Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4)

by Maggie Ryan

  "I can bathe you, brush your hair, take your temperature, diaper you, tuck you into your crib or your Papa's bed and, young lady, spank your little bottom wearing a wedding ring just as well as I can now. The only thing that will change is that Joseph and I will share his room."

  "Oh, that will be nice," Lucy said and then giggled. "I mean…"

  "I know exactly what you mean," Molly said and gave her own giggle. "And yes, I'm hoping it will be very nice indeed."

  Lucy turned to look up at the woman she had come to love and respect. "We've come a long way together, haven't we, Nanny Molly?"

  Molly laid her palm against Lucy's cheek. "Yes, Lucy, we have. I have watched you grow up and find happiness that is seldom found. You and your sister and this entire family is proof that love is what is important." She paused and smiled. "I may be your nanny and will always perform my duties properly, Lucille, but I will never forget how we started. Thank you for giving me a chance to share in all of this. I owe you so much."

  "You owe me nothing," Lucy assured her, "but if you'd like to thank me by losing that tawse in your pocket…"

  They both were laughing when the door opened and Edward and Louisa entered in time to hear Molly assuring her charge that the tawse would stay. When Edward patted his wife's bottom and reminded her to be good, Louisa smiled and promised she had no intention of being naughty.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The family enjoyed a late brunch with both Samuel and Lawrence seated at the table. Samuel looked at Franny and when she nodded, he tapped his fork against his wine goblet to draw everyone's attention. When silence descended, he made his announcement.

  "Franny and I would like to invite you all to our wedding." Faces turned to look at one another, a bit of confusion showing in their expressions.

  "Well, thank you," Lucas finally said, "though I'm sure we all were under the impression that was a given."

  "What?" Samuel said, puzzlement filling his own face as Franny broke out into giggles.

  "Good Lord, Samuel," Stefan said from across the table. "It's a good thing I've seen you state a case in court because if this is how you plead a case, I'm afraid you'd lose more than you win. I'm guessing you mean to say that you and Franny wish to marry immediately?"

  "Exactly," Samuel said, beaming at his friend. "Yesterday taught us that we should be grateful for every day we are given. We'd like to begin those days together as soon as possible. I spoke to Judge Laramee this morning. He attended the ball last night and understood why I felt it appropriate to rouse him from his bed. I purchased a special license and wish to wed tonight, and we'd like you all to attend."

  Franny smiled when he finished speaking and reached to take her hand. She looked around the table. "I never wanted a large wedding. I'd have asked for something small even if last night had never happened. I know it's not only a surprise that we wish to wed quickly but that it's Christmas Eve as well, but I hope you don't mind. Will you walk me down the aisle tonight, Lucas?"

  If Lucas was shocked at the suddenness of the wedding, he hid it well. He gave his sister a smile. "I'd be most honored, Franny, but I have one condition."

  "You object?" Samuel asked.

  "Not at all," Lucas assured the barrister. "I simply would ask that you both promise to return here tomorrow to join us for Christmas."

  "Papa already promised we would," Franny said, her smile once more lighting her entire face.

  This time, Lucas could not contain his shock. His eyes widened as he looked at the barrister and then back to his sister. "Well, I'll be damned. I-I never considered… I mean—how…"

  Edward's boom of laughter was matched with Stefan's. "Seriously? How can you be surprised? Would it help if I reminded you that they met at Stefan's dinner party? Or that your own child/bride is sitting right beside you?"

  Lucy reached out and laid her hand on her husband's. Lucas turned his hand over in order to entwine his fingers with hers. Shaking his head, he grinned and nodded.

  "Well then, on behalf of all of us, we accept your invitation." He lifted his wife's hand and gave her knuckles a kiss before releasing it in order to stand. He pulled Franny into his arms and hugged her hard before kissing her cheek. "I am very blessed to be able to walk you down the aisle and wish you nothing but happiness." He shook Samuel's hand and then pulled him into a hug as well.

  "At least the man won't forget his anniversary," Stefan said, causing everyone to laugh.

  Lucas turned to his baby sister. "What about you, Ettie? Are you going to tell us you wish to wed on Christmas Day?"

  Ettie giggled and shook her head. "No, Franny and I did discuss perhaps having a double ceremony but, well, remember, I'm spoiled. I'd like to have a huge wedding with all of our friends, a princess gown with lots and lots of pearls and crystals, music and dancing—"

  "Not to mention that five-tiered wedding cake," Lawrence inserted when his fiancée had to pause to take a breath.

  His interruption didn't faze her in the least as she lightly slapped his hand. "Papa! You know I won't eat it all!"

  Not a soul was surprised when Lawrence leaned forward and said, "Little ones who slap at their Papas will be enjoying that cake with a sore little bottom."

  Ettie flushed instantly but her giggle told them she'd be testing her Papa's resolve for the rest of their lives. Lucy watched her own Papa shake his head and her giggles joined Ettie's. It was wonderful to see a family who loved and supported each other, accepting the needs that weren't understood by all but were certainly embraced by the Huntington clan.

  The house was a flurry of activity for the rest of the afternoon. Lucy took a moment to talk with Bea as she settled into a chair, her hand rubbing across her growing tummy.

  "Are you okay?" Lucy asked, sinking down onto the arm of the chair.

  "Yes, I'm fine," Bea said with a smile. "Just resting a moment."

  "Bea, are you surprised that Franny wants to have a Papa? I mean, Ettie's choice is no surprise but I know my Papa is a bit shocked about Franny."

  "Gracious, no," Bea said. "I always suspected that she would."

  "You did?" Lucy asked, surprised.

  "Our Franny is a quiet one but it is easy for me to believe. Her feelings run deep, and though I'm quite positive she won't be receiving nearly as many spankings as our Ettie, we both know she's willing to go across his knees to be freed from guilt." She smiled and continued. "After all, we already know the girl loves to paint and draw, write stories and listen to someone read to her. It doesn't take much of an imagination to see her enjoying those things curled up on her Papa's lap."

  Lucy realized she could easily picture the scene, as well. She still had one question. "Why did you choose Frank," she asked and then blushed. "I mean…"

  "I know what you mean," Bea said, reaching over to take her hand. "I chose Frank because I love him with all my heart. He might not have me call him Papa, but believe me, I respect him just as much as you do Lucas, and he doesn't hesitate to spank me when I'm naughty. Don't worry about anything, Lucy. The Huntington women all have chosen men who will make sure they feel loved and protected no matter what form of address is used." She paused and gave Lucy's hand a squeeze. "And the Huntington male has chosen a woman who has blessed this family with her love and friendship."

  Lucy rose and then bent to kiss Bea's cheek. "You are going to make a wonderful mum, Bea. I love you."

  "I love you, too," Bea said and then giggled. "Now, if you really love me, you'll help Ettie decide on a dress. I swear she's tossed two dozen aside and if I have to go into her room one more time…"

  "I'll go," Lucy said, rising from the chair. "She'll have to choose soon, or she'll miss her sister's wedding."

  The family attended the evening services and felt the love and magic of the true meaning of Christmas as they listened to the sermon and joined in singing the hymns. After the service was over and they had spent some time speaking to members of the congregation, the church emptied of all but their family and
a few guests, including Martin and Miranda Westmoreland.

  The groom moved to the front of the church to stand at the side of Pastor Hawkins, whose entire family was also in attendance, his wife seated at the organ. Members of the Huntington household staff filled several pews. Edith had already soaked her husband's handkerchief and graciously accepted a second one offered by Bertha. Frank entered with Emmie, leading her to slide into a pew with Edward and Lawrence, who had escorted the twins into the church. Stefan took his place beside Samuel, serving as his best man. When the organ began to play the processional, everyone stood and turned towards the double doors at the back of the church.

  Ettie stepped forward, her face aglow as she led the wedding party. She looked beautiful in a sky blue gown and Lucy could easily picture her as a June bride. Behind her, Bea walked slowly, her eyes shining with tears. Once they had joined the men at the front, the bride stepped into view, her hand tucked into the elbow of her beloved brother.

  Franny wore a gown of the softest rose, the color exactly matching the color of her cheeks. Her hair was loose but held back by the very tiara that her mother had worn when she had wed. Soft curly tendrils framed a face that was beaming like an angel's, pure joy enhancing her beauty.

  Lucas's smile told of his love for his sister, a babe he'd held at her birth, and one he'd watched grow into the stunning woman on his arm today. The two slowly walked forward and there wasn't a dry eye in the church when he bent to kiss her cheek before placing her hand in Samuel's. Lucy took his hand when he joined her, and smiled when he put his arm around her and pulled her close.

  Pastor Hawkins's voice was reverent as he led the couple through their vows. Neither one faltered or hesitated to promise to love, honor, obey and cherish. When the final pronouncement was made, Samuel swept his wife into his arms and kissed her tenderly. It might not have been a wedding full of fanfare, but it was beautiful.

  Tears were shed and laughter shared as the guests surrounded the newlyweds. Edith shook her head as she drew Franny to her ample bosom. "I can't believe my wee little lass is married. You are such a beautiful bride. You remind me of your dear mum. Your father would be so proud of you." Her husband had to remind her that others were waiting to extend their congratulations before she released Franny, only to suddenly pull her back to her. "Wait! William, where is it? Don't tell me you forgot—"

  "Calm down, woman," William said, accepting a box from Joseph, who was standing with Molly.

  "Ach, good," Edith said, handing the box to Franny. "Since you won't allow me to throw you a proper feast, I've made you something to share with your husband."

  "Thank you, Edith," Franny said, passing the box to Samuel just in time to keep it from being squashed as the cook gave her a huge hug.

  "What is it?" Ettie said. "Oh, I bet it's cake! Is it?"

  Her new husband laughed and shook his head when Edith beamed and assured her that it was indeed cake. "Just a small one, but tomorrow we shall have a proper cake and plenty of other treats to celebrate Christmas and the newlyweds," she promised. Her eyes widened and she turned to her husband and son. "Speaking of which, we'd best be on our way. I have an entire feast to prepare!"

  Franny giggled as the rotund woman who had just been squeezing the very breath from her began to flap her hands, shooing her men from the church.

  It wasn't much later that the only ones left were the immediate family; the staff returning to the wagons that would take them home and their guests returning to their carriages.

  "Thank you, Lucas," Franny said, giving her brother a kiss. "Thank you for everything. You are my favorite brother, you know."

  "I'm your only brother," Lucas said, having to clear his throat to continue. "But thank you."

  "And you are a wonderful brother," Franny said.

  "Just be sure you both remember to come tomorrow."

  "We will," Franny assured him.

  "I'll keep our promise," Samuel said, "just don't expect us at the crack of dawn."

  Ettie giggled. "Well, don't be too late or I might accidentally open your presents by mistake."

  Lawrence laughed and pulled her into his arms. "I'm thinking that Father Christmas might still be trying to decide if you've been naughty or nice this year."

  They all laughed when Ettie looked a bit concerned. "Don't fret, I can promise there will be plenty of gifts to go around." Lucas assured her.

  After a final round of hugs and kisses, the newlyweds climbed into their carriage with final waves and calls of goodnight.

  "Shall we?" Lucas said, taking Lucy's cloak and draping it around her shoulders. "Little girls should be in bed to dream of sugarplums."

  They returned home, and Ettie was very pleased to see that Edith hadn't forgotten the rest of the family. They all enjoyed slices of the spice cake that Edith had made, washing them down with cups of cocoa. The last presents had been wrapped, ready to slip beneath the tree in the morning. None of the girls protested when Molly and Bertha appeared to take them upstairs. Ettie announced that she'd be down bright and early, and was warned not to touch a single gift before the entire family had gathered. She giggled at the warning and then squealed when Lucas moved towards her, his hand out as she easily slipped by him and dashed up the stairs.

  The three men sat before the fire, glasses of brandy in their hands. "I know that I still have Ettie upstairs but with Franny gone, the house already feels different," Lucas said with a sigh.

  Edward chuckled and took a sip of his drink. "Sort of like how Wintercrest felt different the moment you took Lucy away?"

  "Yes," Lucas said, and then grinned. "And you can't have her back."

  Stefan and Edward laughed as they lifted their glasses. "To women who make us better men."

  "To our girls," Lucas said. They clinked their glasses together, drained their drinks, and then stood to join those very women.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The door was opened even before the newlyweds made it up the stairs. Wilma Harris, Samuel's housekeeper, was smiling as she stepped aside to allow the groom to carry his bride across the threshold. "Congratulations and welcome home."

  "Thank you," Franny said, her face flushed as she spoke while being held in her husband's arms.

  "Yes, thank you, Mrs. Harris," Samuel said. "Have Franny's things arrived?"

  "Yes, sir. Everything has been unpacked and put away, though I must say there wasn't much."

  Samuel chuckled. "I assure you there will be more. I just didn't give the poor girl time to pack."

  "Ah, that's perfectly understandable. May I take your cloak and coat?"

  "Yes," Samuel said, and looked down when his wife giggled.

  "I think you are going to have to put me down first." She giggled again when he looked surprised as he realized he was still holding her.

  "I suppose I must," he said and set her onto her feet, bending to kiss her cheek before unfastening the toggle that held her cloak together at her throat. He passed it to Wilma and then shrugged out of his coat, again passing it over.

  Franny suddenly had no idea what to do. She'd been in the house several times during their courtship, and none of the staff were strangers to her. And yet, even though she was now wed and truly belonged, she felt like an interloper; an outsider with a sudden desire to be in familiar surroundings. As if able to sense her sudden unease, her husband wrapped his arms around her and drew her to him.

  "Relax, little one. There is no need to be nervous."

  "I-I'm not," Franny countered, not wishing to have the housekeeper inform the staff that Mr. Benedict's bride appeared ready to dart out the front door.

  Samuel bent down to whisper close to her ear. "I can feel you trembling. I promise you have no reason to be frightened. This is no longer just my home. This is your home, our home." His breath was warm as he spoke, puffs of air causing her skin to break out into gooseflesh. Instead of reassuring her, thoughts of what awaited had her trembling more.

  "Shall we go say goodnight to Sadi
e?" he suggested, and she latched onto his offer as if grasping on to a lifeboat out at sea.

  "I'd like that."

  Samuel stepped away but took her hand. "There is a box in the carriage that David will be bringing in. Please have Katie arrange a tray and place it outside our bedchamber."

  "Certainly, sir."

  "Thank you and goodnight, Mrs. Harris."

  "Goodnight, sir. Franny." The woman walked towards the kitchen while Samuel led Franny towards his study.

  Franny sank down to kneel before Sadie's bed, not wishing to disturb the mother as her remaining brood slept in a pile close to her side. She was aware of her husband, but grateful he allowed her time to collect herself. Running her hand down the dog's side, she leaned forward and gave the dog a kiss between her ears. "How are you, girl?"

  The dog thumped her tail in appreciation of the attention and the scratching she was being given.

  "See, little one, even Sadie knows you belong with us."

  Franny smiled and nodded and, as Sadie shifted, she counted the puppies. "There are only three left," she said, a bit surprised to see the other seven missing.

  "Yes, most were picked up yesterday and today in order to be given as gifts for Christmas," Samuel explained, moving to squat beside her. "We'll take Edward's two with us tomorrow." He reached into the basket and scooped up the runt of the litter, the pup half the size of her sleeping siblings. "I thought you might like to keep this little one." Sadie lifted her head as if waiting to hear her mistress's decision.