Chapter Two May 12, 2008
Posted by saradelacour in : Blogroll , trackbackChapter Two
The Count’s Plan
The Count has made an agreement, as well as a love match, with your dear Mama.” The haughty brunette’s words billowed out like cigarette smoke, casually exhaled into the face of the young lady who stood defiantly before her in the velvet-draped expanse of the Academy’s drawing room. The older woman smiled sharply as she saw the girl begin to understand that things were changing. Anna’s chin jutted out, as did her lower lip.
“Your Mama will be the Countess, and shall have all the beautiful things that a woman as lovely and gifted as she deserves.” said the poised woman. She walked to the window, silk stockings rasping softly as her firmly muscled legs moved under the tight navy skirt. There was a slit in the back to allow for movement, and black leather boots with curved high heels added to her upright carriage a slight air of danger. A severe black silk jacket was beautifully tailored, and worn over navy lace that barely showed her abundant breasts, unless you looked hard. Anna caught herself staring, and looked away, swallowing hard as her thoughts raced–this didn’t bode well.
Mother (or Meredith, as Anna had been told to call her) was willing to do anything or anyone to get what she wants…and she’d been after the Evil Count (Anna’s little pet name for him) for the last two years. Meredith wanted it all, and he’d held her off this long, which is the only thing about him that Anna could respect. He’s rich; but he’s also old and fairly icky, thought Anna, having only met him once, and she had washed her hand after he kissed it. The Count and Anna’s mother had seemed to hit it off, meaning he gave good presents, but she couldn’t get to the final prize level. Anna knew they had disagreed about it. That’s when she had been brought to the Academy. Then she’d been told over and over again that this was a “wonderful opportunity” for such a lucky girl. -The truth was more to do with the fact that it meant nine months of freedom for the couple, so they could “come to an understanding” between them. Though HE had suggested the boarding school, it was Tatiana, his Personal Assistant, who had made the arrangements that landed Anna here at the Academy. Now Tatiana was here again, looking very pleased with herself. This didn’t bode well at ALL. Anna didn’t like the way she was now feeling, as the older woman gazed upon her. Tatiana’s words dripped like honey, but were laced with menace, too. Why was she so pleased? Tatiana looked like the cat that was going to eat the canary, or something just as tasty. Then she began to speak again.
“She will be a stunning addition to the worldly society in which the Count works and plays. You and she will be cared for in all ways, as is proper. The Count will see to it. But you will NOT be going to your old home for the long holiday. The Court Wedding and State Honeymoon will require all of your Mama’s attention, and the Count will be training her in the ways of her new station, her duties. Then, of course, there is the shopping, which will take time as well.” Again, the woman smiled.
“She will see you in two months time. Until then, the Count has made other plans for your holiday. Your Mama has agreed to give him complete authority in your case. He arranged for your education here, you know, and he wishes it to continue. He has spoken at great length with your Headmaster, who is quite concerned about your behavior problems.”
Anna remembered to breathe, but it didn’t seem to help. She knew Tatiana was smirking at her, and enjoying every second of this. Did this mean she was NOT going to be leaving this hellhole tomorrow as planned? Anna was supposed to have the Long Holiday at home, and she was NOT planning to be coming back here once she got to the city!
“I don’t believe you. You can’t make me stay here…” was the girl’s feeble reply. The glamorous Assistant to the Count didn’t seem impressed, as she took a small sheath of papers from her inside pocket. She brought them to the outraged Anna. The documents were still warm from her athletic body, and smelled of some expensive perfume. They had all sorts of seals, and fancy stamps, and they proved that the horrified girl was legally bound. He IS my Legal Guardian now, thought Anna, and he could do with her as he saw fit, for another year at the least.
“Your Guardian and your Headmaster have agreed that you need special help in learning your lessons, Anna, dear. You will stay here, and concentrate on your new studies. Your Headmaster will himself teach you, and provide you with other tutors, as they are needed. He has told the Count you have a great deal to learn, but are quite educable in spite of your unladylike ways and unruly behavior. He believes that discipline will make ALL the difference for you, my child. He’s willing to supply what you need, at least until the Count has made other arrangements for you.” The sleek woman continued to gaze at the young lady before her.
“The Count will be kept VERY closely advised on all aspects concerning your education here, and he may even make it a point to stop over and observe your progress, if necessary.” The smile on her face as she said this was frightening to Anna, though she could not tell just why it was so. She shivered as the horrible interview continued. Tatiana spoke in measured, calm tones, but there was an undercurrent of victory in her smooth voice.
“I myself will be staying here to further your education. You will be taught riding, and how to behave; in the stables, the ballroom, and everywhere else your new position will take you. While here, you will be exercised like a little pony yourself, and I will teach you dressage and the finer points of equine and human exhibition! You will learn to move, as the elegant women of the Count’s circle must do. You will learn the uses of powder and paint as well as the rigors of court dress. A very tight corset and tall spiked heels will keep your rebellion restrained, I think. The Count prefers it this way, and you will learn to obey. A woman can find power in pliancy, though, and perhaps you will learn that as well as other things.”
Her eyes seemed to burn into the quaking girl as she continued to smile at Anna’s awkwardness. She brought her gloved hand to the blushing cheek and stroked it idly as she leaned closer and spoke into Anna’s ear.
“I shall enjoy your lessons, my dear. You will learn to enjoy them as well, sometimes. And now, I see that the Matron is here to escort you to the Headmaster’s office. He wishes to see you, now that we have come to an understanding. He was kind enough to let me tell you personally of this joyous news. He wishes to tell you more of what is to become of you at the Academy in the next two months. Now pay close attention! I will see you again…soon.”
Matron took Anna away then and so briskly that she did not see the contemptuous sneer on the cold face of the elegant dominatrix.
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