“About what?”
“Abandoning Rose.”
Matthew shrugged.
“When it comes to my grandmother, it is every man—or woman—for themselves.Besides, Grandmama was going to get her hooks into Rose one way or another now that I’m married off.”
“Rose is illegitimate.I know that some men have been interested in her before, but not for honorable reasons.”She shook her head.
“It will not matter to some of the minor gentry.She is acknowledged and educated and is now the cousin of a duchess, as well as of an earl.That social standing will give her protection against most dishonorable offers.”His voice hardened.“And anyone who dares to think otherwise will answer to me.”
Johanna sat back against the bolster of the seat as she realized that her own increase in status had affected Rose’s as well.That was something that had not come up during the suppertime conversation.Now, she had to wonder if Lady Stark had not brought it up on purpose, so as to be able to take Rose off guard, just as she had tonight.
“Is Lord Boyd minor gentry?”
“No, but he might just not care.”Matthew grinned.“The Earl of Derby married an actress.She’s been the Countess of Derby for decades now.It was a massive scandal at the time, but if a nobleman decides to marry beneath him, then it is not as though anyone can stop him if that’s what he truly desires.”
Although she did not like hearing Rose described as being beneath anyone, she knew what Matthew meant.Much of thetonwould already think that about her just because of her parentage.On the other hand, she did have to think better of Lord Boyd that he clearly did not care what thetonthought.
Unless, of course, he was angling for some kind of favor from her and Matthew by courting Rose.
Johanna let out a long breath.That would only work if he managed to turn Rose’s head, and if there was a more sensible person in the world than Rose, Johanna had not met them.And perhaps he was, as Matthew said, in earnest.Which would give Rose a place in thetonon her own rather than having to rely on others, which she knew chafed her cousin.
Still.
“I am not sure that is what Rose wants.”
“Well, if anyone can resist my grandmother’s manipulations, it’s Rose.”Matthew chuckled and reached over to take Johanna’s hand, giving it a squeeze.His stalwart support made Johanna feel even worse.Here she was, hiding this massive secret from him, and he was ensuring her comfort, dancing attendance on her, and even whisking her away from the ball early.
Making decisions that discomfited him, without the coin that she knew he so heavily relied on.
“I still feel terrible,” she said.She did feel bad about Rose, but mostly she felt bad about the things she was keeping from her husband… and from Rose, for that matter.“Perhaps… perhaps you should spank me.”
She said it with great daring, almost unable to believe she was making the request, but at the same time, she knew she wanted it.Perhaps it would make her feel better.
“You want me to spank you for leaving Rose at the ball?”
“Yes.”It was a good excuse for the punishment she so richly deserved.If he spanked her, even though he did not know the real reason, it might alleviate some of the guilt that kept surging within her.“As a punishment.I cannot ask her to do it.”
“Well, no, I suppose that is true,” he said slowly.Johanna was aware of his fingers reaching for his pocket before he dropped them down again.“I… well.Very well.If that is what you want.”
Taking her hand, he tugged her forward, and Johanna let out a little cry as she found herself being pulled over his lap.
“I meant when we got home!”she squeaked as she felt her skirts lifting.Her face was furiously hot as they rocked along the road, her ears already straining to hear if there were any passersby outside… or for some reaction from the coachman… The drapes were open, though it was unlikely anyone could see inside the carriage, yet it still felt as though the entire world must know that her husband had just put her over his knee.
“Why wait?”he asked.“If you’ve been naughty, we should attend to your punishment as quickly as possible.”
“Oh!”Johanna quickly covered her mouth with her hands as his palm came down on her backside, leaving behind a sharp sting where it landed.She uncovered her mouth enough to whisper, “Someone will hear!”
“Then you had best be quiet.”Amusement threaded through his voice.
Johanna realized thathedid not very much care if someone heard or not.His hand came down again, making her squeak and wriggle on his lap.One arm pressed down across the center of her back, holding her in place over his knee as he began to bring his hand down again and again with sharp, crisp swats.
Johanna had to admit, the actual sound of the spanking was not very loud, so it was up to her to keep her reactions quiet.She pressed her hands to her lips, muffling her gasps and cries as he heated her bottom with the stinging swats.It did hurt, yet her body clenched with every strike, in a manner that was far more related to pleasure than pain.
She felt herself shudder as arousal and need curled within her, stoked by the punishment she was receiving.Which was not the point of being punished at all, yet she could not stop the reaction, even if she wanted to.Her husband was heating her inside and out, and it was mostly the embarrassment of the situation that truly felt like discipline.
Matthew
