By Governess
liviaarbuthnot1@gmail.com
Copyright 2025 by Governess, all rights reserved
[3,056 words]´
* * * * *Chapter 71
When I had set
out for my interview with Mrs Fairclough, I had no doubts that I would
be shortly confirmed in the appointment. So confident was I that I took
with me the hairbrush that had sat on my desk in the schoolroom during
my years of tutoring Marius and Torquil, determined, if possible, to
provide a taste of the discipline that had been theirs and was now to
be his.
Sometimes, I have beaten a boy for little reason
other than the sheer pleasure of doing so. This might occur after a
sustained period of good behaviour or impeccable schoolwork.
Then, I would actively look for some failing or sin, however slight,
for which the boy could be arraigned. And given the propensity of boys
for thoughtless, inconsiderate, and selfish behaviour, such
justification was rarely difficult to find.
When I had first
been introduced to James, he had been direct, quick to answer and
displayed a lively intelligence. However, in my eager resolve to punish
him, I had no difficulty in representing his behaviour as argumentative
and as fully deserving of the severe spanking I was about to give him.
I looked up.
“Goodness, that makes interesting reading. It’s as hard to put down as an Agatha Christie whodunit!”
“Yes, it certainly makes you want to keep turning the pages. But we
were questioning whether Laura was cruel. Does her confession of
punishing James simply for the pleasure of doing so amount to cruelty?
Surely it does?”
“Well, does it, Diana? Why should her
pleasure in spanking him make the spanking cruel? A mother might take
pleasure in a smart, well-turned-out boy, and insists on neatly
brushing his hair. And the boy might hate it, but his mother still does
it and enjoys doing it. Is that cruel? Of course not. Because there’s
no harm in it, and it’s good for the boy. So, yes, the corrective
justification for a spanking may not be present, but is her pleasure
any more reprehensible than the pleasure in brushing that boy's hair?”
“But you need to show that a spanking that lacks the motive of
correction can be given in the confidence that it really is harmless
and, even better, that it does the boy good, even as an unintended
consequence.”
Cordelia smiled.
“Do you want me to try and rise to the challenge?”
Diana smiled.
”Of course”
“Well, I can see that a lot of people would question the rightness of
spanking a boy when he has really done nothing wrong. But the issue is,
as you say, whether it does any harm, and whether, in fact, it might do
him some good. Of course, he'll have a red and smarting bottom but
that’s only to be expected. That’s not the sort of harm we’re talking
about. The issue is surely whether there is going to be any lingering
sense of resentment that would damage him and his relationships,
especially within the family. Of course, all boys resent being spanked
even when it’s deserved. But no one, I hope, is going to suggest that’s
a sufficient reason to spare them. And we both know that from time to
time a boy will be spanked only for us to discover, much later, that
his claim of innocence was justified. Is he irretrievably harmed by
that? Not as far as I can see. Provided spanking is done within a
stable and loving relationship, he simply takes it in his stride. But
if a spanking were given mainly for the joy of giving it, then it seems
to me important that it’s a proper spanking, a spanking that reduces
the boy, to helpless sobbing, suffused with shame and with a red and
throbbing bottom. In other words, he should experience it as no
different from any other spanking. If that condition is met, then all
should be well. The true danger, it seems to me, is when a spanking,
becomes a mockery of a spanking, and leaves the boy puzzled and unclear
about its intention and feeling he has somehow been ill-used.”
“Yes, I can see that, Cordelia. It’s the same when a mother who spanks
a boy in a limp, half-hearted way leaving him angry and resentful at
treatment that seems pointless and disrespectful. A spanking need to be
thorough and something to note and learn from. But then that raises the
question of what is to be learned from a spanking that is given with no
real corrective purpose.”
“Well, it’s purpose may not be
primarily corrective, but even so, it still offers valuable learning
opportunities. Laura said that even if she gave a spanking for the
pleasure of giving it, she would usually seek to identify some failing,
even if small, to justify the punishment. In the passage I was just
reading she was about to spank James ostensibly for his behaviour, on
first meeting him, but in truth because she was desperate to experience
a pleasure that had for so long been denied her. So, despite her main
motivation being other than correcting his somewhat forward and pert
response to her questioning, an unintended consequence of the spanking
will be to warn him to avoid impolite and disrespectful behaviour in
future. And that is surely something to applaud.”
Diana frowned.
“I can see that, Cordelia, but I do wonder about the honesty of finding
what are really spurious reasons for a spanking when its just given for
sensual pleasure.”
“But they’re not entirely spurious, are
they? The boy was argumentative and lacking in respect. Perhaps not
blatantly and perhaps only deserving of a verbal rebuke. But Laura had
the need to establish her authority right from the beginning, and the
boy might be expected to appreciate that: a new authority, and
therefore a new regime. But, of course, that was not what was uppermost
in her thinking nor was it her reason for spanking him. The nettle we
have to grasp is whether it’s ever right to spank a boy for the
pleasure is gives, even if it does the boy no harm and indeed may do
him some good. And that seems an issue that can be settled in one of
two ways. Either on principle or on practical outcomes.”
“Do go on.”
“Well, if you decide the matter on principle you have to say that to
inflict suffering for pleasure is always wrong and that anyone with any
moral sense would see that; and spanking a child for the pleasure it
gives is just one more example of that. Even if it causes no harm or
even if it does the boy good in some way, that is completely
irrelevant. it’s quite simply wrong, and that’s the end of the matter.”
“But you are not sure about that?”
“Well, I’m not sure that not inflicting suffering is one of the basic
building blocks that govern the moral life. There are too many
exceptions to regard it as that. Gaining some pleasure from making life
painful for others or making them suffer in some way, is far from
unusual. Particularly in sporting contests. Just think of boxing where
physical suffering is inflicted for the pleasure of beating an opponent
and laying him unconscious on the canvas. Or chess, where intellectual
suffering is inflicted on an opponent who has to accept the pain of
knowing that his skill is inferior to that of the winner,. And that is
quite apart from those many occasions in life when we rightly feel
pleasure at the suffering of those who deserve it, such as young
delinquents whom we hope to rehabilitate but who much first suffer the
retributive justice of a sound birching. So no, as a basic moral
principle, ‘not inflicting suffering’ fails to pass the test.”
“But then there still seems something suspect about spanking a child just for the sensual pleasure it gives.”
“But why? If it cannot be ruled out on principle, then you need to look
at the outcomes, the consequence of doing so and see whether it is
actually harmful to a boy, and whether, unexpectedly it does some good.
If that is so, then, it is difficult to see that the pleasure it gives
his mother can be regarded as wrong.”
“Yes I can see that
Cordelia. And shouldn’t we also recognise that pleasure is a good
thing. I know you pointed out that there are instances where taking
pleasure in another’s downfall or suffering is acceptable, but I don’t
think that Laura was spanking him in order to delight primarily in his
suffering. What she is enjoying is the sensual satisfaction that comes
from spanking or birching a boy's buttocks, those swelling mounds of
soft sensitive flesh so prominent when a boy has been stripped naked
and stands facing the wall in disgrace. Whereas the head may be the
centre of the boy’s intellectual life, the buttocks seem to display all
his self-will and muscular assertiveness. In their jutting prominence
they seem to embody all a boy’s arrogance. And how appropriate that
here his sins are punished for there is no sin that is not rooted in
arrogance and self-will.”
“Yes, that’s so true, Diana.
Wonderfully expressed. But the issue is still whether, even if she’s
not punishing the boy to enjoy his suffering but to take pleasure in
the soft sensuality of his body, is that completely harmless, or even
benefit him in some way, even if not given with any corrective or
beneficial intention.”
“So what’s the answer to that?”
“That provided it’s a sound and thorough spanking, it will certainly do
the boy no harm, and more than likely strengthen the disciplinary
framework that’s so essential for a boy’s development. Laura’s method
seemed to be to justify the spanking by arraigning him for behaviour
that normally would probably be overlooked or demand little more than a
verbal reprimand. I must say my own preference would have been to avoid
that. The boy should simply be told to go to his room, or to wherever
spankings are given, and prepare himself. If he objects or queries what
he has done, he should be reminded of the need for instant obedience
and that his arguing will simply mean a harder and longer spanking And
I mean a spanking that leaves him with an even redder and more smarting
bottom, hiccupping and racked by helpless sobbing.
“And of
course, there are parents, and I am sure governesses too, who give a
boy a regular spanking irrespective of any misbehaviour simply to
remind him of their authority and their rule over him. Do you remember
my telling you about Mrs Atkinson who lived in the next cottage to us
with her son, Edward, who was four or so years younger than me?”
“Yes. That’s the boy you walked into town wearing only a shirt showing off his recently caned bottom.”
“Yes, that’s right. Well, on the final day of each month, before tea,
his mother would say, ‘Go upstairs , Edward, and get ready for your
spanking’, And the boy went submissively, utterly subject to her rule.
I remember her telling me that a boy needs at least one such spanking a
month to teach him the need to submit and to demonstrate her complete
authority over him. That her will is sovereign, and her decisions
beyond challenge. I have to say, Diana, that Mrs Atkinson frightened
me. She seemed beyond the restraints of any compassion, or indeed any
law other than that emanated from her own implacable will. And yet
scared as I was, I enjoyed visiting her cottage and playing with
Edward, largely because of the whippings he received, many of which
were given in my presence.
“So, Mrs Atkinson, whether or not
she found pleasure in Edward’s monthly whippings, at least justified
them by claiming they were an important way of teaching a boy the
nature of submission. But I can see other benefits, too. The teaching
of fortitude in the face of adversity for one. But perhaps more
importantly, a boy spanked for no apparent cause, will hopefully
agonise about what in his recent behaviour could justify such
discipline; and that should result in his taking greater care in making
future choices, anxious not to step outside his mother’s will and open
himself to further punishment. And of course, his screams and desperate
writhing under the rod are a welcome confirmation that those ancillary
benefits will be delivered.”
“I can appreciate there may be
‘ancillary’ benefits that strengthen the boy’s resistance to sin and
binds him more closely to his mother’s will. But do you think,
Cordelia, that what may seem the pursuit of pleasure and a
self-indulgence on his mother’s part may not offer some positive
benefits in strengthening their relationship?”
“Do you have something in mind?”
“Well, there is obviously pleasure in correcting a naughty disobedient
boy, and whipping him, but the pleasure is mixed with other emotions:
such as irritation, whether the discipline is sufficient to bring about
an improvement in his behaviour, and what further steps might need to
be taken, and so on. But, a spanking given purely for the joy of giving
it is free of any such concerns. The enticing beauty of those soft,
firm little buttocks may be enjoyed without distraction. A boy who has
been soundly disciplined for wrongdoing needs to show gratitude and
kiss the rod, or at least offer verbal thanks; but when a boy is
spanked simply for the pleasure of doing so, then the gratitude is on
his mother’s side, and it would be surprising if there was not some
gratitude in her heart for the pleasure he had afforded her,. And it
would not be surprising if that showed itself in a greater openness and
affection toward him. Such affection must not slip into sentimentality,
but hopefully there would be renewed warmth in their relationship and
corrective discipline might be given with a refreshed and loving
eagerness. Or is that a bit far-fetched?”
“No, I don’t think it is, Diana. Even when I spank my children for wrongdoing, I feel a similar sort of gratitude.”
“But tell me, Cordelia, have you ever given a spanking just for the sheer enjoyment of doing so?”
“No, I don’t think I have. I enjoy spanking all my children and when
they have been building up to a spanking, given it earlier rather than
later. And, if I am honest that’s certainly comes from an eagerness to
have that child bare and struggling over my knee. I enjoy each smack of
the hairbrush as it sinks into soft sensitive flesh and seeing it
spring back into delicious firm roundness ready for the next stinging
stroke. But however eager I may have been to spank, spankings have
always been well-deserved and a response to bad behaviour. With three
normal children, full of self-will and disobedience, I have never like
Laura been cast into a world where the pattern of regular spanking and
flogging has ceased. If I had, I would probably have responded in the
same way. I can imagine her excitement at receiving Mrs Fairclough’s
reply, with the prospect opening up of again being able to spank a boy
or birch him on his bare flesh. No wonder she set out determined by the
end of that day to have given James the spanking that for both of them
was long overdue.”
“And spank him she certainly did. Her
account is redolent with her eager commitment and clear enjoyment at
what she was doing. Surely, you remember reading it?”
“No. I’m not sure I did. I must have broken off before that.”
“Then you must read it now.”
Diana picked up the book and opening it, handed it to Cordelia.
“While you do that, I'll slip back to the house for a moment.
And again, Cordelia immersed herself in the book.
When
I had first been introduced to James, he had been direct, quick to
answer and displayed a lively intelligence. However, in my eager
resolve to punish him, I had no difficulty in representing his
behaviour as argumentative and as fully deserving of the severe
spanking I was about to give him.
“So, James, how old are you?”
“Eight."
“Then old enough to answer politely when questioned. Let’s try again. So, how old are you James?”
“I’m eight."
“You may be eight, James, but an eight-year-old should know better than
to address an adult without giving her the courtesy of a name. I
introduced myself as Miss Ravenscourt, and that is the name you should
use.”
I waited. And was eventually rewarded with what I thought was a rather reluctant ‘Yes, Miss Ravenscourt.’
“Are you pleased to have a governess, James? Someone to take you in hand and teach you some manners?”
“Ye . . . yes . . . Miss Ravenscourt.”
I studied his naked body standing in front of me. This was a beautiful
boy, virgin flesh, ready to be harrowed and drilled with the seeds of
discipline that would yield that harvest of righteousness promised by
the Apostle.
“And yet when I introduced myself you were
undoubtedly rude and impolite. You looked down at your feet instead of
at me, you refused to address me and when you did you were pert,
argumentative, and ill-mannered.”
I glanced across at the hairbrush on the chest of drawers. He followed my eyes, and reddened.
“And what do you see on the chest of drawers, James?”
“A hairbrush . . . Miss Ravenscourt.”
“Yes, James. And what do you think it is doing there?”
He bit his lip and looked down. I stepped forward, placed my hand under his chin and lifted back his head.
“You really are slow to learn, aren’t you, James? When I address a boy, I do not expect him to look down.”
I paused, savouring his discomfort.
“Do you remember your telling me that you had never been spanked. Never
beaten on your bare bottom with the back of a hairbrush?”
He nodded dumbly.
“When I ask a question, James, I expect an answer. Simply to nod your
head is rude and unacceptable. Turn around and put your nose to the
wall, and let me see that bottom which is where a boy is best taught
better manners.”