by Maggie Ryan
It was a lovely sapphire blue with white lace at the cuffs and throat. Lucy nodded and agreed that it would do nicely. She was soon back into her corset and holding her breath as Molly pulled hard on the laces. Once they were tied, several undergarments were stepped into and garters tied around stockings before the dress was finally slipped over her head. Lucy stood still as Molly worked the dozens of tiny buttons into their loops down her back. It took another half hour before her hair had been brushed and arranged into a pleasing hairstyle. As Molly pushed yet another pin into her scalp and Lucy yelped, she thought of her sister’s hair. It was always either loose and hanging down her back, tied back with ribbons, or plaited to keep it out of her face. Lucy realized she couldn’t actually remember the last fashionable adult style dress Louisa had worn. Her obvious joy had made her a stunning bride even though Lucy remembered her wearing a very simple wedding dress. Molly’s declaration that she was ready pulled Lucy from her thoughts, and she thanked Molly for her assistance.
As they stood to leave the room, Molly spoke quietly, “I’m very happy for you, Miss Lucy. I was worried you might not pass even though we all knew you worked very hard.”
Lucy blushed knowing the entire household was well aware of what all had transpired the past several days. She found she couldn’t fault Molly. “Thank you, Molly. I’m very, very glad as well. Perhaps I can stay away from that horrid study from now on.”
Though Molly seemed a bit shocked at the casual way the words were spoken, she couldn’t contain a small grin. The two were giggling as they left Lucy’s room and descended the stairs.
Edward was at the bottom of the staircase and Lucy saw him looking up at the sound of their laughter. She faltered until she realized he was smiling. She smiled back and was soon standing on the last step. He still towered over her and she was suddenly struck by his size.
“You look lovely, Lucille,” he said, taking her hand and guiding her into the parlor. She saw Louisa jump up from a chair and smiled. Her sister’s dress surprised her. She was wearing a violet dress that was a bit more age appropriate, though Lucy noticed her curves were still soft and it was obvious she wasn’t corseted. The hem was longer, no large bows decorated her waist. Louisa’s hair was also tied back at the nape of her neck to hang in soft curls down her back.
Louisa smiled. “I love that dress, Lucy. It is so beautiful on you.”
The sincerity of her sister’s compliment caused Lucy to smile, her heart full with love for her twin. “You look quite pretty as well, Louisa. That color perfectly matches your eyes.” Lucy realized that Edward had allowed his wife to wear the perfect compromise between the very youthful dress Louisa had worn earlier to the fashionable dress that Lucy was presently wearing.
She watched her sister blush and realized that she’d been worried about being judged by someone who had loved her every moment since they’d been conceived at the same exact moment. Lucy once again wished she could speak more feely with her sister and yet had to settle with giving her twin a huge hug and another smile.
Edward didn’t give them time to become uncomfortable. “It’s time to go, girls.” They followed him out of the house and were soon in the carriage. Lucy watched as her sister sat next to her husband, her small hand on his arm. Edward smiled down at his wife and then moved to place his arm around her and draw her closer to his side. Lucy couldn’t help but wonder what Edward was thinking as he saw the twins, so identical and yet so different. Not in the way they dressed… after all that was simply clothing and could easily be changed as he’d demonstrated both at church and tonight. She was more interested in what he thought of how she wasn’t as easily swayed to give up her independence or to keep her thoughts to herself and simply agree with him simply because he had been born male. Shaking her head, Lucy felt a bit ashamed of her thoughts as it was quite obvious that Edward not only found his wife to be lovely, he loved exactly as she was. When Louisa sighed in contentment, her smile radiant, Lucy finally accepted the fact that she didn’t need to understand all that she’d learned over the past few days because she had no doubt that the two truly loved each other.
The dinner was a success. Lucy was amazed at how beautiful everything was, from the fine linens to the heavily engraved silverware at each place setting. Lush floral arrangements were arranged in heavy crystal vases that adorned each table. Soft candlelight bathed the room with a soft glow. Plump, soft cushions on the chairs assured a comfortable seat as she looked about the room full of women in beautiful gowns escorted by men in their best attire. The atmosphere was hushed but elegant. Edward allowed them each a small glass of champagne in order to participate in the toast of her graduation. Lucy could only smile as Louisa pushed him by pouting when he refused her another.
“But, Papa, it’s only bubbles!” Louisa said, with a sigh as she set her empty flute down a bit hard.
Lucy watched as Edward bent toward his wife and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was had Louisa flushing and shaking her head quite vehemently and being perfectly behaved for the rest of the meal. Lucy might have been ignorant of the quietly spoken words, but recent experiences gave her a very good idea of what her guardian had said to quell any argument.
Lucy had just taken her first bite of a delicious chocolate mousse when a couple approached their table. She watched as Edward stood and shook the hand of a tall, older man.
“Good evening, George. It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Eddinberg.” Edward kissed the woman’s cheek and she smiled.
“Thank you, Lord Wintercrest. It’s lovely to see you as well. How nice to see you out and about with your lovely bride—and who is this lovely young woman?” she asked, her gaze taking in Lucy and her twin seated at his table.
Edward smiled and introduced his ward. “Let me introduce my wife’s sister, Miss Lucille Furniss. She has come to live with us as my ward. Lucille, this is Lord and Lady Eddinberg.”
Lucy nodded her head, trying to decide if the woman addressing her was also considered her husband’s little girl. The woman was tall and elegant and spoke easily but there seemed to be something about the couple. After a moment, she realized she hadn’t responded to the introduction and flushed.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said using her best manners. The couple smiled down at her.
“We are celebrating Lucille’s recent graduation,” Edward explained.
The woman clapped her hands and her husband smiled down at her. “That’s wonderful. I am sure we shall see you at many of the upcoming parties and balls. If you don’t mind me saying, Lord Wintercrest, I do believe your house will soon be full of many suitors for your ward. She is simply beautiful.” Lucy flushed at the compliment and then thought about what had been said. She glanced up at Edward, who was smiling.
“I suppose they shall try, Lady Eddinberg but, believe me, it will take a very special suitor for my ward.”
Lord Eddinberg chuckled and nodded, “That’s right, Edward. Make sure you keep those chaps in line. It wouldn’t do to allow just anyone such a prize as this lovely woman. If she is anything like your own dear little wife, she will need a certain type of man indeed. I trust you will find the most suitable mate for your ward.”
Lucy flushed even hotter as she tried to imagine what the couple must be thinking. Did they know how the Lady of Wintercrest was treated? They certainly didn’t appear surprised at the more youthful way Louisa was dressed nor concerned with the fact that the young woman remained silent at the table.
Lucy’s attention was returned to the couple when Lord Eddinberg said, “Congratulations, my dear, on your graduation. I’m sure you will continue your lessons in the school of life with Lord Wintercrest as your professor. My wife and I shall look forward to hearing of your future engagement. I wager you won’t have long to wait. Trust your guardian to do what is best for you, my dear.”
Lucy flushed, wondering again if she was hearing hidden meanings in this elegant man’s words. Not knowing what to say, she simpl
y said, “Thank you, sir.” The older couple left and Edward again took his seat. They were interrupted twice more and the same conversation took place. Edward sighed and finally signaled for the check.
“I guess it is my own fault,” he said as he paid the bill. “You can’t expect to bring the prettiest girls out on the town and be left to dine in peace now can you?”
Lucy took the last bite of her dessert and saw she wasn’t the only one to find pleasure at his words as her twin smiled and blushed as well. The drive home seemed to go too quickly and before Lucy knew it, Louisa was being led up the stairs by Mrs. Bremmer.
“I want to stay up and talk to Lucy!” she whined, and attempted to pull away from the housekeeper.
“I don’t believe what you want matters, missy. Your papa has set your bedtime and you are already well past it. Now, unless you’d like to go to bed with a well-warmed bottom, I suggest you pick up your feet and stop whining.”
Louisa sighed, looking over at her sister but nodded. “Yes, ma’am. Good night, Lucy.”
“Good night,” Lucy returned, feeling herself at a bit of a loss as her sister disappeared up the stairs. Without being told to go to her room to study, she found she didn’t know what was expected of her. She glanced at the clock on the mantle to see that it was only a little after ten.
“Louisa needs her sleep and has a bedtime of half past eight,” Edward said, drawing her attention back to him. “It was a very special occasion this evening so I allowed her to stay up a bit longer. I feel this would be a good time to speak with you about your future unless, of course, you are too tired and wish to retire as well?”
Lucy was a little surprised and found she was a little hesitant. While she desperately wanted to talk about this man’s rules and expectations with her sister, she was somewhat reluctant to have that conversation with him. However, when he held out his hand, she found herself putting hers into it. They walked into the library and it was only then that she relaxed.
Evidently able to read her thoughts, Edward said, “Not all our private talks will take place in my study or involve discipline, Lucy. Only your behavior will decide if there will be any pain for your bottom as well as a discussion.” He smiled and he released her hand to allow her to take a seat, taking the chair opposite hers. “I would like to hear your thoughts, Lucille, on anything that concerns you. You have no need to be frightened by any question you might ask, as long as you do so in a respectful manner.”
Lucy took several deep breaths remembering the last time she’d shouted at this man and the price her bottom had paid. Taking his latest words to heart and knowing she’d not earned any punishment, she finally nodded her head. She thanked him again for the wonderful outing and then she shyly asked if what Lady Eddinberg said was true. “Will I really have suitors, sir?”
Edward sat back in his chair, seeming a little surprised that her first question hadn’t been one demanding he explain his rules. She couldn’t fault him as she hadn’t expected that question to be the first thing that popped into her head, yet she discovered she really would like to hear his answer.
He smiled and answered, “Yes, my dear. I fear you shall have several.”
“You fear?”
Chuckling, he nodded. “I simply mean that you are a very beautiful woman, Lucille, and will draw the attention of most every available bachelor. That alone assures that, as your guardian, I shall have a lot to deal with. However, beauty is not the greatest gift you have to offer, and I want you to remember that you will only be allowed to court those men whom I decide are suitable. I warn you now, my criteria are very strict, and I doubt that many will meet my expectations.”
Lucy listened, a bit unsure how to proceed and wondering what possible gifts she had for any suitor. Setting that question aside, she shyly forced herself to ask another. “What of my expectations, sir? Shouldn’t the choice be mine?”
Laughing as if he found her quite amusing, he shook his head. “Hardly, Lucy. Your father agreed that I was the proper one for Louisa and, Lucille, he also made it clear of the type of man he wanted to be your mate. I find I not only agree with his desires but, having you as my ward, have decided his requirements were still far too lenient for you, little one.”
Lucy was suddenly missing her father and wished she could speak to both of her parents. “What… what did my father wish for me, sir?”
Edward took his time as if seriously considering her question and didn’t speak for several minutes. And when he answered, it was with a question of his own. “I believe you can answer your own question, wouldn’t you agree? After all, you are your sister’s twin. Your father wanted the very best for both of you.”
She looked at him, then looked away. Though almost afraid of his answer, she quietly asked her next question. “Someone like you, sir? Someone who treats his wife more like a child than an adult woman? Someone who has so many rules and… and if he is not obeyed, punishes her?”
“Yes, someone exactly like me,” he answered without a moment’s hesitation. “Someone who loves his wife—his little one—with his whole heart, his entire soul. Someone who would give his own life to protect his wife and what is his. Lucy, you will find that there are many types of men in this world. Your father was a very good man who loved his family fiercely. A man who, though you might not believe me, knew exactly what you require to live a completely fulfilled life. You don’t need and would never be truly happy with a weak man, Lucy.”
His words reminded Lucy of what Lord Eddinberg had said. She flushed, her hands twisting in her lap. “Are you… you going to teach me, sir?”
He smiled gently, saying, “Yes, Lucy. I will be but one teacher in your life. There are more than simple rules to live by in order to get through life. Your lessons begin under your parents’ tutelage and institutions are but another stage of a person’s life. Lessons in grammar, history, geography and mathematics served to help make someone more intelligent. However, the value of life’s lessons is priceless. Life isn’t simply something to get through one day at a time. Life is something that should truly be lived to its fullest.”
“I’m not sure I understand, sir.”
Edward leaned forward and gathered both of her hands in his. “I spoke of your beauty, but that is but a small part of who you are. You are a strong, spirited woman who has much to offer. Your mind is inquisitive, your heart is large, your soul is kind and there is a hunger, a craving within you that is just waiting to be set free. There were undoubtedly times when you believed you wouldn’t survive under the strap, and yet you not only did, you thrived with every welt painted across your bottom.” Ignoring her gasp and the shaking of her head, he grinned and squeezed her fingers again. “You did, little one, and you will also thrive as you discover passions you have no idea exist. However, you are going to have to trust that I, like your father, have only your best interests at heart. I promise that I will do everything within my power to find your ultimate teacher. You are young and innocent and have so much to learn. Your lessons will continue at the feet of your husband, whoever that will be.” He paused as if giving her a chance to consider what he was saying. Standing, his hands still holding hers, he pulled her to her feet.
“I want you to think about what we’ve discussed. I know you have many questions and most likely will discover many more. Now, it is getting late and it is time for you to find your bed.” He led her to the stairs and bent to kiss her cheek. “Good night, Lucille.”
He waited as if he expected her to ask another question. Instead, she found herself trembling at the answers he already given her. She’d thought she had come to know this man, but discovered she had no true knowledge of his identity. Oh, she knew that he truly not only loved her sister but considered her a great treasure, but she also knew she couldn’t comprehend how that love could also involve corporal, embarrassing punishment of the woman he obviously adored. And until she spoke at length and in privacy with Louisa, she’d never come near to understanding how her own twi
n, an exact duplicate of herself, could not only accept her new lifestyle but seem to find happiness in it.
Edward’s quiet passion in giving her his answers caused her heart to speed up and her blood to race. She found herself wondering if what he said could be true. Was she really as he described? Could she ever find fulfillment with a man she allowed Edward to choose? Could she even consider life with a man who would expect so much from her including things she had never before thought about? Could she find any semblance of happiness in a lifestyle that in any way mimicked the one she was presently living? Her head was aching with all sorts of thoughts and emotions. She felt she could not think of another thing and let out a small sigh.
“Thank you, sir. Good night,” she said softly. She knew that she’d have a thousand more questions to ask, but for now, she needed to think about all that he’d said. As she climbed the stairs, she realized she had been a pupil in her guardian’s ‘class’ since her arrival at Wintercrest Manor though she hadn’t wanted to admit it to herself.
After she left to retire for the evening, Edward entered his office and poured his evening drink, his mind once more turning to possibilities for Lucy’s future. He smiled thinking how lovely both girls were, and though he knew he’d be quite happy to have Lucy under his roof indefinitely now that she understood the rules of the manor, he also knew that in order to allow his ward to truly find her own happiness, he’d have to find the perfect man and set her free. With those thoughts, he began to compose a letter—one he hoped would set Lucy onto the path best suited for her.
After he finished it, he walked up the stairs and into his bedchamber. He smiled, seeing his little one curled on her side, her thumb in her mouth. He undressed and slid into bed beside her. He gently removed the wet digit from her mouth and kissed her. She slowly awakened and opened her eyes. Her smile was soft and her eyes full of longing. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her until she was moaning with need.