by Maggie Ryan
"Um, thank you, Molly," she said, flipping the page back and holding out the pad. "Cleo was the perfect model."
Molly looked at the drawing and nodded. "You are very talented, Franny. This looks just like her. I, um, admit I didn't really consider that you'd have to come up here to draw her."
"I didn't mind," Franny assured her. "I haven't seen the room since I finished painting the furniture. Does… um, does Lucy like the flowers?" She watched Molly relax with the understanding that this was not the first time she'd been in the room of her sister-in-law.
"Yes," Molly said, looking at the artwork. "I'm not sure if she realizes you were the artist but I'm sure if she knew, she'd be even more appreciative of the work." Offering Franny the pad, she continued. "The girls have finished their correspondence and are waiting to deliver the missives to you."
"Oh, they didn't need—"
"Yes, I believe they did," Molly countered. "Are you done here?"
Nodding, Franny quickly gathered her pencils and followed the nanny from the room.
The family had just finished lunch when the butler appeared with a silver tray. Lucas took the envelopes and then accepted a card. "It appears you have a visitor, Franny," he said, giving her a smile.
"Really? Who?"
"Mr. Benedict," Lucas answered, and instructed the butler to escort the man to the front parlor. "As Molly will be busy putting the twins down for their naps, I will chaperone your visit."
"I can do that," Bea said. "I slept in this morning and I'm sure you have other things to attend to."
"May we give Mr. Benedict our letters?" Ettie asked. When permission was given, there was a rather large crowd who entered the parlor. Franny stood back a bit until Ettie and the twins had presented their letters and another verbal apology for their behavior.
"Girls, I appreciate your apology and want you to know that all is forgiven," Samuel assured them yet again.
"Does this mean we can come see Sadie and the puppies again?" Ettie asked, causing the man to chuckle.
"You are welcome anytime," he said. "I need to apologize for the timing of my visit. I realize that little ones take naps in the afternoon and yet this is the only time I had today to come."
Franny flushed, wondering if he knew that she, a woman of almost twenty, was still required to rest every afternoon, and prayed that her little sister wouldn't find it necessary to inform him of that fact.
"It's fine," Lucas assured him. "I'll leave you to visit." He ushered the others out, leaving Bea in the room as chaperone.
Once the couple were as alone as they'd be allowed, Samuel turned to Franny. "Shall we sit for a moment?" he asked quietly. Franny nodded and walked to him, taking a seat on one end of the settee, leaving the appropriate amount of space between them as Samuel joined her. "I brought you something," he said, picking up a box from the table. "You forgot these in all of the commotion of yesterday."
Opening the lid, Franny saw several different sheets of parchment, including the very thin paper that he'd shown her was used to protect drawings within a book. "Thank you. I am looking forward to working on…" His quick glance towards where Bea was sitting reminded her the project was a secret. "Um, trying out different paints," she said cautiously.
"I have something else," Samuel said, pulling a smaller box from his jacket pocket.
Franny opened it and gave him a smile. "Thank you! I've been regretting not buying these myself." He'd gifted her with the tin of darker hued paint sticks. "It's very considerate of you."
"You're welcome," Samuel said, taking the liberty of patting her hand. "I'd also like to commission you to draw Sadie and her pups. I'm afraid this will be her last litter and I'd love something to remember her as a mother."
"Oh, I'd love to, but don't you draw, as well?"
"Yes, but I'd like a different perspective. However, I don't wish to impose…"
"No! I mean, I'd really love to. In fact, I started drawing her this morning. Would you like to see?"
"Absolutely."
Franny ran from the room to retrieve her pad and the two were soon flipping through the drawings.
"These are beautiful. You have a very good eye for details, which makes your talent even more obvious, little one. I think Sadie would be very pleased." He reached out and took her hand, giving it a squeeze. "I certainly am."
Flushing, she wondered if he could feel her pulse racing as he held her hand. Every time she was with him, he made her feel special. Her heart was pounding as she was startled to realize she wanted to bend towards him and press her lips to his. When he smiled, she prayed he couldn't read her thoughts. "Thank you, sir." It was only when Bea began to shift in her chair that they realized over an hour had passed.
"I apologize," Samuel said, reluctantly standing. "I fear I've overstayed my welcome."
"Not at all, Mr. Benedict," Bea assured him. "It's just that I find sitting too long is a bit tiresome. If you'll excuse me for just a moment?"
"Of course, but I really must return to the office. I'll plan my next visit for a better time."
Franny stood as well. "Thank you again for the gifts, Mr. Benedict. I assure you that they will be put to good use."
"Of that I have no doubt," Samuel said, lifting her hand and brushing his lips across her fingers. Franny gasped but didn't pull away. When he had left, Bea gave her sister a grin.
"That man is definitely smitten."
"Do you truly think so?"
"Yes, without a doubt," Bea said, giving her a hug. "And, if I know anything about you, little sister, I'd say you are quite smitten as well."
"I-I like him very much," Franny admitted. "He is so kind and time just seems to disappear when we are together."
"Aw, and how did it feel to have him kiss you?"
Franny's cheeks flushed and she giggled. "Wonderful enough that I wonder how it would feel to receive a true kiss."
"In that case, the next time I chaperone, perhaps I'll need to close my eyes for a bit," Bea teased as the two walked down the foyer.
"Would-wouldn't that be improper?" Franny asked, looking around as if prepared to see her brother or Molly giving her knowing looks.
Bea's laughter rang out and she hugged her sister to her side. "Goodness, Franny, wouldn't it be worth a bit of naughtiness to discover if his touch thrills you?"
Franny found she had no argument. If his touching her hand or kissing her palm had her heart pounding, what would she feel like with his arms wrapped around her and his mouth on hers? Placing her gifts on her desk before moving to sit in the window seat, she knew that she'd be quite willing to take a few swats in payment for being a naughty little girl just for the experience of having Samuel kiss her on her lips.
Chapter Nine
The household was a flurry of activity as the days passed. Floors were mopped and furniture polished as maids scurried about. Edith was busy preparing food for the reception to be held that night; platters of marzipan, shaped into fruits and different animals, decorated in bright colors were on the counter, and countless bowls were waiting to be filled with a savory variety of roasted vegetables to accompany the succulent meats that were being cooked over the huge fire. Joseph had even managed to stay out from underfoot. Though it was far more likely the spoon she was waving about was for stirring any one of the numerous bubbling pots, he was not willing to chance that his mum wouldn't take it to his backside if he got in her way. It helped that she had promised she'd set aside a few delicacies for later.
It seemed that even though invitations had been sent out rather late, not a single person sent their regrets to say they would not be able to attend that night's reception. While the season would contain many formal parties, dinners and soirées, all culminating in the ball, those would be far more rigid. This evening's party was attended by guests who were not only business acquaintances; they either already lived with their chosen child/brides, were actively courting, or understood and accepted the dynamic with no judgment. Tonight was in Lord Win
tercrest's honor to introduce him to prospective business partners, as well as just to relax and enjoy the beginning of the Christmas season. It was the day that had three girls coming very close to earning another paddling.
"If I have to tell you to calm down again, I promise you'll be meeting our guests with hot bottoms," Molly warned with a huff. "Gracious, you'd think it had been ages since you've seen Emmie and not just a few days!"
"I'm sorry, Nanny," Lucy said. "It's just that we had such fun last time. We've been so looking forward to having Emmie and Uncle Stefan stay!"
Sighing and nodding, Molly finished tying the sash on Lucy's dress. "Okay, line up for a final inspection," she ordered and the twins and Ettie, who had decided it would be far more fun to get ready with them, all fell into line.
"You all look as pretty as those decorations hanging on the tree," Molly said, adjusting a bow and tucking a strand of golden hair behind an ear. "Please, do behave as proper young ladies should. I truly would hate to have to bring you upstairs for a spanking." When Ettie giggled, Molly used a finger to tilt her face up. "I mean it, missy. Don't think for a moment that because there is a houseful of guests, naughtiness will be allowed."
"Yes, ma'am," Ettie said, her eyes glowing. "I believe you!"
"Remember, walk don't run and, Henrietta, do not gorge yourself on sweets tonight! The remedy for an upset tummy will be the same as it was the other day."
"I'll remember," Ettie promised with a shudder before turning to run out the door. When the twins giggled, Molly shook her head.
"Good gracious, did either of you ever act like that?"
"Oh, no, Nanny Molly," Louisa assured her in a very solemn tone. "Lucy and I were ever so much better behaved." She gave a squeal when the nanny's hand smacked her backside.
"I'm not a fool, Louisa Michelle Wintercrest," Molly said with a smile. "I am just torn wondering if any man will ever be able to handle that little ball of fire."
The three shared a laugh, all knowing that Ettie would certainly keep a man on his toes but that a life shared with her would never be boring. Walking downstairs, the girls joined their Papas in a receiving line while Molly escaped to a much preferred location where she could enjoy conversation with Bertha, a soothing cup of tea, and perhaps a few stolen treats as well.
Within a half-hour, the house was full of guests. Maids wove between them, offering glasses of champagne to the adults. Apple cider was also offered for those dressed as obvious little ones.
Emmie had instantly been surrounded by her friends and was bouncing as much as Ettie was. "I have been going insane wondering how much trouble you got into that day," Emmie said with a giggle. "Did my Papa spank you?"
"No, but Nanny Molly did. Believe me, I might have preferred going over Uncle Stefan's knees!" Lucy replied with a grimace.
They chatted a bit longer and then were joined by their Papas to be escorted to dinner. The food was served buffet style, which suited everyone well. Plates were filled and enjoyed either seated at the large dining room table, or taken into the library or one of the parlors to be eaten.
"May I have the pleasure of your company for dinner?" Samuel asked Franny as he placed a slice of roast beef on her plate before serving himself.
"I'd like that," Franny agreed. She was wearing a dark blue dress that complimented her blue eyes and her blonde hair. "Where would you like to sit?"
Samuel smiled and bent closer. "Somewhere a bit more private, perhaps?"
Feeling her cheeks flush, she also felt her heart speed up. "The front parlor?"
"I'm thinking fewer guests will walk to the back?"
Lucy grinned, overhearing the exchange, and asked for a larger portion of potatoes to ensure that her Papa remained ignorant of the couple's desertion. She figured that with a house full of guests, Franny would be chaperoned even if it wasn't strictly adhering to the rules.
"May I join you for the meal?"
It was Ettie's turn to smile. "It would be my pleasure, Dr. Fielding," she agreed and then pouted when he returned two of the three tarts she'd added to her plate to the serving platter. "I wanted those."
"You don't need three, little girl." When her mouth opened and her foot stomped, his eyebrow lifted. "Would you like to lose the one still on your plate?"
Her eyes dropped to her plate and then lifted to his face. "Um, no." When his eyebrow remained quirked, she said, "I mean, no thank you, sir."
"That's much better. I'm not trying to deny you, Ettie, I simply don't wish to be the cause of you having another tummy ache."
Her cheeks pinkened and she nodded. "Oh, thank you."
"You are welcome, now, come sit with me."
This time Lucas's attention wasn't as easily diverted. He shook his head and then chuckled. "Seems our Ettie might have met her match."
Lucy turned to see that the two had been joined by Mr. Whitmore. "I don't know; I think that bag Mr. Whitmore is holding probably contains a huge amount of candy." She giggled when her Papa groaned and shook his head before leading her to the large dining room table.
"Remind me to instruct her to leave the bag and the candy for all to share," Lucas said with another grin as they were joined by Edward and Louisa, as well as Stefan and Emmie.
"Having a good time?" Lucas asked, setting a flute beside Lucy's plate.
"Yes, it's wonderful," Lucy agreed and then giggled. "Papa, this is champagne!"
"It is." Lucas chuckled and bent forward and said, "I believe my kitten might enjoy a taste, as it is a party."
"Oh, thank you, Papa," Lucy said, picking up her glass. The bubbles tickled her nose as she took a sip. When he inquired as to the whereabouts of Franny, Lucy admitted that she was eating with Mr. Benedict. His quirked eyebrow had her adding, "I think they were looking for a quieter place so they could, um… talk while they ate."
Edward and Stefan both laughed when Lucas sighed. "Come now, Lucas, you can't expect your sisters to do all their courting under your nose. The need to have a bit of privacy is necessary. After all, this is the season, and I can personally vouch for Samuel. He is a gentleman," Stefan lightly chided his friend.
"I know, but I feel I need to keep my head on a swivel to keep track of all the females under my roof."
Edward clapped him on the back. "I rather doubt you'll have to worry for too long. I'm willing to bet that Franny is well on her way to making her choice."
"Samuel is a good man," Stefan agreed, forking a large bite into his mouth. "And I can't say that I'm hoping for a long courtship. The sooner that man is settled on the matters of the heart, the sooner he'll get his head back into the game of the law."
They were interrupted when a guest approached and spoke to Lucas. "Thank you for the invitation, Lord Huntington. I apologize for arriving late."
"No need to apologize," Lucas said, rising to his feet. "I'm just glad you could make it, Lord Lenar. You know everyone?"
The girls stood and gave curtsies and the men stood and shook hands. "Please, get a plate and join us."
Raymond did so and, once seated, asked, "Is Lady Huntington not joining us?"
"Which one?" Stefan asked with a chuckle. "There are quite a few of them running about this evening."
"Of course, pardon me. I meant is Lady Henrietta not joining us for the meal?"
"She's just over there," Lucy offered, nodding towards a smaller table where Ettie was the center of attention.
"Another reason not to be late."
The men chuckled and the girls held back giggles as he excused himself to rise, taking his plate and moving to complete the foursome, slipping into the last chair at Ettie's table. Lucy had been courted by two men but knew that both Louisa and Emmie had only had one suitor each and had married them. She remembered believing she was in love with Charles Lloyds and yet the moment Lucas had touched her, scolding her and actually popping her bottom, she'd fallen head over heels. Taking another sip of her champagne, she couldn't help but compare this man with the others. They all seemed s
o very different, and yet all were attracted to the same woman. She couldn't wait to discuss the possibilities with Louisa and Emmie.
After the meal, Lucas mingled with his guests, making sure everyone was enjoying their evening. Snagging another flute of champagne, Lucy ignored Louisa's rebuke. "Papa said it was a party," Lucy said, sipping the beverage. "I like the way it makes my nose tickle."
"Well, that's true," Emmie said, and when another maid offered to take their empty glasses, the two exchanged them for flutes full of the golden liquid. Louisa took one as well, and the three clinked their glasses together and giggled. "Here's to love," Emmie said, lifting her glass in a toast.
"To love and to parties!" Lucy offered.
"To love and happy endings," Louisa said as they all took a sip.
"And to little girls who take advantage of a Papa's generosity." The three almost spit out their mouthfuls of champagne as three papas' broad palms swatted across bottoms before flutes were plucked from fingers. "Behave yourselves!" Lucas admonished.
The three nodded and Lucy admitted that while the illicit champagne had been fun to taste, she actually preferred the taste of cider.
Everyone gathered around the piano and listened while Melody played. Lucy noticed that Ettie was seated between David and Raymond and that the doctor was standing behind her. Franny seemed to have disappeared altogether. Giving her Papa's hand a tug, she waited until he'd bent down.
