impertinent little girl or lower class dogs, self-control is vital to ensure that a lesson is learned.”

  “His manner is abusive,” Vanessa argued. “You cannot justify it.”

  “Nor would I. However, your interference countered my instructions. I could have handled it and saved his dignity, but your actions have forced my hand. What do you think I should do?”

  “I think you should do nothing. His attitude didn’t warrant saving his dignity. He needed to be put in his place.”

  “If I were passive about your behavior, then it sends the wrong message to you and the community.”

  “I don’t care about the community. As for me, I would interpret you as being a reasonable and intelligent man.”

  “There are two things that I cannot abide,” he said, placing the glass on a side table and leaving the chair to squat before her. He met her eye without wavering. “The first are liars and the second, manipulators. Would you care to rephrase your response?”

  Vanessa’s face heated. “The community’s opinion about my behavior should not have any impact on your treatment of me. I also do not believe that speaking the truth warrants or justifies punishment.”

  “The law impacts our future, and a community that follows the law expects the same from those who enforce it. Didn’t it disgust you when the prime minister disregarded the very things that he insisted from others?”

  “Yes.”

  “Discipline and correction aren’t the results from speaking truth. They are administered due to disobedience. I’ve told you before that you may speak to me of anything, but I asked you to approach me privately. You deliberately defied my instructions to conduct yourself properly, didn’t you?”

  “Yes. However –”

  “Yes.” He repeated her answer. “There is no excuse except that you allowed your temper to dictate your behavior. That must not ever happen again.”

  “It won’t. I promise. I am sorry.”

  “I will allow you to choose the method of discipline since this is your first offense.”

  “Harrison!”

  “We are alone,” he reminded her. He patted her knee and stood to walked over to his large desk. He leaned against the edge with his arms crossed and gazed down at her.

  “Poppa, please listen to reason.” Vanessa felt herself grow panicky at his calmness.

  “Let me narrow your choices. A sound spanking across my knee, six strokes of the cane over the desk, or the grounding of one month to your chambers where you won’t see the light of day unless you are by my side. You will also write lines.” He tilted his head and waited.

  Without hesitation, she answered. “I shall stay in my chambers.”

  “For someone who claims that freedom is important, I find that decision to be highly unexpected.”

  “I do not wish to be beaten.”

  “Nor would you be. Very well, you have made your choice. You will not leave your chambers for one month unless you’re with me. That also means that you may not participate in any household interactions, meals, or speak socially with Marie. Should you change your mind, I will be available.”

  “I will certainly not change my mind,” Vanessa said stubbornly, already wondering how she would survive one month’s isolation. It would be particularly burdensome since it was the time of year when the sun shone more often between summer rain storms, and the smell of flowers matched the colorful beauty of the blooming gardens.

  Harrison nodded. “I want 500 lines stating ‘I promise to obey Poppa, watch my temper and think twice before I speak.’ They are to be done by tomorrow evening, or I will double them. You may start them now. When the tutor arrives, you are to say nothing to either him or his student. Disobey, and I will remove all choice from you and put you over my lap the second we return home. Understand?”

  “Yes, Poppa.” Vanessa hung her head at the sound of his voice. Having never had active parents, the thought of displeasing an authority figure had never affected her like he did. “Is this why you make me call you Poppa? To enhance my guilt?”

  “Quite the contrary. I have you call me that to help you learn to trust and eventually discover the innocence within yourself that has not been shadowed by the rigid demands of polite society.” He sat in his chair and patted his lap. “Sit here.”

  Reluctantly, she obeyed, finding herself being enfolded in his long, strong arms. “As a woman, you are burdened with many expectations; but as my little girl, you have only one. That is to please me. Do you know what I desire most from you?”

  She leaned stiffly against his shoulder, trying to deny the pleasure that came from the warmth of his body. “My obedience?”

  “Try again.”

  “My love?”

  “That will come in time. No, I desire your trust. A childlike trust that I will always do what I believe is best for you to make you fully happy.”

  “If you want me to be happy, then don’t take away my freedom.”

  “That was your decision, my darling girl, and one that you may change at any point in time. Enter,” he called as a knock was heard on his door.

  “Your Lordship wished to see us?” The older man said with a slight bow. His student remained silent and scowled in Vanessa’s direction.

  “Yes. Please take a seat. Nessa? Sit next the fire and remember my words.”

  “Yes, sir,” she whispered meekly. She sat mutely and listened to Harrison discuss the situation with the two men as she began the tedious task of writing lines. Guilt compounded as he defended her statements for she realized that she had complicated matters with her rudeness. She waited for a lull in the conversation to walk over and contritely stand by Harrison’s side.

  “Yes?” he asked gently. “Are you done already?”

  “No, sir. I just wanted to apologize for stepping out of my authority with you. I’m sorry.”

  “Why are you apologizing to him? I’m the one who is owed,” the young man snidely stated.

  “I only apologize when I feel that I have done something wrong. You, Mr. Keyes, get no apology or sorrow from me.”

  “Vanessa…”

  “Please let the child, speak, Lord Harrison. I’m curious as to what she has to say,” the tutor requested, steepling his fingers with interest.

  “She has said quite enou
gh. I certainly hope you have a good thrashing in store for her,” the pupil remarked, his eyes gleaming with loathing.

  “Speak your peace, Nessa,” Harrison said, not disguising the growl in his voice.

  “There’s an evil wickedness to your nature that makes me fear for any woman who is saddled with you,” Vanessa jeered. “It would be a harsh and demeaning deed to subject any woman, even the most despicable or simple, to your temper or your disposition. Men like you don’t deserve to own a dog, let alone have the responsibility of caring for a human being.”

  “You dare speak to me in such a manner? Headmaster, are you going to allow this chit her rudeness?”

  “I do not find her at all, rude,” the tutor said calmly. “Nor do I find anything that she speaks of to be untrue. Just because we don’t like the truth when spoken either to or about us does not make it a loss for manners.”

  “More so, it opens our eyes to our individual flaws,” Harrison added, pulling Vanessa onto his lap. He whispered in her ear. “I told you to stay silent.”

  “I fear I might lack impulse control.” Vanessa whispered back.

  “You do, indeed. Your behavior cannot go unaddressed.” He grazed her earlobe with his lips.

  “Harrison? If I may have a word with you in private, please?” the older man requested. He pointed to his pupil. “You are dismissed for the remainder of this week. I want you to spend this time observing how other men communicate with the women, and then report to me what you have seen and learned.”

  “Are you suggesting that I lose a week of training because of this foreigner?”

  “This foreigner may have spared you a future that includes public punishment. Every word that she said was correct, and she was able to base her statements by seeing you in action for only a few minutes of meeting you,” the instructor said sternly. “Say your farewells and be gone with you, boy. After one week you may return to share what you have learned about yourself and others. After that time, we will determine your future. You may leave, and if I receive any arguments, I will increase that time to two weeks and so on.”