Little Secrets (14 page)

Charley hadn't been sure when he would have the opportunity to return to Ashby given the situation he had been dealing with all week. Philip Hartley had been kind enough to allow him inside the chateau.

Watching his little one talking animatedly, he hated to interrupt but also thought it was time. He rapped his hand against the glass, causing everyone in the room to suddenly turn and look in his direction. Charley hadn't intended to draw everyone's attention, but he had done so. He gave a faint smile and watched as his little one's eyes widened. She rushed to the door, throwing it open before wrapping her arms instantly around him in a hug.

"Papa, you came back."

"Of course, my love. Did you get my letter?" He felt bad for not corresponding sooner with her, since he had been unable to come visit for several days. At least she didn't appear angry with him about their time spent apart. Charley placed a soft kiss on her cheek, untangling himself from her embrace but finding her hand, wanting to touch her and keep her close.

"The headmaster gave it to me this afternoon," she said, showing him the folded letter she carried with her. "Is everything sorted out with the article?" It seemed the headmaster had forgiven him, which meant he must have done something big to fix the mess he had made.

"Yes. I did a follow-up piece, and then spoke again with my boss. Ashby and Prescott, two highly established finishing schools, have been given advertisement space for the following week, in an effort to further ease our troubles."

"Prescott?" Eliza asked. "What is that?"

"Another finishing school, though I highly doubt there is a secret littles' institute. Remember I was telling you about my boss James, and his daughter attending a finishing school? He, too, found himself in a bit of heat when they thought the story was a slanderous piece about them."

"I am quite glad you got it all worked out. I was not sure when I would see you again." She squeezed his hand. "Will you come and play with me in the playroom?"

"How would you like to take a walk down in the gardens?" Charley asked. He had already run it by the headmaster.

"Can I?" A smile graced her face and she squealed with excitement as she bounced on her feet. "I have not been outside since the day we met."

"I know," Charley said. He escorted her to the door that led downstairs and through a hall before coming to the front entrance. Opening the heavy wooden door, he walked around the stone path with her to the gardens in full bloom. The air was warm, the sun had already peaked, well on its descent as the hour had grown later. Charley had left work early to pay his little Eliza a special visit.

Eliza stared up at the pale blue sky, her hand dropping from his as she spun around playfully. "I have missed being outdoors. Do you think Headmaster Philip might allow the littles more time in the sun?"

Charley knew she was not quite ready to join him back at home yet. "I will speak with him and see what can be done." He desired to see his little one happy and would do whatever it took to make that happen.

"Thank you, Papa!" Her hands came around him again, embracing him in a hug.

He did not care that they were outside. There were gates that surrounded Ashby. He held her against him, refusing to pull apart as he leaned in, brushing his lips over hers. Charley had wanted to kiss her for days, dreaming of her at night, hoping she would forgive him for the mess he had made.

Relieved that she had seemed to put it all behind them, he did not dare ask whether she had read the article. It was best to move on, to dive in and allow each other to be happy. Eliza was truly happy. He could see it in her smile, in the carefree way she responded outdoors.

Slowly he broke away from the kiss, his thumb stroking her jaw, desiring to touch her body. What he wanted would have to wait until they were wed. He shoved his hand into his pocket, feeling the engagement ring. His heart drummed in his chest, pounding as he led her to the bench where they had first met, and brought her to sit down.

Eliza fluffed her dress before sitting, her green eyes sparkling under the sun. "Sit with me, Papa." She patted the empty seat on the bench beside her, making room for him.

Charley smiled, pleased at her carefree, childlike attitude. Whether she knew the trouble he had caused or not, she acted as though nothing had changed. His worries flowed away, easing the tension from his shoulders and neck. He did have one nagging doubt, the ring weighing him down emotionally.

He slowly bent down onto one knee, removing the ring from his pocket. "This past week without your presence has been agonizing. I realize we must continue your time here at Ashby until you graduate, but it would be an honor to have you as my wife. Eliza Stead, will you marry me?" He showed her the heirloom gem that had been passed down in his family, wanting his little Eliza to wear the ring.

"Yes, of course!" she squealed, laughing as she threw her arms around him, crushing him against her. Her breath tickled his ear. "I hate to ruin the surprise, but Headmaster Philip and Nanny Agnes already informed me about the wedding."

He hadn't asked Philip to keep it a secret and seeing as how he wasn't able to visit her for several days, Charley didn't feel an ounce of remorse at the discovery that his little Eliza had already known about the marriage. It shouldn't have been any great surprise anyway, considering they were already betrothed. Although he would have liked to see the surprise on her face, she had clearly been pleased.

Her lips met his and Charley wrapped his arms around her neck, bringing her mouth in tighter and harder, not wanting to break apart. He had missed her tremendously.

Eventually his grip eased and he showed her the ring again. "May I?" he asked, sliding the engagement band onto her ring finger.

She nodded, a bright smile etched upon her face. "Can I ask you something, Papa?" Her eyes stared at the gem on her finger. "I will not be angry, but I do wish to know the truth."

"I would never lie to you, Eliza." He sat down beside her on the bench. "Tell me what is troubling you, little one." He brought his hand to her back, his fingers caressing the soft cotton of her gown.

"Headmaster Philip said that I would be the first to marry while at Ashby. Did he ask you to move up the wedding?"

Charley could see that she might have been worried, given the recent trouble he'd caused, but that was nowhere near what had happened. "Not at all. It was my idea, so that we might be able to spend time together a little more freely." His desire for Eliza spread through every ounce of his existence, wanting her heart. "Headmaster Philip was not sure it would be a good idea, to have a little one married, which was when I gave him the idea of enrolling women who were married." Charley suspected there were many husbands who would enjoy sending their wives to Ashby for a short time while they learned to be little.

Little Eliza let out a soft sigh.

"Am I sensing you are relieved to hear this?" Charley asked.

The young brunette nodded adamantly. "Yes, Papa. I was concerned that the headmaster might have pushed you into a wedding quicker, but I am pleased that it was your idea. I have been wanting you to take my purity, Papa, but I did not wish to sully my reputation."

He pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. Charley did not wish to let go, cuddling her as she closed her eyes and rested her head against his shoulder. "You need not worry about that, little one." He kissed her cheek, her body relaxing in his embrace. He remained outside with her as the sun set across the horizon and slowly the sky began to sparkle with stars. Charley knew that if he took her back to her room, he would want to devour her in ways that were not honorable. All he needed to do was wait a few more nights. It was already Friday and Monday was only a few short days away, at which point they would wed.

"I wish I could be here with you all weekend," Charley whispered against her cheek, kissing her skin, keeping her warm as a chill filled the cool night air.

"Why can't you, Papa?" Eliza asked, with the innocence of a child. Her voice was soft, full of wonder and curiosity.

"If we are to wed, then you will need a dress, shoes, a veil," he said, checking each item off on his fingers. "I am sure that I am forgetting something for our wedding."

Eliza laughed softly, her hand resting against his chest. Could she feel the steady beat of his heart? "You need clothes, too. I do not think it appropriate for you to wear your trousers."

His work clothes were not unpleasant, but the hems had grown ragged. He had not had the time or desire to usually focus on his own well being, putting others first. "I suppose you are right." Charley leaned in, brushing his mouth against hers. Eliza's lips were soft and warm as his hands smoothed down to the small of her back.

She moved her hips, shifting her weight against him. Had he stirred the desire within her as he had before?

Charley pulled back, gasping for air, his heart racing as he leaned his forehead against hers. "Monday. We must wait until Monday." The words were meant more for himself than her. He may have wanted to take his little one, but he would wait until they were wed.

"Little Eliza?" Nanny Agnes's voice carried with the wind.

"We are in the garden!" Charley called back, loosening his grip around Eliza's waist. "It is likely your dinner time, then into bed." He had grown to know much about her routine, even when he hadn't been able to spend as much time as he liked with her.

"Five more minutes," Eliza pleaded with him.

"Young lady, it is dark, and it would be advisable for you to get yourself upstairs before Headmaster Philip discovers you were out past curfew."

"My apologies, Nanny Agnes," Charley said. He had not realized the hour or that it might land his little one into trouble. "The fault is my own. Please, do not discipline her for my mistake."

Eliza climbed off his lap, leaning down to place a chaste kiss on his cheek before she followed her nanny around the stone path, back to the front door.

Charley watched, missing her already, the pain eating him from the inside out. How would he spend a year and a half without her in his bed every night? Exhaling a heavy breath, he realized that the distance would make them stronger, as would her discipline and submission at Ashby.

Eliza had found it difficult to sleep on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday had been no easier, with her excitement bubbling over with news of the upcoming wedding. She was exhausted but brimming with energy as she slipped out of bed and watched the sun rise on Monday morning.

She knew better than to wake her nanny or the other girls just down the hall.

The dress for her wedding had been delivered in a paperboard box, the ends sealed to prevent the contents from spilling out. Eliza couldn't wait to open it, wanting to know what her gown would look like. The lack of sleep clouded her judgment. She removed the large box sitting atop her dresser and placed it on the bed. It was quite heavy, more so than it looked upon initial inspection.

Her fingers peeled at the seal, curious to see the gown. She could not wait a few more hours for when she was to put it on. She managed to get her fingernails under the red seal. Eliza picked at the wax, trying to rid herself of the evidence before she pulled back the lid to reveal the contents inside.

The cream gown was thick with lace that rose to her collarbone and then down to the bust of the dress, covering the sleeves as well. The intricate design of flowers and leaves stemmed off her shoulders and across her chest, making the gown modest while hinting at her curves hidden beneath.

Quickly she took off her nightgown, removing her bloomers before loosening the ribbons in the back, slipping into the dress on her own. She would need assistance tying the back, but she could cinch it somewhat closed on her own.

The sleeves fit perfectly to her wrists, the dress hugged her curves, and though it was a little long, she suspected there would be shoes to follow, though they were not in the box. Had Papa left them with the headmaster? Eliza had only a few hours until the wedding, she would need the shoes or she might make a mess of the gown, the hem gliding across the marble as she walked toward the nursery door. She did not dare go out into the hall. However, she poked her head out to see if anyone else was awake.

From downstairs, she could hear the hustle and bustle of the nannies and maids getting prepared for the day. She wanted to see her papa before the wedding, to tell him how much she loved him. They had never exchanged those three simple words. Eliza was not quite sure when the moment had happened, but it had. The feeling of floating while she was around him, always wanting to be wrapped in his arms, never wanting to be apart.

The door across the hall clicked and Eliza slammed the nursery door shut rather abruptly. She had not seen who it was, but she did not wish to find out either. Scurrying across the room, she reached behind her to work the laces free. It was not so much that she did not desire to wear the dress. On the contrary, she was afraid of the consequences if she disobeyed her nanny. Her wedding might be this morning, but it did not change the fact that she remained enrolled as a little, even after the ceremony.

Her stomach was a flurry of butterflies. Would her papa desire to take her purity tonight? She wanted to consummate the marriage with him, but did not wish to disappoint him either. Her nerves made her hands shake and she jumped as the nursery door opened.

Nanny Agnes stood on the other side, sizing up her charge. "Get out of that gown this instant!" She tore across the room in haste, loosening the ribbons before pulling it swiftly off her form. "This cannot be worn until after breakfast. You need a shave, bath, breakfast, and then you may get dressed."

Eliza lifted her arms, allowing the gown to come off until she stood naked in the middle of the nursery.

The older woman did not seem pleased with her charge. She strode over, grabbing the little one by the waist. "I ought to plug your bottom and let your papa see what a naughty girl you have been today."

"Please, no." Eliza shook her head, eyes wide, worried what he would say or think. She wanted to please him, especially today! They were to be married and she did not wish to spoil the wedding or disappoint him.

Nanny Agnes walloped her bottom. "I am displeased, little Eliza. You will receive six spanks, and if you cannot behave, I will deliver six more."

Eliza's bottom lip trembled. She did not want to be punished. "Please, I will be good. I am sorry!" She winced as her nanny's hand made contact, dishing out her second spank and then the third. Her legs kicked and she squirmed.

"Keep moving and I will make it twelve spanks," her nanny said, reminding her of the recent threat. She meant business.

Eliza yelped with each swat to her bottom, her hips bucking, but she refrained from an attempt at escaping. There was nowhere to go, only to have her bottom splotched near the window or across the rocking chair. At least it would be over soon.

Her bottom burned with the last spank. Unlike when Papa smacked her bare bottom, the older woman made no attempt to soothe her physically in the same way that he did. She enjoyed his intimate touch, the steady rhythm of her heart as it beat louder in her chest when he caressed her cunny. Charley had been able to teach her discipline while also motivating her. She wanted to please him. With her nanny she did not always feel that same strong need.

"Climb onto the bed, I shall shave your cunny while the maid fetches your bathwater." Nanny Agnes did not even have to tell the maid to bring the water, as she began coming and going, filling the tub and returning with a second bucket. The woman must have known her schedule today for the wedding.

Agnes retrieved a towel and placed it upon the mattress before she patted the space for her charge. "Lie down," she instructed.

Eliza climbed onto the bed, hating that the door was left open for anyone to walk by and see her lying naked and exposed. Her bottom remained sore and she winced as she lay down, spreading her legs, waiting patiently as her nanny retrieved a small bowl of warm water, shaving soap, and a straight razor. The young woman had been in this compromising position many times before, the act no longer a new experience, and yet it still made her heart race and her cheeks blush.

"I shall be quick, but we do not want to disappoint your papa when you are to consummate your marriage this afternoon."

The little one exhaled a heavy breath. It seemed to be true, he would be expecting to finalize their marriage. She was in no way opposed to the idea, just the thought made her anxious. She tried to lie completely still as she felt her nanny's warm touch against the folds of her cunny.

Nanny Agnes soaped up her stubble and then dragged the razor across the hair with long slow strokes. Her hands were steady and she separated little Eliza's quim lips to ensure she did not miss a spot.

Eliza's cheeks burned as she watched the door. No one but the maid entered her room, bringing bucket after bucket of water. She closed her eyes, pretending no one was staring at her most intimate region, touching her private area, while they shaved her.

"We are almost done," Nanny Agnes said, dipping the razor in the warm bowl of water before she finished her handiwork.

The little one wanted the experience to be over and done with, though she knew there would be almost two more years of hands examining, shaving, and spanking her. Some of the acts she minded far less than others, especially when those strong hands were her papa's.

Her nanny had plenty of experience and finished quickly without using the blade too hard, leaving her unharmed. She wiped the remnants of hair from Eliza's folds before taking her hand. "Come, it is time to get you into the bath."

Eliza held Nanny Agnes's hand, climbing into the porcelain claw tub. The bath water was warm, inviting as she slipped under the surface. She stretched out and shut her eyes, exhausted from her lack of sleep, though it had not eased her into any bit of slumber.

"Do not fall asleep, little one," Nanny Agnes said, scolding her charge. She grabbed a small cotton cloth and dipped in the water, soaking the material before dousing it with soap. She scrubbed the soap onto the fabric thoroughly before grabbing Eliza's arm, working on her soft skin.

"Owie!" Eliza squealed, the woman's grip was firm and her scrubbing was rather painful.

"You are filthy. Your papa will not want to marry a girl who is covered in dirt."

Eliza wanted to object. The last time she had been outside was Friday. It had been a few days ago but she had not played outside, she had sat on a bench with her papa.

Nanny Agnes continued washing her little one's skin, moving down her neck and across her breasts, paying ample attention to each mound and nipple before moving over her stomach, rubbing the cloth in small circles. "We will be done soon. There is still much to do before the wedding."

Eliza did not know what planning went into a wedding, but she was grateful her part was merely to show up. It was nice to have a papa who took care of her, looked out for her, and always put her best interests first. She knew that he was a good man and had no doubts about marrying him. The only wish she had that was different: she wanted to go home with him. Though it was not an option yet, it would be one day.

Her nanny continued to scrub down between her thighs, moving the cloth over the sensitive folds that had just recently been shaven. Her other hand swept down to Eliza's cunny, feeling the smooth skin. "Your papa will be pleased."

Eliza hated how the woman's touch teased her but did not satisfy her in the same way her papa did. She desired to have her papa shave her cunny, though the mere thought of his eyes examining her so intimately made her cheeks red. The bath water cooled, but not terribly as her nanny finished scrubbing her clean and then rinsed her hair before offering her a towel and helping her stand.

Her nanny wrapped the towel around Eliza's petite frame, roughly rubbing her arms up and down in an attempt to quickly dry her off. Once the young woman was dried off, she secured the towel around her chest at the front.

On the small table near the window sat a silver tray with fruit, juice, and a plate of eggs. "Come, sit. You should eat before we get you into your wedding gown." Nanny Agnes pulled back the chair to allow her charge to sit down and drew the curtains open, allowing more light to shine in through the windows.

Eliza gripped the front of her towel, making certain it would not fall. Though her nanny may have already seen her naked, she still did not desire to give the woman a show. Sitting down, she kept her legs closed and the towel secure while she dished out a helping onto her plate. Quietly she ate, missing the company of her papa. When he had eaten with her, it had been much more enjoyable. How often would he stay over with her in the nursery? She wanted it to be every night, but was that even possible?

She found it difficult to eat, her stomach full of bubbles, her nerves forcing her hands to shake. Why did she feel so uncertain? Eliza felt pleased to be marrying Charley, yet the nausea continued to creep up. She never handled stress well. Pushing the food around her plate, she took a few tiny bites but opted to leave most of her breakfast untouched.

"May I be excused?" Eliza asked. She had learned to be polite, even when dining alone. It seemed a strange concept, to ask to be excused from the table when you were the only one eating there, but her nanny was in charge and she did not argue with the gray-haired woman.

"If you have finished eating. Come, let us get you into your dress," Nanny Agnes said.

"Did my papa bring shoes and a veil for me to wear as well?" Eliza had not found the other items for the wedding that he had planned to bring her. Would he stop by with them before the wedding? Eliza wanted to see him, to know that he had not changed his mind. Her fears ate away at her stomach, making the nausea unbearable. She exhaled a heavy breath, trying to keep herself together.

"Yes, as well as bloomers for your wedding. They are quite scandalous but thank heavens no one will see them!" Nanny Agnes retrieved another paperboard box that was nearly as wide as the first, hidden beneath the mattress. When had her nanny hidden the items under her bed? Eliza had not thought to even steal a glance under there over the past few days.

Lifting the box to the mattress, Nanny Agnes tore the seal, unhinging the lid. She placed a set of cream shoes on the floor and then removed the undergarments to be worn with the gown. "We shall get you into your dress, then I will need to do something about your hair." Nanny Agnes lifted the long dark locks, twirling them in her hand.

"What is it?" Eliza asked, catching the look in her nanny's eye. Did she not approve?

Smiling, Nanny Agnes shook her head and retrieved the bloomers first, helping guide the short material up her legs and allowing it to cover her intimate region. The material rested below her navel, far too scandalous to be seen! Where had he purchased such indecent bloomers?

Eliza sat down on the edge of the mattress while her nanny retrieved a pair of white stockings, gliding them slowly up her legs, her fingers caressing bare skin as she dressed her charge.

"What time is the wedding?" Eliza asked.

"Stand up." Nanny Agnes took the wedding gown, loosening the ribbons further.

Eliza stood and held her arms up as Nanny Agnes guided her arms through the sleeves before bringing the gown down, letting it fall to the floor.

"At ten o'clock. Your papa should already be on the premises. Turn around."

Eliza spun around, hoping to steal a glimpse outside, not that she expected her papa to be in the garden. She gasped when her nanny tightened the ribbons, bringing in the bust on the dress, constricting her chest. "It is too much!" she gasped, forgetting what it was like to wear a gown not made for a little. Eliza found it difficult to breathe, she was forced to take shallow breaths.