Free Little Secrets by Alta Hensley, Allison West

a child, and a boy at that, will depend on the two of you, after you are wed. Her records indicate she suffered from no childhood diseases that would render her infertile. I see no reason why she cannot conceive—assuming you, sir, are capable of having children."
    Charley pursed his lips and stood. "I have a friend who is a doctor. Would it be improper if I brought him to Ashby to perform the exam?" When his fingers had slid into her slick quim, he had not felt the tight flesh of her maidenhood intact, but he had not known exactly what to search for, either. He trusted his physician friend and was not sure the same could be said for anyone hired by Ashby. Would they not have the chateau's best interest at heart?
    "I am sorry, Mr. Lockwood, but that would be most inappropriate. Our physician, Doctor Colt, is entirely capable of performing the examination on your little Eliza. In fact, he is the in house practitioner, responsible for all the girls' health and well-being. You are most welcome to sit in on the examination. I do understand the concern you might be facing, realizing that she had a papa before you found her. However, I can promise you that nothing was shared between little Eliza and her papa. He had not been afforded any private time with his little one, and it is my understanding that he has not been around much at all."
    "Why is that?" Charley asked. What made the man deny the affections of little Eliza?
    "My understanding is that Preston's affection is not for young, innocent women. His father insisted the arrangement go through and so he enrolled Miss Stead as a formality. Perhaps he thought sending her to a school of littles would keep her from speaking poorly of him. Her secret must be kept to uphold her pristine reputation, and he has given her the opportunity to make the acquaintance of another fine gentleman," Philip said. "I do not think you need to concern yourself with what did not happen. I can assure you that Preston has no desire to return. I have spoken with him in great length, and understand that this lifestyle is not for everyone."
    Charley could not believe what he was hearing. "He set her up!" It was worse than he first thought—that the gentleman had perhaps preferred a woman in his bed instead of at the chateau.
    "Perhaps." Philip clasped his hands together in front of him. "I cannot say without a doubt that it is true, but I suspect as much. I hate to admit that I could not see right through his charm. He came with two recommendations from past clients, and had a strong demand for submission from little Eliza. I do believe she will be happier with you, Charley. Do not feel that she cannot make you happy because it did not work between her and Preston."
    Nodding, he knew that the headmaster was correct. Charley had felt a spark of warmth and hunger, especially when he had been forced to spank her bottom. Just the memory alone made his cock stir in his trousers. He shifted to hide his discomfort. It was not appropriate to have such thoughts in the presence of Mr. Hartley.
    Charley stood, pushing himself from the sofa as he headed for the door. "I would like to keep company with Miss Stead for the remainder of the afternoon."
    The headmaster smiled, seeming pleased with the declaration after the inquiry mere moments earlier. "I am sure she would be delighted to have you in her presence. Nanny Agnes will be spending time with the two of you, and tomorrow I shall have Doctor Colt perform a thorough examination of your little one."
    "I do not require a chaperone, Headmaster Philip. I can assure you that my intentions are noble and that little Eliza will be pleased to have my company."
    Philip nodded, running his hand through his dark hair. "Yes, I am sure she feels that way, but time alone with papas must be earned." He glanced down at his desk, rifling briefly through his notes. "Seeing as how Miss Stead has been here for six months, it would be wise to continue her bottom training. Perhaps