God's Crusade

Part Forty-Two

History Repeats Itself

September 2041

Hermione Slade could not talk to anyone. Not about how she really felt, at any rate. Not even her father. He would not discuss things with her. He would only say that he knew what was best for her. Just like her dear mother used to say. Miss Lewis was being very strict with her, and when Miss Scott came to visit Hermione half hoped that her original guardian might have some pity for her and give her some respite. But for the first two hours Miss Lewis left her muzzled and covered, listening to more lessons. Even so, when the heavy cover was finally removed and the headphones switched off, Hermione could not help smiling at Miss Scott, who had always been so kind to her.

"She has moved a little." Miss Lewis commented as she folded the cover. "She has been much better of late, but perhaps the excitement of seeing you has affected her."

"She knows better, and you must not make excuses for her, Miss Lewis." Miss Scott replied as she took a seat beside her former charge. "She is a maiden the same as any other and it does not do to pander to them...Hermione needs a firm hand now if she is going to make the best of herself."

"Of course, Miss Scott," The younger guardian nodded her agreement, still treating her former tutor as her superior.

"She is a dear child, I know we are both fond of her, Miss Lewis, but now that her future is settled, it is our duty to make sure that she develops."

"Of course, Miss Scott...I shall paddle her before dinner."

"Good, now let's cover her again...if she moves this time, she can have double."

۩

Fatima stood still near the counter as Miss Freeman talked to the shop assistants. She was considered obedient enough to be seen outside of the apartment, and Miss Freeman had started taking her shopping to get her used to the experience. It was as much of an ordeal as anything else. She had so much to remember, and Miss Freeman would always punish any mistakes. But she was getting quite good at standing still, she thought, as her eyes scanned the store. It was an old favourite. She had been there many times before in her previous life as a shopping mad princess. She could actually see two muslimahs across the aisle, veiled but talking animatedly as she would have done with her sisters in their place. It seemed incredible that it was only a few weeks since she would have happily considered their behaviour normal but something inside her head told her it was sinful, that they were not showing any respect for themselves or anyone watching them, moving around so freely and making so much noise. She held herself quite erect with her head down and her hands clasped together in front of her body, even though they were hidden inside her cloak, which was fastened from her throat to her ankles. She concentrated on her shape, her silhouette as Miss Freeman often called it, trying to be both decorous and invisible. Maidens should never draw attention to themselves.

۩

"Hands." Charlotte Sullivan instantly held out her hands for her mittens, obeying Miss Carpenter like a good maiden should, as she was prepared for bed. She was getting used to the routine. Her father had just quizzed her about her lessons over dinner and had asked Miss Carpenter if his eldest child was making suitable progress. Her mother had just sat there like a statue. She pushed her fingers deep into the solid mass and lost their use.

"Open." Miss Carpenter said, smiling gently at her charge. Charlotte did not hesitate. She opened her mouth wide to accept her muzzle. Miss Carpenter slipped it inside and clicked it into place. Miss Carpenter was quite pleased with her. She still had a lot to learn but she seemed to have accepted her place. Mrs Sullivan was doing as she was told, although she was rather more sullen than obedient, and no amount of punishment seemed to improve her. Miss Carpenter put Charlotte into her sleeping gown and walked across to the main bedroom where Mrs Sullivan had undressed and was waiting for her. Mr Sullivan let his wife clean her teeth and wash herself before bed, which Miss Carpenter thought was a mistake. She allowed it because her employer said he was behaving himself and deserved a small say in his own house. A small, insignificant reward for his obedience.