A Stately Affair

Jack Bessie is the creator of the website, Jack Bessie’s Duct Tape for the Soul https://www.jackofwords.com It is filled with all sorts of insightful, funny, crazy and profoundly motivating stuff!

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A Thought

Many people dream about what life might have been like in the olden times, when kings and queens, dukes and duchesses, earls, ladies, prince and princesses were as common as could be. One only has to look to the adulation the British royals garner to see this in action.

Naturally, most people know almost nothing about what anyone’s life was like two or three centuries ago, commoner or royal! Still, people dream, especially little girls, who wish they could be a pampered princess, (especially when ordered to do chores!), or even more so when they start dating. Face it, finding a willing prince might be much less of a hassle than finding a guy now who isn’t a loser! Or would it be?

If you actually take the time to research it a bit, and read some of the surviving diaries and journals of the old time royals, you come away with a different perspective. Being royal, having a title did little to save a child’s bottom from the application of a paddle when they were wicked or disobeyed! Families were strict, by and large, and many times the royals, eager to maintain a public perception of perfection, had little patience for the wayward child.

Certainly, the royal young woman who succumbed to her female urges, and gave herself to someone whom she was pleased by, risked much unpleasantness, especially when she got pregnant, as was most likely to occur at some point; there was no choice, no birth control to help avoid the consequences of surrendering to Eve’s desire.

That some did, and suffered the shame and a consequence is irrefutable. We now mostly find that amazing and wrong, if we are not inclined to cling to a strict religious dogma. Occasionally, things worked out better than hoped for. This is a story of one who risked more than she understood, and was well rewarded, perhaps by God, for choosing Eve’s path and love.

Enjoy!

Jack

1

Kelby had been busy at his writing desk, preparing a letter to send to Lord Alcott when he detected the faint scent of the Lady Elayne’s perfume. This in and of itself was not unusual, the fragrance having frequently accompanied the young woman to his home. What perplexed him was that she had apparently arrived unannounced by his butler. This was an odd breech of normalcy. She is likely to find quite a surprise in store for her, he thought, trying not to grin noticeably. Glancing up, he discovered her leaning slightly against the door jamb, arms crossed, and sporting a rather smug look on her otherwise charming face.

Ahhhhhh—milady has graced my humble abode with her esteemed presence! Why did the butler not announce your arrival? he asked, brows furrowed.

I forbid him too, preferring to sneak up on you. He seems politely inclined to follow my instructions, which I find more than delightful! she replied, trying hard not to smile.

I need to have a word with him then! He isn’t supposed to listen to you or anyone else—unless you’re inclined to be the one paying his salery!

Oh don’t be such a—you know, she insisted, resisting the urge to say something vulgar or low class, which very much included what she really thought. Kelby looked back down at his missive, seemingly intent on ignoring Elayne.

I do appreciate a woman who knows when to hold her tongue, he declared, before glancing back up at her, almost as much as I approve of one who knows her place!

Really? And what is my place, good sir? I’m certainly not wont to attend to your kitchen, or to tidy up your house, now am I? I have not heard that ladies were expected to address such mundane tasks! I would certainly not expect you to want to consign me to such a fate! On the contrary, you seemed not the least disinclined to put me in your bed the other night, and take frightful advantage of my mood. Perhaps I should speak of the matter with my father, the Duke? she asked, her tone taking on a curt and challenging air. He’s noted for disapproving of scoundrels who unfairly rob a helpless young woman of her virginity! Kelby stared at her several moments, before a wicked grin began spreading over his face.

You think the Duke might be inclined to ruin me? To have me made to suffer for having you? He laughed fully, before continuing. Really? I don’t recall having to rape you, my dear. You seemed more than eager to be naked and to surrender your virginity! In fact, I seem to recall you were doing most of the seducing, such as it were!

That is preposterous! You make me sound like a common tavern wench! I was merely being warm and playful, until you decided to be a sneaky scoundrel, and slip your hand under my dress! she insisted, scolding him.

Oh, no—you’re far above a common tavern girl—even if you were inclined to act a bit like one. I’m sure you’ll do better with practice! he suggested, grinning. I didn’t notice you making any effort to slap me, or to scream! he added.

There’ll be no more practice—certainly not with the likes of you! How dare you! If I speak to my father, you are utterly ruined! As to your ridiculous assertion that I failed to resist your underhanded fondling of my most private personage, how could I respond? You sir had me so helplessly pinned, so helplessly under your wicked spell, I had no idea what you were even doing! I’m sure my father will understand how blameless I was! she haughtily suggested.

Be my guest—you’re quite welcome to have a chat. He’s a marvelous conversationalist—I spoke to him myself yesterday.

What about? she nearly shrieked, shocked that her father would even entertain speaking to Kelby, considering his common station. He mentioned nothing to me!

You’re likely most fortunate that he chose to wait a bit. I discussed your missing virginity, and my unfortunate, but thoroughly delightful part in the sacrifice of it, he confessed, turning back to his writing, leaving the Lady Elayne standing, mouth open and stunned.

He didn’t hang you? she finally managed to gasp, unsure if she was completely outraged at this oversight, or merely disappointed in her father’s apparent lapse.

Why would he hang the man willing to take his foolishly eager daughter off his hands? By the way, we’re getting married, if you wish to know, he informed her, knitting his fingers together, and looking inquiringly at her. He was clearly pleased by this development.

"You had the—the nerve to ask the Duke for my hand! After—you—you—violated me?" she moaned.

Actually, I didn’t just ask for your hand, I asked for every naughty bit, piece and part of your delectable personage. After, that is, offering my most abject apology for sampling your sweetness. I actually blamed you for being so beautiful, so enticing and so irresistible, that I merely lost my head, and succumbed to your overtures, which regrettably caused me to fail to properly follow protocol, that being asking for your hand and marrying you before sampling your charms.

You’ve got some nerve! she hissed. I can’t believe my father would do this to me! she moaned, her eyes rapidly filling with tears. I hate you! she shrieked halfheartedly.

Is that what made you moan so loudly when I had you? he teased, pushing his chair back to stand. Kelby quickly stepped close to Elayne, and took her hand, tugging on it, to encourage her to follow him to a sofa. When they were sitting, Elayne wiping her eyes with her handkerchief, he continued.

You seem to be overlooking several salient points, my dear Lady. As you’ve frequently pointed out, I’m quite well off financially, but not nearly uncommon enough to actually be given your hand in matrimony. Certainly not with you being the virginal second daughter of our duke. However, as a former virgin, your marketability declines quite precipitously. Your father understands this quite well, and will blame you for devaluing yourself. My heartfelt and contrite offer to take you off his hands was amazingly well received, especially in light of my offer to make him a party to my enterprise!

You bought me? she hissed, shocked and appalled.

Kelby looked at her intently, considering her manner. Elayne had shown the typical moodiness and contrariness of a normal girl her age, being nearly eighteen, but alloyed with a hard streak of stubbornness and a marked willingness to do all manner of things to get her way. This delighted Kelby, who had thoroughly enjoyed matching wits with her, especially when he was winning, such as at the present moment.

That’s rather unfair and rude of you, but you do need to understand something, he suggested, touching her face gently.

What! she snipped, not inclined to hear anything he had to say.

If I could have simply bought you I would have been willing to spend every cent I have, to make you mine.

Then you, sir, are a fool with your money! she replied, turning away, and sticking her nose firmly in the air.

You don’t think you’re worth it? I find that strange!

Ha! Your paltry fortune couldn’t even begin to equal my worth!

Well thank heavens I didn’t have to dicker with you—your father is a most reasonable man, and he understands what a used girl is worth on the open market! Kelby was hoping this would offend her. He wasn’t disappointed.

Used! And how did that happen to occur, might I ask? she shrieked, her voice becoming several octaves higher when she was incited. You took advantage of my weakness, sir, putting me in a most helpless and vulnerable position. I scarcely knew what I was doing! she yelled, angry and hurt, and trying desperately to make him feel bad.

"Lady Elayne—did you or did you not enjoy your time with me, in that helpless condition, as you refereed to it as? I certainly detected no tears, distress or sadness, no sign that I was taking horrid advantage of you! You seemed quite relaxed and playful, being altogether nude. I don’t recall hearing that women being raped or taken advantage of were inclined to laugh and smile so fully. Am I missing something, or are you embarrassed to admit that you enjoyed being a woman, and not a little girl?" Kelby noted that her haughty pose had wilted, and she was now sitting, admiring the rug at her feet.

A gentleman shouldn’t contradict a lady—especially regarding her most personal recollections or her moods!

I’ve heard that a woman who isn’t had on a regular basis becomes quite difficult and contrary. I would suggest that you allow me to take advantage of you again, in an effort to avoid having you manifest such unpleasantness, he quickly suggested, grinning.

Oh, how very convenient of you to make such a self serving offer! she said, tossing her curly tresses contemptuously. She was again sitting, with her nose up. Kelby waited, before touching her neck with his index finger, lightly caressing. Eventually, Elayne began fiddling with her hair, brushing it over Kelby’s hand. She turned her back to him more squarely, and shifted closer, which allowed him to rub her shoulders with both hands, before slipping them around her, where they cupped her breasts. She sighed, before speaking.

Just when might you be inclined to improve my mood, by having me? she demanded. I’m sure you’re busy! she declared, her voice snotty.

I could spare you a bit of time right now, he playfully suggested, say the remainder of the afternoon?

That may not be enough to improve my mood—but it would perhaps be a start! she sighed, and giggled.

Well, you should be quite eager to act the whore just from a sense of gratitude; I talked your father out of sending you to a nice convent—where you’d have no opportunity to act like a naughty tart—or to embarrass your family. It was a near thing. My offer was no doubt quite helpful at persuading him to spare you such a wicked fate!

Elayne had turned to face him, the rustle of her dress and petticoats rather loud in the silence resulting from her inability to speak. Her mouth seemed likely to be stuck open, and her countenance one of abject shock. They sat thus, several long moments.

H—he—actually—suggested that? she whispered.

"In a manner of speaking, yes! The idea that his daughter could be so improperly unladylike seemed not to strike his fancy overmuch! Of course, I expected him to be perturbed thus. That’s why I offered to take you and at least make you a respectable woman—even though you would no longer be regarded as a proper lady. It worked quite well, all in all." Elayne detected a hint of smugness in his voice.

You should resist the urge to do me any more favors like this! she yelled, her anger exploding forth. Elayne went to slap him, but he handily caught her wrist, and pinned her arms at her side. He kissed her lusciously, not allowing her to escape or slip free, and after a few seconds, she stopped struggling, overwhelmed by the kiss’s sensation. When they stopped, Kelby brushed her hair back from her cheeks, and looked deeply in her eyes.

I really did you a favor—imagine how your father might take having you revealed as pregnant? There would be little chance of avoiding a serious scandal over that! He’d likely have the hide whipped off you—and you know it!

And why should I be pregnant? I have no desire to be in such a state! she insisted. Kelby laughed, shaking his head.

Lady Elayne—do you intend to continue being had by me? he demanded. She considered this thoughtfully.

I suppose that might occasionally happen—when you’re sneaky enough, or my mood makes me susceptible. Why? she asked, eyeing him.

You, silly girl, will be with child within the month!

Ha! I’m far too stubborn to permit that! she insisted, before noticing that Kelby’s hand was under her dress, and caressing her thigh. Then again—maybe I’m not? she sighed helplessly.

2

As she had previously, Elayne seemed to shed her contrariness along with any sort of modesty when she allowed Kelby to remove her clothing. He could not resist commenting on this.

You enjoy being naked, don’t you? Especially having me witness your rather luscious charms! She smiled widely, a mixture of guilt and impishness.

Perhaps I do. I hate being dressed, especially in the winter. I feel likely to be smothered under all that fabric. Summer is better, when the clothes are light and airy, but I really prefer being bare in my own room!

You don’t wear a nightgown, like a proper lady? he demanded, teasing her. Elayne rolled her eyes.

My mother paddled my behind dozens of times, trying to keep me properly covered when I was a little girl. I never got better at being proper—just better at hiding my tendencies! she confessed and laughed. I’m quite skilled at putting on a gown while under the covers—so I’d emerge with the appearance of propriety, she added.

Why am I not surprised? he replied, laughing.

When they were both completely bare, Elayne suddenly frowned. Something’s wrong? Kelby asked, wondering what might be disturbing her.

I need to piddle!

I thought you had a serious problem, judging by your expression. Here, he advised her, reaching under the bed, and retrieving a chamber pot, which he slid out into a useable position. Elayne glanced at it, and then stared at his face, her expression one of disbelief.

You expect me to use that—with you watching? Kelby nearly doubled over, laughing so vigorously.

Oh, dear me! Your sense of humor is positively amazing. Why shouldn’t you use it—you’re naked, and you let me put my maleness in you with not the least sense of hesitation or embarrassment. Surely you can pee without undue shame!

That’s easy for you to say—you aren’t a woman! Some things are just— she stopped, searching for the proper word.

Ridiculous? Go piddle—you’ll get over being embarrassed after a time or two, he suggested, hugging her.

In spite of her objections and claims of modesty, her need was strong enough that she finally gave in. Kelby watched discretely, amused at how much Elayne was endeavoring to pretend that she was alone. When she was finished, and had stood up, her face tinged by a strong blush, she was confronted by Kelby’s obvious delight.

Marvelous! Now you aren’t a virgin at peeing with a witness either! he teased, clapping his hands.

Elayne pushed him back onto the bed, and climbed astraddle of his body. She was frustrated, and eager to think of a way to get back at him. Grinning suddenly, she leaned close to kiss him, devoting several moments to this enterprise. She was rewarded by the sensation of his maleness becoming larger and more erect. Sitting up, she slid her womanhood back and forth over his organ, causing him to moan, as it became fully engorged.

Elayne returned to her kissing, mixing this with the seductive movements of her bottom. Kelby clearly was eager to slip it into her, but she avoided this. Finally, when he moaned, and whispered, I want you! she giggled, and hopped off.

I think I need to go home! she declared imperiously, pleased at how easy arousing him had been. Kelby managed to sit up, staring at Elayne, who was having trouble concealing a wicked smile.

I don’t think so—lie down here—now—or else! he demanded.

Or else what? I’m too big to spank! she declared, and suddenly leaped up, heading for the door. She managed to get it open about a foot, before Kelby’s hand grabbed her arm, pulling her back and turning her. He kicked the door closed with a foot, and relocked it, before taking hold of her hair with his other hand. He marched her back to the bed, bent over, and once there, proceeded to give her bottom a dozen hearty smacks, which engendered much shrieking, interspersed with several swear words and what sounded like laughter.

Holding her bent over the bed, her face and chest resting on the soft covers, he proceeded to rub her red bottom before slipping his fingers lower where he could caress her wet femaleness. Several moments devoted to this had her moaning, and unable to hold her bottom still.

Stay as you are! he instructed, releasing her hair, and positioning himself behind her. He swiped her female self with his hard organ, eliciting more intense moans, and keeping this up, he was soon gratified to have her explode into a strong orgasm. He swiftly slipped into her, and quickly joined her.

Kelby had to help her up into the bed, her legs seemingly too weak to even move.

That—that was wicked! she sighed, snuggled close.

I note that you aren’t in fact too big to spank? You liked that, didn’t you? he demanded, kissing her.

Oh dear God—I felt like such a whore! Why is that? she sighed.

Women need to be handled strongly—you wouldn’t admire or respect any man who let you have your way—especially in bed! I thought you were going home? he asked, eyeing her while grinning.

Someone decided to be mean and thwart my will apparently. He likely raped me too! she suggested, not meeting his eyes. Kelby laughed loudly.

Oh, my—you have no hesitation to out and out lie about your feelings—do you? You were begging for exactly what you got—and you know it!

Maybe—but a lady isn’t supposed to act like a whore—at least that’s what mother tried to teach all of us daughters. Well, at least she isn’t supposed to admit it if she does—or say she likes it! Elayne hesitantly suggested, crossing her arms.

Well, just so you know—I suspect you’ll have many opportunities to pretend you aren’t acting like a whore! Kelby advised her, before kissing her soundly.

When they had recovered a bit, Kelby began touching Elayne’s skin, lightly gliding his fingertips over her softness. He avoided her breasts and puss, but gave much attention to her thighs, arms and belly. She was soon squirming.

Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me? she sighed at one point.

Of course—that’s why I’m doing this. You like being touched!

Apparently I do. That makes me a naughty tart, doesn’t it? Kelby found this perversely funny.

That’s ridiculous! In spite of what the church teaches, girls—and women, like being touched, played with, and had rather much. The idea that normal desire is wrong or ungodly is simply insane! I have no doubt that you were created by God, not the devil, and therefore, this, he paused, slipping his fingers into the space between her legs, is divine—not the devil’s plaything!

You’d better hope that’s true! she suggested, and laughed. Elayne touched Kelby’s organ, and discovered it had nicely recovered. Why don’t you put that back in me? she suggested.

How about you get back on top—like you were when you were trying to torment me? You’ll like it that way.

Oh, no! That’s not proper! she insisted, crossing her arms and looking stubborn. Kelby had to will his mouth closed.

You jest? he asked, and she shook her head no. Why? Kelby wondered, amazed by her declaration.

That’s not how people do it! she declared.

Kelby tilted his head, considering this ridiculous statement. Have you ever seen anyone else have sex? he asked finally. Elayne nodded.

Who?

My—my parents! she whispered. Kelby was again astounded.

Mind explaining how that came to be? he asked. Elayne shrugged.

I didn’t know it was—sex—at least at the time. I was maybe—eight? I was in my parent’s bedroom—snooping, she began, looking very guilty and embarrassed. I heard them coming close, and hid behind a large wardrobe—I figured they’d get dressed—change clothes—and then leave. Instead, they were talking and kissing—and started taking each others clothes off. But instead of putting on something else, they laid down on the bed! I was back in the shadows, where I could watch with little chance of being seen. So I watched. They spent a long time fiddling! Lots of touching—kissing—and father’s manhood was simply huge—and mother let him put it in her somehow! They did it twice—both times like you did me the first time! That’s how I know what’s proper! she finished smugly. Kelby tried not to laugh, but failed.

Don’t you laugh at me—what? she demanded.

Was that the only time you witnessed anyone having each other? he wondered. She nodded.

And you didn’t get caught?

No—even though I had to pee—twice! I peed on a small rug, so it wouldn’t run out and make a puddle. When they finally finished, and got dressed and went out, I was able to leave. One of the house pets got blamed for peeing on the rug! she declared, and laughed fully.

You’ve always been a naughty child—haven’t you? he wondered, smiling. Now—you need to understand that what you watched wasn’t a thorough demonstration of what’s possible—as far as a position for sex is concerned. It’s time you had some instruction. I’m hard, and you’re wet, so I’m going to position you in a dozen different ways, and have you for just a bit in each—to show you how they each feel. We’ll try them more one by one later. Elayne looked dubious, but finally nodded.

It took only a few minutes, for her enthusiasm to improve, finding most of the positions different and delightful in some fashion. Kelby made sure the final one had him on his back, and Elayne impaled on his organ, sitting facing him, where he could play with her modest, firm breasts. He felt her orgasm start, a moment before she loudly moaned. When she was spent, she collapsed onto him, sweaty and half asleep.

Wicked! she whispered. You’re still hard? she dreamily asked.

Kelby got her to slip off, and lie on her side, and proceeded to slip into her from behind. It took only a minute for him to climax. He slipped closer, putting his arm around her, and they were quickly asleep.

When they awoke from their nap, Kelby kissed her wantonly. Care to argue, and say that wasn’t godly? he queried.

Oh—that’s so wicked! There wouldn’t be a virgin girl over thirteen, if they had any idea how good this feels! You’re trying to make me your private whore—aren’t you? she demanded.

Is it working? he countered.

All too well! I hate what you’re doing to me! Will you touch me again? she purred.

Said the girl who doesn’t want to be a whore! You know—you don’t have to be ashamed of what you feel—it’s quite normal—even if no one wants to be honest and admit it.

Said the man who’s made a career of having cute, innocent young girls! How do I know you won’t keep on being a rake—even if we are married? she demanded hotly.

Elayne—all that womanizing—I was just trying to find the one I wanted—which is you!

You tell the nicest lies! Am I the best girl you’ve ever had? she demanded. Kelby stroked his chin, considering this.

Well? she insisted.

I’d have to say you are—for a new girl. You’re learning very quickly, which is another reason I like you so much. You’re smart! he declared.

Smart or sensual—and which is most important?

Smart. Any smart woman can learn to be sexy and skilled. But a woman who only has her sex to work with will never get all that smart.

Is that another one of your nice lies?

Hardly—and neither is this; I love you, Elayne, he declared, as she suddenly burst into tears, utterly shocked and overwhelmed.

3

When the carriage arrived to pick Elayne up at quarter til five, she had barely managed to get dressed.

Do I look disheveled? God forbid I walk in looking like a whore—even if father knows I’m acting like one—he’s a stickler for maintaining appearances!

I take it you were here to visit my sister again?

Of course! It simply wouldn’t do for me to be visiting a rake like you with no chaperone, now would it? Elayne sighed. I won’t be announcing that my female part is a bit sore either, just so you know! she declared in a dry tone, before giggling vigorously.

Well thank heavens for small favors! Keep in mind that your father isn’t too happy with your new status. He could still disown you, should you push him too far. And still give you to me first! he declared warmly.

Oh, I’m sure he could do several things to me. You think you’re pretty crafty, don’t you? she suddenly asked, her tone taking on a new and harsh edge.

I’m just pleased to have you. Elayne—that’s all I care about, he whispered.

Well, that’s nice—but I don’t take kindly to being outplayed. We aren’t done with this—just so you know! she replied. She leaned in close for a kiss, and when they broke, she quickly bit his lip, sharp enough to draw a bit of blood.

Kelby eyed her sternly, before smiling, having tasted the blood on his bruised lower lip.

I’m sure it will be interesting! he declared, ringing for the butler to come and show her out, so the driver of the carriage would not see him with her.

Elayne spent the modest ride to her family’s manor contemplating what she might do to get back at Kelby for outplaying her with her father. Interspersed with these thoughts were ones of her afternoon; she had been reduced to both feeling like and acting the part of a helpless whore. As much as this thrilled her, she was also disappointed that Kelby had such power over her: his ability to incite her desires was maddeningly effective and irresistible. Still, she felt obligated to do something to resist his charms. I’m the daughter of a Duke—now I’ve let a near commoner have me! Worse—I can’t seem to be myself when I’m with him—he does what he pleases with me! she complained to herself. The idea that this might apply equally well to Kelby didn’t come to her. He probably thinks I’m a stupid little girl! I’m almost eighteen! And a Lady—even if I haven’t been acting like one, she thought and sighed, quite embarrassed.

Stepping into the manor’s entry, and giving her coat to the butler, her thoughts were taken in a new direction, when she was advised, Your father wishes to speak with you—in his study. Certain that this wasn’t a mere suggestion, she sighed heavily, and nodded her agreement, heading down the main hall, to whatever awaited her.

She found the door open slightly, peeked inside, and saw her father busy at his desk, reading something. She stuck her head in, and announced herself.

Father? You wish to speak with me? If you’re busy, we can talk later! she hastily added, hoping to avoid whatever was in store. She was disappointed quickly, as he gestured for her to enter, without even looking up.

Elayne walked to his desk, and primly sat in a chair to his left. That she had instinctively picked this one, where all of her siblings, including herself were always perched during corrective interviews, suddenly came to her, causing her to giggle. Hearing this, the duke looked up.

Something has amused you? he asked. This forced her to explain her insight. The Duke smiled at this.

How appropriate! Perhaps your guilty conscience guided you to choose it—yes? Elayne sat waiting. Seeing that she had no intention of replying, he continued.

"Lady Elayne Rosemarie Tremonds, second daughter of the Lord Duke Elrick Gaylord Tremonds the third, and the Countess, Lady Katherine Marie Tremmonds, daughter of the Count Marlow of Oxfordshire; what have you done, Lady Elayne?" he asked, his voice quiet but stern. Hearing her full name, and her parent’s formal names and titles, hit Elayne like a firm slap, causing her to cringe, and burst into tears. She sobbed, head hung, until she finally managed to control her emotions. Wiping her eyes, she managed a small grin.

Apparently I’ve succumbed to the same urge given by God to Eve! she declared. Father—I didn’t set out to embarrass or shame my family! Please—you must believe me!

But you have—and that you can not repair. Do you not think people will talk, when they note that you are not marrying someone of suitable station? Tongues will wag!

Then why are you giving me to Kelby? Wouldn’t you be—better advised to— she stopped, hesitant to name her worst fear.

Send you to a nice convent—where your urges won’t cause us any more embarrassment? He noted that Elayne seemed unable to raise her head. She finally nodded, almost imperceptibly.

"This might shock you, but I do understand something about young women, and their natural urges as you name them. You and Kelby certainly deserve to be punished, but not in the traditional ways."

I—I don’t understand! Certainly Kelby took advantage of my—weakness—I seemed so helpless to resist his intentions! she cried, wanting to be as forceful and dramatic as possible. She was hoping for sympathy, but was shocked to witness her father laugh.

When her father quit laughing, he began counting off facts on his fingers, as he enumerated them.

First, you lied about visiting his sister—she was only present a few of the times you went to his house recently. Second, you lied about a proper chaperone being present—Kelby’s house lady leaves the premises by three each day, slightly after your arrival. Third, it was you who seduced Kelby, not the other way around. At best you were an accomplice in your deflowering!

Father! How—how can you utter that—that lie! she cried, stung by the truth of his list.

"You dare to call me a liar?" he asked, ominously.

Well—no—I mean—he’s—I’m—what makes you think that’s true? she asked, desperate for a way out of her situation.

Kelby tells me you did so—and I find his word more reliable than yours at the moment, the Duke suggested. Elayne sat, mouth open, suddenly seeing the cost of her lies.

So you think I’m a—a—common whore? she demanded, weeping, "And a liar?

"Hardly—but you’re amazingly like your mother! You should be grateful that I have fond memories of her behavior—it’s the only reason I’m unwilling to disown you!"

They were interrupted by the butler announcing dinner.

Speak to her in private, was all the Duke would say further on the subject. And while you’re doing so, work on your wedding plans.

Elayne wiped her eyes, stood to accompany her father to dinner.

Father—you said I was to be punished—how is that to be done?

I’m giving you to Kelby, he suggested, and laughed.

He’s the scoundrel who needs to be punished! she loudly declared.

"Oh, I quite agree—that’s why I’m giving him you! the Duke replied, chuckling at Elayne’s shocked appearance. Come—let’s have dinner!" he commanded, offering her his arm.

They joined the usual gathering; Elayne’s mother, the Lady Kate, as she was less formally known, Elayne’s older brother Richard, and his wife, the Lady Isabella, her younger brother Patrick and her younger sister Ruth. Her older sister Priscilla had just returned from a long visit with their grand parents in Oxfordshire, where she had been looking over prospective admirers, seeking a husband; one of proper station and no small means. She had heard whispers of Elayne’s situation, and was