Little Secrets Read online

  "Not quite. I enrolled my younger sister at the finishing school. Since I am still her legal guardian and in charge of her dowry, I thought it best to give her the finest education." He kept his eyes on Nanny Agnes.

  Had there been another reason why he had enrolled his sister? It was no secret that Ashby made marriage more accessible to a finer breed of men. Eliza felt proud that she was bound to a man who intended to care properly for his younger sister. It meant he was an honorable gentleman, far more so than Preston. The more she thought about that black-haired weasel, the happier she was that he was not returning to Ashby, and would no longer be her papa.

  "Are your parents deceased?" she asked. Eliza had not meant to sound rude or unkind in her question, but she did not comprehend how else a young woman would come to have her brother as her guardian. Having no siblings of her own, she wanted to know what it was like. Had they played together often, or fought non-stop while they were growing up? The girls at the Ashby had become like sisters to her, forging friendships that would last a lifetime.

  "Yes, many years ago." He did not elaborate on the specifics. What was he hiding?

  "That is very kind of you, to seek out an upstanding gentleman for her hand," Eliza said. She wanted that for herself, as well. It had been why she had not wished to leave Ashby. The time spent there had already made her feel comfortable, loved, and remarkably at home. Though she could do without the bare bottom spankings, she understood the purpose of correcting her behavior. Especially with regards to her earlier outburst in the playroom, she could not blame anyone but herself. She had known what she was getting herself involved in, being bent over her nanny's knee. She had done it to attract Charley's attention; perhaps it had not been necessary?

  She still felt conflicted. How would she know he was worth trusting? Would she not disappoint him as she had Preston? Eliza thought it best to hide her fears and not worry her new papa that she might not be able to please him as he hoped.

  "You do desire to remain at Ashby; is that correct?" Charley asked her again.

  Eliza nodded, meeting his steady gaze. "Yes, I like it here, with a nanny to look after me, and hopefully a papa who will one day desire to take me home when I graduate." She had heard the tales, from little Clara and Addie, of the girls who had left the chateau, who were now married and living a happily-ever-after life. It was what she desired, more than anything.

  "I would like that, as well," he acknowledged. Papa glanced at the hour on his watch, a slight frown forming upon his face. "As much as I would like to stay and see what it is that you do all afternoon, I need to speak with Headmaster Philip. I am sure you understand." He smiled softly before turning for the door.

  "When will I see you again?" Did he have a job that would keep him away? Eliza wanted to spend more time with him. She had only just got to know him and barely knew much of his past or what he did. She imagined lying in his arms, his touch gentle yet firm as he cuddled her and read her a story before bed.

  "It would be good if you could wait until the weekend to return," Nanny Agnes said. "Little Eliza needs some time to think about her behavior. Perhaps by Saturday she will be allowed some special time with her papa."

  Did he even desire private time with her? Eliza enjoyed his attention, even when it had involved discipline and something else, something much more intimate. Would he listen to her nanny and stay away for several days?

  "Please, return sooner," Eliza whispered. She had had a difficult time after Preston had taken entirely too long to return. It was hard not to fear the same from her new papa. Even if they were not granted time away from her nanny, she felt compelled to see him again sooner. Was tomorrow not possible?

  "I had not planned on being away for long," he said. "There is a small matter I wish to discuss with the headmaster. Perhaps I will see you later this afternoon, if everything gets resolved quickly."

  As foolish as it may have been, Eliza's heart sank when he did not move to give her a small kiss goodbye. Perhaps it was her insecurities, or because she could still not read her new papa at all. But she could not help but worry that he would walk out of that door and never return again.

  Eliza rushed after Charley. "Have I done something to offend you?" Perhaps she came across as too forward and scandalous. Was she not meant to enjoy the touch and company of her papa when he delivered his palm to her bottom? He had been the one to make her heart race. Had she done something wrong?

  Papa's hand reached up to caress her cheek. "You are perfect, little Eliza." He dropped a kiss on her other cheek before heading out the door. "I promise, we are not done, little one. Listen to your nanny, and I will return soon."

  Chapter VIII

  He strode across the hall, hating himself for it but at the same time needing assurances that she had not been touched by another man. Had her previous papa, the man who had brought her in, made her come under his touch? Charley may not have had the authority to know such answers, but he could not allow his mind to swim with such horrid thoughts of his little Eliza. He needed a physician to confirm that she remained with her virtue intact.

  His hand rapped at the door, knocking profusely until he heard the heavy footsteps from the opposite side and the door squeak open.

  "Can I help you, Mr. Lockwood?" the headmaster asked.

  "Headmaster Philip, I was hoping to have a word with you in private."

  Philip sighed and stepped aside, allowing the new papa to enter the office. He pinched the bridge of his nose momentarily, before dropping his hand as he shut the door with a forceful smack. "What can I do for you, Charley?"

  "I desire confirmation that my little Eliza remains untouched. I had not realized the intimate extent of what transpires at Ashby, and I cannot in good faith marry a woman who is not a virgin." He did not wish to sound cruel or callous, but he had a reputation to uphold, and if Miss Eliza's reputation had been tarnished before or during her stay at the Ashby, he could never live it down.

  "Please, sit," Philip said, gesturing to the sofa in his office.

  Charley strode across the room and sat down. His leg bounced as he found it difficult to keep still. "I find Eliza to be quite beautiful and charming, sir. I do not wish to break her heart if she cannot offer me two things."

  "Two things? Her virtue, I presume, is the first. What is the second thing you desire?" the headmaster asked.

  Philip came around the desk, taking a seat as he seemed to relax. Was this a common occurrence, asking to perform an examination on a little to ensure her maidenhead was intact?

  "I need a son to carry on the Lockwood name. I recognize she cannot guarantee me a son, but I do need a wife who is capable of conceiving. I must know of any childhood illnesses or afflictions that would render her barren."

  "Mr. Lockwood, I can assure you that Miss Eliza has remained a virgin under our care, and that we have a doctor on staff who would be willing to verify that statement and examine her again. However, I will not lie to you. Whether she is capable of bearing a child, and a boy at that, will depend on the two of you, after you are wed. Her records indicate she suffered from no childhood diseases that would render her infertile. I see no reason why she cannot conceive—assuming you, sir, are capable of having children."

  Charley pursed his lips and stood. "I have a friend who is a doctor. Would it be improper if I brought him to Ashby to perform the exam?" When his fingers had slid into her slick quim, he had not felt the tight flesh of her maidenhood intact, but he had not known exactly what to search for, either. He trusted his physician friend and was not sure the same could be said for anyone hired by Ashby. Would they not have the chateau's best interest at heart?

  "I am sorry, Mr. Lockwood, but that would be most inappropriate. Our physician, Doctor Colt, is entirely capable of performing the examination on your little Eliza. In fact, he is the in house practitioner, responsible for all the girls' health and well-being. You are most welcome to sit in on the examination. I do understand the concern you might be facin
g, realizing that she had a papa before you found her. However, I can promise you that nothing was shared between little Eliza and her papa. He had not been afforded any private time with his little one, and it is my understanding that he has not been around much at all."

  "Why is that?" Charley asked. What made the man deny the affections of little Eliza?

  "My understanding is that Preston's affection is not for young, innocent women. His father insisted the arrangement go through and so he enrolled Miss Stead as a formality. Perhaps he thought sending her to a school of littles would keep her from speaking poorly of him. Her secret must be kept to uphold her pristine reputation, and he has given her the opportunity to make the acquaintance of another fine gentleman," Philip said. "I do not think you need to concern yourself with what did not happen. I can assure you that Preston has no desire to return. I have spoken with him in great length, and understand that this lifestyle is not for everyone."

  Charley could not believe what he was hearing. "He set her up!" It was worse than he first thought—that the gentleman had perhaps preferred a woman in his bed instead of at the chateau.

  "Perhaps." Philip clasped his hands together in front of him. "I cannot say without a doubt that it is true, but I suspect as much. I hate to admit that I could not see right through his charm. He came with two recommendations from past clients, and had a strong demand for submission from little Eliza. I do believe she will be happier with you, Charley. Do not feel that she cannot make you happy because it did not work between her and Preston."

  Nodding, he knew that the headmaster was correct. Charley had felt a spark of warmth and hunger, especially when he had been forced to spank her bottom. Just the memory alone made his cock stir in his trousers. He shifted to hide his discomfort. It was not appropriate to have such thoughts in the presence of Mr. Hartley.

  Charley stood, pushing himself from the sofa as he headed for the door. "I would like to keep company with Miss Stead for the remainder of the afternoon."

  The headmaster smiled, seeming pleased with the declaration after the inquiry mere moments earlier. "I am sure she would be delighted to have you in her presence. Nanny Agnes will be spending time with the two of you, and tomorrow I shall have Doctor Colt perform a thorough examination of your little one."

  "I do not require a chaperone, Headmaster Philip. I can assure you that my intentions are noble and that little Eliza will be pleased to have my company."

  Philip nodded, running his hand through his dark hair. "Yes, I am sure she feels that way, but time alone with papas must be earned." He glanced down at his desk, rifling briefly through his notes. "Seeing as how Miss Stead has been here for six months, it would be wise to continue her bottom training. Perhaps Nanny Agnes would be willing to demonstrate how we plug a little's bottom. I expect, with her weekly training, that she might be physically ready by this weekend to submit, Mr. Lockwood. Do not do anything to jeopardize that special time."

  "You have nothing to concern yourself with, Headmaster Philip. Little Eliza is in good hands." Why would Charley have any reason to sabotage what he desired? Was the headmaster hinting that he knew what had happened between him and his little one just minutes ago? Surely there was no way to see and, if he had suspected, then would he not have interrupted the two of them? Charley would feel no amount of guilt for disciplining his little Eliza before he decided it appropriate to reward her for submitting to him. She had pleased him greatly.

  Leaving the headmaster's office, he stalked down the hall and gave a prominent knock on his little Eliza's door.

  Nanny Agnes swiftly pulled it open, glancing him up and down. "I thought you were leaving."

  "I had business to attend to, and it is completed." He did not wish to elaborate on the specifics. It would do his little Eliza no good to know that he did not trust she had remained untouched. Charley did not fault her for anything that may have transpired with her previous papa. She was not in control and had no say in the matter.

  "May I see my little one?" Charley asked. His tone remained firm, his hands bunched at his sides into fists. She would not refuse him. The question was merely a formality of being polite. He had paid for her tuition, and she was to see him whenever he wished. Was that not how it worked, a littles' school that focused on submission? He still did not entirely understand what he had stumbled upon, that afternoon when he had climbed the fence and met Eliza.

  The confliction and confusion had not vanished, the desire to share the hidden world he had discovered made his heart pulsate. Would she ever forgive him if he wrote about her story? Little Eliza, who had been betrothed only to discover the man she was to call papa would leave her an orphan, abandoning her when she needed a strong man the most.

  "Papa," Eliza squealed, climbing down from the bed. "You came back for me." The smile lit up her face, her eyes shining with joy as she reached for his hand.

  He had never seen a grown woman so carefree and happy. The sadness he had witnessed earlier had now vanished. "I always keep my promises," he replied. He took her hand and headed further into the nursery, shutting the door behind them.

  Nanny Agnes remained by the door, keeping a watchful eye over her charge and the new papa.

  He slowly began to understand the apprehension in the older woman's gaze. She did not trust Charley. He could not blame her. Eliza had been abandoned by a man who had sworn his love to her, and it had not ended well for either of them. Perhaps time would be all Nanny Agnes needed to realize that Charley did not wish to disappoint Eliza or her caregiver.

  Chapter IX

  Eliza had not unlatched her hand from her papa's. She had not expected to see him back so soon in the nursery. The young woman had been quite certain it would be days before his return. Whatever made him desire to be near her, she did not wish to push him away. "Come, let us have tea together," she suggested.

  In the corner of the room sat a small table with two chairs.

  "Nanny Agnes, would you be kind enough to bring us both some tea?" little Eliza asked.

  Charley smiled politely, releasing his grip from her hand, and followed her to the table, pulling back her chair for her to sit down. "Shall we have pretend tea or are we having a true cuppa?"

  Nanny Agnes opened the door. "I shall return with tea and biscuits. Please, Mr. Charley, do keep your hands to yourself."

  His ears burned as he sat down across from Eliza, not so much as looking at Nanny Agnes.

  Eliza's eyes widened. Did her nanny know what had transpired between the two of them? She had been careful not to tell the older woman or so much as hint at the affection she felt from her papa's touch.

  Charley locked eyes on his little one, and as the door shut and Nanny Agnes stepped outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. They sat for several moments in complete silence before Eliza could not take it any longer.

  "I swear, Papa, I did not tell anyone about what happened after you spanked me." It took every bit of courage inside her to speak the truth. It had not been easy, especially to confess on the discipline that had been well earned. She did not pretend to believe she didn't deserve to have her bottom swatted. Her intent to garner her papa's attention had worked, even if it had not been how she had planned it.

  "Good, because I do not wish to soil your reputation."

  They sat in complete silence again, the awkward muteness once again reaching a level that Eliza could no longer stand.

  She opened her mouth only to hear the squeak of the door interrupt them. Her nanny had not been gone long.

  "I have brought your tea and biscuits," Nanny Agnes said, carrying a silver tray. She placed the tray on the table and pulled back the curtains to allow a bit more of the afternoon sun to warm the room. Quietly, she walked to the opposite end of the room, where a rocking chair was nestled near the wall. Agnes sat down, her hands clasped together in her lap, her eyes on the two of them the entire time.

  "Nanny Agnes, when will I have alone time with my papa?" Eliza did not desire to have her
nanny gawking at them whenever they sipped tea, laughed, or had an intimate conversation.

  "When you are well-behaved and have earned it," Nanny Agnes answered.

  Papa smiled warmly, easing her discomfort. "Do not concern yourself with her, little Eliza."

  She found it difficult not to worry when her nanny watched her every move. If she slipped up, would she be bent over her nanny's knee? "Can I ask you something, Papa?" She could not contain the nagging feeling that crept upon her. Her eyes were trained on the tea and she added a bit of sugar before having a sip, unable to look at him, embarrassed that she even felt it necessary to ask.

  "Of course. You may ask me anything, and I will always be honest with you." He reached across the table, resting his hand upon hers. "What is it?"

  "Why were you really visiting Ashby when we first met? You were not invited to the chateau. Had you been, you would not have found it necessary to climb over the gates."

  His eyes widened. "You saw that?"

  Eliza nodded slowly. "Yes. What were you doing here?" She could not understand why he would find it necessary to sneak in if he desired to send his sister to the finishing school. Wouldn't he have been invited to meet with the headmaster? Certainly if he could afford the tuition, why would they not want his sister to be enrolled as a student?

  His voice dropped lower, clearly wishing to keep the conversation solely between them. The room, though, was quiet, and without the chatter of the other littles, she worried for him. What did he desire to tell her that he did not wish her nanny to overhear? "We can discuss it later, if you would prefer?" she said. She did not want to wait to hear his answer, but could see the hesitancy in his hazel gaze. His eyes were alluring, and she found herself unable to break his stare.