He released her, and she scrambled off of his lap, cheeks burning with embarrassment as she pulled up her knickers and let her skirts fall back down around her ankles.  She couldn't quite meet his eyes, couldn't say anything, as she fled the room, pausing only to glance into the hallway to make certain that it was devoid of house guests or staff.<br/><br/>Her bottom smarted, and as she practically ran down the hallway and to the servants' wing where she'd been given a room, her clothing rubbing against her reminded her of exactly what she'd suffered.  She entered the tiny chamber and grateful that as the guest of honor's personal maid, she'd ranked a room of her own, did not stop until the door was shut behind her.  She leaned against it, chest heaving, her hands on her flushed cheeks.<br/><br/>What had happened in there?  Her arse was heated still, and she had a feeling it would be sore even the next day.  And yet, she'd done nothing to stop him.  She'd not called him a monster or protested his actions in any way.  The tell-tale moisture between her legs might explain why, and she shook her head.  Nay, it had not aroused her.  It had<em>not!</em>It was a brutal act and she'd not liked it.  She'd only been shocked by the savagery, and needed a moment to compose herself.  Yes, that was it.  A moment to catch her breath, and then she could report to Katie.  After all, her friend would be awaiting a report.