AI art by me. Surprised it wasn’t too difficult either.

“Dash it all, Darcy!” Bingley was a little put out with his taller, darker friend.

“Don’t expect me to be as excited as you, Charles.” Darcy laughed. “I’d never have wished to take this place in the country. The people here are so…decidedly below our notice.” He grimaced.

“True enough, Good Sir.” Louise Hart voiced from her proper kneeling position. Her eyes carefully not up to his. She positively oozed with the desire to be his submissive.

Darcy knew it. He’d spanked her once or twice at parties but hadn’t found her to be very engaging. She did have all the requisite parts and a bottom that pinked well enough, but there was something sour about her.

Louisa was clearly unaware of his thoughts since she didn’t stop from following him and her brother, Bingley, at every opportunity. Her sister, Caroline, sat nearby since she was already collared by a well-stationed dominant.

It was true her Dom was a drunkard and barely had the faculties to bed her once in a month. He didn’t discipline her as often as she needed. This was a point of contention to Darcy because Caroline used her unbridled freedom to influence his friend badly. There was one bottom he wished he could properly thrash.

The emotion must show in his eyes since Caroline would never look directly at or speak to him without being addressed.

“But, Brother, you need to start setting up your household and space to bring a submissive. For the nonce, I will act as submissive of the household as we set things up. I’ve already met with the staff.” She grinned.

Yes, Darcy had heard that meeting. Caroline had taken extra delight in adjusting the young men’s attitudes on the staff. Her hands had been a bit free with them as well, but Darcy had retired to his room so as not to hear the begging that was soon to begin from the young men.

From what Darcy could see, Caroline Bingley had more Domme than submissive in her. He pitied the servants in her estate. He’d heard they were all male. Didn’t her Dom know what was going on? Obviously, not.

“Well, we shall just need to get to know the people here in the countryside, Darcy. I won’t stand for you to be such a stuck up bastard about it all. We will have a Ball. Here. We can sample the submissives in the area and see what is what, eh?” Charles had enthusiasm to spare.

Darcy surrendered gracefully. “As you will, but I don’t expect to find anything here to tempt me. Perhaps there will be one such for you.”

“I’ve heard the Bennett daughters are all beauties and well-trained as submissives. Their father served with distinction in the past administration and was known for his discipline with his staff. I’d wager it translated to his home.” Charles offered. “I’ve sent word for him to call upon me.”

Just then they heard the doorbell in the distance.

When no one moved, Darcy turned on Caroline. “Did I not hear you claim to take the place of submissive here?”

She flinched at his tone but nodded with her head bowed. “Yes, Sir.”

“Then get off that not whipped enough ass and go see who it is.” Darcy clapped his hands together for emphasis.

She shot up as though he had spanked her right on each ass cheek. “Yes, Sir, Right away, Sir.” She skittered out of the room.

“Charles, really. She’s your sister. You must take her more firmly into hand since her Dom won’t do it. She’s permitted you tacitly since she’s agreed to be the sub for the house.” Darcy urged his friend.

Bingley looked uncomfortable. “I know, Darcy, but…well…”

Darcy knew Caroline intimidated Charles. “Say the word, Charles, and I will happily assist.”

“Could you?” Charles looked excited.

“Of course, what are friends for, old boy?” Darcy grinned and his palm began to itch.

“Sir?” Louisa whispered from below.

“What?” Darcy asked, shocked at his impertinence.

“I’d happily relieve you for your twitching palm, Sir.” Her eyes drew up to his left hand.

Damn, his hand had been twitching in anticipation. Trust Louisa to have noticed. Darcy sighed. “Fine. Go to your room, lie on the bed, prepared. Hairbrush next to you.”

“Yes, Sir.” She whispered in a hushed, needy tone. She rose, nodded to each man, then left.

Charles waited until she was gone. “Darcy, why do you string her along so? Even I know you aren’t interested in collaring her. Too bad she doesn’t see it.”

“She doesn’t want to see it, Charles.” Darcy shrugged. “What am I to do? She kneels to me without being told? She begs for punishment to please me as if she had my collar? If I say no or ignore her, am I not doing more harm than keeping her from sleeping on her back tonight?”

There was a submissive knock at the door.

“Come.” Charles and Darcy both said and grinned at each other.

Caroline peeked inside. “It is my sweet pleasure to present a Mr. Bennett. He has come to call upon you, Sir, my dear brother.” She opened the door and bowed out of the way.

A distinguished-looking older gentleman came inside the room.

“A Mr. Bingley, I presume?” He said with a slight grin.

“Yes, Sir. Come and shake hands.” Charles held his out and shook the older man’s hand heartily. “I wished to be acquainted for very selfish reasons, Sir. I am to hold a Ball here soon and wish the company of your fine household. Your daughters’ beauty and submissive natures have been much in my ears as I’ve spoken to others in the area.”

Mr. Bennett laughed. “Is that so? Well, yes, Sir, I do have plenty of daughters. Yes, they are all tolerable, pretty, I suppose. I am partial to the two eldest. Their younger sisters rarely sleep on their backs, if you get my meaning, Sir.”

All three men chuckled.

“Headstrong?” Darcy asked.

“Oh yes, and full of themselves. Their mother, my submissive, dotes a bit too much on them, and I have grown tired of wearing out the strap on her these past years.” He shrugged. “More to my own lament.”

Darcy frowned. This did not bode well for any of the daughters. “She rules the roost, Sir?”

Mr. Bennett shook his head. “No, Sir. That much I do not allow. I teased and tormented her in my own ways, but she knows the strap is still hanging in our room, and she keeps it oiled, as she should.”

Darcy nodded and hid his doubts.

“But, to continue, they are of submissive natures and would love to attend the Ball. I’m afraid one of mine, Mary, will be more interested in playing the pianoforte than any party games, but the other four will be happy to oblige as they are told.” Mr. Bennett assured them.

“Good, that is VERY good.” Charles was bursting with excitement now. “We will have the Ball in a week’s time.”

A slight noise came from the corner. “Sir, Brother, a week? I would need at least two to be able to…” Caroline began.

“Madam, you will now deprive us of your presence by going to the kitchen to see what supplies will be needed for a Ball next week.” Darcy firmly told her.

Caroline’s eyes came up to his, and she was so shocked at his command. “Sir?” She turned to her brother for salvation but saw none there.

“I’ve asked Darcy to lend a firmer hand to the household affairs for now. He shall speak as if he were me.” To his credit, Charles did a good job of staring his sister down until her head was fully bowed.

“Yes, Sir.” She whispered. “I shall go then.” She began to leave.

“I shall be attending to you there in a moment, Madam. Be sure you’ve secured the household strap’s location before I arrive, yes?” He commanded.

Caroline blanched as the blood drained from her face. “Yes, Sir.” She whispered.

“”And be sure to have the whole staff in attendance as well. I wish them to see proper staff handling.” Darcy added.

A soft sob escaped her lips. Caroline knew now that she would be strapped in front of all the staff and trembled as she left.

Mr. Bennett grinned. “Well played, Mr. Darcy, if I might say.”

Darcy returned the smile a little. “You may, Sir. Her bottom has been neglected for far too long by her dominant.”

“Well, don’t let me keep you from administering to it then. I will happily relay the news of this Ball, Sir.” Mr. Bennett said to Charles.

Charles looked from Darcy to the door his sister had gone through and then his eyes darted upstairs. He realized there would soon be two of his sisters sobbing with sore behinds. Did he genuinely wish to be around when it happened?

“Mr. Bennett, may I accompany you back to your home and extend the invitation myself?” Charles asked. He ignored Darcy’s slight snicker of laugh, who knew why Charles wanted to leave.

“Of course, Sir. Shall we go then?” Mr. Bennett asked.

Darcy walked them to the door and waved as they walked down the lane to the coach house. He didn’t shake his head at his friend. Charles still had much to learn about being dominant so that Darcy would cut him some slack.

He closed the door and began to walk to the kitchen.

There was the sound of many voices whispering as he approached. He cleared his throat to warn of his proximity and things fell silent. Pushing through the kitchen door, he surveyed the scene.

There were approximately twenty or so staff arranged around the significant areas. A few young women had their eyes properly lowered, but he could see the slight grins on their faces. The young men also looked rather pleased as well. It wasn’t hard to figure out why.

Caroline Bingley had placed herself in a bent position over one of the smaller tables there. Her dress was already off and folded to the side. Her shift had already been lifted to show a bared bottom waiting for him as required.

Next to her on the table was a very serviceable-looking, broad, black leather strap. Darcy knew every person in the room had felt its weight and sting. It was a country strap thicker than those used in London. Caroline was in for a tough afternoon and evening.

She also knew that being strapped bare assed before the staff had now robbed her of any authority she might have had before. All the staff would know who to go to if she stepped out-of-line again. They’d joyfully do it.

Darcy sighed. “Good girl, Caroline.”

She murmured. “Thank you, Sir.” Her voice was small and frightened. “I did all as you said, Sir.”

“I can see that, even when taking the position before being asked. This is appreciated and shows you can be a good submissive. I will say it is sad to me that your own dominant doesn’t mark you as often as he should.” Darcy approached her.

Caroline’s bottom was a bit fuller and more rounded than her sisters. It was much more to Darcy’s liking, but he would never poach a submissive already collared to another dominant. It simply wasn’t done.

“I’m aware of it, Sir.” She told him. “What is a sub to do, Sir? I’ve already begged for it before and he ignores me.”

“For that, I am sorry, but we have business now. You’ve overstepped and been a bad influence on your brother. That will all stop now.” He picked up the strap and tapped it on her naked flesh.

She quivered in place. “Yes, Sir. I promise, Sir.”

“We’ll see.” He tapped it two more times to get placement and aim. “I had planned on a full thirty strokes for your behavior, but…”

Caroline had gasped at the number but kept silent.

“But, in light of your obedience and positioning and your situation, which you truly do not have control over, I will only have two twenty.” He told her.

She sobbed once but her voice was clear, if shaky, as she said, “Thank you for your mercy, Sir.”

“We’ll see how you feel about that in a few minutes.” He answered her.

Darcy didn’t drag it out or make her count or beg for each lash, which was a good, harsh punishment in itself. She’d shown proper submissive behavior in setting the scene before he’d entered and humiliated herself before the staff by her own choice.

Her embarrassment was further enriched as she sobbed, squealed, cried, and soon begged for more mercy from him. He gave none. He answered not at all but delivered the twenty strokes with medium strength and paid special attention to her sitting areas. Sleeping and sitting would not be comfortable for a couple of days.

He put the strap back down on the table where she could hear it was over. Motioning to the Cook, who was prepared, he took some cold, wet clothes and washed Caroline down a little to ease the burning a little.

Using the opportunity to check for broken skin, he saw she had welts aplenty but none were bleeding. One of the maids moved closer.

“Master, I have some ointment I can use for them, if you so wish it.” Her soft voice told him.

He glanced at her. “So forgiving are you?”

The young woman shrugged. “As master said, she is what she’s been made to be by a negligent dominant, Sir. If she’ll remember her place better, then why hold a grudge?”

Darcy nodded. “See to it then.”

The maid curtsied and left.

“When I or Mr. Bingley are gone, she is our voice. Within reason.” Darcy announced to the staff. “If any of you feel she oversteps then see me and I’ll address this situation again and more firmly.”

They all nodded silently and knew they’d been dismissed. Slowly, they began to file out of the kitchen through different routes.

Darcy pulled down her shift as gently as he could.

“Stay here and the maid will attend to the welts. Remember what I said and what I meant.” He told her.

“Yes, Sir.’ Her hoarse whisper answered. “Thank you for my strapping, Sir, and for giving me some dignity back.”

“You’re welcome. You have a good girl inside you somewhere there. Next time you know you need discipline, I command you to beg your brother to do it. Understood?” He asked.

“You don’t…wish to anymore, Sir?” Her voice sounded sorry.

He sighed. “Girl, your curves are plenty tempting to me, more so than even your sister. I will give you that much since you’ve taken this so well, but another collars you. I will not interfere in that.”

“I understand.” She sighed. “Sir, do I have permission to…relieve my tensions later?”

He grinned, though she couldn’t see it. Caroline was admitting his strapping had aroused her. Such news always pleased a dominant when he heard it. “You may. Only once.”

“Thank you, Sir. Oh, Sir? Do you attend to my sister? I…I heard her going upstairs with a very light foot earlier.” Caroline asked.

“Why do you ask?” Darcy was getting an itchy palm once more.

“No disrespect, please, Sir, but…I know you will not collar her but…I beg…I beg…you to give her something, please? Please?” Her voice held that sweet tone submissives could use when begging, making denying them very difficult. It was part of the power inherent in the collar and both sides knew it. Few dominants were willing to acknowledge it in truth.

“I promise nothing but I have heard your wishes, Madam.” He smacked her ass with his palm. “That is for impertinence.” He struck the other side just as hard. “That is because I wanted to do it.” He laughed low and turned.

Darcy heard her soft giggle behind him but didn’t turn to see what she was going.

He went upstairs to Louisa’s room.

She was only in her shift with it pulled up to her waist and devoid of covering for her buttocks. It was interesting to Darcy to compare both sisters’ bottoms so soon after each other. Good God, if he were of a more wicked vein, he could have sister dominants wearing his collar.

He had no illusions that if he used his influence and power, he could get Caroline’s dominant to relinquish his claim and then collar her himself. She’d already shown she was amenable to it. Louisa was a foregone conclusion. There were a rare examples of such submissive arrangements, but Darcy was not interested in a harem like that. A harem was possible, but siblings in it were asking for trouble.

“Master?” Louisa whispered.

“I told you you may not call me that, Lou.” He called her Lou when they were in private together. It was common to give a submissive a pet or collar name. It pleased her so when he’d given it to her.

“I’m sorry, Sir. You must punish me then.” She giggled.

He sighed. “True enough though I think you will regret that giggle. Rise and go downstairs. Beg your sister for the household strap which I just used on her. Tell her it is to be used on you and why. Bring it to me and we will teach that naughty tongue of yours better things to do than call me inappropriate names.”

Louise rose and her eyes widened. She’d heard all that he said. “Punish me for impertinence, Sir, but what better things?” Her eyes twinkled with lust.

He raised an eyebrow. “I think you know well enough. Pray you are as good at using it for that service to a dom as being impertinent. I will add more lashes with the strap for that question.”

She nodded. “As you wish, Sir. I returned quickly.”

Louisa nearly ran from the room.

Darcy sat on the bed and began to undo his leggings and shoes. He knew those sisters well enough to know Louisa would tell Caroline what had transpired. Caroline would know he was doing as she wished. It wasn’t a good idea because Louisa would more firmly imprint on him as her dom.

That was a problem for another day. It would be suitable for one sister to relieve the sexual tensions caused by the other one. Caroline was smart enough to realize that as well. Sister subs…no, he shook his head again. That simply wouldn’t do.

…to be continued…