Becoming a Lady by Adaline Raine

back.  I am not in a position to handle your mouth tonight.”
    “ It is not my mouth that needs handling.”  Anna sulked.
    “ Lord Wendel will be away on business for a little while.  Be very careful what you wish for, Little One.” 
    Anna scrunched her face.  “I do not believe that you would attend to me even if I were in your possession.”
    Sir William pulled her across his lap so quickly that Anna was nearly dizzy.  He flipped her skirts just as quickly and landed several smacks on each bottom-cheek before smoothing her dress back down.  He turned her around and held up a finger.  “Once and only once am I going to forgive the words that tumbled out of your clumsy mouth.”  He set her back upon the cushion.  “Be very thankful that you are not in my possession tonight, or you would find yourself hesitant to sit down for a very long time.”
    Anna nodded slowly and brushed a few stray tears away.  Though she had been worried about his purpose, she could see his concern for her.  His immediate response proved his earlier statements true.  “I am sorry for the sass, Sir.”
    “ Do not spend another moment thinking of what could have happened.  I prevented it, is that clear to you now?”  He stood slowly and patted her head.
    Anna nodded, something that she did an awfully lot around him.  “Yes, Sir, it is clear.”  She snuggled against the chaise.  “While Lord Wendel is away, do you mean that I am in your possession?”
    He found a blanket from her chambers and fixed it over her.  “I said only to be careful what you wish for.  I expect you to be mindful even if you are not.”
    Anna let out another sigh.  “Yes, Sir, I understand.”  She whispered as he touched her forehead again and walked out of the chambers.  She only hoped that her instinct proved correct.
    ***
    Anna opened her eyes.  She was still on the chaise, but daylight was coming in from the balcony window.  She soon learned that Sir William’s words rang true.  Lord Wendel had gone away on business, and was not set to return for several days. 
    Anna did her best to mind herself, but each time she saw Sir William she had an awful urge to test him.  She knew that it would not take much, and technically, as he was Lord Wendel’s first-in-command if something involved her, he was the one to handle it.  She did not want to wind up over his lap again for a spanking, but she did long to see him. 
    It was approaching dusk when Anna opened the outer door and looked up and down the hallways.  She had specifically waited for the change of the guards to enact her plan.  Anna quickly, yet carefully, sneaked down side halls and seldom-used stairs until she was outside.  If she had asked a guard to accompany her, one may have agreed, but she was hesitant to ask a man to be alone with her so far away from the castle. 
    As Anna made her way to the stables and began to brush the horses, she suddenly wondered why she thought it was a better idea to be completely alone than with a guard?  There were unsavory men in all parts of the village.  Anna pushed the thought out of her mind as she picked up a soft brush and began to groom the nearest mare.  How she missed Emma!  Her mind drifted back to her little sister and the conversations they would have as they tended to the horses back in her village.  She focused on her task, and tried to put the thoughts out of her mind.  She could no longer remember just how far away her village was.  Anna took a deep breath and began to work on Sir William’s horse.  She looked around and realized that his was the last one in the stable.  How long had she been out here?  Anna sighed and brushed until the horse’s mane was soft.  She touched his nuzzle affectionately.  “I should get back inside.”  Anna whispered to the horses.
    “ Do you have any idea the sort of panic you created?”
    Anna nearly jumped out of her skin, but was careful to keep still for the horse ’s