Chapter Seven
Yes, as Miss Beatrice gathered, I had an interesting relationship with Auntie. Father told me she never really liked my mother, her sister-in-law, and I had inherited many of her features. Thus her nurturing care was quirkily combined with fits of anger and severe punishment. Nothing detrimental to my well being, but she was quick with the cane and when father was out on the range for extended intervals her punishments became prolonged and unusual.
Finding fault with the slightest misdeed, I was often relieved of my pants and underwear and found myself leaning over a chair for a brisk application of the cane. Strutting about afterwards, wailing with the searing pain seemed to amuse Auntie. Yes, I had to calm myself to deal with the ignominy and beseech her good side in or
