Belgravia: Another Side – Part 1

Having watched and immensely enjoyed the recent series, my thought was to pen a short story from the same time period. Above all else, what I learned from the series is how it was women who actually defended and enforced the class structure of that time. This reminds me of another writer's observation: “It is very remarkable how women are the guardians of the traditions of their own discipline.” 

My goal here then was to weave a tale mixing these two similar, yet radically different ideas together in one story....

Part 1

As light broke into their bedroom, Edmund was awakened by his wife's tongue and lips around his now fully aroused manhood. In short order, the consequences of her efforts caused a very satisfying eruption. Edmund's first thought was, 'My! That was delightful!' Next, he pondered on the last time his wife of 20 years had awakened him this way. 'Oh, yes, I remember,' he thought as the cobwebs were clearing from his head... 'NEVER!!'

Immediately, he knew she wanted something, and she wanted something BIG! Rather than directly seeking out her motives, he very cordially thanked her and informed her that he must be off to visit their neighbor Paul. He explained, “There is a snag with our irrigation project and Paul wants to confer with me before we approach the Earl.  I should be home by lunch.”

“That's fine, darling,” answered Margaret. “Just one small thing... I would like to invite my sister, Rebecca, to stay with us for a while.”

“WHAT!!”

“Now, dear, I know you got upset with Rebecca at Susan's wedding, but that was over a year ago. Surely you cannot still be angry.”

Edmund now understood the earlier attention. Nevertheless, there was no way he was going to allow this. “She made a big scene just because John spanked Susan after the rehearsal dinner. Susan's behavior was absolutely horrible! Even though she's my daughter, Susan got exactly what she deserved, and your younger sister is a meddling shrew. On top of that, you know I can't stand that Darthy, her pompous ass husband. No, no, no! She is NOT to stay with us for 'a while'.”

“Speaking of that ass Darthy, why in heaven's name would he want to stay with us anyhow?  We barely tolerate each other.”

“Oh NO, not Lord Darthmore, just Rebecca and her daughters,” clarified Margaret hoping this will improve her chances.

“Oh, um... well... I still don't like that “rabble rouser” sister of yours... nor do not want her here in my house challenging my authority at every opportunity?”

“That's just because you fear a woman who's not afraid to speak her mind - besides being stubborn you are insecure and small minded.”

“Really? Don't you think that's just about enough insults for one day, Margaret?”

“Well, she is family and I'm inviting her anyways!”

“Margaret, do you really think that I am going to put up with insubordination on top of those insults? Nooo, it's time you were reminded of who holds primary authority in this household. Come here! You will be spending the next few minutes over my knees learning that my decisions are NOT to be questioned.”

 “Oh, dear! Perhaps, Edmund, I spoke too fast, but... I was merely trying to protect my family,” replied Margaret as she reached under her nightgown to remove her underwear. Once she stepped out of her drawers, she removed her gown, and fully naked lay across Edmund's knees. After twenty years of marriage, this was a position she experienced more times than she could count. She was not looking forward to another spanking. Nevertheless, she felt that if she was to have any chance of helping Rebecca, she had better cooperate and accept her punishment with a minimum of fuss. In that light, she tried, “Please, Edmund, after you've finished with your husbandly duty, will you please let me explain the dire situation Rebecca has been thrust into? Please!”

 “Very well, Margaret. I'll give you one last chance; assuming of course that you take your punishment as well as the girls in service to this household.”

“Edmund! Have I ever complained or objected to a discipline you, as my husband, had prescribed?”

“Actually NO... you have not; even when the punishments were severe and dispensed with the household strap. Once punishment has been decried, Margaret, you have always acted consistent with your position. That is with much decorum and grace.”

Margaret was pleased with Edmund's compliments and wasn't really angry with him. After all, he is doing what any husband would do had his wife talked to him the way she just spoken to Edmund. Further, his praise only incentivized her to accept this spanking in an appropriate manner. Once Edmund finished, she would then explain the real mess Rebecca was in.

Consistent with her plan, once firmly on her husband's knees, Margaret placed both hands flat on the floor in front of her. It was her intention that no matter how much the spanking hurt, her hands would never leave this position. 

Edmund was surprised with his wife's complete change in attitude, and he had to admire the milky firm globes on his knees. After all these years the only difference is the globes were slightly rounder and free of any evidence of recent punishments. His instinct was to engage in a different activity, but then he remembered why she was over his knees. What if one of the servants had overheard her? No, she earned this spanking, and he was going to teach this lesson by setting those pale cheeks on fire.

With great determination, Edmund lifted his hand way over his head and slammed it into her right cheek with an explosive...  CRACKKK!

With no delay he landed an identical swat on its twin and the spanking continue uninterrupted for two dozen hard spanks. Margaret was on fire, but never yelled out and kept her squirming to a minimum. While Margaret when to great lengths to accept her spanking, Edmund was frustrated by the lack of any feedback. He now wished he had ordered her to get the hairbrush. To compensate for his lack of any implement, he decided to finish with a half dozen firm swats on her thighs.

Immediately, Margaret began yelping and squirming. When Edmund released her, she had tears streaming down while she caressed her now sore thighs.

While dancing from foot to foot, Margaret observed, “Yes, indeed! That was the hardest hand spanking I've had in years. I daresay, I deserved it and am very sorry for the way I spoke to you, Edmund. I shall not do it again.”

“Well, if that proves to be the case, then this discipline can be called a total success. Now, I must be going as I have to meet up with our neighbor, Paul, shortly.”

“Wait, Edmund! You promised to give me another chance on Rebecca!”

“Yes, I did, but do you really think I want that 'rabble rouser' and her obnoxious husband here?”

“Well, that's just it. Lord Darthmore is no more.”

“What?!”

“He is nowhere to be found. He squandered his entire inheritance on drink, gambling and whoring. He borrowed money using his estate as collateral multiple times and now the creditors are after him. They are even threatening Rebecca with debtor's prison and the workhouse.”

“Absolutely shocking!” responded Edmund. “But not totally unexpected. I told you numerous times that man was no good.”

“Yes, you did, Edmund, but now you understand why we simply must help Rebecca and her daughters.”

“On the contrary, a few months in debtor's prison getting the prison strap across her backside would benefit Rebecca greatly.”

“Edmund! You can't mean that. How horrible! And what about your nieces? What becomes of them?”

“Yes, of course, dear, you are right. So, these are the options you can offer Rebecca. She and our nieces are welcome to visit us as 'guests' and can stay in the guest rooms on the second floor. While here, she can seek permanent accommodations elsewhere. Alternatively, they can move in with us 'as family' on the third floor and can stay permanently. However, as family they will be expected to contribute as opposed to being a burden on the family. Naturally, they'll be required to obey our family rules and accept punishment on violations. Finally, our delightful and energetic nieces will attend Miss Prim's along with our daughters. I can already imagine the mischief the four of them will get into.”

“Edmund, that is most fair! Thank you, husband. I am certain Rebecca will choose the 'as family' option as she has nowhere else to go. As for Lord Darthmore we cannot say for certain, but we suspect he fled to his Aunt's estate outside Moscow. He cannot return to England... Ever!”

“Well, that is fine with me. The Empire is better off without him. Now, I really must leave, and you had better write Rebecca explaining these options to her.”

“Oh, that will not be necessary. I will go to Rebecca immediately. She and the girls came last night very distraught and worried. They are in the guest rooms downstairs.”

“What!? Why did you hide that from me? Margaret, why must you always scheme rather than deal with me honestly? We had this exact conversation two months back. What did I promise if I caught you scheming again?”

“Oh dear! I know I was wrong, but after the scandal at Susan's wedding, I was just so worried. Anyhow, you promised me ten minutes of the hairbrush. Do you want to do it now?” As Margaret was explaining she walked over to the side table, opened the drawer and retrieved the hairbrush. Since the precipitous fall of her sister, Margaret appreciated her husband now more than ever. He thought both gambling and drinking were for idiots. Instead, he got great pleasure from his 'projects' which upon completion, always improved the estate's income. Now having been forewarned, Margaret accepted that a really sound spanking was inevitable. 'No, point in delaying,' she thought, 'might as we'll get it over with plus, she could show Rebecca her 'battle scars' to get compassion and at the same time to forewarn Rebecca what constitutes punishment in her new home.'

“No, Margaret, I must leave! I will return shortly after lunch. Bring your hairbrush and meet me in my study then. Now, I am off...”

~00O00~

By the time Edmund returned, the sisters had gone over everything, and Rebecca was so relieved that she wanted to thank Edmund herself. Margaret tried to talk Rebecca out of it and eventually explained the real reason; namely, that Edmund had promised her a sound spanking for the sin of 'scheming'.

Rebecca answered, “Well, if your husband commanded you to desist scheming and further warned you of the consequences, you really have no complaint. But so what? I doubt Edmund will spank you in front of me and if he does, well... it will be an educational experience. After all, we are now members of Edmund's household.”

Being unable to deter Rebecca, Margaret took her to Edmund's study with very clear instructions to excuse herself immediately after she had thanked Edmund. This way, Margaret hoped to avoid a public discipline and even more importantly, avoid any chance of Rebecca arguing with Edmund over his decision to use corporal punishment.

Upon entering his study Margaret greeted her husband with, “Edmund, I see you are home just as planned. Does that mean things went well with Paul?”

“Yes, actually they did. So well, that in three hours Paul will be here and together we'll visit the Earl with our proposed solutions. I see Rebecca is with you. Welcome, Rebecca, to our home. I assume Margaret and you have had a chance to chat?”

Rebecca replied, “Yes, we have, and I wanted to personally thank you for opening up your family to accept mine. We really have so few options and consider your offer most generous. I also understand you want my daughters to attend Miss Prim's along with your daughters and I think that is a wonderful idea.  Edmund, is it true that Miss Prim expects you to reinforce at home discipline dispensed at school?”

“Yes, Rebecca, we have to sign a document affirming our intention to do just that. It is a requirement to be enrolled in her school.”

“Well, my daughters, your nieces, certainly need discipline that is lacking at both Meridian School and at home. Darthy has been ignoring us for years, so it's my expectation that you will deal with them just as you do your own daughters.”

Now this caught Edmund totally off guard. Was Rebecca really asking him to spank his nieces when they misbehave? This doesn't make any sense and he had no idea how to answer. Before he could respond, Rebecca continued, “Speaking of discipline, I understand Margaret will be spending a good ten minutes over your knees.  Well, I wanted you to know I think that is most UNFAIR...” Before she could continue there was a knock on the door.

'Thank God for the interruption,' thought Margaret, 'What in heaven's name is Rebecca doing? Is she trying to antagonize Edmund? If she doesn't keep quiet, this could all end badly.' With those thoughts in mind, Margaret rushed to the door in an effort to distract Edmund from Rebecca's disastrous comments.

Upon opening she found one of the new stable girls and to continue the distraction, immediately invited her in. “Janet, what can we do for you?”

“It's Janie, m'lady, and I was sent here by Mrs. Bleacher. I'm to ask the master for three swats.” That the blonde Janie worked as a stable girl was clearly indicated by her clothing. She wore dark orange and somewhat dirty riding breeches, a matching cap and dark brown, slightly worn boots.

“What?” exclaimed Rebecca. “Absolutely NOT! Edmund, surely you have no intention of punishing this young stable girl?”

Edmund's first thought was, “Here we go!  Now, this is the same Rebecca that challenged Susan's well-deserved spanking after the rehearsal dinner.” His worst fears were coming to fruition that Rebecca would constantly be challenging his authority.

Before Edmund had a chance to answer, Rebecca asked, “Edmund, you must have people to whom you can delegate this unpleasant task?”

'Well now, that's not what I expected,' though Edmund as he stated his agreement. “Quite right, Rebecca! Janie, you work for Hodges. Ask him to attend to this matter.”

“That's just it, m'lord. Mr. Hodges took around a dozen horses over to the blacksmiths for new shoes. He won't return until late this evening. That's why he sent me to help Mrs. Bleacher. I am here, because Mrs. Bleacher feels it would be most unfair to make a poor girl, like me, wait until late evening for my punishment. Further, she said by then, I'd probably have long forgotten the reason that she sent me here for the spanking in the first place.”

“Well... those are valid points,” remarked Rebecca. “To be effective young girls should be punished as soon as possible after their misbehavior. Edmund, it's only three swats and really not worth discussing further.” 

To say Edmund was shocked would be an understatement. From objecting to corporal punishment, Rebecca was now endorsing it! Further, she wanted him to get on with it. What the hell?!

Margaret could also not believe this turn of events. She was most pleased and decided to take control of the situation. She turned to the sixteen-year-old Janie and said, “Well, dear, let's get you ready. Do you know the procedure?”

~00O00~

Actually, Janie's age is unknown.  She could be sixteen or she could be nineteen or... anything in between! Her age is unknown, because she was very young when turned over to the orphanage, dirty and malnourished, and no history or details came with her.  In those days nobody cared much about the plight of orphans. People were totally consumed with their own survival. Indeed, the orphanage was so crowed than when Margaret, one of their benefactors, mentioned a few months back their need for additional staff, the orphanage was happy to suggest one of the “bigger girls”, Janie. 

To Janie the transition “to in-service” was wonderful.  For the first time in her life she got excellent food, clean, quality clothes, and a room to herself.  Yes, there was discipline in the household, but it was far less frequent than in the orphanage. To say she was happy with her position in Edmund's household would be a huge understatement.

~00O00~

“Well, dear, let's get you ready. Do you know the procedure?”

“Oh, yes, ma'am,” replied Janie as she undid her belt, and unbuttoned her breeches. Once loose, she then pushed both breeches and underwear to her ankles. Continuing her response, “Once my backside is ready, I must lie over the master's desk and grip the other side as tight as I can.”

“Janie, do you know what happens if you let go?”

“Yes, ma'am. Every time I let go, the punishment is restarted from the beginning, but that's not the worst.”

“Oh??” questioned Rebecca.

“Yes, m'lady. If we don't take our discipline well, when completed, we have to stand in the main hall under the portrait of Great Uncle Howard with our nose to the wall, hands on head and our backside bare. It's most embarrassing and worse than those extra swats.”

“Heavens!” exclaimed Rebecca.

Margaret was impressed with the young stable girl's explanation. “Janie, it seems somebody taught you well. My guess is you saw members of our staff standing under our Great Uncle's portrait.”

“Well, ma'am, Mr. Hodges uses the same procedure. So unfortunately, I've learned from actual experience,” offered Janie as she bent over Edmund's desk and gripped the opposite side tightly.

While Janie was getting in position, Edmund retrieved his strap from the bottom drawer of his desk. Edmund had purchased three of these many years ago. Mr. Hodges had one and the third was used by Simmons, the butler. They were serious instruments of corporal punishment. All three had two inches of heavy, double stitched leather attached to a fourteen-inch wooden handle. When applied to bare hindquarters, by design this instrument left thick, inflamed welts; welts that made sitting painful for many days.

Margaret offered to hold Janie down, but she declined saying, “Mr. Hodges charges two additional swats to be held down, Ma'am. I take that offer ONLY when I'm getting more than eight. Up to eight, I can usually take it without too much movement.”

“I daresay that sounds quite reasonable, but I think we have another issue here. Rebecca, look at her right hind cheek. Janie, when did you last get the strap?” Margaret thought she recognized bruises caused by a strap overlapping her right cheek.

“Umm, last Friday, m'lady. Mr. Hodges gave me three swats then.”

“I see,” said Margaret continuing her inquiry, “and did you tell Mrs. Bleacher?”

“No, ma'am. She didn't ask!”

“Really? And you felt no need to tell her of your recent punishment?” inquired Rebecca.

Janie, looked back at Rebecca, but was fearful of saying anything.

With no response from Janie, Rebecca turned to Edmund, “Perhaps you should add some strokes for persistent misbehavior?”

At this point, Edmund was frustrated that this was taking so long, but at the same time was totally surprised that Rebecca was arguing for additional strokes!? He took control and ended the debate with, “Mrs. Bleacher wants three swats and that is good enough.” Edmund then got into position and asked, “Well, Janie, are you ready?”

“Yes, Sir, but you should know that although I can hold position, I'm not very quiet. Mr. Hodges has no problem that.”

“Nor do I.  Margaret, we should allow other staff to hear. Would you please open the door. After all, it's always good for staff to know that in this household discipline will be maintained.”

With that Edmund took the strap back and landed a firm swat right across Janie's pale white cheeks. CCRACCKKK!!

And as she promised, Janie responded with, “YYOOOWWIIEEE!”

It was not a full force stroke, as Edmund wasn't really angry plus he felt that firm strokes were more than adequate to inflame the globes of Janie's backside and teach her a lesson.

The next stroke Edmund intentionally landed on Janie's thighs causing her to screech out, “OOOOWWWIEEEE!! NOOO!!  NOT THERE!”

The final swat landed on the meaty, soft undercurve causing Janie to jump up and grab her blazing hind cheeks. She began dancing around singing: “Oh it hurts! It hurts!” while rubbing her bottom vigorously.

Seeing Janie's antics, Rebecca exclaimed, “Edmund, do you see what she's doing? Not only did she fail to hold position, she's trying to alleviate the sting! Young lady, get back in position! You have just earned a repeat!”

Before Edmund could answer, Margaret came to the stable girl's defense. “Ahh, Rebecca, Janie did just fine. She did her job. She kept her bottom in perfect position for all three swats. It's an unwritten rule in this household that if you maintain position throughout your punishment, afterwards you are free to do what you please. Now, Janie, that's enough. Pull your pants up and report back to Mrs. Bleacher.”

“Thank you, m'lady and thank you, Sir, for my punishment. You give as good as Mr. Hodges!” remarked a very relieved Janie. Relieved, because she was being spared a 'repeat'. She quickly got her pants up and just as quickly left the study.

A somewhat nervous Rebecca, stammered, “Perhaps I should withhold comments until I learn the rules of this house. Sorry for that, but this brings us back to my earlier comment on the 'unfairness' of Margaret's impending punishment. Edmund, I meant no disrespect and hope I haven't offended you. Perhaps if we review the situation, we can come to agreement. As I understand it, Margaret disobeyed a direct order and was promised a sound spanking of ten minutes with the hairbrush should she do so. Is this correct?”

“Yes, that is correct... so far,” answered Edmund fully expecting Rebecca to argue that he overstepped his authority.

“Well, it's just NOT fair for Margaret to get a full ten minutes. I contributed to her disobedience and fully encouraged her. To be fair, we should share the punishment equally; say five minutes each?”

Once again, Edmund was caught totally off guard. Had he totally misjudged Rebecca? Had he defamed her this last year unfairly? None of this jives with her antics at Susan's wedding!? Nevertheless, he was pleasantly surprised and wanted to make sure she understood what this entailed. So, he explained, “Rebecca, if you participated in the scheming, I agree with sharing the discipline. You do understand, Rebecca, that in this house all punishments are dispensed solely on bare bottoms.”

Rebecca was quick to respond, “I'd expect nothing less. It's the way I have always been punished...”

~00O00~

And there we have it. This little tale shows how at that time traditions of both social order and discipline were enforced and defended by women.  Men's role was really one of following the lead set by women; although... they would probably have strongly objected to this characterization!