by Maggie Ryan
Chapter 8
The next time Lucy opened her eyes, it was to see her nanny quietly rocking as she sewed, her needle flashing as she worked. Molly had not only found Agnes, she had discovered the woman quite helpful. The housekeeper led her to a large storage closet where a wide variety of sundries were available. Molly had made her selections and had been assured that she could use anything she needed, without having to ask permission. Agnes extended an invitation to join her in a cup of tea, which Molly had happily accepted. Edith, the short, rotund cook had been delightful, imploring Molly to make sure to bring Miss Lucy to the kitchen so that she could meet her. When Lucy arrived, Edith had been busy directing not only the cleanup from serving lunch, but was already busy with preparations for a special supper that included all of Lord Huntington’s favorite dishes.
“We are all so pleased that Lord Huntington has found his little treasure at last,” Edith had said as she placed freshly-baked cookies on a cooling rack. “I know she will be happy here.” Molly prayed the woman was correct as she found a cookie pressed into her hand. Fresh from the oven, it was absolutely delicious. She had felt welcomed and relaxed in this kitchen among the staff. She had watched as Agnes directed the many servants who would come in to be assigned a duty without the intimidation or fear that Molly had experienced under Mrs. Bremmer. There wasn’t a soul in the bustling kitchen that appeared to be at unease, and the entire room seemed to beckon everyone to enter. Promising she would most definitely remember to bring Lucy to meet the jolly cook, Molly had returned to the nursery to begin her alterations, wanting to have Lucy in tailored clothing after her nap.
Molly snipped the last thread and looked to see Lucy sitting up in her crib, suckling on her dummy and watching her. “Did you have a good nap?” Molly asked as she stood and placed the petticoat on the rocker.
Lucy nodded, though she was somewhat surprised at how well she had slept, having never considered napping in an actual crib. Her mind was still spinning from everything that had happened since her arrival.
“Good, then let’s get you changed. I want to show you the library. I’m certain you will find it quite delightful.” Lucy smiled at the mention of a library, as she had spent many hours happily reading or playing games with her sister in the library at Wintercrest. It had also been in the library that she had first met her husband. Molly helped her from the crib and quickly had her changed and washed, not mentioning the sore little bottom that was still slightly pink. After pulling a fresh chemise over Lucy’s head, she helped her step into a fresh pair of drawers. As Molly took the petticoat off the rocker, she flipped it inside out and showed Lucy the two loops of pink ribbon she had sewn onto the fabric.
“Do you know the purpose of these loops?” she asked, turning the petticoat right-side-out again and holding it for Lucy to step into.
Lucy blushed but nodded. “Yes, Ma’am. The loops go over buttons to … to hold my clothes up,” she said softly, as a second petticoat was tied around her waist.
“That’s right. I’ve sewn buttons onto your pinafore. If you need to have your skirts lifted, the loops will allow your clothing to be held off your bottom without you having to hold it or causing wrinkles from being pushed into your waistband. Miss Bertha showed me the benefits of the alterations and I agree it is quite a clever idea,” Molly explained, showing Lucy the large buttons on the shoulders of her pinafore straps.
Lucy didn’t say anything, though an image of Emmie in the corner, her hands linked together on top of her head, her clothing arranged as Molly described, passed across her mind. Molly didn’t seem to notice Lucy’s silence as she quickly loosened Lucy’s hair and brushed it until it shone.
Before going to the library, Molly led Lucy to the kitchen to meet the cook. Lucy was pleased at the welcome she received, as well as the cookie she was given. Edith fussed over her, telling her how pretty she was, and tsking that she would definitely need some fattening up. Lucy had giggled remembering Mr. Grover’s words, feeling very comfortable with the cook and the servants that were busy in the large, welcoming kitchen. She thanked the woman for providing the picnic that she and Lucas had enjoyed. Edith waved her hand as if it were nothing, but Lucy could tell she was very pleased to be thanked for her thoughtfulness as the woman moved to envelop her in a hug. Lucy was reluctant to leave the room, until Molly reminded her that their destination was the library. When she stood in the doorway of the large room, her eyes grew huge as she took in the floor-to-ceiling shelving that held hundreds of books. Her face brightened at all the possibilities before her.
Molly released her hand and told her that she was to stay in the library. Molly wanted to return to her room to gather the knitting basket she had forgotten to bring down. Lucy absently nodded and was soon running her fingertips over the spines of books.
She gave a sharp squeal when she was lifted off her feet and spun around before being set down. She smiled up at her husband. He bent to give her a kiss, intending it just to be a quick one but was soon holding her closer, his lips demanding her response. Lucy wrapped her arms around his neck, her nipples hardening under her dress, her blood heating as she felt her stomach tingle with desire. All thoughts of her earlier punishment disappeared the moment his lips touched hers. When he released her, they were both flushed, and he had to force himself to remember where he was.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked, and was pleased to see her nod.
“Yes. Thank you for the kitten, Papa. I really am sorry that I acted so horrid ….”
“Kitten, you have already been forgiven. There is no need to apologize again. I’m very happy that you enjoyed the kitten. I know you’d prefer your own Cleo, but fear you would play instead of rest.”
She smiled, thinking how easily he forgave her once the discipline had been completed and her penance made. Her heart felt much lighter, her anxiety about her nursery lessening somewhat after having slept in her new crib for the first time, her arms wrapped around his thoughtful gift. It continued to amaze her how often he seemed to know what she needed or would find pleasure in, without having to ask.
“You have so many books,” she said, waving one hand expansively, as if to show him that there were, indeed, hundreds of books on his shelves.
Lucas chuckled and nodded before reaching out to tap the tip of her nose. “I don’t suppose I have to tell you to stay off the ladders, do I, Kitten?” Lucy blushed at the question and then giggled. Lucas loved the sound, thrilled to see her relaxed for the first time since her arrival. He drew her close again, bending to whisper in her ear. “I remember the first time I saw you, Kitten, the first moment I fell in love with you.” His words caused Lucy to flush in pleasure as he declared his love, and when he bent to kiss her again, she leaned into him, her arms lifting to go around his neck. “I remember that was the first time I spanked your little bottom.”
“I remember,” Lucy giggled again when he released her lips. That day remained as clear to her as if it had just occurred. She had been reaching for a book one moment, plucked off the ladder, and then was being spanked by a total stranger a moment later. Despite her shock, she later admitted that she had fallen in love with that very stranger at that first meeting. Lucas chuckled and then walked with her around the room, showing her where several of her favorite books were waiting to be taken down and enjoyed again.
“Will you read to me?” she asked, as he handed her a volume of Cinderella. It was a favorite fairytale of hers, one they had spoken about the night she claimed him as her very own Prince Charming. He took it from her and sat in a large armchair, settling her on his lap. Lucy leaned against him, happy to be in his arms and listening to the sound of his voice as he read the book. When he got to the part where the Prince first appeared, he bent and whispered that he was so glad that his princess had chosen him. She smiled and cupped his cheek with her palm. He bent closer, kissing her until her stomach flipped and she was making soft moans beneath his lips. Only the sounds of giggling broke them apart and
only when Lucas realized it wasn’t his own little one making the delightful noise. He lifted his head to see his sisters standing in the doorway. With Lucy held securely in the circle of his arms, his smile showed his pleasure.
“Hello sleepyheads,” he teased, and motioned them forward as he guided Lucy off his lap and stood beside her. “Come meet Lucy.” Three girls ran across the room and shocked Lucy by wrapping both her and Lucas in their arms. Lucas was very pleased seeing his sisters include his new bride in such a loving welcome. After a few minutes of tangled arms, he chuckled and raised his hand. “Okay, okay, let’s give Lucy some room to breathe, girls.” The young women smiled, stepping away just a bit.
“Lucy, I’d like you to meet your new sisters. This is Beatrice,” he said, introducing the oldest girl. She was a beautiful young woman, her hair a darker shade of blonde than Lucy’s. Her eyes were blue, and her smile was welcoming.
“Hello, Lucy. Welcome home. Please call me Bea,” the girl said.
Lucas looked past Bea. “Where did Frank go?” he asked, just as a man entered the room. “Ah, there he is. Lucy, this is Mr. Frank Collins, Bea’s husband.”
Lucy watched as the man put his arm around his wife and drew her to him before extending his hand to Lucy. “Welcome, Lucy, I can tell you that everyone has been so excited about meeting you at last. I’m glad you and your Papa are finally safely home.”
Lucy was a bit surprised to hear him refer to Lucas as her Papa. “Tha … thank you, Sir,” she said, as he released her hand. The two moved away so that the other girls could be introduced properly.
“Lucy, this is Frances, but we call her Frannie,” Lucas said as he extended a hand to the young woman. Frannie gave her a gentle smile, her eyes bright, but Lucy could see she was more restrained than the last young woman who was practically bouncing as she waited for her turn to be properly introduced.
“Hello, Lucy,” Frannie said softly. “Welcome to Hunter’s Ridge.”
“Thank you, Frannie,” Lucy said. For some reason, she felt the girl was not only shy, but seemed troubled, though Lucas didn’t appear to notice anything amiss. Lucas finally drew his baby sister forward.
“And this little minx is Henrietta,” Lucas said, with an indulgent grin.
The young woman bounced forward and wrapped Lucy in a hug. “Gosh, it seems we’ve waited forever,” Henrietta said. “Why weren’t you at lunch? We waited and waited, but then Miss Browning said we had to take a nap. She should have let us stay up and greet you … it wasn’t fair that you…”
“That’s enough, Henrietta,” a voice said sharply, and the girl turned to see her governess walking into the library, the look on her face showing her disapproval. “What must your little sister think of your manners? Goodness knows you have been brought up better than that.” Henrietta’s face flushed at the reprimand, but she still gave Lucy another hug before releasing her. “Oh, I forgot. Call me Ettie; everyone else does.” Lucy smiled and nodded; the younger girl’s happiness was infectious. “Do you want us to call you Lucy, or Lucille?” Ettie asked, ignoring the annoyed look on her governess’ face.
Lucy’s bottom clenched, the question reminding her of how hearing her more formal name usually came before she was either corrected or spanked by her husband or nanny. She gave her husband a quick look, and from the way his lip curled up, knew he was well aware of her thoughts.
“Please, call me Lucy.”
“That is a pretty name. We will have such fun now that you are here. I can’t wait to show you my room. When we play games, you must be on my side. Bea and Frannie gang up on me you know,” Ettie went on, with another hug for Lucy.
Lucas thought that if Lucy had been a triplet instead of a twin, his youngest sister could easily make up the third part of that triangle. All three girls were beautiful and petite, all three full of life and spirited. He relaxed, having worried just a bit about how Lucy would react to meeting her new family. He was encouraged by her smile and the brightness in her eyes as she returned each welcome.
“Lucas, may we play a game before dinner?” Ettie asked, placing her hand on his arm. “You could join me and Lucy on my team … we can all play charades!”
Before Lucas could reply, Lucinda stepped forward. “Henrietta, there will be no playing for you tonight unless you’ve already completed the essay I have assigned you,” Lucinda said, her voice stern, her gaze unwavering.
Ettie looked at her and then back to her brother. “Please, Lucas? I can work on it later. It’s just another silly essay.”
“Don’t whine, Henrietta,” Lucinda said. “Whining is for toddlers or little girls who don’t know better. It is a very unseemly trait for well-bred young women.” She cut her eyes to Lucy as if it were she who really needed the reminder.
“But that’s not fair,” Ettie said, her eyes now flashing a bit. “This is Lucy’s first night home. I want to make her feel welcome ….”
Lucinda’s attention returned to Etta, her own eyes narrowing. “That’s enough, Henrietta. You will obey me without another word of discussion. In fact, young lady, your assignment shall now be to write about the importance of obedience. If you continue to argue, you’ll add another thousand words on exactly what happens to girls who are insolent and disobedient. I’m quite sure that your brother would be able to demonstrate exactly what that is, since you seem to have forgotten what is required when you confess after your disrespect has caused me to have need to apply my own paddle to your bottom.” Ettie’s mouth dropped open, and they all saw her face flush hotly at the thinly-veiled reminder that she had indeed felt her governess’ paddle during class that afternoon. Lucinda gave her a final warning. “If I find that you treated your assignment as just ‘another silly essay’, I shall have you at the board writing sentences until you’ve learned the importance of respect. Are my instructions quite clear, Henrietta?”
Though Ettie nodded, she turned her head towards her brother, her red cheeks showing her embarrassment. “Lucas … I
“Ettie, you know better. It is not proper to ask about games when you were aware that your governess had given you an assignment. You will do as you were told,” he said, and saw the disappointment in her eyes. “Ettie,” he continued, his tone softer, “Lucy is home now; there will be plenty of time to play. Your schoolwork is more important.” When she started to protest, he stepped forward and bent down, cupping her face in his hands. “Henrietta, that’s enough. I suggest you think very carefully before you speak again. I don’t wish to have to give you the demonstration that Miss Browning spoke of, but I assure you that I shall if you continue to be naughty.”
Everyone was silent as they waited to see how Ettie would choose. Lucy realized that Lucas was referring to a spanking, and her heart beat a bit faster. She saw Bea take a step toward her sister, but her husband stilled her with a hand on her arm and a subtle shake of his head.
Ettie finally nodded, and Lucas gave her cheek a kiss. “That’s my girl,” he said softly, reaching around to give her bottom a gentle pat.
Lucy’s heart skipped a beat when Lucinda paused to place her hand on Lucas’ arm, and Lucy saw the pleased smile she gave him. The governess didn’t speak, but once she removed her hand, she turned her eyes to meet Lucy’s. Lucy instantly understood that the woman had never had a doubt that Lucas would support her decision. As the governess took Ettie’s arm and led her to a small desk on one side of the room, Lucy remembered that the woman and Lucas had made plans to speak while Lucy napped like the child she played. She wondered again about the dynamics of the woman in this household, and more importantly, exactly what that woman felt towards a man that had wed another.
Chapter 9
The others settled in the chairs and small settees around the fireplace. Lucy sat beside her husband, her hand slipping into his as the two older girls spoke about the events in their lives during the past several months while Lucas had been gone. Lucy listened, but her mind was full of conflicting thoughts. She didn’t even realize tha
t she moved to sit even closer to her husband, her fingers tightening around his.
“Are you okay, Kitten?” Lucas asked, when there was a pause in the conversation. He saw her look up at him, as if surprised she was being addressed. He saw the troubled look in her eyes, though she managed to give him a small smile and a quick bob of her head. He moved to pull her onto his lap, and though he felt her stiffen initially, he wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his chest. He was very pleased when she relaxed against him, her cheek lying on his chest, where she would be able to hear his heartbeat. She had once told him that being able to listen to his heart always made her feel loved and secure. He bent and kissed her cheek before he returned his attention to the others.
“So tell me, Frannie, need I worry about a dozen suitors that are going to seek permission to court my sister?” Lucas teased, causing Frannie’s face to flush.
“No, Lucas. There … there’s only one,” she answered, her eyes lifting to meet his.
“Ahh, one can be even more troubling. Has this man captured your heart so completely that you have no desire to allow another to make his attempt for your attention? After all, there is no reason to rush. Is it anyone I should be worried about?” he teased. His teasing stopped the moment he saw her shake her head, her teeth worrying her bottom lip exactly as Lucy’s did when she was feeling confused or distressed. He adored his sister, and despite her attempt to hide her emotions from him, he knew she wasn’t acting like the happy, contented young woman he had left when he traveled to Wintercrest.