Author's Notes: hello again all, this is my last update i guess for over a week i have to work full days the next two days and i have to get ready for me week off then i fly out on thursday and i dont have internet access...msn withdrawls here i come :(

thanks you to my reviewers:

VinnyFoxyFrankie: as tempting as it is to make the dutchess not her real mother im afraid that she is...

Gabi Web: i wrote you an email though you may not have gotten it, i would love some help with correction and detail if you wouldnt mind, so drop me a line and give me your answer :)

Sarah: It would make my job so much simplier ;) alas i cant do that, though you will be more of derek ;)

QueenTatooine: thank you for your suggestion, i have used it in this chapter as a small bit thank you so much for your reviews.

Ok so that is all for me i dont own anything at the moment...on with the show AHEM story

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Once Christine got back to her room she reflected on what had just happened. She had finally lost her temper, the first time in three years since her father's death.

Mandy walked in to the room she seemed always to be there when things went wrong. Christine finally broke down and told Mandy everything. A little while later once she had calmed down she had her head in Mandy's lap. Mandy was stroking her hair and rubbing her back, soothing her.

"It's ok lady"

"I have never lost my temper like that, but she has been baiting me for years and finally it just came out" Christine whipped the tears out of her eyes

"It has been a long time coming, lady" Christine lay in silence for a moment. Then she remembered meeting Derek so she told Mandy about it.

"I didn't get the feeling he was dangerous, but then again the conversation I heard didn't make him sound innocent"

"We don't have all the facts though, lady" Mandy patted Christine's back and helped her sit up "It is going to be a long day tomorrow so I think it is bed time for both of us" Mandy chuckled and Christine silently was reminded to her punishment that would be taking place after breakfast.

They both changed and hopped in to bed. Sleep claimed Christine quickly and before she knew it she was being shaken awake by Mandy, it was already morning. They had to be up extra early to make the house ready for the arrival of the royal family.

First Christine set to work on scrubbing the entrance hall and dinning room floors then dusted all furniture and polished the stair case. Then she ran to the stables and fed the horses and opened the stalls then ran back and helped Mandy with breakfast. She now stood at her sister's door with breakfast again. Father give me strength Christine prayed silently.

Her sister was silent when Christine entered and it remained that way, the only response Christine got from her is when tying her sisters corset she 'accidentally' pulled the laces too tight. Receiving a glare and so her sister said another lash with whip for her troubles.

Melanie left without her usual "you look perfect" routine and Christine sooner than she would have liked was assembled after breakfast for her ten lashes

"Eleven" Melanie interrupted "For trying to be a smart arse" She came closer and whispered in Christine's ear "I always get the last laugh"

Which is more like a snort Christine retaliated in her mind, she knew her sister was trying to bait her that and she would only make it worse for herself if she spoke.

The Dutchess took the whip and as Christine was instructed she kneeled with her back to her mother, she leaned forward so her head was resting on her arms and her arms were resting against the manor wall. Christine shut her eyes tight as her mother gave her the first whip.

"One" The Dutchess counted out

Christine bit her lip to stop a cry escaping

"Two"

She could feel the back of her clothes ripping and blood trickling down her back.

"Three"

Tears started seeping out of her closed eyes

"Four"

Christine could feel her lip bleeding from her teeth digging in.

"Five"

Her back felt like it was on fire

"Six"

Over half way, come on Christine; don't let them see you cry

"Seven"

Christine could hear her sister's sniggers as the whip hit again

"Eight"

Christine's nails were digging in her arms as she fought to remain silent

"Nine"

Christine bit back the cry that was threatening to escape

"Ten"

Christine let her back relax

"Eleven"

The last one took her by surprise a little having forgotten momentarily that she was getting an extra one it was worth it to see Melanie's eyes almost pop out of her head.

"Girl, you will return to the house only to get a change of clothes then you will leave and stay out of sight until the royal family has left, now go"

Christine didn't need to be told twice she ran around to the kitchen door where Mandy was preparing lunch. She gave Christine some balm to run on her wounds and clean clothes.

"I'll be at the creek, if the royal family leave early send some one to come and get me" Christine said

She walked to the stables and mounted her awaiting horse with difficulty She let a sob escape her.

"You ok Chris?" Jake asked quietly

"Fantastic" Christine replied sarcastically, as galloped away.

Within minutes she was at the fresh water creek. She carefully got out of her now ruined dress and in her under garments sat down in the creek and using a ripped part of her dress as a sponge to clean her back. Quietly humming a tune that her father had taught her she washed her back, wincing as she cleanted the dry blood off her back.

Just then a twig crunched behind her…

Ok that is the chapter, now if you have any thoughts or suggestions tell me and for those who dont review anyway and tell me what you think, i cant read minds ;)

E J Riddle