by Maggie Ryan
"Poor Molly," Lucy said, unwrapping her candy to find it was a rather large jawbreaker. "She came to Hunter's Ridge to watch over me and yet now it appears she has four girls to chaperone."
The three giggled and then finished their shopping. They needn't have worried about Bea discovering their plan, as she and Frank only entered the store when it was close to noon.
"Didn't you buy anything?" Ettie asked, since neither one of the couple were holding any packages.
"Yes, but we left them in the carriage," Frank explained.
"Did you leave the store with any stock?" The question had Lucy giggling at her Papa as he joined them.
"Only because I was running out of money," Ettie quipped, holding up her arms which, unlike her eldest sister's, were full. "Did you get me something?"
Lucas laughed and shook his head. "You never were one for waiting until Christmas, were you? I remember a certain little girl getting her bottom spanked when discovered unwrapping gifts days early."
"Lucas!" Ettie gasped, again looking around. "What is it about you and that word? People could hear you!"
His laugh showed he wasn't truly concerned as he offered to take her purchases to the carriage. Lucy offered to take Franny's and Louisa's and followed him out to the carriage. Once he'd stowed the packages, he pulled her into his arms. Bending down, he spoke against her ear. "I admit I'm a little surprised you have the strength to suckle that candy."
"Papa!" Lucy gasped, and then coughed when the candy almost got lodged in her throat. A firm slap in between her shoulder blades had the jawbreaker shooting from her mouth to bounce off the street before settling in the snow accumulated at the edge of the walkway. "Oh!" Lucy said, and looked up to see her husband smiling. He bent and kissed her softly.
"You don't need sweets, you are already sweet enough, my love."
Lucy smiled. "Thank you, but you owe me a jawbreaker, Papa. That was a gift from Mr. Whitmore."
"How about a cup of tea instead?" he suggested. "Your voice is a little hoarse."
She blushed again, both knowing the reason for her slightly irritated throat. Nodding, she told him how both Ettie and Franny had run into men from the Northbridges' dinner party.
He groaned and she giggled. "You have to admit, it looks like it's going to be a very interesting holiday season."
"I'm just hoping I have the strength to live through it," Lucas said.
"Oh, Papa, I have no fear that you won't," Lucy quipped. "But if you wish to conserve your strength, I suppose I can try to be very good so that you won't have to take me across your knees."
"Ah, little one, remember, Father Christmas only leaves gifts for good little girls… not sassy ones who make promises they can't possibly keep."
At her protest, he rubbed his palm against the back of her skirts, dropping a kiss on top of her head before leading her back inside the store and through an arch to an adjoining café.
"Oh, I forgot, I invited Mr. Benedict to join us. Is that okay?" she said.
"Yes, kitten, that's fine. Samuel is a good man, and I'm glad to hear that our Franny appears to like him."
Lucy thought of how truly concerned her husband had been when he'd returned home to discover that a man he didn't approve of was courting his little sister. She had absolutely no doubt that he'd made sure that Uncle Stefan's friend was worthy of possibly courting Franny. Squeezing his hand, she said, "I like him, too."
"Then, my love, I feel even more at ease. Now, if we can find that perfect man for Ettie, we can all relax."
Lucy giggled. "That might be a bit harder but I'm sure there is someone out there who will capture not only her sweet tooth, but also her heart."
Lunch was a merry affair and the food was delicious. Mr. Whitmore, who joined them as well, insisted they try various courses, the stream of dishes seemingly endless. Lucy moaned and shook her head when offered another bite. "I can't possibly. I'll pop!" Evidently she'd voiced what everyone felt and the meal finally drew to a close. Lucas thanked David for his hospitality when the store owner refused to accept any sort of payment.
"The only thing I ask is permission to come call on Henrietta," he said, his eyes going to where Ettie sat with a huge smile on her face.
"We'd love to have you join us for a reception on Friday evening," Lucas said as he shook the man's hand. When Frank led Bea away, Sam Benedict made a similar request. "I would love to help Frances with her project for the expectant parents. It would be easier to have her visit me as everything is there but, of course, I understand that she will need to be accompanied by a chaperone."
"Since the project is for Beatrice, that leaves her unavailable to serve as chaperone," Lucas said.
"I'd be glad to accompany her one afternoon," Molly offered. "Of course, that means the twins will either need to come with us, or—"
"Please, bring them, and Ettie as well, if you'd like," Samuel offered. "How about tomorrow afternoon for tea?"
"That would be acceptable, but only if Franny agrees," Lucas said.
"Thank you, Lucas," Franny said with a smile before turning to Samuel. "I'd love to, Mr. Benedict."
"Then I'll see you tomorrow around three?" Once the time had been agreed upon, he shook Lucas's hand, thanking him again. "I'd better get back to work before Stefan wonders if I've left the firm." He left, and Lucas gathered his family and herded them back outside.
Edward chuckled at his friend's exaggerated sigh. "You know you are loving playing matchmaker," he said as he settled Louisa on his lap.
"I guess it never truly occurred to me that once the door was opened, things would move so quickly."
"Really? Aren't you the man who admitted he fell in love the moment he plucked a certain girl off a library ladder?"
Lucas grinned as his family smiled. "Yes, and have fallen deeper every moment since that day." He kissed Lucy's cheek and after helping his sisters and Molly into the carriage, lifted Lucy in before taking his own seat and pulling her down to sit on his lap. The ride home was far quieter than the ride into town as four young women, all accustomed to taking naps despite their protests that they weren't tired, yawned and struggled to keep their eyes open. By the time the carriage pulled up before the house, the only one awake was Franny, who was looking out the window. Lucas didn't mind, as he relished the fact that she was smiling and relaxed and not tense as she'd been when he'd first returned back home to Hunter's Ridge.
Chapter Six
Molly and her charges alighted from the carriage with Joseph's help. "I'll be back in a couple of hours, Molly. It will take a bit of time to deliver Lord Huntington's invitations to the reception. Though the first two shall be quick, what with Lord Northbridge just next door."
"That will be fine, Joseph," Molly assured him and blushed when he bent to kiss her as four young women giggled. He grinned and escorted the group up the sidewalk to the front door of a townhouse. When the door was opened, Joseph handed the ivory envelope to the housekeeper and waited until the women were safely inside before taking his leave.
Lucy was delighted to see that romance seemed to be budding everywhere. Franny had a smile on her face as their host came into the foyer.
"Welcome," Samuel said as one of his servants took their cloaks and muffs. "I thank you for braving the snow to visit."
"Thank you for the invitation," Franny said softly.
"Why don't we have tea now to warm you after that long ride, and then I'll show you my library?"
Within minutes, the six were enjoying tea, small sandwiches and tea cakes in the parlor. Samuel and Franny were already discussing literature and the best medium for certain art work.
"I didn't realize you lived so close to Emmie," Ettie said, biting into another cake.
"Um, I'm sorry, did you say something?" Samuel asked.
Ettie sighed. "Isn't her house next door?" When he seemed puzzled, Ettie rolled her eyes. "Emmaline Northbridge? Joseph said she lived right next door?"
"Oh, yes. When Lord Northbridge wa
s making the move to bring his services here, I let him know the property was available. It makes it very convenient to be able to get together to discuss business matters when necessary. We even share a gate between our gardens."
"May we go see Emmie?" Ettie asked.
"Henrietta," Molly said, shaking her head. "We do not drop in uninvited to a person's home, nor do we rush to visit another when we are currently being entertained."
"I meant whenever Franny is through looking at Mr. Benedict's books."
Mr. Benedict chuckled. "I'm sorry if I'm failing to entertain you, Henrietta. Perhaps you'd enjoy meeting my Sadie?"
"Who is that? Does another girl live here?"
"Ettie!" Franny gasped, her face coloring darker with embarrassment at her sister's audacity.
Lucy looked to see Molly's lips thinning and then looked towards her sister and could tell from her expression that she was uncomfortable with Ettie's rude behavior. Even as Molly opened her mouth, Samuel hurried to ease the situation.
"No, Sadie is my dog. She has a litter of pups that you might enjoy visiting, since my library doesn't seem to interest you."
Ettie slid off the settee and clapped her hands. "Puppies? Where are they?"
"Henrietta," Molly said firmly. "I believe you owe Mr. Benedict an apology."
"Why? He was the one who suggested we go see Sadie."
Samuel stood up with a chuckle. "I have to admit, the puppies are quite adorable, and it's only natural for a young girl to be excited. They are in my study. Shall we go see them?"
"Okay," Ettie agreed, seeming oblivious to the discord her attitude had caused. Evidently hoping that assuaging Ettie's curiosity would be best, Franny set her cup down and stood, the twins following her example.
Molly followed, though it was obvious to all but Ettie that the nanny wasn't as forgiving as the others.
"Oh, they are so cute!" Ettie cried, once Samuel had led them to the large basket. Several squirming puppies were attempting to climb over each other to reach their visitors. Sadie didn't seem to mind in the least as three of her brood were instantly picked up to be cuddled. Lucy, Louisa and Ettie plopped onto the floor to play with the puppies, while Franny knelt to give Sadie's head a rub.
"Perhaps you'd like to see the book making process now?" Samuel suggested when she stood again.
"I'd love to," Franny answered.
"You three remain here," Molly instructed.
"We will," Lucy assured her, giggling when the puppy she held began to lick her nose as the nanny followed Franny and Mr. Benedict back through the house.
While Samuel explained how books could be assembled, Molly smiled. It was obvious that the large man was smitten with Franny. He engaged her in conversation, asking her opinion about various books they'd pulled from one of his many shelves. When the couple's fingers brushed across not only the leather covers but across each other's hands, she hoped that it wouldn't be a failure of her duties to ignore the touch. She'd never chaperoned before, and wasn't exactly clear on what was considered to be over the boundaries of propriety. While the two looked through various supplies, her thoughts drifted to Joseph. Speaking of impropriety, he'd actually kissed her in front of the girls! In fact, he'd become quite bold over the past few weeks and though she thoroughly enjoyed his attentions, especially far more intimate kisses, she wondered if by allowing him to kiss her today she was setting a poor example. Goodness, the differences between courting in her realm and courting etiquette for those who resided 'upstairs' in this society were extreme. She knew of several friends back home who took liberties that would scandalize parents of debutantes. Looking again at Franny, she smiled. The beautiful young woman was normally so quiet and shy that Molly had no qualms the girl wouldn't adhere to whatever protocol had been drilled into her since childhood. With that thought, she pulled her own book from her pocket and began to read while waiting for the visit to be over.
"Ettie, you can't give a dog candy!" Lucy said, when she realized that Ettie was holding out a piece of taffy to the puppy in her lap.
"It's just a bit of sugar," Ettie said. "Besides, Sadie liked the chocolate truffle."
Lucy looked to where Sadie was sitting, big brown eyes shining as her long tongue licked the fur around her muzzle. "Candy is not good for animals. It can make them sick." Lucy's eyes narrowed. "Didn't Papa tell you to take that bag to the kitchen last night?"
"I did," Ettie said with a shrug.
"Really? Then where'd you get that candy?" Louisa asked, returning her pup to the basket and picking up another.
"He didn't say I had to leave the candy," Ettie said with a giggle. "The bag is in the kitchen."
"You didn't!" Lucy exclaimed.
"I did! After all, David gave the candy to me. I shared it with you but he didn't say I had to share it with anybody else!"
Lucy and Louisa exchanged glances, both golden heads shaking. "I think you know that Uncle Lucas meant you should leave the candy in the bag, Ettie. And you shouldn't be addressing Mr. Whitmore in such a manner. Are you trying to get into trouble?"
Ettie ignored Louisa's question as she got to her feet, popping the piece of taffy into her mouth. "I should have just stayed home if we can't have some fun." Going to the French door, she opened it as the twins simply gaped at her. "I think Sadie needs to go outside." The dog eagerly jumped from her basket, leaving her puppies mewling at the desertion as their mother dashed outside. Lucy and her sister watched as Ettie followed the golden retriever into the garden.
"What on earth is wrong with her?" Louisa asked.
"I don't know but if Nanny Molly catches her, she's going to be in a great deal of trouble." Lucy sighed heavily. "It's almost as if she doesn't want Franny to have a good time."
"You don't think she's jealous that Mr. Benedict prefers Franny over her?"
"I don't know, but I'd hate to think Ettie would be that selfish. It's obvious that Mr. Whitmore is sweet on her." Lucy looked towards the door. "I guess we'd better go get her."
Setting the puppies back into the basket, the twins went to the door. "Maybe we should just go get Molly?" Louisa suggested.
"No, she's already upset and I don't want to get Ettie into any trouble or embarrass Franny. We'll get her and Sadie and come right back inside."
The two opened the door and instantly shivered. It was cold, and the wind was blowing snow all around. Retrieving their cloaks was not an option and they didn't dare call out loudly as neither wanted to draw anyone's attention other than Ettie's. The problem was, she wasn't in sight, and they both could see an open gate about halfway down the fence.
"Oh, she didn't!" Louisa said, her eyes wide.
"I think she did. Come on, we've got to stop her!" Holding hands, the twins stepped off the stone path into the snow, hurrying towards the open gate. They'd just reached it when frantic barking told them that Ettie was not the only one to have slipped through the opening. Stepping into the adjacent garden, they saw Ettie lobbing a snowball at a second story window, Sadie bouncing and barking around her.
"What are you doing? Stop that!" Lucy called out.
"Don't be such a worrywart," Ettie said, launching another missile. "I just wanted to say hello. Emmie would think it rude if she discovers we came all the way to town without saying hello."
"She doesn't even know we are here, Ettie," Louisa countered, her arms wrapped around herself. "It's freezing out here and you could get sick!"
"Ettie, you're going to get us into trouble!" Lucy pleaded. "Please, just come back into the house before…"
The remaining words went unheard when the sound of glass breaking filled the air. All three girls stood, faces upturned, eyes wide as the window continued to shatter.
"Oh bloody hell," Ettie said. "I guess there was a rock in that one." When they heard the sound of a door opening, all three girls turned and raced back through the gate. It was only once they were back inside that they realized that Sadie had not returned with them.
"What are we
going to do?" Ettie asked, blowing on her bare hands which were red from the cold.
Lucy could feel the skin on her backside crawling as she imagined exactly what she'd most likely be doing when they returned home. The three stood in the open door, all calling as softly as possible for Sadie, all praying that no one had seen them. Their prayers went unanswered as a figure stepped through the gate, Sadie running circles around the man.
"Uh oh," Ettie said, stepping back inside the room. "Is that—"
"Uncle Stefan," Lucy provided, butterflies now fluttering as well as skin crawling. "And he doesn't look happy." All three backed away from the door and then screeched when Sadie bounded into the room, stopped dead in her tracks and began heaving. By the time Stefan entered and stood, shaking his head, there was a large, very unpleasant pool of regurgitated candies on the Persian rug at his feet.
* * * * *
"I have never in my life been so embarrassed," Molly said as the carriage pulled up to the house and Joseph once more helped them down. When she saw Lucy's mouth open, she shook her finger in her direction. "Not a word! Not a single word out of any of you three. I can't even begin to tell you how angry I am. March yourselves inside right now!" Molly followed the twins up the stairs and then turned to see that Ettie hadn't moved and a strange carriage was driving up.
"Oh, hello, Dr. Fielding, did you come to see me?" Ettie asked, as the man walked towards her.
"I'd hoped to be able to visit, Lady Ettie," he said with a grin as he held up his black bag. "However, I've actually come to check on your sister."
"Is Bea ill?" Franny asked.
"No, not at all," Lawrence assured them. "Expectant mothers require several check-ups during their pregnancy."
Molly spoke from the doorway. "Henrietta Huntington, get inside the house this instant!"
Lawrence looked from the group at the top of the stairs to Ettie. "Ah, from your nanny's tone, I'm guessing that you did something naughty?"
"She's not my nanny," Ettie said, tossing her hair as she began to walk up the stairs. "Molly, I was just being polite in greeting Dr. Fielding." Any question that the nanny was going to put up with foolishness was dispelled as she practically yanked the young girl through the doorway.
