Reunion (Hunter's Ridge Book 3) (20 page)

Lucy heard Frank asking Bea if she felt okay, and noticed that her sister-in-law did look a bit pale.

"Yes, I'll be fine. Perhaps I'll see if a cup of tea is available."

Lucy assured Frank she'd help Bea find the kitchen, and when she did, both Molly and the cook began to fuss over the young woman.

"Where are the rest of the girls?" Bertha asked, a row of small glasses on the table obviously waiting to be filled.

"Oh, they aren't thirsty, Nanny Bertha. They've gone to Emmie's room to see Socrates. Uncle Stefan said it was okay."

"I'm sure it is. Go along, Lucy, your sister is fine with us. In fact, if Franny would rather, she may join us."

"Yes, Ma'am, I'll tell her," Lucy assured the woman. It wasn't until she was upstairs and could hear the sound of giggling that she wondered why Nanny Bertha hadn't offered for Ettie to join Bea. Was it that obvious to anyone who met her youngest sister-in-law that the young woman preferred play over conversation? Perhaps Nannies were also able to see through the invisible cloak her Papa had alluded to? What impression would Ettie make on Miss Summers? Opening the door to find Ettie, her skirts billowing around her as she sat on the floor, squealing as the kitten pounced all over her, Lucy had to smile. She had a very good idea of what Eleanor would think.

Franny did accept Bertha's invitation. "You girls behave, now," Franny said, rising gracefully from the rocking chair where she'd been sitting. "Ettie, please remember that you are a proper young lady. Goodness, look at your skirts."

Ettie shrugged as she picked several white hairs off her dress. "Socrates can't help it, Franny, and he is just too sweet not to cuddle."

With a smile and a shake of her head, Franny left the room to the five other girls. They played with the kitten, who was growing quickly into a beautiful—but very fat—cat, and then began playing with Emmie's various dolls.

Lucy noticed that the horse that usually stood in the corner of Emmie's room was missing. Had it been removed because Uncle Stefan didn't want to chance offending his guests, most likely understanding the girls would spend time in the nursery? Though she desperately wanted to talk to Emmie, that discussion would have to wait. Her Papa's instruction that some things were not meant to be shared told her it would be improper to ask such personal questions in front of Ettie or Melody. She also wanted to talk to Louisa and discuss her thoughts about what she believed was being orchestrated, but didn't want to discuss it in front of the others. Ettie seemed oblivious to the fact that men had obviously been invited simply to see if either Ettie or Franny caught their attention.

Instead of any serious discussion, the girls talked about the upcoming ball and how much they loved the holidays. They even sang a few more carols; Melody's voice just as beautiful without the piano's accompaniment. When Bertha and Molly appeared to tell them it was time to return to the parlor, Bertha shook her head, running her hands over Ettie's skirts.

"Goodness, child, how did you get so much cat hair on your dress?"

Ettie shrugged. "I suppose it's because I have a longer dress." The answer was simple but accepted, especially since no one tattled that she'd been practically rolling across the floor.

Instead of entering the front parlor again, they were shown to the library where a huge tree stood, the glow from the fire and the reflection from the wall sconces making the glass balls seem to shimmer. When Ettie put her hands on her hips and turned an accusing look on her brother before stating that some people already had trees, Lucas popped her lightly across her rear, causing her to squeak.

"And some people seem to be forgetting their manners."

Ettie had apologized, but Stefan had laughed. "I completely understand. It's hard to be patient when you are so young." He invited the girls to choose one of the many paper cones that hung from ribbons on the tree's branches.

Lucy heard Ettie squeal with delight and saw her pop a small candy into her mouth. She chose one that hung from a low branch, discovering it filled with candy as well. Lucy smiled when Mr. Benedict removed one from a high branch and offered it to Franny, who accepted it with a soft smile.

"I'll see you at the ball," Lucy said as she gave Emmie a hug. "And then you and Uncle Stefan are coming to Hunter's Ridge for a few days. We'll have more time to talk and play then."

"Do you think we can ride again? Maybe this time my bottom won't be so sore." Emmie smiled as both girls remembered riding on very tender backsides during her first visit to Hunter's Ridge.

"If the weather is nice and Papa says we may," Lucy answered properly. At the sight of her Papa's smile and the look in his eyes, she remembered that there were other horses at Hunter's Ridge—those not ridden through fields or meadows. She also thought of the vacant space in Emmie's nursery. Feeling a slight twinge of discomfort, as if her rear was reminding her of what happened when horses made of wood were ridden, she forced those thoughts away as she gave her Uncle Stefan a hug and a kiss on the cheek, thanking him for a wonderful evening.

"You are welcome any time," Stefan assured her, then pulled Louisa into his arms and hugged her as well. "Both of you are welcome. I insist you both save me a dance, no matter what your Papas say!" The twins agreed, knowing their Papas would certainly not mind.

Stefan placed a kiss on both Franny and Bea's cheeks, thanking them for honoring his home with their lovely presence. Bending down to give Ettie's cheek a kiss, he chuckled. "You, my dear, are quite delightful. I hope you weren't too terribly bored."

"Oh no, Sir, I had a wonderful time. Your home is quite lovely, especially your Christmas tree." She giggled as she saw Lucas roll his eyes. "Thank you so much for inviting me, and for the games and the candy."

Final waves were given as they hurried through the cold to the waiting carriages.

"Did you have a good time, Kitten?" Lucas asked, dropping a kiss on top of her head.

"It was lovely, Papa." She looked up at him, a soft smile curling her lips. "I enjoyed singing and playing games. I think Uncle Stefan likes playing games as well."

Lucas and Edward both chuckled but it was Lucas who answered. "I believe you might be correct, but rest assured, he'll make sure to follow the rules."

Though she wasn't entirely sure what he meant, she yawned and nodded, closing her eyes, content as she snuggled in his embrace. The clomping of the horses' feet and the gentle sway of the carriage drew both her and Louisa into sleep.

Edward spoke quietly. "I remember another carriage ride much like this one."

"I do as well, and seem to remember you warning me to treat your ward with respect," Lucas said, grinning. "I hope you agree that I have."

"No question of that. It's obvious to all that you and our Lucy were meant to be together. Now it is only a question of whether any of Stefan's choices meet with your approval."

Lucas was silent for several minutes, his hand gently stroking down Lucy's back. "That remains to be seen, but I promise, just as I wanted Lucy to make her own choice, it will be up to both Franny and Ettie to choose."

"And if Ettie chooses as we both believe she might?" Edward asked, his eyes dropping to his own little one cradled in his arms.

"Let's not cross that bridge until we come to it." Lucas sighed as he shook his head. "There are many men out there. It would serve her well to be allowed to meet those who prefer what's considered a more 'acceptable' lifestyle."

"I agree, but remember, as men who need our mates to fulfill two roles, it would not serve her well to be denied what her heart and soul might need to be truly fulfilled."

"It's a hard path, Edward," Lucas said quietly. "Being able to give so much is a rarity, and Henrietta is so very young."

"No younger than our girls were," Edward pointed out. "Though you still seem hesitant to admit it, your Ettie has far more experience in this dynamic." He held up his hand when Lucas seemed about to protest. "Not actual experience mind you—I've no doubt she is innocent in the ways of a man and a woman—but still, growing up in such a household does give her the advantage of knowing that the choice is available, and not something to be ashamed of should she choose it."

"I'll grant you that, but the girl has only seen the very basics. There's a huge difference between hearing Lucy being scolded, or even witnessing her being spanked, and seeing her sister actually presenting herself for severe or intimate discipline. Playing with dolls is fun, but is she truly prepared to play far more adult games?"

The question remained unanswered as both men thought about the fact that the women they both held were still learning about the depth of their own submission.

As the carriage climbed the steep hill leading to Hunter's Ridge, Lucas spoke again. "I'm just praying that Frances finds happiness. God knows she deserves it."

"As you said, we'll just have to wait and see," Edward said, and then quietly added, "And pray that she doesn't allow what happened to keep her from giving another man a chance to provide that happiness."

Once home again, sleepy girls were carried upstairs as Frank escorted his wife to their own rooms.

At Lucas's assurance that he'd tuck Lucy into bed, Molly helped Franny and Ettie, the younger girl almost asleep on her feet as the cone of candy was taken from her hand and placed on her dressing table. Molly unbuttoned the gown, then loosened and removed the tight corset. Ettie sighed deeply, her hands rubbing up and down her ribs. Molly smiled as she pulled a nightgown over Ettie's head and guided the sleepy girl into bed.

"Sweet dreams, little one," she said, tucking her doll into her arms before extinguishing the lamp and moving into Franny's room. Franny had already undressed, hanging her dress up properly, and was already in her nightgown, sitting up against the headboard, a book in her hands.

"You need to go to sleep, Franny," Molly said softly.

"I will, I promise. I just want to finish my journal entry while the evening is still fresh in my mind."

Nodding, Molly bent to kiss her cheek. "Not too late. You can always finish tomorrow."

"Yes, Ma'am. Good night, Molly."

"Good night, Frances. Sweet dreams."

As Molly shut the door and went to the kitchen for a last cup of tea to be shared with Joseph as they'd arranged, she was smiling. It amazed her that girls raised in the same house could be so different. Despite their differences, each one of Lucas' sisters was special in her own way. Bea was thoughtful and self-assured, her intelligence obvious as she and her husband planned for their house to be built. Franny was quiet and yet had a heart of gold. She'd do anything necessary to make sure her family was happy. Molly knew the girl enjoyed losing herself in a book, and often could be found scribbling in her journal. Despite that entire sordid ordeal with Walter Drakemore, Molly hoped that Franny would find a man who could remind the kind soul that life was to be experienced and not just allowed to pass by. And Ettie? Oh, that one was a little spitfire. She bounced through life, her pleasure in all she experienced making others experience it all over again. God help the man who decided he could contain that endless ball of energy. If Molly knew anything, it was that it was within Ettie to be as stubborn and naughty as Lucy and Louisa combined.

"It seems as if everyone enjoyed the party," Joseph said, when she walked into the kitchen. "I've found some gingerbread."

Accepting the cup of tea as well as his tender kiss, Molly smiled. Thoughts of the other girls fled as she looked into his eyes. "Perhaps I'll tell your mother she needs a new hiding place."

"Do that and I won't share," Joseph teased, breaking off a piece and holding it to her lips. As the house's occupants settled into sleep, their duties done, the young couple spoke softly, sipping tea and nibbling on stolen gingerbread until it was gone—only to find far more pleasure in nibbling on each other's lips instead.

Chapter Thirteen

Saturday was a perfect day. The wind had stopped blowing and the sun was shining. Despite the cold, the moment naps were over, the family gathered outside. The snow was glittering and just seemed to call for play. Such days were rare and were to be treasured. When Edward suggested a contest, the others quickly agreed.

"Is there going to be a prize?" Ettie asked.

"And what would you wish it to be?" Edward asked. "Remember, it might not be you who wins."

"Hmm, perhaps the winner gets to choose the next activity when we play?"

"Sweetie, I adore you, but I draw the line at playing with dolls."

Lucas laughed as Ettie giggled. "I didn't mean that sort of play, Uncle Edward. If I win, I want to go into town. I need some more ribbons."

"Ettie, there are plenty of ribbons in the closet," Franny said.

"Perhaps she means the ones she hopes to find in a certain store?" Lucas suggested, wagging his eyebrows and making his sister giggle.

It was agreed that the winner would be allowed to choose an activity they'd all enjoy. That settled, each of them chose a spot away from the others to begin making creations out of snow.

After an hour, and a few hasty trips inside to gather more items, the contest was declared over.

Lucy stepped away from the snowman she had made and smiled. The snowman wore one of Lucas's scarves around his neck, and a huge carrot protruded from his white face and a basket full of carrots hung from his twig hand.

"Is that supposed to be me?" Lucas asked as he came over to see her finished sculpture.

"Yes. You always give me carrots to feed to the horses. Do you like him?"

He bent to give her a kiss. "Very much. We'll take the basket to the barn in a while. Come and see mine."

She giggled when she saw that their minds had obviously been on each other. A small snow lady stood beside one of the paths, a white pinafore adorning the front and a pink bow stuck on top of her head. Instead of carrots, the snow lady held a basket of apples. Walking around the creation, Lucy gasped. Not only had Lucas stolen a pinafore, he'd also stolen a pair of her ruffled drawers. "Papa! People will see!"