Chapter Twelve
Mistress Soames appeared immediately upon the ringing of the silver bell beside their Master, and smiled delightedly as he ordered, “Our newest household member has gotten off on rather the wrong foot, if that expression could apply to the body part with which she has misstepped. She will need to be punished in the manner customary for such offenses, so summon the staff into this room and fetch the appropriate implements for that crime. We’ll need to cleanse her of her sin with the annealing fire of righteous pain, so she can begin her sojourn here in good graces with all of us. Milady and I will position her while all are being summoned, after which she will be restrained in the usual manner to take her bitter medicine. Then I shall exact my payment for my efforts in the u
