Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4) (11 page)

Lucas nodded. "I'm very proud of you for admitting that fact. Nanny Molly will discuss that with you later, but not right now. Let's just get you feeling better, okay?"

"Yes, sir, thank you," she agreed.

He took Molly out into the hall and gave her a rundown of the doctor's orders. "I'll tend to it," Molly assured him. "I'd like to suggest that we allow Ettie to stay here tonight. I can sleep on a pallet but would feel better if someone was with her just in case it is more than a tummy ache."

"That's an excellent idea but there is no need for you to give up your bed. Ettie can sleep in Lucy's crib." He chuckled and shook his head. "I guess it will give her another idea of what a nursery is for if she is thinking of living her life in this dynamic. Tomorrow will be time enough to finish her punishment, but I do feel it important that you give her the full dose."

Molly looked towards the bed where Ettie lay and nodded. "I hate to have to punish her but have to agree."

Lucas laid his hand on her arm. "You've proven time and time again that you are capable of doing an excellent job."

"Thank you, Lord Huntington. I also understand you are giving me your trust."

"You've earned it, Molly," Lucas said. "I'll stay with our patient while you get whatever you need."

Chapter Eight

"I want you to be a good girl for Nanny Molly," Lucas instructed once he returned to Ettie's bedside. "Remember, little one, she has the authority and the experience to tend to a naughty girl who fails to properly accept the lessons being taught."

"I'll behave," Ettie said softly.

"Good girl. She is going to give you an enema—"

"Noo, please, Lucas…"

"Hush, honey. Dr. Fielding ordered one to ease your stomach. It won't be pleasant but it is necessary. Afterwards, you'll stay in the nursery for the night so that Molly can keep an eye on you. We don't want to leave you alone in case you are ill again. Do you have any questions?"

"May I have my doll?"

Lucas smiled and nodded. "Yes, you may. I'll bring her to you and tuck you into bed. Now, be my good girl." He gave her a kiss and then stood. "I'll see you in just a little bit."

He walked back into the water closet, where Molly was preparing the enema. "I've informed Ettie what is to happen and instructed her to behave."

"Poor little thing," Molly said, blushing a bit but showing him the end of the tubing. "I'm using the smallest nozzle."

"Very good. I'm going to check on the twins and if they have finished, I'll take them downstairs. I'll have dinner sent up for you."

"Thank you." She shook her head and sighed. "Who knew that what should have been a simple afternoon tea would turn into such an unpleasant event."

Chuckling, Lucas patted her arm. "Now, Molly, with these three girls, I'm rather surprised it has taken this long for triple trips across a knee. Don't fret, everything will be fine." He moved through one door into the nursery while Molly went through the other, back into her room.

Seeing Lucy and Louisa sitting quietly, their books closed, Lucas asked if they had completed their entries.

"Yes, sir."

"Good, let's gather up your nightgowns for this evening. Ettie will be sleeping here and there is no need to disturb her later if she's already asleep."

Neither girl asked questions as they got their nightgowns and dressing gowns and placed them on their husbands' beds before each took one of Lucas' hands as he led them downstairs. Informing them that he'd be right back after retrieving a few things from Ettie's room, he left them at the entrance to the library. The twins went to the small desk where Franny was drawing.

"Franny, I am so sorry to have ruined your afternoon," Lucy said.

"I am, as well." Louisa added.

Franny gave them both a smile. "I appreciate your apology but I don't think it was truly ruined. Sam… um, Mr. Benedict, was very understanding about everything and asked if he could visit, so I don't think he was too concerned."

"Really? Oh, that makes me feel so much better," Lucy said. "I-I really think he is a nice man."

"I agree, and he has such a sweet dog," Louisa said. "I hope he allows us to come again to play with those puppies." The girls exchanged hugs and when Franny returned to her work, the twins saw that Edward had entered the room. Louisa immediately went to him where he was seated and climbed onto his lap.

"I'm sorry, Papa."

Edward patted the cushion at his side, Lucy went and sat, leaning against his arm, and made her own apology.

"You okay?" Edward asked, putting his arm around her and patting her hip.

"Yes, sir, just very glad that Franny doesn't think we totally ruined her day."

"I'm glad to hear that but I don't think you need worry. Mr. Benedict seems like a man who understands that life can throw you a situation totally unplanned." He bent and kissed her forehead. "I promise, everything will be okay."

* * * * *

Ettie lifted her head from the pillow when Molly returned.

"Okay, sweetie, let's get this done so that you'll feel better."

"I feel better now," Ettie said, her eyes darting to the red bag that the nanny had hooked onto one of the bed posts.

"I'm glad to hear that and after we're done, you'll feel even better." Molly guided her from the bed and removed all of her clothing except for her chemise. She guided the girl back down, instructing her to lie on her left side. "Have you ever had an enema, Ettie?"

"Y-yes, ma'am, but not… not for a long time," Ettie said, her cheeks flushing.

"I assure you, the process remains the same. At least you know what to expect. Go ahead and pull your leg up to your chest. It will be more comfortable than lying over pillows."

Ettie obeyed and only gave a slight whimper when Molly pulled her right cheek away from its twin and applied a dollop of lubricant. "Just relax. I know it's cold but it will help the nozzle slide in."

"Please, I-I…"

"Ettie, sweetie, I realize your tummy hurts and I understand it is embarrassing to receive an enema but it is necessary. I want you to consider the fact that you could be lying over a pile of pillows and have a bag twice as full as this one flowing into you. You not only were naughty but you also cursed. As it is, a thorough mouth sudsing will have to wait until tomorrow."

"But no one even knew I cursed until I confessed!" Molly gave her a look that had Ettie blushing. "Um, I guess that doesn't matter?"

"It does make me proud of you for making a complete confession; however, it doesn't keep the sudsing from being necessary. Now, are you ready?" At Ettie's nod and whispered response, Molly patted her hip. Ettie felt her face heat and she squeezed her eyes shut when the tip of the nozzle pressed against her bottom-hole.

"No, little one, don't clench your bottom. It will be easier if you relax."

Ettie couldn't contain a soft yelp as the lubricated nozzle was slowly worked into her body. "That's a good girl. Stay just like that while you take your enema." A click sounded and the water began to run down the tubing. When Molly's hand patted her bottom, Ettie groaned and began whining, promising she'd never be naughty again.

"Ettie, you are not receiving an enema because you were naughty," Molly assured her, bending to push escaped strands of hair from the girl's cheek. "You are having your bottom filled to ease your tummy ache. Believe me, if you were lying here for the purpose of punishment, that bag you think is so large, would seem tiny compared to the amount you'd be given."

"Oh," Ettie whispered, her eyes darting to the bag hanging over her head.

"It is easy to promise to be a good girl when you are facing something painful or embarrassing. The important thing is to submit to the lesson, Henrietta. I want you to think about the consequences of your actions and the path you are choosing for your future. Obedience is one thing but, sweetie, total submission requires far more."

Ettie tried to think about all that Molly had conveyed but found it quite difficult to concentrate when her tummy began to rumble. She squirmed and moaned, her hands clenching the pillow beneath her cheek.

"Please, I need to go!" she pleaded, only to be told once more to settle. The water continued without stopping, sluicing into her until she truly felt as if she'd burst. "Please, Nanny, please! I-I think I'm going to be sick again."

"There is a basin right here in case you need it, but, little one, you will accept the entire contents of the bag, understood?"

Ettie sniffled and finally surrendered. "It's just so… so awful!"

"The less you fight, the easier it will be to accept," Molly said as she sat down on the bed and ran a cool cloth across her patient's face and the back of her neck until the last drop had been delivered. When Ettie heard the click, she began to squirm but Molly placed a hand on her hip.

"No, sweetie. You'll hold for ten minutes before I take you to the potty."

"What? I can't!" Ettie squealed, new energy found as her stomach rumbled louder than before. "I've got to go now! You can't—"

"I can, Henrietta," Molly assured her. "The enema needs time to work or the entire process will have been for naught and will have to be repeated. Just relax."

Only after the full ten minutes had passed did she instruct her charge to clench after the nozzle was pulled from her. No longer concerned about embarrassment, Ettie leaned on the nanny, whimpering with desperation as she was helped from the bed and led to the potty. Once she was done, her stomach feeling empty, she collapsed into tears when Molly took her onto her lap and rocked her.

"I'm sorry, Nanny Molly."

"Shh, it's over. You did well, little one. How does your tummy feel?"

Ettie wasn't even aware of the fact that she remained half-naked on Molly's lap. All she was aware of was that she felt much better. True, she was horribly embarrassed and hadn't forgotten what she still had due, but for now, she had to admit the enema had worked. "Better, thank you."

A knock sounded and Lucas entered. Ettie held out her arms and he picked her up.

"I'm so sorry, Lucas. I was just so awful today."

"I'm glad you realize that, sweetie. I'm just sorry that it was such a tough lesson to learn." He turned away as Molly helped her into the nightgown and drawers he'd brought from her room. Once she was done, Lucas picked her up and placed her in Lucy's crib. Tucking her doll into her hands and the blankets around her, he bent and kissed her cheek.

"Just sleep. Tomorrow will be a better day."

"I hope so," Ettie said with a yawn. "Thank you, Nanny Molly. I'm really sorry to have caused such trouble."

"I know, little one, and you have my forgiveness. Now, just rest and I'll be right here if you need me."

"Yes, ma'am," Ettie said, closing her eyes and turning onto her side. The pain in her tummy was gone but her heart still ached. She had indeed been dreadful, and all it had gotten her was a dear sister who had to think she'd attempted to ruin her day; Dr. Fielding ordering her to take an embarrassing enema; Louisa and Lucy spanked; and her bottom awaiting its own turn to be reddened further. Lucas had said tomorrow would be a better day, but she had to wonder as she finally accepted the fact that everything that had happened could be laid at only one person's feet—and those feet were even now tucked up beneath the quilt she was lying under. Swiping a tear away, she knew that she had a great deal to think about and not all of what needed to be contemplated focused on finishing her punishment. Though she was presently lying in a crib, she was a grown woman. Some very serious decisions needed to be made. She no longer felt ill, but it was a long time before she drifted into sleep.

* * * * *

The next morning, Molly took a deep breath as she finished dressing for the day. She'd checked on her patient throughout the night and found her sleeping peacefully each time. With the sun's arrival, she knew Ettie's peace was about to be interrupted. Tucking the tawse into her apron pocket, she had to wonder if Ettie remembered that she was owed the remainder of her punishment. It wasn't how she'd like to start her day, and was quite positive it wouldn't be the youngest Huntington sibling's first choice. Opening the door to the nursery, Molly had to shake her head. Thinking she'd find Ettie still slumbering, she was absolutely stunned to see the girl in the corner she'd occupied the afternoon before, her nightgown lifted to her waist and her bloomers in a puddle at her ankles. While it was a totally unexpected sight, it made Molly exceptionally proud of this vivacious young woman.

Taking a seat on the chair, Molly called for Ettie to come to her. Ettie obeyed instantly, her eyes lifting from her bare feet.

"I'm so sorry I caused so much trouble yesterday, Molly… I mean, Nanny Molly. I feel just awful. I-I've been naughty before but I never really did something so selfish that it had so many different people being hurt."

"I'm very glad to hear that, Ettie." Molly took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "I realize that you had already received your hand spanking, Henrietta, however, warming your bottom before using a tawse will make it less painful."

"That's okay, Nanny Molly. It's my own fault."

"While that is the truth, what I was going to say is that punishment is not something I enjoy, and its purpose is not to harm you, little one. It is to teach you to be a better person. I'm going to spank you with my hand and then I'm going to give you fourteen strokes with the tawse. That will have you receiving the same amount as Lucy."

Ettie shook her head. "No, I-I deserve more. I did know you meant for me to stand in the corner with my-my dress up and my, um, bum bare even though you didn't specify anything but to put our noses in the corner. I-I didn't even do that until you came into the room. Thank you for your kindness but-but I won't feel right unless I take my full dose."

Molly didn't allow her surprise to show. With a nod, she agreed. "You are showing maturity, little one. I'm proud of you. Place yourself over my lap and let's get this done, shall we?"

The hand spanking was not as intense as the day before, however, crisp slaps sounded in the room until the surface of Ettie's plump bottom was entirely pink. Soft gasps, a few louder yelps and mews were issued but the girl remained in position, her hands flat against the floor and her toes supporting her weight behind her.