Lord Edward's Law (Women of Wintercrest) by Maggie Ryan Read Free Book Online Page A

child.  If you want a child, then have one and let Louisa be the grown woman she is.  This is unspeakable!  You…you diapered my sister and made her….made her wet herself!  How can that be what Louisa wants?  How can she possibly be happy with you as -- not her husband, but as her father!  You made her call you Papa, for God’s sake.  Our father is dead and, God, how he would have hated this!  He would have called you out for treating his daughter like this.”  Edward allowed her to rant a bit, though he was aware her words were causing Louisa pain.  
    As Lucy’s voice grew shriller, he finally said, “Enough!  You forget yourself, Lucille.  I am your guardian, and perhaps you haven’t heard me.  I am Master of Wintercrest, not your sister, and certainly not you.  You are a no more than a very naughty little girl that most certainly needs a great deal of discipline and training.  You have no idea of what you are speaking, and are only showing your ignorance.  You are not to raise your voice to me or any one in my household, unless you want to have your bottom warmed yet again.  My rules are to be learned and followed, little girl.  It is not for you to question my authority.  You are simply to obey me, and I suggest you begin to do so immediately.”  Lucy jumped to her feet, her hands fisted in her dress.  She wanted to scream and shout, yet his threat of a spanking caused her mouth to clamp shut.  She turned to run from the room. “Lucille, sit down!  You have not been dismissed young lady.” 
    She twirled back around, her eyes full of tears. “I won’t!  You can’t do this.  I won’t let you….”  With that, she ran from the room and had made it down the hall and out the door before Edward could put Louisa on her feet and go after his ward.  Lucy ran blindly down the long drive, her breath hitching with her sobs as she tried to put as much distance between herself and this horrid man as possible.  She stumbled over her skirts and soon pulled them up in order to quicken her pace.  Her breath came in huge gulps, as her corset reminded her of her constricted lungs.  She wished she could take time to tear off the garment but continued to flee, not knowing where she would go, just determined to get away.  Edward didn’t run after her, he knew she would not go far.  He didn’t even follow her.  Instead, he walked to the stables and after calling for a groom, leapt onto the back of his horse and turned it down the drive.  He rode slowly knowing his prey was only a few yards in front of him.  He knew he had shocked Lucille but felt a huge sense of relief that the truth was now out in the open.  He would allow Lucille certain latitude as she adjusted to the truth, but direct disobedience would never, ever, be tolerated.  He gave a sigh, knowing he would soon be administering yet another dose of discipline to her saucy little bottom. Though part of him truly wished he could spare her additional pain, he knew the lesson was needed.  He would never hesitate to punish either of his girls, regardless of the condition of their little rumps.  His authority would be obeyed without question and, if Lucy continued to defy him; he’d simply continue to redden her bare bottom. As his horse carried him further down the lane, he saw his charge dashing in front of him, her pace slowing as she tired.  He kept his steed back as she finally staggered to a stop, bending over trying to catch her breath.  He could hear her sobs and quietly slid off his mount.  Lucy gave a shrill screech when she felt arms being wrapped around her and she felt herself lifted off her feet.  She began to struggle immediately, her hands and feet flailing, trying to escape his grasp.
    “Stop it , Lucille, before you hurt yourself,” Edward ordered as her elbow connected with his chest, causing him to grunt. 
    She continued to fight.   “No!  Put me down!  You are the one who wants to hurt me.  You are