Becoming a Lady by Adaline Raine Page A

neglected your miss for years without any remorse!  Why should they be shown any mercy at all?”  Lord William was looking down at Lynna, and Anna wondered what he meant to do.
    Lynna knelt down at Lord William ’s feet.  “Please, My Lord, I have nowhere to go if I am not here!”
     

Chapter Seven:
     
     
    “ Do you think that I am going to cast you away because of your choices?” 
    “ Many lords would do so.  I have disobeyed you.”  Lynna kept her head down.
    “ Have you known me to be a fair lord?”  His words were pointed but his features no longer appeared angry.
    “ Oh, yes, My Lord, you have been most just in your decisions.  You alone pleaded for me to be kept here in the village after my father was killed.  If Lord Wendel had not had you in his ear, I fear that I would be out on my own and surely dead by now.”  Lynna raised her head and Anna stepped closer.  “I already owe my life to you.”
    “ That is true, but I was not aware that you were told of such information.”
    Lynna ’s cheeks colored.  “I do not mean to hear private conversations but at times my ears are quite useful.”
    “ I expect that if you ever question a decision I have made again, that this night will keep you quiet and obedient.”  
    “ Yes, My Lord, of course I will!”  Lynna stood slowly.
    “ I have not given you a reason to be quiet and obedient yet.”
    Lynna paled, and frantically looked at Anna.
    Anna raised her eyebrows as Lord William turned around.  “Go and sit on the chaise.”  She nodded, completely unsure of what was occurring.  Surely, he could not mean to spank Lynna?  Anna sat down and put her hands down at her sides.
    Lord William pointed to the chaise.  “Go and lie over Anna’s lap.”
    Lynna took a breath.  Anna knew that she had seen her backside the night that was supposed to be their wedding night.  She had come to the door with tea and biscuit after Lord William had left; Anna had been so uncomfortable that Lynna had helped her change into a nightgown.  She had touched her welts and returned that next morning with more soothing balm.  She had also teased her the day after the stable.  Why then did she look so terrified?  
    Lynna nodded, though Anna could see that she was trembling.  She walked carefully to the chair and laid herself over Anna ’s knees.  Anna touched her face but did not risk even a whisper.
    Lord William removed his belt and Anna stifled a gasp.  To her knowledge, her maid had never been spanked before, and the thought frightened her.  He had never caused her actual harm; surely he could have just fired the poor maid. 
    “Lift her skirt.”
    Anna nodded and raised the skirt.  If she had not been so nervous for her own punishment, she might have enjoyed the view of Lynna’s bottom, bared as it was in front of her. 
    Lord William began to strike with his hand.  Anna watched as he expertly smacked each buttock.  She felt Lynna tense with each pause and she patted her head.  After delivering several dozen spanks to each cheek, he straightened.  Anna continued to soothe her maid; she saw that her bottom was now a deep shade of pink.
    Lynna had tears streaming down her face but she had not cried out.  Anna suddenly began to wonder, “Have you spanked her before?” 
    Lord William glared down at her.  “You do not have permission to speak.”
    Anna looked down and wiped Lynna’s eyes.  Her tears were leaving small blots all over Anna’s stolen tabard.
    “ I will tell you that the way I handle your disobedience is the way that all of the women in this village are handled.  If they have no father or husband, then it is now my duty as lord to keep them in line.”   Lynna had spoken the truth then.  “It is also true that I have never had to spank your maid.”  He leaned towards her and whispered.  “To this point, you are the only woman who has ever been over my knees.”
    Normally that thought would have made Anna blush and