How long had she been in governess Swanley’s care? She couldn’t remember. It felt as if it had been for her whole life. She couldn’t imagine a life without governess Swanley, couldn’t even begin to think how she could cope without her governess to guide her, without her governess to make all those little decisions for her, life’s little decisions, tell her what to do, what to wear, how to behave; decisions were so difficult to make, so hard to make her mind up… She’d been so stupid to think she could make it through that final year in school, go on to university. It had been a ridiculous idea – why, she couldn’t even leave the house alone, not without her governess to hold her hand; she was terrified, absolutely petrified, by open spaces you see; agoraphobia they call it. Her stepmother had been absolutely correct to take her out of school as early as was legally ratified, as soon as she was no longer compelled by law to attend. That school had been far too relaxed, had lacked discipline. Why they didn’t even have a school uniform. Miss Swanley would never have that; Miss Swanley, governess Swanley, insisted on school uniform at all times, even though she was being schooled at home – a school uniform Miss Swanley had designed herself, had tailor-made by a dressmaker in her employ, right down to the mid-thigh length bloomers with their removable rubberised lining and locking ‘tamper proof’ waistband that constantly peek out from beneath the hem of the little pleated skirt.
Discipline was something definitely NOT in short supply under Miss Swanley’s régime; discipline was what she needed; a firm hand; someone to keep her on a short leash, under control… Strict discipline – that was what she needed; a strong hand, and a warmed behind if she stepped out of line… And Miss Swanley’s cane could provide that. But Miss Swanley was right to cane her or throw her across her knee for a sound hairbrush spanking
She was such a silly, silly empty-headed little girl… a silly little thing without a thought in her silly little head, quite unable to make the tiniest little decision for herself, completely dependent on her governess, on governess Swanley, on those wonderful little sedative capsules the woman doled out, too shy to as much as look at strangers let alone speak… terrified even of leaving her bedroom unaccompanied…
Another caption from a picture I've re-blogged on Tumblr to my account there. You'll doubtless recognise many of the elements from my books, but there you are; such were the thoughts running through my head.
Four days to go to my knee replacement surgery. So, the sun's out (unlike yesterday, which was dismal) so I'm off to meet up with the other half. Going to the Victora and Albert museum (wow! I'd much rather go to the pub - still, perhaps I'll manage both!)
I'll have my phone with me - and my lap top - so I'll be able to see and reply to my emails.
See Ya!