Arthur Dowell had just passed his 50th birthday. He had been married once but it had ended in an acrimonious divorce, childless. He had not remarried but he had longed for children. Sons. Arthur was also a man who fantasised a lot. He fantasised about having sons, being around young boys, maybe working in a home or a reform school. He nurtured these thoughts for one reason, and one reason alone. Arthur Dowell enjoyed the thought of having boys to dominate, to control, and most of all to discipline.
Today Arthur Dowell was happy because he had just finalised the adoption of a 7year old boy. The boy was of gypsy stock, jet black hair, slightly tanned body. He had been abandoned by his gypsy parents because they were unable to afford him. He had been left at the door of the orphanage when he was 3. Because of his gypsy background no one had wanted to take a chance with him. Most prospective adopters wanted new born babies anyway and so a 3 year old, particularly a gypsy one, was impossible to place with a family.
In spite of being single Arthur had been accepted as a potential adopter, police checks uncovered nothing unusual or any reason why he should not adopt a child. Police checks, however, only uncover where crimes have been committed, there is no way they can uncover what goes on in the recesses of the mind. Arthur did not want a new born baby, he wanted a child who had passed through infanthood and who, in his mind, would be receptive to the rigorous discipline Arthur had in mind. He had set his mind on eventually adopting more children but today he was happy because he had acquired his first "son" and was on his way to the orphanage to collect Philip, the name the child had been given when he first came into care.
The adoption process had been going on for a few weeks and Arthur had had time to prepare his home for the new arrival. He lived in a large old house that went with the job he did, as an employee of the local landowner (a Lord) who was a "gentleman farmer and forester". Arthur basically carried out the duties of gardener and groundskeeper and the old lodge house in which he lived suited him just fine. He was not a particularly sociable man and living on a large estate would not have appealed. However the house was near a school, into which Philip had been accepted. It was near local shops and bus routes and so overall was very convenient. Also, although the front of the house led out to the road the rear was part of the private estate where Arthur worked so Philip would have plenty of space in which to play safely.
Arthur had decorated a bedroom for his new son. There was a bunk style, two berth bed, a small cabinet with drawers and a desk and chair. Arthur had decided his son would study hard. Above the desk, on the wall, was a long list of house rules which was typed on a sheet of A4 paper. Arthur would ensure his new son would learn to obey these rules or else----.
He had also turned a small downstairs room into a study area for himself. In it were a desk, leather chair behind it, and two hard backed wooden chairs facing the desk. There was also a cupboard to the side of the room in which, behind the closed door hung a rattan cane, some 30 inches long with a curved handle and a riding crop, also approximately 30 inches in length. Arthur had purchased these items recently in preparation for Philips arrival. Hanging next to the crop and the cane was a leather razor strap which Arthurs own father had used to beat him with many years ago. This would be the room where Arthur could bring to life his fantasies.
Arthur was reflecting on all these things when the matron of the orphanage brought in young Philip. The boy had already been introduced to Arthur and they had met a few times before to ensure they were compatible. Any young boy would, frankly, have suited Arthur and in Philips case he felt a proper home would be better than the orphanage where the staff had too many children to cope with to give proper care. Philip had turned 7 during the week and had been promised he would start his new life the weekend following his 7th birthday. Arthur had bought the boy new clothes and given them to matron to ensure he was wearing some of them when he was collected. As it was a weekend casual attire was called for and Philip emerged in a white t shirt, brief blue shorts, white ankle socks and gym slippers. Under the shorts were pale blue briefs, Arthur having decided briefs, rather than the long boxer shorts favoured by many youngsters, were most appropriate. In his left hand Philip carried a little bag in which were the rest of his casual clothes. His school clothes, shirts, short grey shorts and grey socks were at home awaiting him.
Arthur thanked matron and called to Philip to bid his farewells. Philip simply turned to matron and said goodbye to her. Arthur and Philip walked outside to Arthurs car. The boy was told to sit in the rear. Before they moved off Arthur decided to start as he intended to go on. He turned to the child. "Philip", he said, "You should have thanked matron for looking after you while you were at the orphanage. I will not take any action this time but in future rudeness will be punished. Do you understand?".
"Yes sir" replied the small child. Arthur put the car in gear and started the drive back home. During the drive his mind wandered to his cane, his crop, his strap. His eyes occasionally wandered too, towards the rear view mirror in which he could see Philip. At one point he noticed Philip had raised his knees up to his chin, exposing a large piece of thigh. But also his shoes were on the cars upholstery.
"Take your feet down off the seat at once" Arthur had commanded. "Unless you want me to punish you as soon as we are home". The boy obeyed instantly. Arthur permitted himself a little smile and continued the drive home.
To Be Continued