hair to check her pins. When she stood next to him she checked her appearance in the mirror, everything appeared to be in place. “Is there something wrong with my gown, My Lord?”
“You look perfectly lovely. However, this habit of yours of ignoring my requests needs to be curbed. I believe I have requested several times since our wedding almost a week ago that you call me Andrew while we are private. I also told you I expected respect and honor from my wife. That means being truthful and not keeping secrets.” As he spoke, he moved behind her and reached under the point of her dress, releasing her skirt and crinolines. “Damn crinolines and hoops. I don’t know where you women got the idea for such frippery.”
“I believe they originated in Spain almost four hundred years ago and according to Mama it's much better than the layers of petticoats the ladies used to have to wear, my- uh… What are you doing, My Lord?”
“What is so hard about using my name, Cecilia?”
“I’m sorry, it is habit. I will strive to do better, Andrew.”
“Yes, you will and I am going to help you.” He finally released her skirt, petticoat, elongated hoop and crinolines then stepped back and watched as they collapsed to the floor in a heap around her feet. Offering her his hand, he helped her to step over the voluminous fabric and pulled her toward the bench seat of her dressing table where he sat. Spreading his legs wide, he then guided her between them and assisted her into position over his knee. Cici was stunned and didn’t begin to resist until she was face down over his lap and she felt him pulling up her chemise in back.
“You can’t mean to spank me now, and in my drawers,” she cried. “Papa never removed my clothing. This is most improper.”
“You are correct. I don’t mean to spank you in your drawers.” He untied the drawstring from said garment and - splitting the linen and lace material - bared her bottom to his gaze for the first time. Her full white globes appeared smooth and perfect to his eyes. “If your father punished you over your skirts, it's no wonder the cane was ineffective on your sister. You must remember that I am not your papa. As your husband, you may always expect that a spanking from me will be delivered on your lovely bare bottom.”
Andrew wrapped a strong arm around her waist as she struggled. Cici could feel the cool air against her skin and was mortified that he was seeing her private areas. “Please Andrew! I am beyond embarrassed by all this! Don’t do this!”
“I could tell when I entered that you were fretting needlessly about my use of discipline in our marriage. Consider this a demonstration and your first of many lessons. Now be still.” He gave her two warning smacks which startled her enough that she stopped struggling and listened. “Before we begin each punishment I’ll expect you to list your offenses and ask for forgiveness. You may see to that now, if you please.”
Tears welled up in Cici’s eyes; this was beyond anything she had ever imagined. She tried to put words to her thoughts, but the shocking situation had her tongue-tied. “Ouch!” She squealed as a stinging swat was delivered to the center of both cheeks. His hand was so large that it almost covered the breadth of both full cheeks in one smack. “I can’t believe you are doing this my lo-, uh Andrew.”
He said nothing, waiting patiently for her to comply with his request. Finally, as the silence continued he landed two more swats.
“No more please, I’m sorry. I forgot to use your Christian name, Andrew.”
“Very good, were there any other infractions?”
Puzzled, Cici’s mind replayed their interactions since he’d walked into her room moments ago. She shook her head in confusion, “I don’t know what you mean..,” Another smack landed in the same spot and she shrieked in alarm. “Please…”
“When I walked in here you were deep in thought. When I asked what you were