Louisa Revealed by Maggie Ryan Page B

face as she walked into the dining room behind the serving
girls.   As the main course was
placed before them, Mrs. Bremmer bent to speak softly with Edward.
    “Excellent,” he said at whatever she had
whispered.   “Please place them in
the cabinet as I shall have need of both after supper.”   Mrs. Bremmer nodded and left the
room.  
    Louisa’s eyes flew to her husband, and she saw
him grin.   She blushed hotly,
knowing exactly what the conversation had entailed.   While Lucille had never crossed the threshold
of Edward’s private domain, Louisa had spent several hours in the room, very
few of them pleasant.   Being given
an appointment always caused her heart to race.   She knew she’d spend her time with her
bottom bare and vividly colored by some implement or another standing in a corner
until her husband considered she had enough time to thoroughly learn her
lesson.   Her own bottom clenched at
the knowledge it would soon be bared and most thoroughly birched ; the most horrid and painful lesson of all.   She felt her appetite disappear and
simply pushed the food about on her plate.  
    Edward watched his wife and smiled.   “Eat your supper Louisa, you’ll need
your strength and need to replace the fluids you have lost.”   Lucy’s head came up at his words and she
listened as her twin answered, her face incredibly red.
    “Yes… yes, Sir.”   Lucy didn’t understand what was
happening, but was too scared to ask questions.   The atmosphere, her sister’s demeanor,
the conversation all did nothing but contribute to her growing sense of unease.   The only person seemingly unaffected was
seated at the head of the table, calmly enjoying his supper.   The remainder of the meal was silent, as
the entrees were replaced by dessert.   Louisa barely was able to take a few bites and Edward, knowing why her
stomach was roiling, allowed the dish to be removed.  
    As the last girl brought in the pot of tea and
poured Edward a cup, he said, “You both may be excused.   I will join you in a few minutes.”   Louisa stood and reached her hand out to
her sister.   Lucille quickly rose
and, stepping around Edward’s chair, took her twin’s hand, squeezing it
hard.   Edward watched the two
identical women and said, “Louisa, you are to remain silent, as it is not your
place to inform your sister of what her appointment will entail.   Go now with Mrs. Bremmer.”   Mrs. Bremmer beckoned to the two, and
they silently followed her out of the room and down the wide hall to the back
of the house.   Lucy had spent many
hours in the large library, but his study was considered off limits.   She had found herself curious to
discover what resided behind the heavy double doors, but seeing how slowly her
sister approached the room, found she was no longer curious, just incredibly
and overwhelmingly frightened.
    Mrs. Bremmer opened the door and stood aside as
the two girls entered the darkened room.   They stood silently, as Mrs. Bremmer quickly lit two lamps on the wall,
illuminating the large desk dominating the room.   As the room grew brighter, Lucy saw the
room also contained a leather sofa and two large and comfortable armchairs with
a leather covered ottoman between them.   She saw bookcases lining two walls and itched to discover what volumes
they held.   Both girls loved to
read, and often escaped into the fantasy worlds contained in novels.  
    Lucy saw that one wall contained a large armoire
and wondered what was inside.   She
looked over at her sister and whispered, “Louisa, what is going to
happen?”   Louisa wisely just shook
her head, remaining silent, as ordered.  
    Mrs. Bremmer wasn’t quite as silent.   “Lucille, you are to remain quiet.   You are in enough trouble, young lady,
and I don’t suggest you try to entrap your sister in your naughtiness again
today.   You heard his Lordship’s
instructions.”   Lucy felt her face
flush at the words, and she dropped her gaze to