The Reformer by Breanna Hayse Read Free Book Online

place.”
    “Miss, I beg you! Please!” the girl sobbed, slowly obeying. Eliza parted the split kickers, exposing her backside to all in the kitchens.
    “You would steal?” Eliza asked, crashing the broad, heavy board against the white cheeks, ignoring the scream that accompanied it. “You would lie?” Another strike landed, leaving a deep, purple mark shaped like the oval board. “You are irredeemable and must be punished for your horrific sins.”
    “Miss… it wasn’t that great of a crime. I was only concerned that they were not getting enough to eat,” Cook said, watching as the girl’s skin split in several places. “Please, she has learned—”
    “She has learned when I, the headmistress, feel she has learned. And she has not, have you?”
    “Miss! I swear, I will never…” The girl coughed out. A loud crack occurred as the breadboard split in two from the force of the impact, and the girl, unable to hold herself up any longer, fell to the floor as her knees buckled beneath her. Eliza yanked her up by the hair, forcing her to face her.
    “Once these bruises heal, you will report to my office after lessons where you will receive six strokes of the cane, every day for seven days. If you are late or fail to show, I will double it. Understood?”
    The girl could only nod through her tears, her neck wrenched back painfully. Eliza let go with a shove and watched with satisfaction as the girl slumped again to the floor. She then looked around the room, the expression on her face deadly,
    “Not one of you are to help or comfort her. Should I find out that you disobey me, I will have you dismissed with no chance of working anywhere again.”
    “Yes, Miss,” multiple mutterings were heard.
    Eliza nodded, throwing the broken board on the floor in front of the weeping girl before leaving the room. She felt exhilarated, knowing she had done a good and through job in redirecting yet another miscreant. The Lord Remingtons did not know the first thing about reform, and she was going to be certain to educate them soundly. It was now just a matter of time for them to show themselves, and everything would be put back into its rightful place.
     
    * * *
     
    “Father, I wish to accompany you to the academy. I informed Henry—”
    “This matter has already been discussed and decided. I say no. Ah, before you spout that horrid temper that your beloved mother gave you, listen to me,” Gerard said firmly, hand raised. “Aryanna still needs to have you around now to bond and gain trust. It has only been three weeks, and she is still a foundling. A trip to the academy will take longer than a few hours, and I do not feel it is wise to leave her for fear that she will believe herself abandoned.”
    “Yes, I understand, but—”
    “Silence. While I have no obligation to explain my decisions to you, I do so as an exercise for training. Your mother had connived a rather inventive scheme which I believe has merit.”
    “Mother is always inventing some sort of mischief, isn’t she?” Ryan asked humorously.
    “Which is why my heart belongs to hers. However, I wish you to listen carefully to her plan…”
    Ryan’s eyes widened as his father revealed his intent. He nodded with approval, a small smile dancing over his lips. “I must say, Father, I am much impressed. And this was Mother’s suggestion?”
    “Every little bit. I did not realize that she had been following Dr. Freud’s theories as well as she has. She may be onto something here.”
    “Perhaps. Very well, I will not interfere. However, should you need assistance…”
    “I have Martha. Again, the purpose is to reform, not seek vengeance. Please trust my judgment without further argument.”
    “Yes, Father,” Ryan sighed, bowing his head in acquiescence. Lord Remington smiled, patted the younger man on the shoulder and proceeded to complete their weekly survey of the local tenants and notate any needs that arose. They were greeted pleasantly by the