Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4)

by Maggie Ryan

  It took a second and then Ettie's eyes grew huge and color flooded her face. "Really?" At the girls' nods, she flopped backwards, and moaned. "Oh my, I think I would have just perished if Lawrence had done that. God, he would have been certain I'd gotten a spanking and not just assuming I had."

  "That's interesting. You don't protest having a glass rod in your behind but are glad that your spanked bottom wasn't examined," Lucy said, pulling her sister-in-law up again. "And, Ettie, I've noticed that Dr. Fielding is the only one you addressed by his Christian name. I wonder why that is?"

  "I did?" Ettie said, surprise evident in her voice. Shrugging, she added, "Maybe because out of the three, he is the only one constantly badgering me instead of just thinking I'm adorable."

  "I hardly think you need worry," Louisa said. "You are a very beautiful woman. Besides, I'm betting Dr. Fielding doesn't go around plucking tarts off all his female patients' plates or warning them to behave. Back to your question, no, at least I don't think it would matter if my Papa was a doctor. I'm sure Dr. Fielding doesn't think of patients as he does a possible wife."

  "You're probably right," Ettie conceded and then reached to pat Franny's hand. "It's your turn, Franny. What about Mr. Benedict, or should I say Samuel?" Franny's cheeks flushed and the others smiled. "Oh, I think our Franny is in love!"

  Franny's look was serious as she glanced at each of them. "How do you know? I mean, how can you be sure?"

  Emmie answered first. "You just do. I knew Stefan was the only one almost immediately."

  "Me too," Louisa admitted. "I wasn't even looking for a husband and suddenly I was engaged and then wed. I think you just have to listen to your heart."

  Lucy giggled. "Or listen to him constantly telling you that you need a firm hand and then feel your tummy flip when he spanks you and your toes curl when he kisses you."

  Franny smiled and nodded. "I did enjoy that quite a bit," the eldest among them admitted. "I enjoyed the second one even more."

  "Enjoy what?" Ettie pounced on her sister's statement. "Oh! Samuel kissed you, didn't he! Was it wonderful? Does Lucas know?"

  "Well, he did see him kiss me goodbye but I don't think he knows about the kisses in the parlor," Franny said, looking a bit panicked.

  Ettie patted her hand. "I didn't mean to upset you." Her momentary lapse into seriousness changed with her next statement. "Did you like it? His kiss, I mean?"

  "Ettie!" Franny attempted to chide but then had to smile. "Yes, I liked it very, very much."

  "I'm glad you like him, and his kisses," Ettie said with a giggle. "Hmm, maybe I need to get Lawrence to kiss me. I mean, if it made me feel icky then I'd know I couldn't possibly marry him, right?"

  Her four companions glanced at each other and then giggled. "Well, that does make sense but I don't think you should go around kissing everyone just for fun," Emmie said.

  "Not everyone," Ettie quipped. "Just Dr. Fielding and maybe Lord Lenar."

  "Ah, so poor Mr. Whitmore is out of the running?" Lucy asked.

  Ettie nodded. "I don't need to kiss him. I mean, he is very nice but I don't feel anything fluttering or tingling or want to jump about when he touches my hand. I might not understand everything but I've got eyes and ears. I've seen how the three of you act when one of your Papas cuddle or kiss you. I just wish I'd seen how Franny looked when her Samuel kissed her in the parlor. Did your toes curl?"

  "You are absolutely incorrigible," Franny said, shaking her head.

  "Nope, adorable, remember?" Ettie said with a giggle, the others smiling and shaking their heads as well.

  Franny looked around the circle. "Can I ask a serious question and you won't tell?"

  "Absolutely!" Lucy promised, "anything shared among us will not go further. Right?" When the others agreed, Franny took a moment, her fingers plucking the hem of her chemise.

  "D-do you think that Samuel believes in spanking?"

  Ettie surprised them all when she spoke first. "According to Lucas, every man does. He told me that husbands spank their wives even if they aren't special little ones. He said that if your husband is also a Papa, well, then you get spanked all the time!" Ignoring the shocked faces of her sister and friends, she shrugged. "Don't look at me like that, I'm just repeating what Lucas said."

  Lucy giggled at the expression on Franny's face. "I'm sure Papa didn't say it exactly like that. I mean, there is spanking involved but not all the time. Even as naughty as I can be, I do manage to go several days without a spanking."

  "Oh, well, that's a relief," Franny said, squirming just a bit but enough to have Lucy bending forward.

  "Did Mr. Benedict spank you?"

  "No!" Franny answered emphatically. "I was just wondering because… well, you three would know, and Ettie is always getting into trouble."

  "I am not!" Ettie protested. "Just because I got punished that day doesn't mean I'm always in trouble!"

  The others gave her looks that had her giggling. "Fine, I admit I'm in trouble far more often than Franny, but still." Shaking her head, she looked at her sister. "Besides, you are always so perfect that I can't imagine you ever being naughty enough to get a spanking from any man you choose."

  "Thank you, but—what I mean is, how does it make you feel when you are um, spanked by a husband or a-a Papa?"

  The question was so quietly asked that Lucy had a moment of wondering if she'd heard correctly. When Louisa looked as surprised, she realized she had.

  "What do you mean?" Lucy asked, not forgetting what her Papa had warned her about but not wanting to have Franny, or Ettie for that matter, having unanswered questions, especially those concerning how it felt to experience these things. Though their papas could and should answer certain questions, only another woman could offer an answer based on experience.

  "I mean, when Lucas spanks you as his… little one. Does it hurt? Not physically, as I can't imagine a spanking that wouldn't hurt, but does it feel strange? Does it feel different than when your parents spanked you?"

  Lucy took a few moments, the room quiet as she gave the question some thought. "Yes, it's different than when my father or maman spanked me as a child. I just asked Louisa the other day if we were strange and she said that even if others think we might be, it is something we both embrace." Meeting Franny's gaze, she smiled. "So I guess what I'm saying is that it might be strange but I can't imagine living any other way. And yes, it hurts. A mother or father or, I suppose, a brother, spanks you as a child. When you wed, your husband or Papa spanks you as a grown woman even if you are also a special little one. Papa reminds me that punishment is supposed to hurt to teach the proper lesson." She paused and decided that Franny—and Ettie for that matter—deserved to know the truth.

  "I can promise that the moment my spanking or punishment is over, Papa holds me and I know I'm loved and forgiven. It is far more intense that I ever felt as a child but I suppose that's because I love Lucas with my entire soul. My bottom hurts but my heart never does. Does that make any sense?"

  The two single women both nodded but it was Franny who answered. "Yes, for some reason it does. I remember the nights our mother would sit on our father's lap. I never gave it much thought but now that I think about it, whenever I see any of you three with your Papas, I think of Mum." She gave a soft smile. "I agree with you both. Who cares if others think it strange, it is clear as day that you are just as incredibly happy as our parents were."

  Louisa reached out and took her hand. "My wish would be that you will find everything you want in a man you choose to wed." Pausing a moment, she gave Franny's hand a squeeze. "Don't ever question what your heart is telling you. As we've said, it's hard to explain, but even though I didn't fully understand what I needed to experience the love I have for my husband, who is also the Papa I never knew I craved, I wouldn't change a single moment of my life."

  "Me either," Emmie said. "I learned at Miss Summers' school that there is no one way that suits every couple. The important thing is to find what works for b
oth of you. Of course, in our case, we do all share the fact that we receive spankings from our husbands and our papas." She giggled and continued. "Of course, that also means that we feel very much loved and adored." The last word had them all giggling, remembering Ettie's comments.

  Franny returned the squeeze and nodded. "Love is so hard to explain but all I know is that every time Samuel looks at me or just brushes his hands across mine, the rest of the world disappears and all I want to do is be in his arms."

  Lucy smiled. "And even if he does have to spank you, I promise he's the sort of papa who would never fail to take you in his arms and make sure you know you are his only love."

  With Franny's blush and her nod, the group began to settle. Louisa whispered softly so that only her twin could hear. "You referred to Mr. Benedict as a papa…"

  "I did?" Lucy said, her eyes widening. "I-I didn't mean to." The girls looked over at Franny whose eyes were closed, a soft smile on her lips. "Do you think I should apologize?"

  Shaking her head, Louisa smiled. "No, because I also noticed that Franny didn't question the reference. She hears us call our husbands Papa all the time so it's not as if it's something new. I just thought it strange that you evidently see him as being a possible papa."

  Lucy was quiet as she lay back on the bed. Her thoughts were racing as Louisa's words and Franny's quiet questions ran through her mind. Though she wanted to give it a great deal more thought, her eyes drifted closed as she gave a huge yawn. Later… she'd think about it when she wasn't so sleepy.

  When the door opened a few minutes later, both Molly and Bertha smiled. Five young women were sound asleep, legs and arms akimbo in a pile that resembled the litter of puppies Molly had seen at Mr. Benedict's. With care, the nannies slid their sleeping charges beneath the sheets, guiding five golden heads onto pillows and tucking the quilts around them. Walking back into the hall, Molly smiled. "I don't believe a better job exists than taking care of these women."

  Bertha grinned and said, "I agree, and now that they are all asleep, I hear a cup of tea calling my name—and I'm sure you can show me at least one of Edith's hiding places for a biscuit or two."

  Chapter Ten

  "This is going to be such fun," Lucy exclaimed as she was helped into her boots.

  "It's been a tradition for years," Lucas explained, tying the ribbon closure of her cloak. "The merchants set out refreshments and, of course, are open for last minute shopping. Our family expanded the idea to include our tenants. We depend on those who work for us and we feel it important to show our appreciation. I just hope you don't get too cold."

  Lucy smiled and reached up to pat his cheek. "Sharing a fur with you, my lord, will ensure that I stay warm and toasty."

  Lucas grinned and bent to kiss her. "That, my lady, is the best part of tonight's outing. Though, if you are naughty, I will warm up your little bum." Lucy shook her head and knew that he was teasing but also that he was serious.

  The group was finally ready when the family stepped outside. Lucy, Louisa and Emmie stood, mouths slightly agape at seeing the crowd gathered in the drive. Ettie, Franny and Bea had experienced the tradition ever since they were children but the magic still hadn't worn off.

  "Goodness, how are we going to fit into sleighs?" Louisa asked. "There are so many people."

  "Wait," Ettie said, clapping her hands. "Oh, I think I hear them coming!"

  Lucy wasn't sure what she meant, as all she heard was the chattering of the crowd, and then she started when the crowd began to cheer. Finally, she heard the tinkling of bells and smiled when sleighs began to round the corner of the drive. "Oh my. They are beautiful!"

  Teams of horses with bells on their harnesses clomped through the snow. Sleighs adorned with holly and lanterns began to pull up. Lucy and her sisters stood on the steps as Lucas, Edward, Frank, Stefan and Joseph began to help families into the sleighs, piling furs onto laps. Children laughed and clapped, the joy of the adventure written clearly on their faces. It took a while but soon all but the family had been seated.

  "Ready?" Lucas asked and then peered closer at his wife. "Kitten, are you okay?"

  "Yes, of course, why?"

  "Sweetie, you've got tears on your cheeks."

  "I do?" Lucy asked, swiping a gloved finger across her cheek. "I didn't realize. It's just so wonderful seeing everyone so happy. I love this tradition."

  Lucas smiled and gave her a kiss before tucking her beneath a fur. They shared the sleigh with Emmie and Stefan. Louisa and Edward rode with Franny and Samuel, and Bea and Frank took a larger sleigh as they chaperoned Ettie, accompanied by Dr. Fielding and Lord Lenar. Reins were snapped and bells rang out as the procession began the journey. It wasn't long before voices broke out into song to drift among the snow-covered trees as the line of carriages made its way into town.

  Once in the marketplace, it was a bit chaotic as people scattered in all directions. Lucy watched as her Papa discreetly passed out envelopes to the men and women who helped Hunter's Ridge be so prosperous. When she realized that children were impeding their parents, who were trying to do a bit of Christmas shopping, she soon had many little ones gathered around her, promising them hot cocoa and treats. Louisa and the other women joined her and it was truly a horde who descended upon the bakery where tables had been set up.

  Feeling a tug on her skirt, Lucy looked down to see Jenny. Bending, she lifted the girl into her arms. "I am so glad to see you. Are you feeling better?"

  "Yes, thank you. Merry Christmas."

  "Merry Christmas to you as well. Would you like a cup of cocoa?" At the little girl's nod, Lucy settled her onto a chair and placed a cup of cocoa and a plate of sweets in front of her. "Be careful, the cocoa is hot."

  "I will." Lucy watched as the small girl blew across the surface of the chocolate. Her heart filled at seeing a child who had been seriously ill enjoying a treat. She couldn't bear to think of how close to death Jenny had come with her bout of pneumonia, and thanked God that her husband had made sure the girl received the best medicine available.

  The night seemed to fly by as parents tucked surprises away and children ate, laughed and played under close supervision. Franny was busy sketching on a pad of paper she had run into the store to purchase, and Lucy wasn't surprised to see that Mr. Benedict was drawing as well. Peering over his shoulder, she smiled. While Franny was capturing the faces of many of the gathering, the only face on the page of Samuel's pad was her sister-in-law's. Stepping away, she found Louisa and shared her discovery.

  "That's so romantic," Louisa said. "If I could draw anything recognizable, I'd sketch him sketching her as she sketched others." The twins giggled and milled about the group, stopping to make sure every child received a peppermint stick that David had given them to hand out. It was late by the time people began to climb into sleighs again. Lucy and Louisa looked around to find their Papas but didn't see them. When they appeared a few minutes later, Lucy looked up at her husband.

  "Where were you? I was beginning to worry."

  "Worry or getting cold?" Lucas asked, lifting her into the sleigh. It had started to snow again and the wind ensured that furs would need to be tucked tightly around shivering bodies.

  "You didn't answer my question," Lucy reminded him after she snuggled into his side.

  "Kitten, it's Christmas. Secrets are not left just to the women, you know."

  Lucy giggled and nodded, wondering what secrets he was talking about. Knowing her husband, she'd learn that answer only when he decided it was time.

  "I saw Jenny. She looks so much better."

  Lucas bent to kiss the top of the hood covering her hair. "Yes, her parents couldn't be more relieved. Her father told me he'd already received the answer to his Christmas prayers the day she began to recover. Her mother told me she hopes that Dr. Fielding doesn't grow fat from all the baked goods she's pressed upon him."

  "Oh, I didn't realize he was treating Jenny."

  "Yes, he is a generous man and does not charge a
nyone who can't afford to pay. There are many good people in this world and I'm blessed with living among them."

  Lucy knew he'd never consider himself one of those good men who did far more than required or expected. To him, it was simply the only way to live. Slipping her hand out of her muff, she found his and gave it a squeeze.

  The sleighs took longer to return to Hunter's Ridge as they stopped often to return tenants to their homes instead of having everyone need to walk from the main estate. Calls of 'thank you' and 'Merry Christmas' rang out again and again as sleepy children were carried inside homes far less elegant than the manor and yet no less warm and loving. By the time the final sleighs pulled to a stop, everyone was happy but exhausted.

  Lucas helped Lucy from her cloak and smiled when she yawned her thanks. "I'll be up in a bit, kitten."

  "Okay, Papa, good night and thank you. I had a lovely time."

  * * * * *

  Louisa walked up the stairs with Emmie and Lucy, Molly following. Eyes were fluttering shut as clothes were removed and gowns drawn over naked bodies that shivered a bit. Louisa was quite glad to slip beneath the covers and thanked Molly when a bed warmer wrapped in a towel was slid to the end of the bed to warm her chilled feet. Despite its pleasing heat, she couldn't wait until her Papa joined her. A kiss on her cheek awakened her and she smiled up at him.

  "I didn't mean to wake you, sweetie," Edward said, pulling her close as she curled up on her side facing him.

  "Papa, I think tonight was wonderful. Do you think we might do something like that at Wintercrest? I know we don't have a huge estate or a lot of tenants, but perhaps we could do something to share our blessings?"

  "I think that is a wonderful idea," Edward agreed. "I remember you suggesting the toys be donated to others and feel it was the perfect thing to do. Perhaps we can do the same and maybe offer to help those who are older and wish to learn a trade some sort of financial scholarship."