Chapter 58

Teárlag listened in total amazement to what they planned. Rules regarding striking of servants were remarkable enough, but to hear Thorburn agree to be punished in order to make the ordeal easier for Isobel bordered on insanity. He was Lord of Cameron Keep. To contemplate doing such a thing was unheard of. Lord Blackthorne would easily kill a man before allowing himself to be struck. She followed them outside to watch what occurred.

Thorburn conducted a quick whispered conversation with one of the retainers training outside, who listened intently, nodding his head when Thorburn finished explaining. Thorburn handed him a coin glinting of silver which the retainer slipped in his sporran. They began sparring, Thorburn's head turned away from the Keep's door and his opponent apparently paying more attention to the door than the match with his Lord.

When Ailene appeared at the door with Isobel and a short, plump woman standing tamely behind, the man threw down his sword and yelled, "I'm sick of fighting you, Laird. Put me with someone I have some chance of beating."

"Pick up your sword," Thorburn said. "You'll never get any better if you insist on fighting only those you have a chance to beat."

"Nay. I won't do it. I'm sick of getting thrashed by you."

"Pick it up now!"

"I won't."

Thorburn punched to man in the face, knocking him to ground. It was a heavy blow. The man would have a nice bruise on the jaw tomorrow. Even knowing it was planned, Teárlag was shocked at the suddenness and violence of it. She could understand now why he was given a coin. The blow hadn't been faked in the slightest.

He sat up, saying, "You struck me, Lord Cameron. I'd not have expected it of thee."

"Aye, man. I don't know what came over me. Stuart!" Thorburn shouted. "I struck this man. You know what happens next." He reached down and pulled the man to his feet. "See Lady Cameron. She'll give you some salve for your bruise. Will you be witnessing my punishment?"

"Nay, Lord. I'm sure that Stuart will do his duty."

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

The man gingerly touched the swelling on his jaw and said, "I'll attempt not to give you cause, Lord." He walked towards the Keep asking Ailene for some salve for his bruise. She directed him to the cook in the kitchen.

"Thorburn," Ailene said. "Apparently, you're not the only one with a short temper this morning. Isobel also struck one of the seamstresses this morning."

"She knew the rules regarding striking the servants?"

"It was explained to her shortly after she arrived at the Keep, Laird."

"Is the servant present?" Thorburn asked.

"She is Laird." Ailene pushed Jinny forward and she curtsied to her Laird.

"What happened, miss?" He asked.

"I was helping her Ladyship with her gown and I stepped on the lace as we were rearranging it and tore it, Laird."

"Did you apologize to Lady McTavish?"

"I did, my Lord, and promised to fix it before tonight, but she slapped me anyway."

"Is this the way of it, Lady Mctavish?"

"It is, Lord Cameron. She does not lie."

"You know the punishment for striking a servant?"

"I do, Lord Cameron. I am prepared to accept my punishment."

"It appears I will be joining you in the strapping room. Perhaps we are all tense due to the festival tonight and wound a bit too tightly. Do you wish to witness the punishment of Lady McTavish?" Thorburn asked Jinny.

"Nay, my Lord. If I may, Laird, can I have a word?"

"What would you like to say."

"Sir, Lady McTavish is most kind and patient with us and spends time instructing us on the proper way to do things. I would ask she not be punished at this time. I've greatly appreciated all she's taught and her many kindnesses towards me. I believe her to be sorry. She's already apologized for striking me."

"I appreciate your plea for mercy. However, I cannot fail to administer punishment when deserved as Lady McTavish freely admits it is. I will, however, reduce it to half the accustomed punishment based upon your request I be merciful. Would that be satisfactory?"

"Yes, Laird Cameron. Thank you. I'm sorry I damaged your gown, Lady McTavish. I shall do my best to repair the tear." She hurried back up the stairs.

Teárlag was stunned. The whole episode was akin to a play at the Theater of the Absurd. Punishments being administered to Ladies and Lords for striking servants, the whole charade of Thorburn undergoing a punishment to make the whole episode more palatable to Lady McTavish, a servant pleading for mercy for the Lady who struck her. The entirety struck her as preposterous. Hell, husbands could beat their own wives without fear of punishment, let alone a servant. What kind of household was this?

Isobel took Lady McTavish's arm and led her toward the strapping room, Thorburn following after, with Frang and Stuart following him. Teárlag, seemingly forgotten, trailed them while everyone else went about their business. She slipped into the room into a dark corner to observe. Thorburn went to the stocks in the corner and waited for Stuart to fasten his hands and arms. Stuart raised Thorburn's kilt exposing his heavily muscled buttocks, fastening the kilt to his tunic.

"Lay them on well, Stuart," Thorburn commanded.

Stuart picked up the thick leather paddle used on Ailene in her first experience with the punishment room and addressed his brother's ass. He swung the paddle striking Thorburn with a heavy 'thwack'. Teárlag flinched when it struck him although Thorburn made no movement she could detect, standing stoically waiting for the next blow. A red mark immediately sprang up across his buns and Teárlag knew Stuart was not faking the strength of his blows. Nine more times the paddle rose and fell until his ass was a fiery red color. Stuart stopped, lowering Thorburn's kilt after he was done.

"I shall be dancing more than sitting at the festival tonight," Thorburn said, rubbing his ass gingerly after he was released from the stock. "Ailene, I leave you to administer Isobel's punishment. Five strokes only based upon the servants plea for mercy."

Thorburn turned and left the room, Stuart and Frang following him out. Thorburn winked at Teárlag standing in her dark corner as he left, but didn't say anything.

Ailene adjusted the stocks until they were set for Isobel's height.

"I'm sorry," Ailene said, "but these must be administered to your bare bottom. Would you like to remove your dress or shall I pin it up for you?"

Isobel glanced at Teárlag standing in the corner and walked to the stocks, sticking her hands and neck in the holes.

"Pin it up, please."

"As you wish."