Read Becoming His: The Teaching of Rebecca for Free Online Page B

speak.
    “That’s enough.” 
    Rebecca was shocked to hear another voice.  Her head whipped to the side to see that someone was seated by the fire.  He was in shadows but the authority in his voice was unquestioned.  She turned back to the desk to see Mr. Danvers looking rather upset and part of her mind thrilled in the sight.  Still not knowing what was happening, her fear quickly replaced her amusement. 
    “Tell the girl Danvers.  You are wasting our time and, as you know, my time is precious to me.” 
    Danvers nodded though obviously unhappy at taking orders from the stranger.  He attempted to regain control of the situation.
    “Rebecca, I am pleased to see you.  Please, have a seat.”  He gestured to the chair in front of her.  Rebecca was confused.  His tone was almost friendly—it was a most unfamiliar sound.  She hesitated until he said again, “Please sit.  I need to speak with you.” 
    Rebecca reached out to grab the back of the chair.  “You….you aren’t going to…to cane me?”  She saw him flush as well as heard a sharp intake of breath from the fireplace chair. 
    “Don’t be silly child.  Why would you ask such a question?” 
    Rebecca had no idea what was happening.  She finally managed to sit before her legs gave out.  She fell rather than sat onto the chair and clasped the arms tightly.  She waited to be reprimanded for being late to her kitchen duties or at least for not answering his question, but the room remained silent. 
    Finally, Mr. Danvers said, “I see no cause for you to fear me, Rebecca.  After all, haven’t you been treated well during your stay with us?”  
    Rebecca’s eyes widened.  What was he speaking of?   She had lived every day of the last few months in nothing but fear, especially after Millicent’s experience.  She opened her mouth but no sound came out.  She felt rather than saw the stranger lean forward, his elbows on his knees, his chin cupped in his hands.  He was finding this all extremely interesting.  He was very interested to discover what exactly had been happening behind these walls. 
    Noticing that the poor girl hadn’t yet answered, he said, “Miss Matthews?” 
    Rebecca was shocked to hear the formal address.  She turned slightly to face the corner where the man sat. 
    She didn’t see his eyes widen.  She was absolutely stunning, he thought.  She might be dressed as a servant, but her bearing and her beauty belied the fact.  He looked over at the desk to see Danvers squirm slightly in his chair.  He looked back at the girl.  “Can you answer Mr. Danvers’ question please?” 
    Rebecca was confused and it took her a moment to finally remember what the question had been. She turned back to Mr. Danvers.
    “Ummm, I…I’ve been paddled, sir.”  The stranger noted the girl seemed terribly ashamed at the admittance.
    “I see, but that wasn’t by me was it Rebecca?” 
    Rebecca had to shake her head.  “No sir.  Miss Lambert paddled me once and Mrs. Williams paddled me in the kitchen sir.” 
    Edna turned to her boss and explained, “She reported to her duties extremely late sir and though Mrs. Williams saw fit to paddle her she must have forgotten to make a record of it as is her duty.” 
    Danvers nodded and knew he’d be speaking to the woman soon enough.  He returned his attention to Rebecca.  “I’m so sorry to hear that Rebecca, and I assure you that I will speak with Mrs. Williams.  However, as I pointed out, you have no reason to be nervous with me, correct?”
    Rebecca looked at the three people truly not understanding why she was here.  However, she had the distinct impression that Mr. Danvers felt accountable to the stranger for some reason.  She also feared what he would do after ‘speaking’ with Mrs. Williams.  She bit her lower lip and said, “Please don’t bother Mr. Danvers.  I was late and deserved what I got.  It didn’t hurt and I haven’t been touched since.  I