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that, too, and just why I want to spank your fanny.”
     
     

     

Chapter Five
     
    “I already know why you want to spank me,” Priscilla sullenly stated.  “I used bad language and I wished ill upon Darcy Hamilton. You do not like cursing,” she replied, doing her best to let him know she understood.  “Brian, I do not often curse.  Papa taught me better than that.  It’s just that Darcy Hamilton brings out my very worst.  I am truly shocked she came here tonight, even at Will’s insistence.  She almost never says she is sorry for anything .” Priscilla sighed, and winced as he started applying salve to her sore back. “Still, I shouldn’t have cursed her.  It was wrong.”
    “I agree, but that is not why I am going to spank you.”
    “Then why?” Priscilla asked, closing her eyes in pain as he applied the salve to her back
    “Because you are too sweet to be crude.  Because you can, and should, rise above petty matters.  You are gracious, Priscilla, and I expect you to remember that about yourself. Until your back is completely healed, there won’t be any spanking and no proposal.  That is if your father gives his permission.  You haven’t given him a chance to reply yet.”
    “Papa?” she asked, looking at her stunned parent.  “If it matters to you what I think… I intend to say yes when Brian asks me to marry him.  The moment I saw him I knew he was the one.  Please give your permission.”
    “I am tempted to get my shotgun and have a wedding yet tonight!” Geoffrey sputtered.  “You are half naked in front of a man not your husband!”  That was a hard pill for Geoffrey to swallow, even if it was his fault!
    “Yes, I am, and the funny thing is that it would mortify me if it was anyone but Brian.  I don’t even want Doc to see me this way!” It was as if the idea just occurred to her, and she was totally amazed, but she did pull her shirtwaist closer to her front.  She was normally a very modest young woman.
    “Go on to bed now,” Brian said firmly, fearing her parent was close to exploding. “Wait.  Sir, do you have any laudanum in the house?” he asked.
    “Oh no!  I will not take that stuff!  I hate the way it makes me feel.  I’d rather deal with the pain.” Priscilla was adamant.
    “Go on up to bed, Pris, and I’ll bring you some hot chocolate.  The hot milk will help you sleep,” Geoffrey said.
    “Thank you, Papa.  Brian, thank you again for tending my back.  It did hurt when you were doing it, but it feels much better now. I am grateful.”  She hurried up the steps and to her room.  Priscilla put on her nightdress and then turned down her bed. She knew her father would be up as soon as he heated the milk and made her chocolate.  What a strange day this had been!  She couldn’t believe that she’d met a man she could love and respect.  Brian was also very handsome and close to her in age.  She was sure her father would give his blessing since he’d personally handpicked Brian in the first place. 
    At one time, Priscilla had hoped that Will Davies would choose her, but he’d clearly picked that awful Darcy Hamilton.  This time, she was the one picked!  And it wasn’t like with Howie Greener, either.  Howie didn’t interest her at all, even though she thought surely her Papa would make her go through with a wedding to him.  She finally told her Papa that Howie made her sick, and the thought of his touching her was repugnant.  Her father told Howie to leave her alone, and Howie still sulked whenever he spotted her when he was in town, which wasn’t too often. 
    She wondered what Darcy would say when Priscilla announced her plans to marry?  She pictured the other woman green with envy.  There was a tap on her door, and then her father entered, carrying a small tray with a cup of hot chocolate on it.  “Thank you, Papa,” she said politely.
    “I want you to know that I was wrong to punish you in that manner, daughter.  Girls are a