Lucy Surrenders by Maggie Ryan, Blushing Books Read Free Book Online

time Lucas took her arm to guide her back into the dining room, she was not only embarrassed—she was exhausted.  Her stomach was churning, and not just from the small amount of soap she had inadvertently swallowed.  It was churning with the uncertainty of what additional punishment this man would demand.  Her bottom clenched with the certainty that no matter what price he demanded, it would pay.
    Edward stood and helped Louisa from her chair when he saw Lucas return.  The four walked to the foyer, where the men accepted cloaks from Molly and draped them over the girls.   They were soon in the carriage, both girls sitting beside their men, their hands being held.  Lucy knew she was responsible for the silence in the small space.  She couldn't meet anyone's eyes and didn't see the look of compassion on Louisa's face.  They walked into the church and discovered the nave empty, the sounds of many voices lifted in praise, as the opening hymn was sung.  Edward led the way down the long center aisle to their usual pew.  He stepped into the pew, followed by Louisa and then Lucy.  Lucas drew the hymnal from its place on the back of the pew in front of them and opened it to the correct page.  His voice soon joined in the chorus.  Lucy attempted to sing, but her voice was shaky and unsure, as she looked up to discover that Pastor Reed seemed to be staring directly into her soul.

     

Chapter 3
     
    As Edward had predicted the night before, the sermon was about obedience and submission.  Lucy's guilt grew as Pastor Reed spoke about the need for husbands to remain firm and consistent in leading their wives down the proper path.  He spoke of how leniency allowed naughtiness.  His words seemed to pierce Lucy's heart as she listened to each and every word.  She was aware that not a single woman stirred.  Not a single female dared to be even the least bit naughty.  Each knew that they had been allowed a night of magic and indulgence, and yet they also knew the night was over.  Reed's voice thundered across the congregation as he spoke of sparing the rod and spoiling the child, Bible lifted high as if to add its weight to his words.  His dark eyes seemed to be lit with an inner fire as he reminded the women that the Bible instructed them to subjugate themselves to their men, to accept the absolute rule of their husbands and Papas.
    Lucy gave a small whimper, and Louisa reached over to take her hand in support.  Lucy felt the gentle squeeze and yet after a moment pulled her hand away.  She glanced at Lucas noticing he was looking forward.  She dropped her gaze back to her lap and saw a small movement.  She saw Lucas' hand open where it rested on his knee, his palm empty.  Lucy almost sobbed at the gesture.  The moment she slipped her hand into his, and his fingers closed around hers, she knew what must be done.  As the congregation stood for the closing prayer, Lucy prayed for strength and courage to face the punishment she had brought upon herself.  She still had her eyes tightly closed in prayer when she heard her name spoken.  Startled, her eyes flew open to see Pastor Reed again staring at her.  Her face flushed, and for a moment she just knew he was aware of her as yet unpunished naughtiness.  She was terrified that he was calling her to the front of the church to extract the expected payment from her bottom himself.  Her eyes darted towards the side door where women disappeared almost every week to receive additional, personal lessons given in the pastor's private chambers.  She felt dizzy and then felt Lucas squeeze her hand.
    "Breathe, Kitten," he said quietly.  "Come."  She didn't believe she could move, but Lucas never released her hand, as he drew her from the pew and walked with her to the front of the church.  Lucy was trembling all over, her face heated, her shame intense.  She wished with all her heart that she had already had her bottom roasted.  Anticipation, as Lucas had said, was also