Thursday 23 February 2012

The Games Club (M/m)

This is the last story I posted to the excellent MMSA website. It was very well received but the site was becoming a victim of its own success. Postings, good or bad, dissappeared down the pages very quickly due to the high input. I still visit it as there are some excellent pieces from some first class CP writers. But you have to sort through a lot of  prosaic stuff to find them. Many of my friends, including ones not enamoured of our particular kink, say this is one of my best. Pure fantasy but fun to write. Alfred Roy

Neil Wallington could not understand why his palm was sweating. He rang the bell, a small old fashioned brass bell hanging from an overhead beam in the porch, and patiently waited. It was while he waited, heart uncontrollably thumping and stomach inexplicably churning, that he realised how sweaty his hand was. He wiped it down the side of his pale blue jeans and rang the bell a second time. Still nobody came. He began to wonder if he had misunderstood the time, or even worse chosen the wrong day. He was sure he hadn’t. Wednesday at three o’clock. His half day off from his job as a trainee administrator. That was the arrangement. On his next Wednesday off he would visit the man’s house and they would play a private game. Nothing unusual in that. They were both keen chess players and the man was a retired senior policeman. As he had said, he valued the opportunity to play between his visits to their club. So why was Neil sweating, profusely now as he waited, why was he taking deep breaths and steeling himself to face the man? And why was he getting a pleasant and warm feeling in his loins. Much as he enjoyed the anticipation of a good game of chess he knew that he felt as he did for different reasons. For a moment he thought he heard distant footsteps but when he realised the space beyond the front door contained only silence he reflected on how he and the man had first met.

It was three weeks before, on his second visit to the local chess club. A company colleague, discovering their mutual passion, had introduced him to the club the previous month. He had signed up and played a couple of friendly games. The members, the majority elderly men, soon realised he was pretty good. One of the two he beat, easily, had been club champion a few years before. Modesty stopped him from telling them that three years before he had been in the schoolboy county finals. His colleague didn’t know that. He only knew that, like him, Neil Wallington liked a game of chess. But he played it at a different level and, like the elderly members, his colleague was impressed. It had been a good evening and he vowed to go again the following week. His colleague couldn’t go that week, other interests took priority, and Neil went on his own. Without the companion of his own age he felt more uncomfortable than on his first visit. It wasn’t that, at nineteen, he felt out of place. Chess was a great leveller in the world of social interaction. And besides he always enjoyed the company of older men, especially the ones who reminded him of the scholarly teachers who introduced him to a love of history and literature. It just seemed unfortunate that the two or three he had briefly met the previous week were not there and the lack of a familiar face left him unfocused and unsure of what to do. As is so often the case in such uneasy circumstances he drifted over to the club notice board and started to aimlessly read. He was perusing a piece on a proposed club visit to their twinned town when a voice behind him caught his attention. It was only on the voice’s repeat of its query that Neil realised that the soft and gentle tones were directed at him.

The man was complimenting him on his games the previous week and, turning, Neil thanked him and modestly blushed. He introduced himself as Ronald, or Ronnie as he preferred to be known, and as he spoke Neil registered the tall and military bearing. His lined face indicated a man nearer seventy than sixty but the slim six foot build, taller than Neil by at least four inches, oozed fitness and strength. Neil registered all this as readily as he registered the warm smile and, with equal pleasure, joined him for tea in the small non playing café area of the club. Cognisant of an old age social rule that you should always be wary of the first person who makes friends with a new boy, Neil was on his guard. But at least his evening now had a focus, if only temporary, and he was grateful for the company. He had no reason to be wary, the man was witty and pleasant and pointed out two or three of the real characters of the club. He had been a member for eleven years, joined the same week he retired, and had never regretted it. But as a teacher in his early days, history, he was always pleased to see younger people joining. At the mention of history the conversation expectedly steered away from the club and chess for a while and Neil was sorry when the man said he had a game to play at eight o’clock. Come and watch he said and play the winner. We are both free afterwards. Neil was delighted and spent forty minutes watching an evenly matched game. Ronald, or Ronnie, finally won when his opponent needlessly sacrificed a well placed Knight and, absorbing all the details, Neil was eager for the challenge. He beat Ronnie easily, capturing his Queen in a well disguised move. So easily that the laughing Ronnie said he deserved to be spanked. A new boy humbling an old boy in such a manner deserves to have his bottom smacked for such temerity. That was how he put it. That was how it registered to Neil and long after the game was finished, long after he had said goodnight and left the club, he could not get the words out of his mind.

The following week Neil made his third visit to the club, this time with his colleague. The comfort of attending with a friend from work was tempered by the realisation that Ronnie was not there. He hadn’t said he wasn’t attending, no reason why he should, but Neil felt a perceptible sense of disappointment. The military Ronnie had made his second visit enjoyable and his not being there dulled the evening. Neil did not really understand why this should be so, chess was the focus after all, but it did take the edge off the evening. He won both the games he played, so well he was urged to enter the forthcoming club competition, but he knew that they were both clumsy and fortuitous wins. Ronnie’s absence had dulled his senses and when he made his fourth visit the following week he realised why. He was fascinated by the man and his joy at seeing him there was barely contained. They played three games and Neil won them all. The first was difficult because Ronnie tried so hard, having been humbled the only other time they played, but their second and third games took a familiar course. Neil Wallington was far too good for the man he now knew as retired Chief Supt Ronald Nailles and, in fairness, the latter took it in good grace. In his opinion Neil was far too good for most of them and would probably waltz off with the club competition. It was as he was explaining to Neil why he left teaching and joined the metropolitan police that he also, as an aside, suggested that Neil should come to his house for a private game. One of their observers had referred to Ronnie as Super and Neil queried this. Made him sound like a policeman whereas Neil thought he was a teacher. The wrinkled Ronnie smiled and said, in his time, he had been both. A history teacher for ten years but he was not happy, so a policeman for twenty five. Ended up as Chief Superintendent. And now, and he smiled again when he said this, a lousy retired chess player. At least when he played the Neil Wallington’s of this world. And then he repeated the comment he made two weeks before. Nineteen year old’s who humiliate old fogeys deserve to have their bottoms smacked. That is what he said. Neil Wallington took a deep breath, downed his by now cold club café tea, and embarked on a journey for which he had no idea of the destination.

‘You have said that before’
‘What?’
‘Clever clogs at chess should have their bottoms smacked.’
‘Have I?’
Ronald Nailles smiled and his wrinkled face lit up.
‘Just a manner of speech, dear boy. Keep you in your place, especially as you win so easily.’
‘Sorry.’
‘Makes us old fogeys feel very humble.’
He paused and then continued.
‘Mind you, the prospect does have its attractions.’
Neil Wallington blushed nervously as his companion warmed to his theme.
‘If you were an arrogant nineteen year old it would give many of the old codgers here a great deal of amusement to take you over their knee. Take my word for it. Other than chess they do not have a lot of fun in their lives. But you are not arrogant, thank God, in spite of your talent at chess.’
‘And you are not an old codger?’
‘Compared to you, yes. But I have no great desire to spank you. Beat you at chess, certainly. Beat your bottom, no. My days of doing that to young men are long over.’
Neil Wallington registered this last point and responded to it.
‘When you were a teacher?’
‘Occasionally. A long time ago. It gave me no pleasure.’
For some reason, maybe it was the way he said it, maybe it was the smile on his face, but Neil Wallington did not believe him. He did not say so and they moved on to other matters. The formalities for entering the club competition were discussed and common aspects of history, mainly the Georgian period, were briefly explored for the rest of the evening. But Neil Wallington did not forget the earlier comments and when Ronnie, Chief Supt Ronald Nailles, asked again if he fancied a private game at his home he readily accepted.
‘Next Wednesday, after you finish work. I shall be able to concentrate better at home and, after I have beaten you, I shall give you a magnificent tea.’
‘Will you beat me?’
Ronald Nailles smiled.
‘I shall try Master Wallington but, given your prowess here, I consider it unlikely. But I shall still give you tea.’
Ten minutes later they left the club and went their separate ways.

If Neil Wallington’s feverish mind was exploring the possibilities of the offer of a private game and afternoon tea he was not alone. Ronald Nailles could not remember the last time he felt so heady with excitement. Childless and long widowed he had little to amuse him in retirement. The chess club and a little gardening were his principle pleasures and for most of the time he was satisfied with his own company. But if his professional life and his marriage had meant a constant denial of his attraction to young men, his isolated retirement allowed a relaxed mental amusement. The young stimulated him and young men like Neil Wallington particularly so. His natural dominant character brought out a boyish, submissive, streak in some and Ronald Nailles readily recognised it. It was as clear as crystal that Master Wallington saw him as some sort of undefined father figure and it was a role he was happy to nurture. The boy may be exceptionally good at chess, far too good for him, but in all other respects the fifty year gap between them was very much in the older man’s favour. He would answer the door, after the third ringing of the bell, and he would let the boy into his old and comfortable house. They would play chess and discuss history and he would lay on the promised magnificent tea. And if it proved appropriate, if circumstances conspired to allow the possibility, he may amuse the nineteen year old boy in other ways. It may be fun and the ideas he pictured clearly intrigued. But if he did so, the retired Chief Superintendent had already decided that he had no intention of wasting his efforts. He had observed the hidden promise when standing behind Neil at the club notice board. Even before he spoke to him he had appreciably registered the pronounced contours of the boyish cheeks. He liked young men and their attributes. And he particularly liked the pleasant and gifted Neil Wallington. It would be delightful to entertain him in his house, especially as he knew that both had an unspoken agenda that may or may not be fulfilled. He approached his front door, opened it, and welcomed the nervous and clean faced youngster to his home.

It was hardly surprising that the two games they played ended in defeat for Neil Wallington. It should have been, given his expertise at the chess club, but a pronounced lack of concentration by the boy led to his early downfall. The first game lasted barely fifteen minutes and in the second, a more intense affair, Neil capitulated on the lazy loss of his Queen just as he appeared to be getting on top. Ronald Nailles could not contain his joy. If only they could see this at the club. But equally he knew that at the club he would not have won. Neil’s constant nervousness and agitation was clear for anyone to see. And Ronald Nailles had a pretty clear idea what was causing the agitation. They packed away the board and chess pieces and he asked Neil if he would like to give a hand with tea. The house was open plan and steps from the large lounge led to a slightly raised and well designed kitchen. As Neil went up the steps Ronnie made some light comment on his lack of concentration and, as he did so, delivered a light slap to the boy’s rear. It was little more than a gentle brush to Neil’s right cheek but it had the desired effect. The boy stiffened and blushed and then continued his journey to the kitchen. The man passed him and went to his fridge to extract the treats he had prepared earlier. When he turned, plates in hand, to face Neil he was smiling and it was not merely the smile of a man who had just won two games of chess against a formidable opponent. It was the smile of a man who knew that the afternoon was proceeding just as he hoped.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t give you a better game Mr Nailles. My concentration levels were poor.’
‘Two games, Master Wallington. And call me Ronnie, please.’
‘Yes, Ronnie. I’m sorry.’
‘No matter. It happens in chess. But I am surprised that even playing below your best you didn’t beat me.’
Ronald Nailles paused and smiled mischievously.
‘You didn’t by any chance let me win?’
‘No.’
‘No, I didn’t think you did.’
He paused again.
‘I can only think that you have something on your mind. Care to tell me about it. We have all afternoon.’
‘And the games didn’t last long.’
Ronald Nailles laughed. The intensity of the young constantly amused him. He and Neil had chatted long during a splendid tea of ham, cheese, toast and cakes washed down with equally splendid claret. Only a third of the bottle remained when the conversation returned to the matters of the chess board.
‘You did not play your best because you were not relaxed. And I think I know why.’
‘You do?’
‘Oh yes.’
Ronald Nailles had lowered his voice unnecessarily and the effect of his soft and gentle tones coupled with the disconcerting way he stared at Neil induced a churning in the boy’s stomach.
‘I think, and I think I am right, that you have an inexplicable desire for me to take you over my knee. Isn’t that the truth?’
He said it so matter of factly, with such a lack of drama, that he could almost be saying that the boy had a desire to see his garden or examine his books. It was that lack of drama, the sheer ordinariness of the observation that released a stream of confession from the boy. Within five minutes Chief Supt. Ronald Nailles was to know more about Neil Wallington than, hitherto, the boy had known about himself. Neil told him that he had always looked up to elderly men; in fact he seemed to have a fascination for them. Especially elderly men like Mr Nailles. He had the grace to apologise at using the term elderly but the general gist was clear. Such men, in authority, appealed to his nature. He thought the desire to be spanked first manifested itself when he was about fourteen. A teacher threatened it, often, but it never happened. The desire grew, usually triggered by casual contact with the type of man who appealed, but had never been acted on. Either he misread the signs or, when the intentions were clear, he lacked the courage to explore them. He didn’t know where this afternoon invitation would lead but he desperately wished to find out. The veil of games of chess allowed the opportunity. Ronald Nailles listened to the outpourings, making barely a comment, and downed the last remnants of the wine.

‘Interesting, Neil. Have you ever been spanked?’
‘No. My parents did not believe in it and I rarely gave them any reason to. And schools don’t these days.’
‘Even the teacher who often threatened it?’
‘I think he liked the idea. He said it to many of us. But…you know.’
‘Yes. I know. Such activities can be dangerous in a school situation.’
‘But not here?’
Ronald Nailles eyed again the intense boy. There was a nervous desperation in both his voice and his demeanour.
‘No, not here. I confess that when I first mentioned it, after you humbled me in our first game, it was said as a joke.’
‘Oh.’
‘But I saw your reaction, registered the signals, and it got me thinking. This boy would quite like to be spanked. And I was right.’
‘Yes.’
‘It wasn’t a question, Neil. Just a statement of fact. Which is why I repeated it.’
‘Nineteen year old boys who humiliate old fogeys deserve to have their bottoms smacked.’
‘You remember the words?’
‘Yes.’
‘They were not said as a joke the second time, Neil. They were issued as a test. And you passed it with flying colours.’
Neil Wallington blushed and shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
‘Was I that obvious?’
‘To me, yes. Stand up.’
The boy rose and Ronald Nailles studied him with admiration. His first impressions had not changed. Medium height and with a slight figure the fresh faced Neil looked little more than a mature schoolboy. The smart honey coloured wool jumper contrasted pleasantly with the light blue jeans. And the latter fitted his slim legs so well.
‘Come here.’
Neil nodded and walked over to the chair in which Ronald Nailles was sitting. As he did so the latter moved his chair away from the table and looked closely at him. At such proximity he became acutely aware of the sweating forehead and the heavy breathing of his young companion. The fresh face displayed a pinkish tinge on the cheeks which may or may not have been the wine. Whatever the cause the boy was clearly ready to do whatever he wished. But Ronald Nailles was a patient man, whatever he wished would be within the bounds of reason. He spoke again and this time it was almost a whisper.
‘I am going to smack your bottom, Neil. As an experiment, to see how we both feel about it. And to give it verisimilitude I shall do so for my humblings at the club.’
‘Yes.’
‘And to make it even more real I think we should take down your jeans.’
‘Yes. Yes sir.’
Ronald Nailles registered the use of the word ‘sir’ with satisfaction and did not issue a correction. He was enjoying this moment far more than he ever expected. His controlled, mature, voice was a little thicker when he gave his next instruction.
‘They would give you too much protection, particularly as I only intend to use my hand.’
Neil Wallington gulped and looked at the hands referred to. They were large and thick and he was conscious that his bottom was small and soft. It would be an unequal match but a match he desperately wanted. He undid the metallic button at the top of his jeans and slowly pulled the fly zip down as far as it would go. The jeans opened and rested on his thighs in readiness for their descent. Ronald Nailles read the obvious signals and responded accordingly.
‘Would you like me to take them down?’
Neil Wallington gulped again.
‘Yes please. Sir.’
‘Then I will. This time.’
Neil registered the veiled promise that this may not be the only occasion and closed his eyes as the large hands grasped the side of his loosened jeans and pulled them down to his knees. Underneath he was wearing small, tight fitting, pure white underpants he had specially chosen in both hope and anticipation. As the smart woollen jumper only reached just below his waist the effect was as any mature man of certain inclinations could desire.
‘A pleasing picture, Neil. It will be even more pleasant when it is over my knee. I suggest you assume the required position.’
Saying this Ronald Nailles took Neil by the left hand and pulled him towards him. The boy bent willingly over the firm and long legs of his chastiser and felt both the inner warmth and the roughness of the outer material. As the upended, cotton covered, bottom came into view the recipient of the beautiful sight almost gasped. The hidden promise first noted in the chess club was not found wanting.
‘You have a lovely bottom, Neil. Very boyish. I shall enjoy spanking it.’
As he said this Ronald Nailles place his right hand over the right buttock cheek of the boy and gently made tactile circles. As the boy shifted his position and placed his extended palms firmly on the kitchen floor, the hand repeated the process on the left cheek.
‘It feels very soft. Very soft and very small, but nicely pronounced. But we cannot make allowances, Neil. If you are to be spanked, if this lovely bottom is to be smacked as we agreed, then it needs to be a proper one.’
‘Yes sir.’
This was all Neil could say. He was in a situation he had longed for, wanted for many years, and he was not going to back out now. And the man was clearly enjoying it. The sight and feel of his bottom had released words the boy had only imagined. And he was giving himself to a man in a manner he had always craved. The stirring in his loins, never totally absent all day, rose to a new intensity.
‘I think I shall give you forty. Ten spanks for each time you beat me at chess in the club. I think that seems fair. But I warn you, Neil, there will be no warming up. I intend to make them hurt, all forty, and by the time I have finished your bottom is going to feel very sore.’
And with that comment Ronald Nailles raised his right arm and lashed his open palm across the right cheek of Neil Wallington’s upturned rear. As the palm struck with a resounding slap which echoed round the kitchen, the boy wriggled and gasped. The man smiled and breathed heavily and, underneath the thin cotton pants, the buttock flesh of the boy took on a redness and burning sting with which he was about to become increasingly familiar.

Neil Wallington did not go to the chess club for a few weeks. He was away on a training course for two of the scheduled days and, on two others, he had differing reasons for staying away. When he finally went he sincerely hoped that Ronald Nailles, if he was there, would not interpret his absence as an indication of disapproval of what had passed between them. Nothing could be further from the truth. He had enjoyed his spanking, the forty smacks to his bottom, so much so that he had left with both a feeling of joy and a sense of disappointment. The joy was because the sensation of lying over Ronnie’s knee and all it entailed had been heavenly, the disappointment because at no point had his chastiser taken the matter any further. The underpants had remained firmly in place through the forty slaps and the witnessed erection, so obvious when Neil finally rose from his prone position, had been studiously ignored. The slaps to his bottom had hurt as Ronnie said they would and the last ten were particularly painful, but he had both wanted them and needed them. It was a wonderful afternoon and the only thing that would have made it better would have been if he could have experienced the delicious sensation of his pants being peeled down. He was musing on this when an elderly, unfamiliar, voice interrupted his thoughts. He had been studying the notice board and the scene was almost a replica of his first meeting with Chief Supt Ronald Nailles. Except that when he turned the voice did not belong to his new and special friend. In its place the diminutive, but equally military, figure of the club chairman made his introduction. They passed a few words and, two weeks later in the presence of the man who had invited him to a very special tea, those words came back to haunt him.

‘You are in serious trouble, Master Wallington.’
‘I don’t see why.’
‘You played in the club competition.’
‘At the invitation of the chairman.’
‘And, even worse, you won it.’
‘Is that the problem?’
‘Do not get smart with me young man. I haven’t forgotten our recent meeting. It might not be so pleasant next time.’
Neil Wallington flushed. He hadn’t seen Ronald Nailles since his invitation to tea and was keen to talk about what had happened in the kitchen. But circumstances had dictated that their paths were not to cross. His own absence from the club had been frustratingly followed by his friend’s absence in Scotland. They had been unable to meet, either in the café area where they now supped tea or anywhere else. In the interim he had both accepted the invitation to join in the club’s annual competition and, on the weekend set aside for it, duly romped home with expected ease. The smart money had been on him. And, Neil reckoned, some of it had been from the chairman who issued the fateful invitation. His desire to convey his feeling for the man vied with his determination to defend himself against the furore he had evidently caused.
‘That was special, really special. I shall never forget it.’
Neil paused before issuing the next, so important, syllable.
‘Sir.’
‘Good.’
‘But I still say I have done nothing wrong. I won the competition on merit.’
‘You certainly won it, Neil. And my spies tell me you won it with ease. But we both know that you should never have been allowed to enter.’
Neil Wallington shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He was well aware of what was coming. Ronald Nailles continued, his pleasure at the boy’s discomfort heightened by private knowledge.
‘You have played professionally and the club rules do not allow professionals to play in our tournaments.’
‘Only twice. And I was paid very little, mainly expenses.’
‘It is the principle, Neil. You should have declared it on your application form. The club welcomes professionals, but only for recreational play.’
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t think.’
‘Obviously not. The Chairman was furious when he found out, particularly as it was he who invited you to enter. Family matters meant me missing it this year. Not that is would have made any difference.’
Neil Wallington remained silent for a moment, glad that there were few members around to witness his discomfort. He looked at his elderly companion but the impassive face gave no indication of his thoughts. He asked a question which had been on his mind since he arrived that evening.
‘Do many of the members know?’
Ronald Nailles rose and his large, military, form towered over the sitting Neil.
‘Come outside, I could do with a smoke of my pipe.’
Neil stood up and followed his companion outside to the small parking area that fronted the club. Very few cars were there. When Ronald Nailles had phoned him earlier in the day he had instructed Neil to come to the club and to come early. He told him he had broken club rules and, after meeting the Chairman, he wished to discuss the matter with him. The intention was to avoid a club row and further embarrassment for the Chairman. Neil had sat in the café area, virtually alone, and after a few minutes Ronnie had joined him. He had guessed what it was all about and, being proved correct, he was anxious to find out how it would be resolved. He waited, silently, while Ronald Nailles lit his pipe.
‘Do you like this club, Neil?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you wish to stay a member?’
‘Only if I am welcome.’
‘That should not be a problem. Only the committee are aware of your transgression. One of them, a nice old soul, was an organiser for the tournaments you entered,’
‘Is that how you found out?’
‘I am on the committee and he raised it at our last meeting. Unfortunately he had been ill and it was only seeing your name in the minutes that brought it to his attention.’
‘So it is because I won.’
‘Careful, Neil, you are in enough trouble.’
‘Sorry. Sir.’
Ronald Nailles relit his pipe which had gone out for a second time.
‘Given your age the committee are prepared to overlook it. Indeed they, we, are considering amending the rules to allow ‘expenses only’ tournaments to be excluded from the professional rule. But it does not alter the fact that under the existing rules you should be served with a six month suspension from the club.’
Neil Wallington considered these developments and their implications for a moment.
‘But that would mean everyone knowing. You would have to give a reason.’
‘Exactly. We all agreed that would be unfair.’
‘Thank you.’
Ronald Nailles stared at the boy for a moment and the look reminded Neil of the way he had looked at him in his kitchen some weeks before. It was a look of admiration and promise.
‘Do not thank me yet, Neil. I made a suggestion to the committee and, given your age, they agreed to it. Providing you also agree you will not be suspended and the matter will be, quietly, dropped.’
Neil Wallington gulped.
‘What did you say?’
‘I said that you should be caned.’

Neil Wallington spent an uncomfortable evening at the club and although he won both his games it was only because the opponents were poor by any standards. Ronald Nailles deliberately did not offer to play him. He knew that the boy had a lot to digest and the inevitable questions could await the end of proceedings. The club finished at ten o’clock and he and the chairman had offered Neil a lift home in the latter’s car. Although he only lived a short walk from the club the boy realised that it would be in his interests to accept. Ronald Nailles had said little after his unexpected announcement. He would be given the details later, presumably in the car, and they would expect a response by the weekend. If he agreed they would make the arrangements and, if he didn’t, the committee would suspend him for six months and a notice placed to that effect in the club. This element of public shame meant, in effect, the end of his membership. So when the details were outlined to him in the chairman’s luxurious car by its owner he had already decided to accept their proposition. The caning would be carried out at the chairman’s home at a date and time to be arranged and would be witnessed by the chairman and one other committee member. He would receive twelve strokes of the selected cane and they would be delivered to his buttocks. And, before he asked, yes he would have to lower his trousers to receive his punishment. The matter would not be recorded in the club minutes. They would merely state that Neil Wallington had been reprimanded but allowed to keep his competition trophy. As far as they were concerned this unfortunate incident would then be closed. Neil digested all this information and took a deep breath before responding.
‘What if I agree and then change my mind.’
‘You will be suspended.’
The chairman paused, thinking carefully, and then continued.
‘But if you keep the appointment and the caning is commenced you will not be allowed to abort it. Do I make myself clear?’
‘Yes. I think so. And will I be allowed to keep my underpants on?’
The chairman shifted uncomfortably at a question he had been expecting but wished not to dwell on.
‘No. The committee considered this for some considerable time. It was decided…..it was the general opinion that the punishment, to be most effective, be applied without any protection.’
‘You will be caned on your bare bottom, Neil. We think it is only right.’
Ronald Nailles had spoken for the first time since the chairman had outlined the proposal. He was sitting in the back of the car and listened carefully to all that had been said.
‘You will be given twelve strokes of the cane on your bare bottom and that will be the end of the matter.’
Neil Wallington had one other question before he got out of the car. He suspected he knew the answer but he was going to ask it anyway.
‘Who will cane me?’
The chairman coughed and brushed an imaginary crumb from his waistcoat.
‘The Chief Superintendent. Chief Superintendent Nailles will cane you, Neil.’
As he said this he brushed away a second imaginary crumb and looked at his young passenger.
‘He has experience in such matters.’

A number of people had very different thoughts on a very special meeting which was to take place at the chess club chairman’s house on a particular Sunday afternoon on a warm and sunny day. The committee consisted of mainly elderly men and all, in various degrees, considered the unusual proposal acceptable. The treasurer, a younger mild mannered individual, had no wish to witness it but considered it a sensible solution to a difficult problem. The one female member was so enthusiastic for the proposition that she made clear her disappointment that she had not been chosen to be committee witness. It was tactfully pointed out to her that the boy was to be caned on his bare bottom and her presence may cause unnecessary embarrassment for him. So much the better was her entrenched view but in spite of her obvious desire to be there, wiser heads prevailed. The committee member selected as witness, a lawyer with a voice so quiet you could hardly hear him, had mixed views on the solution. The boy might charge them with assault or create some other, undefined, public fuss. And on any number of grounds the action proposed was illegal. But like one or two others who prevaricated he deferred to Ronald Nailles’ confident assertion that the boy would not only accept their decision he would, when it was over, be glad that they had caned him rather than suspending him. He did not explain the reasons for his confidence but he did not need to. The majority, elderly and old fashioned, thought it a splendid idea. And none more so than the extremely vocal female member thwarted at the prospect of seeing a young bare bottom get soundly thrashed. Ronald Nailles could not help thinking that his proposal had certainly lifted the veil on a few of that so respectable committee.

He himself had risen on that Sunday with a spring in his step. Much as he liked and admired young Neil Wallington he confessed to himself that the opportunity to cane his backside was a prospect most pleasing. He would feel for the boy’s pain but he would make sure that the strokes hurt. No point otherwise was his view. He also suspected that the chairman was eagerly looking forward to the small drama. He had talked of little else for the past couple of weeks. He enquired about appropriate canes and was surprised when Ronald Nailles said he had a most effective one from his old school days. He discussed how the boy should be dressed and readily embraced the suggestion that he should bring a sports kit with him and change into it before being called. He discussed the position of the boy during his caning and seemed almost ecstatic when Ronnie reminded him that the small study table he had would be ideal for bending over. You have thought of everything Chief Superintendent he said. Almost as if you had planned it. That bit struck a nerve with Ronald Nailles. He had definitely not planned it, if anything the chairman was more to blame than him for the situation, but he had welcomed it. He was happy, the diminutive chairman was also happy, and the legal committee witness was prepared to go along with it. And they, all three, would be there when young Neil Wallington bent over. The rest of the committee would merely register the time and the day and wonder if all had taken place as they imagined. If the imagination of some, especially a certain lady member, were extremely graphic and coloured none would match the thoughts of Master Wallington. Ronald Nailles was sure of that. As he shaved for the fateful day he gently wondered what was going through the boy’s mind. They had come a long way since the day he told a boy to whom he had taken an instant liking that he had no desire to beat him. It may have been true then, it was certainly not true now.

Neil Wallington stood rigidly to attention in the large library study of the chess club chairman’s house. As instructed he had changed into a sports shirt and shorts. The shirt was an anonymous pale orange football style top and the shorts, small but loose fitting, were made of simple white nylon. Not being a sporting type he had borrowed them from his office and chess club companion when the expected attire of trousers or jeans had been deemed undesirable for such a significant act. The companion had not enquired the reason for his wanting them and the lack of interest was of some small comfort to Neil. The committee were true to their word. This was to be a private cleansing of the slate. So he had removed all of his clothes except his plain socks and, bizarrely, his underpants and changed into them. He knew that keeping his underpants on made no difference but their retention gave him temporary comfort. Sick in his entire being he presented himself before the three committee members selected for the task in hand. The legal representative sat, impassively, in a chair by the largest bookcase Neil had ever seen. The chairman, richly filled with the importance of the occasion, sat behind a red leather desk on which he had clearly spent a small fortune. And to the left side of the desk stood Chief Superintendent Ronald Nailles and in his hand, his right hand, he held a cane, If Neil Wallington was in any doubt of the purpose of this meeting the cane dispelled it. It was long and yellow and thick, or medium thick. And it could cause a lot of pain to anyone unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of it. And as if to emphasise the point that the boy who stood before them was the intended recipient, a small and sturdy, rosewood, table completed the picture. Placed in the centre of the room, around six foot in front of the red leather desk, it dominated the scene and spelt out its meaning. It could not be made clearer that when the preliminaries were over one of them, the one wearing the flimsy shirt and shorts, would bend over that table and the one holding the cane would do the deed that the other two watched. Neil Wallington breathed heavily and waited for someone, anyone, to speak.

‘You know why you are here Neil?’
It was the club chairman who spoke. If his voice was thick and throaty it held no more emotion than the voice of the boy it addressed.
‘Yes sir.’
‘You have transgressed the club rules and, instead of suspension, you have accepted an alternative punishment.’
‘Yes sir.’
Neil thought to himself that the chairman was making unnecessary statements. He had agreed to be caned. Why did they not get it over with? But this was a ritual and the chairman was not to be denied any single moment of it.
‘The punishment, agreed by the club committee, is twelve strokes of the cane. On your bare bottom. Do you understand?’
‘Yes sir. I understand and I accept.’
‘The caning will be administered by Chief Superintendent Nailles and witnessed by myself and Mr Myles. Have you anything to say before I ask Mr Nailles to carry out the order.’
‘No sir,’
‘Good.’
‘I transgressed the rules and I accept your, the committees, decision.’
Ronald Nailles could not fail to be impressed. The boy was clearly in absolute turmoil but he had maintained an outer calm and control throughout the proceedings. If the face looked a little flushed and the hands nervously twitched, his demeanour was no more uncomfortable than the man making the preliminary address.
‘Very well. I will now ask Mr Nailles to administer the punishment. Approach the table.’
Neil Wallington took a deep breath and moved towards the nearer edge of the table. He was still facing the chairman, separated by the length of the small table and the imposing desk, and silently waited for further instructions. No one spoke and for a moment Neil wondered if he was supposed to drop his pants and bend over without being told to do so. The table was quite low with the upper edge just below his waist and as he pressed against it he was aware of a warm sensation in his loins. Fear was his uppermost emotion but, as the defining moment approached, he became conscious of a more complex reaction. As the two disparate feelings flowed and intermingled he also realised that his eyes were beginning to water. It was as he tried to ignore the vying sensitivities and suppress the coming tears that he heard the familiar voice of Ronald Nailles. He had to move to the side of the table, remove his shorts, and bend over. Such easy instructions but ones he had never, in the whole of his nineteen years, heard before. If it all seemed unreal, his walk to the side of the table would bring it to painful life.

Neil Wallington was relieved that the punishment was to commence. The sooner it started the sooner it would be over and the feelings mixing up his insides were causing him distress. He moved to the side of the table, acknowledging that such a position would give the witnesses a grandstand view of his bottom, and undid the string on his shorts. He had tied them carefully when he put them on but it did not make the drawing of the string any easier. His fingers trembled and it seemed an age before he released the simple knot and, loosening the shorts, slipped them down his thighs and legs and took them off. For a second he considered if he should remove his underpants but, deciding against it, he bent over the table and tightly grasped its far edge. Ronald Nailles moved around the small table towards him, for the moment obstructing the legal committee member’s view. It did not matter. When he stood back to deliver the caning all would be seen. He picked up the discarded football shorts and placed them on the desk and then looked at the prone and ready boy. The pale orange shirt hung down to cover the top half of his small and rounded bottom and only a portion of the cotton underpants could be seen. They were the same pristine white as Ronald Nailles had seen before in more favourable circumstances. On that private, gentler, occasion he had left them in place, resisting any temptation to remove them. But this was different, this was a formal caning and all present had decreed that the pants should come down. He moved closer to the boy and lifted the shirt, turning it up away from the area destined to be chastised. Having done so, he placed his fingers in the waist of the cotton pants, now totally revealed, and deftly pulled them down the boy’s thighs. He pulled them all the way down the boy’s legs and took them off. It was best if they did not impede his correction and, placing the underpants on the desk with the shorts, he turned back to the boy. Without any word from him Neil had arched his back and placed his legs slightly apart. The small, well rounded, naked bottom protruded provocatively and Ronald Nailles could not help but admire the beauty revealed. The two separate bottom cheeks glistened with a pale and shimmering magnolia texture which captivated. The pure unblemished skin of each buttock, high and pronounced, highlighted the contrast with the feathery dark of the crack in between and the obvious display of the mature genital area. The cane tapped across the buttocks and, simultaneously, Ronald Nailles requested that the back be arched more and the legs be spread wider. If the witnesses were not aware before of the display before them, they surely saw it all now. The cheeks rose in readiness for the cane and the stretched out legs brought all Neil’s boyhood into view. It was a picture that all would remember for a long time to come. A silence hung in the air as Ronald Nailles raised the cane and told the boy, grasping tightly the table edge, to hold on in readiness for the first stroke. This was it. The boy’s naked bottom was ready, the vicious cane hovered in the air, and the chairman and the other witness waited. All that remained was the connection of those two principal elements of cane and bottom. All that had to happen was for Chief Superintendent Nailles to bring down that cane across that bottom and one twelfth of the agreed committee punishment would be enacted. And when it began all, except the suffering boy, could relax. And then it did and, when it did, when the cane devastatingly hit his bottom the boy screamed. He yelled, frighteningly so, and continued doing so as the first red weal painted itself across the delicate pink cheeks. All noted the strike and the effect and, most probably, all noted that the penis of the boy was in a semi-tumescent state. Such a state may not last long given the severity of the stroke but, while it did, all would be grateful that only males were present. They did not relax. The first stroke had caused such pain, such a vocal reaction, such tears that at least one of them wondered if the twelve determined would be delivered. And whilst he was wondering Ronald Nailles lashed the cane into Neil’s small cheeks for the second time. And the boy screamed again as a further livid weal joined the first. This caning of his bottom was hurting and far more than any in the room had thought it would.

The boy had started to cry on the first stroke and he continued crying and uttering anguished screams throughout. By the fourth stroke the small backside was painted with rich and angry stripes across its centre area. By the sixth stroke the bottom had ceased its perfectly presented stillness and the hitherto arched back and stretched legs writhed and wriggled in response to the burning pain. But Neil still held on to the table’s edge, fingers still grasping the one firm holding place, and waited for the next line of fire to mark his behind. The strokes were coming at about ten second intervals and before each one the boy now held up his head and stared at the chairman’s large study window. Concentration on anything other than his naked bottom was his uppermost desire. If his mind could absorb the details of the expensive curtains or the quality of the decorations perhaps, just perhaps, he could ignore the stinging pain that emanated from behind him. Ignore the incessant throb of that pain and the added stings which came, as the cane cut into him, every ten seconds or so. But he could not and he screamed and howled again and again as strokes seven, eight, nine and ten lashed his backside. All were in the area decreed by nature for chastisement but it did not stop Chief Supt. Nailles delivering the sixth to his lower crease and the eighth to the upper curve of Neil’s backside. The last two were the hardest of all but, mercifully, they hit an area well marked by the earlier strokes. When Ronald Nailles delivered the last stroke to the boy he lowered the cane and waited for the final throaty scream to ebb. For what seemed an age nobody spoke and nobody moved. The only noise in the room was the continued quiet sobbing of Neil Wallington who, still bent and semi-naked, displayed the reason for the cries. Eventually he was told to rise and put on his pants. When he did so it was clear that the pain was still as intense and as he rubbed his wealed bottom all noted, but never mentioned, that the earlier stirrings of his boyhood had totally diminished. Ronald Nailles could not speak for the others but his own penis had made gentle movements in exactly the opposite direction. Much as he liked Neil Wallington he had liked caning his naked backside much more.

Neil Wallington did not go back to the chess club for six weeks. Twice he tried, both times with his office colleague, and both times he opted out at the last minute. He wanted to go, if only to see Chief Superintendent Nailles, but his courage failed him. They could not see the marks across his backside but he convinced himself that all knew they were there and how he got them. Ronald Nailles had phoned him two days after the caning to ask him how he was but he listened to the message and declined to return the call. The thick purple weals still displayed on his cheeks acted as a barrier to any conversation. He then felt strangely guilty and the following weekend he phoned him back and said he wasn’t angry or vengeful. Just a bit confused and not feeling very sociable. His bottom was still a bit sore and the marks, although less inflamed, were still obvious to anyone who saw them. He wouldn’t be coming to the club for a while but, when he did, he hoped Mr Nailles, Ronnie, would be there. When he finally turned up it was the same Ronnie who spoke to him first. He invited him to play a game and they sat down in a remote corner and opened the chequered board. Ten minutes later, Ronald Nailles conceded. Neil Wallington had not lost his touch. As they reset the board the events of a certain Sunday afternoon were alluded to for the first time since Neil arrived.
‘At least being so good at chess means you don’t have to sit for too long, Neil.’
‘It’s okay now, sir, but I couldn’t have done it a month ago.’
‘That painful?’
‘You should know, sir.’
‘Marks all gone?’
‘Nearly. Just faint lines now.’
Neil paused and blushed before continuing.
‘I rather like them, sir. They fascinate me.’
Ronald Nailles registered the use of the word ‘sir’ in Neil’s various responses.
‘You can still call me Ronnie, you know. Just because of what happened doesn’t….’
For once Ronald Nailles uncharacteristically tailed off, unsure of what to say. His companion came to his rescue.
‘Just because you caned me, hard, on my naked bottom, nothing has changed?’
Neil paused.
‘I think it has sir.’
He paused again and his whispering voice, deliberately kept low, dropped even lower.
‘I think it has and I am glad of it. I have done a lot of thinking in the last few weeks.’
‘We both probably have, Neil. Let’s play another game and then go for some refreshments. My treat.’
The second game went a similar course to the first and it was not long before they were vacating their isolated table and allowing two other, eager, participants to take their place. Ronald Nailles could not help wondering as they walked to the refreshment area if the next chess table conversation would be as interesting as theirs.

Neil Wallington understood only too well why his palm was sweating. He rang the bell, the small old fashioned brass bell hanging from the overhead beam in the porch, and patiently waited. It was while he waited, heart uncontrollably thumping and stomach pleasantly churning, that he realised how sweaty his hand was. He wiped it down the side of his pale blue jeans and rang the bell a second time. Still nobody came. For a moment he thought he heard distant footsteps but the front door contained only silence and he reflected on his and Chief Superintendent Ronald Nailles last meeting and what they discussed. They had met the previous week at the chess club, his first visit since he had been caned six weeks before. The picture of the club chairman’s study and what happened there was still fixed in his mind. He had no regrets and, after he and Ronnie had played their games, he told him that he would go through it all again if necessary. And, more importantly, he told him that the spanking he received in his kitchen was everything he could desire. And Ronald Nailles had smiled at him and said they would do that again and do it very soon. So that was why he was ringing the bell of the old house again. For a second time he was using his Wednesday afternoon off to visit Mr Nailles. Ronnie. Sir. For a second time they would play some private games of chess and share an afternoon tea. And afterwards, for a second time, he would be taken over his host’s knee and have his bottom spanked. Not caned, not a hard, disciplinary caning which made him cry. A private and mutually desired spanking and pleasure would usurp pain. And this time, after the jeans had been lowered, he would have his underpants taken down and the spanking would be given to his bare bottom. He knew this was so. Chief Supt. Ronald Nailles, Ronnie, Sir, had said so. In the club. Neil Wallington wiped his sweaty palm down the side of his jeans again and rang the bell for a third time. This time he heard the distant footsteps. He would not have to wait long.

Monday 20 February 2012

Challenging Times

I started this blog in late November, no idea how long I will keep it up, and have posted nine different stories to date. I say different but, as all who read know, someone eventually gets their pants taken down for a whacking. It usually takes time as I don’t like to rush things and, for me, a CP scene is much more interesting if we have got to know the participants. Both the wielder of the variety of implements, and the one who bares their bottom. It makes for a better picture and all here is aimed at readers who prefer a similar approach. You will rarely get a backside being thrashed in the first line but I am working on it.

As ever, the statistics continue to fascinate. In three months I have had over 2000 hits and the Whipstock Grange tale still leads the field with around 30% of the story visits. As that is F/M it suggests a bias to that genre. But the next three with over 15% each are Fridays at Three O’clock, A Private Rehearsal, and The Wall. The common factor here is that it is a young male on the receiving end with an adult male the disciplinarian in the third of these. As the only other F/M story posted, A Visit to Miss Court, has less than 3% of hits I reckon Whipstock Grange is an aberration due to the fact that it is a known establishment (easy to Google) and the situation was quasi real. I shall continue to mix the stories, after all variety is the spice of life, but am coming round to the conclusion that F/m, and possibly M/m, has the greatest appeal. A male teen to twenty getting smacked seems to be the abiding message.

I am now going to make life difficult for myself. My next two postings were going to be of the M/m variety. In the first (The Games Club) a young man, still in his teens, befriends a retired policeman at a Chess Club. Friends tell me it is one of my best. In the second (Mister Fred) a new PE teacher with a special flexible friend has an unnerving effect on his pupils. I shall post the first but rewrite the second. (Mistress Fred). So that is my challenge. To follow another M/m with one revised to F/m. Watch this space to see if I succeed.  Of course, if I fail I shall drop my pants for someone. Either way I win.

To come:  The Games Club (M/m) / Mistress Fred (F/m)

Your challenge is to e-mail a scenario you would like me to incorporate into a future story. I have written over fifty so one may already be in my files. No promises but any that appeal may find its way here. You know my style, tell me yours. But only in a couple of lines please. I need my imagination.


Tuesday 14 February 2012

Cries From A Distant Cottage (F/m)

Being Valentine's Day it seems appropriate to post a tale of two young, teenage, romantics getting their bare bottoms strapped. Pretty heavily in the boy's case. This is the third in the series of my Connie Wilmer theatre stories and, unlike the first two, was posted to the MMSA website. It is the boy's thrashing that takes centre stage with the girl, listening, merely adding the dramatic touch. Hence the label F/m.

Connie Wilmer’s latest dramatic project had started particularly well. She had the formative ideas during rehearsals for the local society’s new musical. That, naturally, under her astute direction had been a great success. For the second time in less than a year she had produced the proverbial theatrical rabbit from her rapidly expanding portfolio. As a director she was the hottest property in town. Under her very specialised ministrations, fifteen year old Andy Styles had delivered the goods in a defining ‘Salad Days’ and he and the petite and pert Gillian Jones had stunned local audiences in a specially written musical version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Everyone, from local cynical theatre critic to rose-tinted family members, was full of praise for her work. And they were particularly fulsome in their praise for her young leads. As Connie Wilmer absorbed the expected adulations she inwardly smiled at her personal recollections of how those performances had reached their ultimate fruition. If the pompous and self important dignitaries effusing their praise at after production parties had glimpsed, even for a moment, a brief and fleeting picture of her methods they would have spluttered, uncontrollably, into their overlarge gin and tonics. For Connie Wilmer, the precise and demanding and matronly Connie Wilmer, was not averse to wielding a strap to the bottoms of her more recalcitrant charges.

She had done so to Andy Styles with great success, and an unexpected repeat involving the young Gillian Jones had reaped further rewards. Their sore bottoms had led to local theatrical successes which warmed family members and justified council funding. And that success, in both ‘Salad Days’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’, had fuelled a desire for further theatrical projects. Chastising her young leads was, literally, a stroke of genius in the pursuit of theatrical perfection. But to Connie Wilmer it was merely a necessary, if exhilarating, diversion on the road to that elusive goal. And having achieved success, twice, she was eager to capitalise on her rising stock. So she had raised the idea of a new and exciting project. And, initially, it had all gone very well.

Andy Styles was clearly a special talent. He could act, he could sing, and he could dance. And he had those smouldering looks, on the cusp of sixteen, crying out for parts which would be denied in maturity. And in Gillian Jones a perfect, youthful, foil had been found to play against him. This tomboyish fifteen year old acted and sang beyond her years and formed a bond, both on and offstage, with Master Styles which created its own special electricity. Connie Wilmer had pushed out the boats in casting them as ‘Romeo and Juliet’ but, with that success still ringing in her ears, she was keen to test them in even harsher waters.

A close friend had written a dramatic piece on two well documented star crossed lovers who had committed suicide in the eighteenth century. Holding hands they had jumped off a cliff into the local lake. Another friend had composed some music and both were keen to stage the result at the Edinburgh Festival. Connie Wilmer seized their collaboration, ‘A Fluttering of Swans’, with both hands as an ideal vehicle for her young protégées. She may have reservations about the title but as a theatrical project it was a gift from heaven.

Four months after their Romeo and Juliet, and two weeks into intensive rehearsals, a hastily gathered company of eight set off on the long and hopeful summer journey to the centrepiece of Scottish culture. The local council had delivered a generous grant under its youth policy and Connie Wilmer had underwritten the other basic finances. All they needed now was those elusive ‘must see’ five stars from ‘The Scotsman’ to ensure sell out notices for their ten day run.

‘So, how is it going?’

‘Other than that awful title, very well.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend flinched. They were sitting in one of Edinburgh’s more select teashops engaged in the indulgence of an array of mouth watering cakes, washed down with lashings of strong, rich brown, tea.

The last rehearsal had gone well and, opening tomorrow, Mrs Wilmer was glad of a relaxing diversion. Her eager friend, heavy lipstick and fashionable cloche hat redolent of a more innocent age, was an unexpected companion. Having written the piece she had vowed to stay away, at least until the reviews came out, but burning curiosity had ousted artistic discretion.

Sinking her large and gleaming white teeth into her third piece of the establishment’s culinary temptations she ignored the acerbic comment and continued her barrage of questioning. Much of that questioning concerned the young Andy Styles and Gillian Jones. They were crucial to the show and if Connie Wilmer’s friend had journeyed north for the principal reason of seeing the first performance, she was equally keen to ensure that the two young stars were being kept firmly in line.

‘So, they aren’t causing you any trouble?’

‘Trouble?’

‘Being disruptive.’

‘On the contrary. At rehearsals they show a degree of professionalism beyond their years. They will do your ‘fluttering swans’ proud.’

‘And outside of rehearsals?’

‘They are exhausted and sleep soundly.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend wiped some excess cream from her lips and poured herself a second cup of tea.

‘Oh come off it, Connie. They are young, they are in Edinburgh. I know they are very talented but they have both caused you grief in the past. You must worry.’

‘I would have if they had shared the communal flat with the rest of the company. But they are staying with me at a friend’s cottage. Away from Edinburgh and its temptations.’

‘That won’t suit Andy Styles.’

 ‘It suits me, and besides it was the only way that their respective parents agreed to their coming away.’

‘And if they misbehave?’

Connie Wilmer’s friend secretly giggled at her own question and, school girlishly, suppressed it as an immaculately attired waitress approached their table. They both, sensibly, declined the offer of further cakes but, accepting the promise of additional tea, continued their conversation.

‘They will not misbehave. They are rarely out of my sight.’

‘They are not with you now. They could be up to anything.’

‘Really, Paula, you are the limit. They are having a costume fitting. We wanted something different for the suicide scene. I am picking them up in half an hour. Your imagination is running away with you.’

Thinking back to a previous revelation in a similar old fashioned tearoom, Connie Wilmer’s companion continued her dogged attack.

‘But this friend’s cottage, I assume he isn’t there?’

‘He’s a she and no she isn’t. It is just Andy, Gillian and me. I have rented it for the run.’

‘So, if they did misbehave?’

Connie Wilmer’s friend giggled again and looked expectantly across the table. Connie picked up the last piece of cake, studied it, and then reluctantly placed it back on the exquisitely decorated plate. She eyed her friend with an impassive expression.

‘They would not be paid. They are on a profit share with a minimum guarantee. Subject to good behaviour.’

‘Oh.’

‘You sound disappointed.’

Connie Wilmer barely concealed the amusement in her voice.

‘No. No. Just surprised.’

‘You think I should apply my other methods?’

‘They worked before.’

‘That was different Paula. They were children then. Now they are performing at the Edinburgh Festival. They deserve to be treated as adults.’


The following silence from her friend spoke volumes. It was clear that she didn’t agree with Connie. To her Andy Styles and Gillian Jones were still children and if they stepped out of line then Connie should deal with them as she had in the past. She fondly remembered how, eyes wide and mouth fully open, she had digested the details of Andy Styles’ first chastisement.  His superlative performance in ‘Salad Days’ had been delivered courtesy of an old fashioned, bare bottom, strapping. And Connie had filled in all the details for her. She had no desire to involve herself in such ministrations but hearing of such disciplinary tales gave a certain translated excitement. So, yes, she was disappointed in her friend’s response. And Connie Wilmer was well aware of this. They paid their collective bill and wished each other good luck for the next days opening performance. Her cloched hat friend gathered a variety of bags and departed, proclaiming loudly her faith in their young, fluttering, swans.

Connie Wilmer smiled and reflected on the main thrust of their delightful tearoom conversations. Of course she had considered that a re-employment of her trusted methods might be required in Edinburgh. On the journey north to the cottage Gillian Jones had dropped enough hints. The idea of being spanked clearly appealed to her complex nature. As Andy Styles inwardly squirmed at these reminders of a couple of painful and embarrassing experiences, his young companion frequently alluded to the one occasion when she had lowered her knickers for Mrs Wilmer’s strap. Connie Wilmer did not rise to the proffered bait. Her recollection was that, at the time, Miss Jones was far from eagerly compliant. Her pleas and screams suggested a youngster getting just deserts, not playing a game. And both Andy Styles and Connie Wilmer were alive to this subtle disciplinary point.

If Connie Wilmer thrashed her charges, she would do so for real. She did not play games, and fifteen year old Andy Styles was painfully aware of that fact. Gillian Jones may get pleasure at the idea of being spanked and Connie’s tearoom companion may get a certain frisson from hearing of such experiences but, for Mrs Wilmer herself, the thrashings delivered in the past had a specific theatrical and disciplinary purpose. The City of Edinburgh, host to a hopeful company honing its artistic skills to a desired perfection, was unlikely to require such drastic methods. And as Mrs Wilmer had no desire to play games with willing participants, she had dismissed the possibility of such methods being employed.

But when circumstances did engineer a repeat, neither Andy Styles nor Gillian Jones took any pleasure from it. Only the author of ‘A Fluttering of Swans’, a title destined for artistic destruction, would gasp in secondary and sensual wonderment. The young souls on the receiving end of Mrs Wilmer’s vicious strap merely howled.

It is necessary at this point to wind the clock back a little. Mrs Wilmer may be enjoying her afternoon Edinburgh tea but, for the first time, it meant that the young Master Styles and Miss Jones were left to their own devices. The costume fitting had been completed and the two stars of tomorrow’s premiere had a welcome and unexpected free hour before Mrs Wilmer picked them up. The company member allocated as their chaperone was keen to do some private shopping and readily agreed to the pair amusing themselves until the time of their collection. Connie Wilmer may seem to be very strict but these two engaging souls could come to little harm in sixty minutes. The three left the costumiers, delighted at their choices, and waved their goodbyes. For a precious hour Andy Styles and Gillian Jones were alone.

‘We shouldn’t be in here.’

‘Why?’

‘It looks a bit dodgy.’

‘It is a bit dodgy. In fact it is very dodgy. My friend Samantha says it is where all the best ‘artistes’ hang out. And she should know.’

Gillian Jones took a gentle sip on her, totally illegal, glass of warm white wine and confidently played her role as an off duty, working, actress.

‘Relax Andy, enjoy the atmosphere.’

Andy Styles did not share Gillian Jones confidence in their surroundings. The place looked very seedy and most of the clientele would look decidedly out of place in a theatre. They may be writers, or even worse poets, but the furtive glances to any new arrival did not suggest sparkling conversation. And whilst Andy was not averse to the odd, illicit cigarette, the smoky atmosphere he was cajoled to enjoy added to his discomfort.

‘I think we should go.’

‘No. Don’t be a bore Andy. This is Edinburgh, not our dreary town. I am enjoying the ambience.’

‘There isn’t any.’

‘Yes there is. And I am Gertrude Lawrence or Isadora Duncan. Or Vivien Leigh, about to give her greatest performance opposite her Olivier.’

‘Or Gillian Jones about to make a fool of herself.’

‘As a fluttering swan.’

In spite of himself Andy joined in the infectious giggles which followed this last remark. The title of the piece had become a bit of an in joke with the company and, as Gillian Jones lowered her voice and flashed her tomboyish eyes at him, he succumbed to this late afternoon adventure. He could deny her nothing.

And that, of course, led to the downfall of these two young people. The captivating and adventurous Gillian Jones, intoxicated with the heady mix of artistic Edinburgh and dubious wine bars, needed a firm and dependable anchor to curb her excesses. In Andy Styles she had found a boy who both danced to her extravagant tunes and provided a captive, lovesick, audience. More mature heads would have quietly assessed their surroundings, paid the bill, and discreetly departed. These two teenagers, drunk on the promise of theatrical success and warm and potent wine, did neither. They indulged their hour of unexpected freedom. And making friends with a mature rock group of indeterminate morals they both enjoyed a sudden thrust to the adult world and a first taste of illicit temptations. When the local police arrived, conducting a well planned raid on the premises of the aforementioned Samantha’s highly recommended ‘ Oasis Basement Bar’, two unlikely youngsters were rounded up with the more adult and regular clientele of Edinburgh’s most notorious establishment. They escaped a night in the Edinburgh cells but it took all the persuasive powers of Connie Wilmer to ensure that the following day’s appearance in a magistrate’s court did not blight the opening performance of ‘A Fluttering of Swans.’ Andy Styles and Gillian Jones arrived at their venue with ten minutes to spare. Connie Wilmer took her seat as the lights went down and, inwardly fuming, vowed that her young stars would be made to suffer.

When Andy Styles looked back on his experience of Edinburgh he considered it had been the best two weeks in his life. Wandering alone through the crowded streets on the final day of his stay he mentally ticked off the plusses and minuses. The absence of Miss Gillian Jones was clearly a welcome plus. Much has he had generally delighted in her company, that companionship had got him into an awful lot of trouble. Connie Wilmer may have been pleased with their performances and the subsequent four stars from an enthusiastic Scottish reviewer but she had not forgotten the opening day drama. Her sweetly smiled ‘You will pay for this Andy’ at the opening day party, and Gillian Jones’s constant teasing, had taxed the limited patience of a boy full of many confused emotions. He still had strong memories of the first time Connie Wilmer had thrashed him. The thought that he may be in for a repeat both thrilled and frightened him. Throughout the ten day run, both at the venue and the cottage, he desperately tried to read her thoughts. But Connie Wilmer was giving nothing away. The nearest he came to a clue was one morning halfway through the run. Gillian Jones, reluctantly taking her turn, had prepared the cottage breakfast. She had ‘dried’ at a crucial performance point the previous day and, blaming Andy, had carried her ill humour to a serving of undercooked eggs and burnt toast. The ensuing spat between two young and fragile theatrical egos had brought Mrs Wilmer from a long overdue lie in. A wayward piece of toast found its way to the waste bin along with a broken plate and, depositing these two items, Mrs Wilmer reminded her charges that she had not forgotten the grief they had caused her. She said it quietly, seriously, and left a subdued Andy and Gillian to ponder its meaning. And Andy did ponder on it, both for the rest of the day and the rest of the run. And when ‘A Fluttering of Swans’ had flashed its wings for the final time and the rest of the company made their way back home, Andy Styles wandered the streets of Edinburgh and fearfully considered the final day in the cottage with Miss Gillian Jones and Mrs Connie Wilmer.

If the fear of Mrs Wilmer’s wrath was a decided minus in Andy Styles latest theatrical experience, the joy and approbation when performing was a major plus. For all her inner annoyance with her young stars Connie Wilmer was a director to her fingertips. She buried her irritation and praised, cajoled, and offered advice in equal proportions. Andy’s performance as the young suicidal lover grew in depth and breadth under her careful handling and, for all his concerns, he loved her as much as any son could love a mother. It had been a wonderful two weeks and he would do anything for Connie Wilmer. Gillian Jones may have captured his impressionable teenage heart but Mrs Wilmer firmly held his confused theatrical soul. A hundred yards from the cottage, his walk in the city over, Andy Styles was musing on the strengths of Mrs Wilmer’s directing. Fifty yards from the cottage he was musing on the strange hold she had over him. And, still fifty yards from the cottage, he heard the echoing sounds which worryingly suggested chickens coming home to roost. Someone was getting a walloping and if Andy Styles was not mistaken that someone, judged by the howls and pleas, was Gillian Jones.

He tentatively opened the kitchen door to the cottage and, stepping inside, hastily closed it. The sound was now unmistakeable. In a room upstairs a strap was being heavily laid across a particular part of Gillian Jones. He heard the thwack and he heard the screams. And he heard the pleading. But it made no difference. Someone, and it must be Connie Wilmer, was wielding a strap across the behind of his young companion. Andy stood in the kitchen doorway, absolutely transfixed. The sound of the strap thwacking down grew louder and the pleas for forgiveness took on a more urgent cry.

‘Please Mrs Wilmer, no more. Please. My bum, my bum. Aagh.’

It made no difference. Andy Styles reckoned he had heard that strap whack down onto flesh at least ten times as he approached the cottage and, once inside, he had heard it do its work another twenty times. And now as the anguished sounds enclosed his ears he could almost be in the room. By the time the wielding of that strap stopped he calculated that his young companion had received around fifty whacks to her backside. And, although he could not see, he had little doubt that the small, boyish, pants which usually covered her rear would be dangling around her knees. When Connie Wilmer whacked behinds she relished in an exposed target. Andy Styles felt a quickening of his heart and a sickening feeling in his stomach. If Gillian Jones, for whatever reason, was getting whacked his own re-introduction to a bare bottom strapping from Mrs Wilmer could not be far behind. Fearful of such an eventuality he left the cottage, quietly closing the door, and desperately tried to pretend that he had neither heard nor imagined anything that had taken place. He walked around the surrounding countryside for at least half an hour, twice stopping for a nervous pee, but in the evening gloom eventually and reluctantly returned to the cottage. When he did so, Gillian Jones was calmly sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of warming soup. She was in her pyjamas and clearly ready for an early bed. Her eyes were slightly red but other than that her demeanour indicated little of what had taken place no more than half an hour before. She weakly smiled at Andy and delivered the greeting he had, in his agitated wanderings, most feared.

‘Mrs Wilmer wants to see you.’

‘Why?’

‘Go and ask her. She is in her bedroom. Packing. We have to leave early in the morning.’

‘I know.’

‘And she is in a bad mood. We were supposed to help clean up the cottage and one of us has gone missing.’ Gillian Jones shifted her position on her chair and quizzically looked at Andy Styles. ‘Where were you?’

‘I fancied a walk around Edinburgh. On my own.’

‘Then you missed all the fun.’

‘Oh.’

‘Yes. Mrs Wilmer and I have settled our debts.’

‘What debts?’

Gillian Jones looked at Andy with face full of meaning and, rubbing a hand over her clothed backside, flashed an illuminating riposte.

‘I have been spanked. Very hard. With a strap. On my bare bottom. I am very sore. Now it is your turn. Mrs Wilmer will explain. At the moment I have no desire to discuss the matter. It still hurts. So I suggest you go and see Mrs Wilmer.’

‘And if I don’t?’

‘Oh I think you will Andy. Now. She is waiting for you.’

‘Why?’

‘Because like me, you deserve it.’ Gillian Jones continued drinking her soup and as Andy Styles slowly made his way to the stairs she called to him.

‘And Andy.’

He stopped and turned to look at her.

‘I shall be listening. So put on a good performance.’

‘Pig.’

Gillian Jones laughed and ruefully rubbed her bottom for a second time. Andy had no wish to stay in her company any longer. Her strapping was over; she was now wallowing in the aftermath. He clearly had that unpleasant experience to come. He reluctantly climbed the stairs and knocked on the door of Mrs Wilmer’s bedroom. As, with her permission, he entered it occurred to him that in their two week stay at the cottage this was the first time he had been in Connie Wilmer’s bedroom. It struck him as very large and sparsely furnished. Other than the spacious bed he noticed the small dressing table and chair and the small wardrobe in the corner. He also noticed in the centre of the room a low backed leather chair which usually resided in the dining room downstairs. Connie Wilmer, sensibly dressed in a loose fitting woollen two piece was standing by the bedroom window looking out on the small garden. On the dressing table next to her sat the familiar two foot long and half inch thick leather strap. Andy Styles absorbed all these details and, gathering his breath, broke the silence.

‘Mrs Wilmer?’

‘Andy.’

‘You wanted to see me?’

‘I do.’

Andy waited, expecting more details. When none were forthcoming he decided to take the bull by the uncomfortable horns.

‘Are you going to thrash me?’

‘I am.’

‘Why?’

‘Because you deserve it. I take it that you know I have already dealt with Gillian.’

‘She told me.’

‘And you no doubt heard. She made enough noise.’

‘I wasn’t here.’

‘Oh yes you were Andy. I didn’t start her strapping till I saw you walking up to the cottage.’

Connie Wilmer smiled.

‘I wanted you to hear her suffering and to imagine what she was going through. You of course will get it worse. You are a boy after all.’

‘Why?’

‘Boys’ bottoms are tougher.’

Andy visibly paled.

‘I mean why are you thrashing us Mrs Wilmer? I haven’t done anything.’

‘I would have thought that was obvious. You have caused me much grief this last two weeks.’

‘We got you four stars.’

‘I got you four stars. Don’t be arrogant Andy it doesn’t suit you. Gillian is the arrogant one and I saw little of that when she was over that chair.’

Connie Wilmer indicated the low backed chair in the centre of the room.

‘Arrogance is quickly dissipated when your bottom is up in the air. As you are about to find out.’

Andy winced and instinctively put his hand to his jean covered backside. He had seen this determined side of Mrs Wilmer on other occasions and, as always, it engendered a sickening fear. At such moments the awareness of his bottom superseded all other sensibilities.

‘But why must I be strapped Mrs Wilmer? I thought you were going to fine us?’

‘I am. But I have decided it is not enough. My friend is right. You are still children, not yet sixteen, you deserve to be strapped. I should have done it on that first day. I intend to make up for it now.’

Andy, still clutching his backside, took a deep breath before issuing a courageous question.

‘And if I refuse?’

His knees were trembling and his stomach was turning over and over. He knew what was going to happen and all he was trying to do was delay the inevitable. He heard his quavering voice issue the question and, getting no response, he hesitantly repeated it.

‘If I refuse?’

‘We will stay here until you come to your senses. And, if necessary I will tie you to the bed.’

‘You can’t do that.’

‘Oh yes I can. I am bigger and stronger than you Andy.’

Connie Wilmer was enjoying the situation. Her less than co-operative boy was making his impending thrashing even more enticing.

‘And if I am forced to resort to those methods I shall use a cane rather than the strap. I have one with me. Think about it.’

He did, and weakly issued his earlier plea.

‘It’s not fair Mrs Wilmer. I haven’t done anything.’

Andy was starting to snivel. The fear of Mrs Wilmer’s strap was usurping all other emotions. His backside had started to sweat and, face flushed, his eyes darted from the strap on the dresser to the chair. And in spite of all attempts, holding back tears was becoming more difficult.

‘Don’t snivel Andy. Gillian didn’t. She knew she had no choice in the matter. And neither do you. So take down your jeans and bend over the chair. This strapping is long overdue.’

‘I can’t’

‘Yes you can.’

‘But I don’t deserve it. It’s Gillian’s fault.’

He almost shouted this latest plea, a final plaintive cry intended to excuse the inevitable. A tearful voice, so loud, that his young companion downstairs stilled in the drinking of her soup.

Connie Wilmer left the window, picked up the strap, and came very close to Andy. For the first time since he had entered the room he felt very scared. At five foot nine she was a good four inches taller than him. As she came close to him she seemed to tower menacingly over his slight frame.

‘You have earned this strapping. Don’t blame anyone else, least of all your little companion. Now do as I say’

‘I can’t Mrs Wilmer. I can’t. Can’t you fine me double?’

‘Remove you coat and shoes Andy, take down your jeans, and place yourself over that chair. We can discuss the merits or otherwise of your thrashing after you have had it. Gillian got fifty with this strap, the last twenty on her bare bottom. She made little fuss. If you don’t want double what she got I suggest you do as you are told.’

‘Please Mrs Wilmer.’

‘Now.’

Andy Styles continued his bleating and pleading but at the same time, recognising the futility of his protestations, reluctantly removed his shoes and his coat. He stood before Mrs Wilmer in his stockinged feet and became acutely conscious that, other than jeans and black tee-shirt, he had only a small pair of thin underpants to protect him from her initial onslaught. He was well familiar with Mrs Wilmer’s methods. If past experience was anything to go by his strapping would take many painful stages.

‘Please Mrs Wilmer. I am too old for this. I’m sixteen.’

‘Fifteen, and a tiresome fifteen year old at that. Take your jeans down.’

‘No.’

‘I said take your jeans down now. Or do I have to bring Gillian up here to help you do it?’

‘No. Oh please Mrs Wilmer.’

‘Take them down. You neither deserve nor get any protection.’

Andy Styles was now almost in full tears. He continued his protestations, he knew what her strap could do to his bottom, but her anger flagged his losing of the battle. As the tears rolled down his face and as he offered to pay a tripling of any fine, he nevertheless fumbled with the buttons on his jeans and slowly lowered them to his knees. Seeing his small white underpants come into view, encasing the tight and springy cheeks of a quintessential boyish backside, Connie Wilmer warmed to her task and instructed him to dispense with the jeans completely. Andy took them off and, discarding them on the bedroom floor, stood facing his tormentor. His small black tee-shirt only just covered his belly button and, below the glimpse of naked flesh, contrasting white underpants clung to his boyish form. Conscious of his small, personal bulge, Andy turned away from Mrs Wilmer and tearfully and slowly bent himself over the low backed leather chair. He stretched wide his legs and, still tearful, clung to the leather arms.  Connie Wilmer held her breath. She was going to enjoy this. The twin mounds of Andy Styles buttocks twitched in tortuous anticipation. Compared with this impending chastisement, strapping Gillian Jones was merely a bland appetiser. She loved this boy, her young acting protégée, and she adored thrashing his bottom. And seeing the lithe whimpering youth bent over her bedroom chair awaiting the savage kiss of her strap to his lightly clothed bottom induced a mixture of emotions. She would strap him till he screamed and each thwack to his backside and each ensuing scream would bind them closer to each other. Andy Styles may protest but he would never, ultimately, refuse her wishes.

‘Please Mrs Wilmer, don’t hurt me. I’m sorry. It’s all Gillian’s fault.’

‘You are both equally to blame. Our ‘swans’ almost got cancelled. If ever two bottoms deserved a strapping it is yours and Gillian's.’

‘Please Mrs Wilmer, don’t hurt me. My bum is smaller than hers. I shall scream.’

‘I would be sorry if you didn’t.’

And with that the strap finally landed across his spread, thinly covered backside. Andy Styles did issue the screams of anguish his tormentor knew would be forthcoming. He felt the fire, he suffered the sting, and he squirmed and squealed to each resounding thwack. He held on to the chair, closed his eyes as the strap cut low, opened them and gasped as they cut high, and wished for a bottom that did not feel pain. He begged and he pleaded and he implored Mrs Wilmer to ease his suffering. His bum could take no more he said. But it could and it did. Thirty times Connie Wilmer brought her vicious and thick leather strap down across the creamy and smooth, pant covered, buttocks of her quintessential boy, and having done so she rested. Each one of her vicious thwacks across his backside had landed true and strong. He may have craved mercy but her bent over boy had accepted each searing stroke.

And as Andy Styles both breathed a slight relief and absorbed the throbbing pain in his rear, downstairs a rapt Gillian Jones ceased her breathless counting. And in the silence that followed, a silence filled by Connie Wilmer’s contemplation of a deed well done, all three awaited the second act of this special drama. Gillian Jones could only imagine it. Andy Styles would only feel it. Only Connie Wilmer had the front seat to the best show in town. She laid the strap on the bed and, exhausted and thrilled by what she had done, she approached her boy and placed her fingers in the small waist of his underpants. Slowly and gently she pulled the pants to his knees. Inch by tantalising inch the white cotton covering of Andy’s behind was pulled away. Those small, reddened buttocks were finally revealed in all their exquisite glory. Andy Styles felt his nakedness, his exposure. He felt the release of his personal boyhood, a private dangling that enhanced his submission, and he felt the comforting cool air that encased his enflamed and naked bottom. And as he contemplated his final humiliation, Connie Wilmer revelled in the boyish beauty revealed to her gaze, and downstairs, Gillian Jones relished the conjured picture. All three separately stilled in a moment of anticipation. Mrs Wilmer picked up her strap and prepared herself for the continuing task. She placed the well worn instrument across the naked cheeks of the twitching Andy Styles and, as he nervously shifted his position and raised his wealed bottom in tearful acceptance, she readied herself for the final assault.


It would take an artist of exceptional talent and empathy to capture the ten minutes that followed Andy Styles final unveiling. The white underpants dangled just above his knees and the black tee-shirt enticingly brushed the lower part of his back. In between the naked flesh of firm, taut, legs reached and embraced the small and springy buttocks. All glistened and shivered in fear and anticipation. If ever a bottom was designed to be thrashed and strapped, that bottom belonged to Andy Styles. Thirty times a strap had struck into his rear, thirty times Connie Wilmer had raised her arm and thirty times a young girl downstairs had counted as it swooped to its upturned target.  And now, as he arched his back and offered the naked burning cheeks to Mrs Wilmer’s ultimate ministration, his chastiser gathered in all the tantalising beauty. Red weal marks of the strap were clearly delineated at the edges of each cheek and, across the centre into the delightful parting crease, a sea of scarlet emblazoned the efficacy of her work. Master Styles, still tearfully snivelling and gathering courage from his first thirty strokes, stretched himself in readiness and unknowingly revealed all to the wielder of the vicious strap. A small and tender penis, framed by the smooth and fleshy testicular globes, screamed out that these buttocks and legs were those of a boy. A boy prepared for the ultimate in chastisement. The strap lazily, gently, caressed the cheeks and, drinking in the intoxicating picture, prepared to do its final work. It explored the undulating curves and then, readying itself for the expected strike, momentarily stopped and froze.

‘Please Mrs Wilmer. Don’t hurt me. Not any more. Not on my bare bum’

‘Of course I am going to hurt you Andy. You deserve it. You know you do. And Gillian is listening downstairs. She expects you to get a good thrashing.’

‘My bum is on fire. I can’t take much more.’

‘You will stay there until I say you can get up. And that won’t be until at least thirty more strokes have whacked into your bottom. So grit your teeth Andy, and hold tight.’

‘Please Mrs Wilmer. Please.Aaagh.’

Connie Wilmer cut off Andy’s final protestation with a vicious thwack across the centre of his naked backside. And she continued doing it for all the thirty strokes she had promised and more. He jumped up after the first five or six and, vigorously rubbing his bottom, pleaded for her to stop. Enough was agonisingly enough. She grabbed him by the neck and pushing him back over the chair, lifted his small tee-shirt up his back and rapidly delivered a further dozen thwacks to his naked rear. Andy screamed. Thwack. Thwack. Thwack. The strap rained down and Andy Styles squealed and squirmed and finally, mortifully, wet himself.

‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Please don’t beat me anymore.’

‘You are a bad boy Andy. Your bottom deserves everything Gillian Jones got and more. Stay still.’

This last command was shouted with emphasis to Andy’s wriggling upturned rear.

‘I can’t. I can’t.’

‘You can and you will.’

And with that Mrs Wilmer lashed into Andy Styles backside with a relish and venom that she little realised she contained within her. She had thrashed him for the grief caused on the opening day of their production; she had thrashed him for the recent breakfast fight with Miss Jones. And, if truth be known, she was probably thrashing him for only getting four stars when she reckoned they deserved a five. And finally she was thrashing him for his juvenile protestations at deserved punishment and for his lack of boyish control. And so her unrelenting strap found every inch of Andy’s naked bottom. It whacked across those upturned cheeks until not a spot of white flesh could be found. All was red and purple. All was blazing fire. And if young Master Styles had been able to count as he screamed and pleaded to be let off, he would have known that the strap had found its intended target fifty five times. A sum total of eighty five strokes, all counted with breathless relish by a young lady downstairs, had visited the exquisitely desirable and boyish rear of Mrs Wilmer’s favourite boy. And when all was done, Mrs Wilmer placed the strap on the bed and left the room and the young and tearful Andy Styles sat down on that bed and, clutching his naked bottom with both hands, copiously howled for at least ten minutes. And in those ten minutes his consuming hatred of Connie Wilmer and Gillian Jones was only equalled by his throbbing and burning pain.


‘I wondered if you would spank them.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend tucked into her second cucumber sandwich and poured herself an extra tea from a gleaming silver pot. She and Connie were having a post Edinburgh meet in their local town tea shop. ‘A Fluttering of Swans’ was five weeks in the past and this was their first chance to catch up on all the news. Unsurprisingly a central part of that news concerned Connie Wilmer’s young charges and, at the friends urging, a few details on the last momentous day in the cottage.

‘I doubt if either Andy or Gillian would refer to it as a spanking. Having a thick leather strap applied to your bare bottom fifty or more times hardly ranks as a gentle spanking.’

‘I wouldn’t know, thank God. ‘

Connie Wilmer’s friend giggled infectiously.

‘I am not into that sort of thing.’

‘No?’

‘No. The idea of having anyone doing that to me fills me with horror. But I am a woman. They are children. We all have to suffer such inflictions when we are young.’

‘Do we?’

Connie Wilmer was always amused by her friend’s coupling of the denial of any interest in such matters with her obvious desire to consume all the precise and exact details. She patiently waited a further twist in their conversation on Edinburgh and all its experiences. The next question, not unexpectedly, continued the absorbing theme.

‘Did you thrash them together?’

‘No I did not. Having a strap applied to your bare bottom by a mature woman causes enough consternation. Both of them together lessens the disciplinary element. I learnt that a long time ago.’

‘During Romeo and Juliet. Yes I heard that rumour.’

‘It was a mistake. It suggested a game. If I thrash I do so seriously. And both Gillian and Andy deserved a strapping for the grief they caused me. And they got it.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend finished her cucumber sandwich and emptied her tea. She picked up the serviette, embroidered with the logo of Riverside Tearooms, and wiped her generous mouth.

‘I knew,’

‘What?’

‘I knew you had thrashed them. I saw Andy Styles a couple of weeks ago. He was signing up for a technical course I am running at the college. I congratulated him on the Edinburgh success and he blushed. Bright beetroot.’

‘Andy often blushes. It is a weakness in the young.’

‘I remarked on it. And when we were queuing up for refreshment after the registrations I mischievously asked him if a certain Mrs Wilmer had made him blush on any place other than his face, and he blushed even more, He was purple. He gathered up his tea and sandwiches and practically ran across the room to his seat. So I knew.’

Really Paula. You are incorrigible. He must have been mortified?’

‘I think he was. But more to the point, it said to me that you had done what I knew you would. Did they mind?’

Connie Wilmer reflected on this final point of a conversation that was becoming a little tiresome. The car journey south with her young charges had initially been a little quiet. They had both retired early the previous night and breakfast the following morning was had been more memorable for the oblique comments than for the sparkling conversation. Respective bottoms were still considerably sore. The active, strap wielding, participant to their submissive roles casually frying eggs and bacon did little to appease their collective muteness. But halfway through the journey south both had suddenly, and unexpectedly, thanked Mrs Wilmer for a wonderful fortnight that neither would ever forget. And following some astute questioning, both agreed that their experience included their well deserved thrashings.

They did not enjoy the walloping, in fact they both confessed to a continuing discomfort in their rears, but they equally agreed that they deserved it. Without Mrs Wilmer’s eloquent intervention the first day of their Edinburgh Festival production could have been totally scuppered. That alone warranted a bare bottom strapping. Never mind the rest. Their tears were real and their pleas for restraint were in earnest but, clutching their four stars, they had no regrets. Ten minutes of humiliating agony brought forth a month of cherished memories. Their confession induced youthful chattiness. As Connie Wilmer continued the journey south she gathered two separate thoughts. For all the initial pain Gillian Jones clearly put Mrs Wilmer’s special spankings into the fun category. Andy Styles, the quiet and more reflective, beetroot blushing boy, conjured more conflicting emotions. He hated and feared the wielding of that vicious strap but, in the aftermath of its ministrations, he could not deny its effect on his person. For different reasons both of her young charges bore no ensuing malice. A strap, well and justly laid, created a special bond.

With all that in mind Connie Wilmer responded to her friend.

‘No, they didn’t mind.’

‘And they are willing to do the production again?’

‘Oh yes. Your play is going to be a great success. I still think we should have got five stars in Edinburgh but this fringe tryout in London for three weeks can’t do it any harm.’

‘I am so excited.’

Connie Wilmer suppressed an obvious comment. The main purpose of this tearoom meeting had been to discuss the impending extra run of ‘A Fluttering of Swans’ at an outlying London venue. Discussions on disciplinary dealings with the young stars had deflected this principal purpose. But much had happened on the journey from their opening night. And Connie Wilmer had some pretty clear ideas on changes needed prior to their new venture. And one of those changes concerned the title of the show. She eyed her friend carefully, and remembering the laughter on a recent car journey south, she delivered an expected decision.

‘But we shall have to change the title. I can’t cope with those fluttering swans any longer.’

‘I like it.’

‘You are alone. Even your collaborator thinks it is crass,’

‘And you have a better suggestion?’

‘I do.’

Connie Wilmer smiled and looked across the tearoom table at her friend.

‘It came to me when I was driving back with Andy and Gillian. Eighteenth century. Suicidal lovers. Bleak cottages and dark emotions. It all fitted.’

‘What did?’

‘The title. What we should call it in London.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend poured herself another cup of tea and looked meaningfully at her companion.

‘Does this have anything to do with Andy and Gillian?’

‘Oh yes. They are the stars. I think my idea of the title is singularly appropriate.’

Connie Wilmer let the following silence fall across the table and then, mischievously and artfully, delivered her encapsulating artistic thought.

‘I think we should call it ‘Cries From a Distant Cottage.’

‘What?’

‘You heard. Think about it.’

‘Cries From A Distant Cottage?’

‘Yes.’

Connie Wilmer’s friend thought about it for a moment. And then she laughed. And her laughter reminded Connie Wilmer of the response that she had got from her young, chastised charges, in the car journey south. Those swans had thankfully fluttered for the last time. In a distant cottage, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, an echoing anguished cry of delivered pain had reached out from a private bedroom to a public and theatrical stage.

Alfred Roy - 2005

See Also: A Private Rehearsal (F/m) and A Lesson For Miss Jones (F/f and F/m)