For the first time since he had been trained as a Master, Edward was floored.  He didn't know what to do.  He had obviously hurt Tess badly and now it seemed, he had managed to hurt Jessica as well.  This wasn't how it was supposed to be.  If he had to choose, there was no choice.  He would take Tess but it would destroy her slavery.  It would never be the same again.<br/><br/>He sat down and looked at the floor.  He had to think this through carefully so he could figure out what to do.<br/><br/>"Tess, you are forgiven.  No punishment.  It seems this was too much for you to handle.  I love you.  That is a fact you can count on.  I just am not sure what to do."<br/><br/>Then Edward managed to pull himself together.  He looked at Tess and then at Jessica.  "I think I will not punish you, my dear, but you wouldn't feel right if I let you get off scott-free.  So I think a good whipping would be good for you both."<br/><br/>He stood up and quickly stripped Tess again.  Then he walked over to the cabinet where the room was equipped with toys and pulled out a length of rope.  There was a ring set in the ceiling for use when needed.  Carrying a small step stool over, he climbed up so that he could he pushed the rope through it.  Then he climbed back down, released Jessica's wrists and brought her over to stand underneath it.  Slipping the rope through her cuffs, he pulled her hands high up over her head.  Then he went after Tess.  He made her stand in front of Jessica as he tied her hands to the same ring.  The forced them to stand facing each other and pressing against each other's bodies.  A rope around their waists made sure they were pressed tight.<br/><br/>Stepping back he reached for a light single tail whip.  Unlimbering it he laid the first lash across Tess' back.