Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4)

by Maggie Ryan

  "I need the necessary," she whispered. "I'll be right back."

  "Okay, but don't dawdle. We are going to be singing carols in a minute." Assuring him that she'd be quick, she slipped from the room and hurried towards the back of the house. After making her toilet, she was walking back when she stopped. Franny's whereabouts were no longer a secret, as she could see her sister-in-law in Mr. Benedict's embrace. Lucy's body tensed at seeing the man lower his head, memories of interrupting a similar scene coursing through her. Unsure what to do, she held her breath and then relaxed when Franny went up on her tiptoes and accepted the kiss. A smile lit Lucy's face as the girl gave a soft moan and, once released, didn't push away or appear frightened. When Samuel's eyes lifted and met hers, she smiled and hurried away, knowing he'd most likely come to join the others now that he'd been reminded of where he was. Entering the library, she returned to her Papa and wasn't surprised when the two lovebirds slipped into the room to join in the chorus of the first carol.

  As Melody was praised, Franny slipped in to stand close to Lucy and Louisa. "Should I tell Lucas that Sam… um, Mr. Benedict, kis-kissed me?" she whispered, her eyes not on her friends but looking at Lucas, who was talking to Melody's Papa.

  "Um, I think he already knows," Lucy said. When Franny's eyes widened, she shook her head. "I didn't say anything, but Papa isn't ignorant." Reaching out, she gave the girl a hug. "I wouldn't fret about it, Franny. After all, Papa knows you are courting and…" She paused, her own cheeks flushing.

  "He isn't innocent of stealing a few kisses of his own," Louisa provided with a smile. "How else are you to know if your heart stutters and your pulse races? We are lucky that we are allowed to pick our own Papas. I simply can't imagine being forced to wed someone who didn't make me want to melt at his feet with his touch."

  Lucy giggled. "Well said." Turning to Franny, she smiled. "So..."

  "So what?"

  "So, did you feel like melting?"

  Franny's blush and the sparkle in her eyes told of her answer but she still managed to whisper, "Absolutely. I never knew—"

  "Knew what?"

  All three girls gave a start as Edward and Lucas suddenly appeared.

  "Um, knew how-how, um…" Franny gave the other two girls a pleading look.

  "How wonderful it is to be surrounded by family and friends," Lucy said.

  Louisa giggled and looked up at her husband. "Or how wonderful it is to realize that someone finds you to be the most special person in their lives."

  "Ah," Edward said, drawing his wife into his arms. "I'd have to agree. Finding that one certain someone truly does feel like a miracle."

  Lucas looked at his little sister and smiled, reaching up to place his palm against her cheek. "It's wonderful to see you so happy. I'm guessing a certain barrister is pleading his case to win your heart?"

  Franny blushed again but nodded. "I hope so."

  "Then he is indeed a very lucky man." Lucas bent to kiss her cheek before stating they needed to say farewell to their guests. Lucy had to smile as she watched Mr. Benedict bend to place a sweet kiss on Franny's cheek as he said his goodbyes. She had to admit it was wonderful, as well.

  Lucy yawned as she was led upstairs and though she and Louisa spoke about how wonderful the evening had been, neither protested when Molly led them to their husbands' chambers. It was much later when she stirred as Lucas slipped into the bed and drew her into his arms.

  "Even as tired as I am, I should paddle your behind," he said against her ear, causing her to shiver as his breath wafted across her skin.

  "But, I promise, it was only that one extra sip, Papa," Lucy said, turning to lay her head on his chest, hearing his rumble in her ear as he chuckled.

  "I'd forgotten the champagne," he said, his hand slipping down to pat against her rear. "I'm talking about not informing me of what happened with your sister."

  Sleep had her confused. "What did Louisa do? Or did you mean Ettie?"

  "Neither, kitten, I'm speaking of Franny. Don't think it escaped my notice that she finally appeared moments after you returned from going potty."

  "Oh, um, that," Lucy said, wiggling a bit.

  "Yes, that," Lucas agreed.

  "I-I um, didn't want to cause a scene and I didn't think that she was…" Her voice trailed off.

  "Don't fret, kitten. I am quite positive that if Mr. Benedict overstepped his bounds you wouldn't hesitate to inform me. After all, you've proven that you definitely are willing to defend Franny."

  "You're not angry?"

  Lucas pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. "No, little one. I trust both you and Franny to know what is right. I just pray that my trust won't be tested."

  She lifted her head to meet his eyes. "Don't worry, Papa. I think Mr. Benedict is good for Franny and I don't think she minded being kissed."

  "Ah, so he did kiss her even before he was leaving?"

  "Papa! I thought you already knew! Please don't be mad…"

  "Lucy, it wasn't all that long ago that I was stealing a few kisses of my own, remember?"

  Smiling, she moved again to kiss his lips softly. "Yes, and I remember loving every one."

  Placing a hand on the back of her head, he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss moved from innocent to needy in just a few seconds and when he rolled her onto her back after removing her gown, she welcomed him as she did every time. He kissed the pendant she always wore around her neck and then kissed each of her nipples, licking each again before drawing one into his mouth. Her back arched as he paid tribute to her other nipple and when he lifted her bottom in his hands to enter her, she grasped his shoulders. After giving each of her nether cheeks a swat, he pushed inside, filling her completely. Lucy trembled, lifting her hips higher, offering this one man anything he desired. By the time she was snuggled against his side, she'd taken her pleasure twice and was completely sated.

  "I love you, kitten," he said and then smiled. His little one had already entered dreamland. Closing his own eyes, he prayed that his sisters would indeed find the same kind of love he shared with Lucy. There was truly no other gift as priceless as that of finding your heart's mate.

  In another part of the house, more illicit kisses were being stolen. Molly moaned as Joseph held her close.

  "I love you, Molly girl," Joseph said, pulling back for a brief moment before taking her mouth again.

  When able to speak, Molly admitted that she loved him in return. Her entire body thrummed when his fingers stroked down her arm. Expecting another kiss, she shook her head and giggled when he went to the counter and lifted the lid of a small crock.

  "Seriously? These don't offer enough choices?" Molly teased, sweeping her hand to indicate the platters that still held tarts, biscuits and sweets from the party.

  "While those are perfectly delectable, I am looking for that one special treat," Joseph informed her, hiding whatever he'd taken from the crock and walking to her.

  Molly gasped when he got down on one knee. "You are the only treat I'll ever need, Molly. I would swear off all else if you'd become mine." He opened his hand and revealed a small, heart-shaped marzipan. "Marry me, Molly. Please say you'll be my wife. I-I can't offer you much…"

  "Oh, Joe, you are offering me your heart," she said, reaching for his hands and drawing him up. "Yes, I'll marry you." Accepting the candy, she smiled. "This is beautiful." The heart was decorated with smaller hearts surrounding their initials. "Did your mother make this?"

  "Yes, and she threatened never to bake again if you denied me."

  Molly laughed and shook her head. "Well, even if I didn't love you with all my heart, I'd marry you. I can't imagine a world without Edith's treats."

  Joseph pulled her close. After another, deeper kiss, she laid her head on his chest. "Do you think Lord Huntington will mind?" she asked. "I mean, you do plan on remaining at Hunter's Ridge? I-I don't think I could leave Lucy or…"

  "Relax, my love," Joseph said. "My parents met here, wed and have made thei
r home at Hunter's Ridge since then. I don't believe Lord Huntington will mind or be surprised if we do the same. I'm not exactly sure how he'll feel about you moving your room, but…"

  "I don't think that will be a problem. Lucy only needs me close by during her naps. Her Papa tends to her at night."

  It was late by the time he escorted her above stairs, giving her another kiss at the door to her room. "I hope you don't believe in long engagements," he whispered, his lips nuzzling her neck. "Having you just down the hall, knowing you are to be my wife, will most likely keep me up nights, my sweet."

  Molly giggled and pushed him away. "Hmm, I guess you'd better know now, Joseph Grover, I'm very accustomed to dealing with naughty ones…"

  Joseph chuckled and pulled her close. "I guess you'd better know now, Molly Saunderson, that there will only be one head of this family and, young lady, that is definitely not going to be you. That wicked tawse in your pocket will make it quite convenient if you decide to be the naughty one."

  "Joseph! Surely you don't think—"

  "Molly girl, surely you don't need to ask? You've seen my father and my mother. Tell me, are you not aware that he is the only one she even attempts not to sass or deny anything he wishes? Exactly how do you think that is accomplished?" He wagged his eyebrow and Molly giggled. She had witnessed a few pops given and knew exactly how peace was kept in their marriage. Instead of frightening her, she felt a sense of peace knowing that their son intended to take the same path. "I've got an idea," she admitted, sure her cheeks were flushing exactly as she'd seen Lucy's do on countless occasions.

  "Ah, I see that you do," Joseph said, kissing her again before popping her bottom. He ignored her huff and smiled. "See you in the morning, my love."

  Molly slipped into her room, a smile on her face. She'd been worried about leaving everyone and everything she knew at Wintercrest to accompany Lucy to her new home. She'd never dreamed she'd find a loving family in a household that embraced each other and find love in the arms of a man she'd just agreed to wed. It truly was a magical season.

  * * * * *

  "Congratulations," Lucas said, shaking Joseph's hand and kissing Molly's cheek. "I can't say that I'm surprised. I'm just praying that this doesn't mean you are leaving?"

  "No, Lord Huntington," Joseph assured him. "I'm not about to question Molly's loyalties, and admit I'm a bit afraid she'd choose your Lucy over me."

  Lucas laughed and shook his head. "I doubt that but thank you. I imagine everyone will be thrilled to hear the news. Have you set a date?"

  "No," Molly answered, "but we'd like permission to wed as soon as possible."

  "Certainly, and of course you have both my blessings and my permission."

  The couple left arm in arm and when they stopped in the library to share the news, squeals of joy were heard all over the house. Edith and William gathered Molly into their arms, welcoming her to the family.

  "The heart you made was beautiful, thank you," Molly said.

  "It made me very happy to feel a part of this. I'm just so very grateful that you will be my daughter."

  The news of the engagement made for an exciting morning and a bit of protest when naptimes were announced.

  "But it's early!" Ettie complained. "We haven't really had any time at all to play or visit!"

  Lucy tugged on his hand. "Please, Papa, might we all sleep together? Just this once. We promise not to talk too long." The others instantly added their own pleas.

  "It's the holidays," Ettie said, grabbing his free hand.

  "Ettie, I am well aware of the season," Lucas said. Looking at Edward and Stefan, he sighed. "I suppose I can allow it, just this once, if Edward and Stefan agree." When the men nodded, the girls squealed with delight. "However, let me warn you, girls who are cranky this afternoon will not be attending the sleigh ride. Understood?"

  "Yes, sir!"

  Shaking his head, he dropped a kiss on Ettie's and Lucy's foreheads. "Don't make me regret this."

  "We won't!" Whereas only moments before the girls were avoiding going upstairs, five pairs of feet flew as both Molly and Bertha followed far more sedately. It was only when they were in the nursery and seeing Bertha leading Emmie to the changing table that Molly understood that a problem existed.

  Clearing her throat, she caught Bertha's attention. The older woman looked at the room full of girls and made a suggestion. "Why don't you settle the others while I get Emmie and the twins ready?"

  Molly nodded and led Ettie and Franny across the hall. Though she'd been a bit surprised to see that Franny had accompanied the others, she could understand the young woman not wanting to miss out on the special treat. By the time she'd helped the two undress down to their chemises and drawers, making sure they used the adjacent water closet before tucking them into Lucas's big bed, Bertha had led the other three into the room.

  "Remember what your Papa said," Molly reminded them. "You may talk but I expect you to go to sleep after a half-hour."

  When Ettie began to protest, Lucy shushed her. "We will, Nanny Molly, thank you."

  The moment the two nannies left, pulling the door closed, the thick covers were tossed aside and five women sat in a circle.

  "Tell us, Ettie," Emmie said, taking the lead, "how is it with three men courting you?"

  Ettie giggled. "I'm not sure. In all honesty, it's a bit confusing."

  "I can understand that," Lucy agreed. "But is one more appealing?"

  "Well, Mr. Whitmore is very sweet, but I think he just likes to bring me candy that I'm not even allowed to eat," Ettie said with a giggle. "I'm not so sure about Lawrence. He's a bit bossy if you ask me. But he is awfully handsome and makes me laugh, even though I thought for a moment that he was going to swat me because he knows I got spanked before or, God, even threaten me with another enema when I pouted about those tarts…"

  "Oh, my! He didn't, did he?" Franny asked, her cheeks flushing.

  "No, thank goodness, but still I wouldn't put it past him. As I said, he is a bit bossy!"

  "Well, you have to admit, you do tend to overdo it when it comes to sweets," Franny said.

  Ettie waved her hand in the air, as if her sister's observation warranted no further thought.

  "What about Lord Lenar?" Franny asked.

  Ettie took a moment and shook her head. "I don't know. I was actually quite surprised that he wishes to court me. At the dinner party, I was sure he only had eyes for you."

  Lucy giggled and turned to Franny. "I admit I thought the same that night, until I realized that Mr. Benedict never gave anyone else a chance to really even talk to you." She turned back to Emmie. " I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Go ahead. What do you think of him?"

  "He is so quiet and seems sad. Oh, you don't know about what happened, do you?" When all but Franny shook their heads, she told how Lord Lenar had lost not only his parents but his fiancée two years earlier. "They had been childhood friends and their families were on holiday together. Raymond was going to join them after finishing some sort of business. He arrived only to discover that the hotel had caught fire. No one survived."

  "That's awful," Emmie said, not the only one to have tears in her eyes.

  "No wonder he seems so sad," Lucy said. "I know that even as horrid as it was to lose our parents, at least I had Louisa."

  Louisa reached for her twin's hand. "I'll always be grateful, as well. Ettie, it is wonderful for you to want to help him find happiness again. Just make sure you don't confuse love with pity. I don't mean to sound harsh but that wouldn't be fair to either of you."

  Ettie opened her mouth as if to protest and then shut it again. Nodding, she spoke. "You're right. It's just that when I see him, I want to make him smile. He is just so quiet and I'm not sure if I'm the right type for him. I tend to be, um, a bit less serious?"

  "A bit?" Franny said, nudging her sister with her elbow. "Face it, Ettie, you are far less serious but you are absolutely adorable."

  Ettie huffed and then shook her hea
d. "Thank you, I guess, but I just don't know yet. Do… do you think it would be awkward if your husband was a doctor? I mean, he'd see other women… you know," her voice dropped to a barely audible whisper, "naked. What if he thought they were more beautiful than you?"

  Emmie giggled and then looked abashed when Ettie gave her a stern look. "I'm serious! I felt so funny inside when Lawrence saw me almost naked. I'm surprised he didn't hear my heart beating out of my chest when he was listening to my heartbeat. All I could do was pray he didn't pull up my gown and look at my bottom. I mean, it had to be red! He won't want me if he thinks I'm always naughty or just a silly little girl!"

  "Didn't he see your bottom when he examined you?" Lucy asked, her brow furrowed.

  "No! Why would he? I had a tummy ache and though my bum was tender, it wasn't really painful." She gave her sister-in-law a look. "What you are not saying?"

  "Um, never mind…" Lucy attempted to draw the conversation to another topic but Ettie was not having it.

  "No, tell me. Do you think something is wrong with Lawrence?"

  Louisa shook her head. "No, Ettie, it's just that most exams would include taking your temperature…"

  "Oh, he did, but I didn't have a fever."

  "How?" Emmie asked.

  Ettie looked around the group. "What do you mean? He stuck a thermometer in my mouth while he had my wrist in his hand."

  "Oh, that explains it," Lucy said.

  "Explains what?"

  "Explains why he didn't see your bum," Lucy said.

  Franny joined the conversation. "Are you saying that you believed Dr. Fielding would put a thermometer in, um, a different location?"

  "Exactly," Emmie confirmed. "I haven't had a thermometer in my mouth in years."

  "Okay, I am totally confused," Ettie confessed.

  Lucy shook her head but again felt that Ettie deserved to know a bit more about the life required of a Little. "Ettie, women like us," she began, using her hand to include Emmie and her twin, "have our temperatures taken differently. The thermometers are thicker, much longer, and go up our bums, not under our tongues."