Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4)

by Maggie Ryan

  They watched her go and all three sighed. "I just hope that she finds the answers she seeks," Louisa said.

  "Yes, no matter what the outcome, it has to be better to face it than to continue like this. I just pray that it is soon." Lucy's concern was shared by the others, but all knew that sometimes the only place to find answers was deep inside your heart and soul. They'd be there to support Franny no matter what decision she finally made.

  Inside his study, Lucas sat beside his sister on the settee, listening as she poured out her feelings.

  "I mean, how do you choose? I really never expected to have more than one suitor and I'm just so confused."

  "Sweetie, relax. You are so very young and have plenty of time to choose. Give yourself time—"

  "I don't need time," Ettie interrupted. "I need you to tell me I won't be hurting one when choosing the other. I want you to tell me which man is the best one."

  Chuckling, Lucas shook his head. "I'll tell you what I told Franny. The choice of a husband is the most important decision you will make. And, Ettie, it is a decision you will have to make. I know that some of your friends have been betrothed to men chosen by their parents for one reason or another. Though I know a great deal of these marriages work, I just don't feel the same way about arranged marriages. I want you to listen to your heart before you walk down the aisle."

  She nodded and spent several minutes just gazing into the distance. Finally, she turned to look at him. "But what if my heart is leading me to one while my mind is telling me that the other might be best? I mean, I know I've been coddled and spoiled my entire life. Shouldn't I grow up and try to repay that kindness to another?"

  Lucas took his time to answer. "You have a good heart, Ettie, and yes, I agree you've been a bit spoiled, but that is simply because we all love you so much. You are full of light and laughter. You make us all smile and remind us that no matter how old we grow; we should take the time to play. What I'm attempting to say is that you need to be you, our Ettie. Do not think you need to change the very things that make you such a joy to those who know you."

  "The others said the same thing but it makes me hurt to see Lord Lenar so sad. Perhaps I can make him happy."

  "No one can make another truly happy, little one. They can add to a person's joy and can share happiness, but it is up to Raymond to find his own happiness. Perhaps he is simply not ready yet."

  "But it's been two years!"

  "Ettie, the grief of losing a loved one is never truly gone. I can't imagine how it would have felt if I'd lost Lucy before we had a chance to wed, and can't even fathom a life without her now. Raymond lost a woman he loved very deeply and while we can sympathize, I would hate for you to feel it was your responsibility to take Katherine's place in his heart." He paused and put his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side. "Tell me, what do you feel when he takes your hand?"

  "What do you mean?"

  Lucas smiled and gave her a squeeze. "Okay, tell me, do you feel different when Lawrence takes your hand?"

  Her smile and blush told him more than her words could, but he listened to her answer. "It makes me torn between being all warm inside, and squirmy when he gives me that look that makes me wonder if he is about to scold me."

  "That, little one, is your answer." Seeing her confusion, he smiled, bending to kiss the top of her head. "Give Lord Lenar your friendship and your respect, Ettie, but I don't believe he is the man for you."

  "But Lawrence… I mean, I-I think he is like you…" She blushed a deeper red and then continued. "I-I think he wants more than just a-a wife."

  So this was it, Lucas thought to himself. This was the moment when he'd discover the answer to the question he'd been forced to consider.

  "And how does that make you feel?"

  "A little scared," Ettie answered softly. "Sort of like the spirits in the play. I mean, my heart starts beating faster and my tummy does funny things and yet… yet I'm not truly afraid, even when I'm a little worried that I've pushed a bit too far and he might spank me." Her eyes widened and she hurried to speak as if not wishing to dwell on her last statement. "I just thought that one day I'd put away my childish ways and really grow up, like Bea and Franny."

  Lucas chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, honey, you aren't either Bea nor Franny. You are Henrietta, and sweetie, I pray you don't ever change."

  She smiled and reached out to wrap her arms around him, hugging him hard. "Thank you, Lucas. I couldn't ask for a better brother."

  "Thank you. Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

  "I don't think so. I think I just wanted to make sure that I-I wasn't being selfish."

  "Be selfish about this," Lucas said. "In fact, I want you to be very selfish. The only person you need to consider in this is you. Listen to your heart and pay attention to how you feel. Marriage is for a lifetime, Henrietta, and all that I want, all that truly matters to me or any of your family, is that you are happy. Choose the man who makes your heart race and your soul sing."

  Her smile was big as she nodded. "I will, thank you. I am a very lucky woman. I have been surrounded by love my entire life, and by men who are constantly demonstrating how much love they have for their wives and family. I won't settle for less, I promise."

  She gave him another hug and kissed his cheek before bouncing to her feet. As he joined her and opened the door, he prayed that she'd keep that promise. No matter if she lived her life in a single role or not, it no longer mattered. He just wanted her and Franny to both find the deepest love possible, the type shared by those few who found the other half of their heart and soul.

  That evening in bed, Lucy laid her head on his chest. "Papa, I'm worried about Franny. She seems sad and I don't know how to help her."

  "Don't fret, kitten. Franny is a woman who tends to draw inside herself when she needs to think. She's been that way ever since she was a little girl."

  "But what—"

  "I've talked to her, Lucy. Believe me, if I thought she was in any danger or that she was attempting to hide some hurt, I would be far more concerned. I think our Franny is dealing with some matter of the heart and, little one, no matter how much we love her, I feel she needs to come to a decision on her own. Of course, if it takes much longer, I'll speak to her again."

  "I just want her to be happy," Lucy said, her fingers stroking over his chest, her ear pressed to listen to his calming heartbeat.

  "So do I, kitten, so do I."

  Chapter Thirteen

  It was finally Saturday evening and Molly and Bertha were busy yet again, adjusting corsets, tying ribbons and brushing hair. "My my, I must say, I've never seen such a pretty group," Bertha said, giving her approval.

  The six women smiled and thanked her. Gone were the childish dresses, replaced with the gowns especially made for the ball. Bea, resplendent in her golden taffeta gown, thanked Bertha for the help with her hair, in which her mother's diamond combs had been used to keep her chignon secure. Franny was stunning in her violet gown with darker purple ribbons woven throughout her hair.

  "Are you feeling okay, sweetie?" Molly asked. The girl had always been quiet and circumvent, but had been almost silent and invisible for the past few days. When asked what she was doing, she always answered that she was working on gifts in her room. Molly adjusted a curly tendril of the girl's hair and then laid the flat of her hand against Franny's forehead. "I hope you aren't coming down with anything."

  "I'm fine, Miss Molly," Franny said. "Just nervous, I suppose. I really don't like crowds."

  "You don't need to be, sweetie. I know there is a certain handsome barrister who will be extremely happy to twirl you about the floor," Molly assured her.

  Ettie wore a darker blue underskirt of chiffon with a pale blue tulle overskirt. She looked like a princess, her blue eyes matching the dark blue and sparkling with excitement. The twins were smiling, their violet eyes flashing as their golden manes were brushed until they shone before being twisted into elegant ha
irdos. Louisa wore a forest green gown and Lucy wore one of burgundy velvet. Emmie wore a dress of the softest pink that seemed to float all around her small frame.

  Bea was spared Molly's lecture about proper behavior but the others nodded and promised to do nothing to embarrass themselves or their family. Molly gave them each a gentle hug and told them she couldn't wait to hear all about the ball.

  By the time the girls were standing at the top of the stairs, their family had gathered at the foot. The twins went down first, followed by Emmie, leaving Franny and Ettie to go last, as they were both to be officially presented.

  "Aren't they beautiful?" Lucy asked as her sisters-in-law reached the bottom and executed perfect curtsies they'd been practicing.

  "They surely are," Lucas agreed. He laid a palm on each of his sisters' cheeks. "God help me but I truly can't believe that you are my little sisters."

  "Not so little anymore." Edward chuckled. They all turned towards Frank when he moaned.

  "Is something wrong?" Lucas asked.

  "I'm just praying that this baby is a boy," Frank said, his arm around his wife's waist. "I just can't imagine watching my daughter being tossed to the wolves."

  Ettie giggled. "Oh, Frank, don't worry so. I'm sure that we'll be fine. After all, look at the size of our pack!"

  Her comment had them all smiling as cloaks and gloves were pulled on. Lucas looked at the group of women. "Just remember that our pack contains more than one alpha. In other words, little girls, behave yourself."

  "Why are you and Nanny Molly constantly telling us to behave?" Ettie huffed.

  "You need to ask?" Lucas teased. Ettie hesitated, then smiled and shook her head. Lucas led his family and guests outside and the group began to pile into carriages.

  Lucas took Lucy's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "I'm very glad that this time I'm escorting my wife to the ball and not driving myself crazy as your suitor, wondering if you would choose me."

  Lucy smiled and leaned her head against his arm. "Me too, Papa. You are truly my Prince Charming." The group chatted until Lucy gave a gasp. "Oh my, and I thought Hunter's Ridge was huge."

  Louisa and Franny agreed as they joined a line of carriages winding their way along a drive towards the manor home. Lanterns had been hung from trees to provide illumination, the slight wind causing them to sway and reflect light onto the white snow. Every window of the mansion had been decorated with green wreaths and additional lanterns. It was easy to think of the house as a fairy castle, and the girls were soon talking excitedly about the elegantly dressed couples as they walked up the staircase to the front doors.

  "I had no idea there would be this many people," Lucy said.

  "Well, it is The Grand Ball, kitten. There will be several young ladies presented this evening, which always means a great deal of sisters, aunts, cousins… not to mention parents and grandparents. That doesn't include the eligible bachelors hoping to find a prospective bride. The Earl and Countess Westmoreland have sponsored the Christmas ball for the past several years and it is the talk of the town for many weeks."

  Franny turned to her brother. "There weren't nearly as many when I was presented last season at the spring ball."

  Lucas patted her hand. "Don't fret, sweetie. You'll do just fine."

  Edward spoke. "And, as your brother has stated, you have an entire pack who will make sure you enjoy yourself."

  Lucy could see that despite their reassurance, Franny didn't appear comforted. She leaned forward in her seat to look around her husband. "Trust me, once Mr. Benedict finds you, you'll not even notice anyone else, and neither will he." Franny finally gave a shaky smile and nodded.

  It took another quarter hour before their carriage pulled to a stop and footmen opened the door, pulling down the steps that allowed the ladies to dismount more easily. After their carriage pulled away, the group waited until the second carriage emptied. As a group, Lucas led the way, Lucy's hand tucked securely into the crook of one arm and Franny's in the other. Edward followed with Louisa and Ettie, who didn't appear the least bit concerned about the enormity of the event. Emmie and Stefan brought up the rear with Frank and Bea.

  The reception line was long and, after thanking their host and hostess for the invitation, Lucas turned to Lucy. "Stay with Uncle Edward, kitten." At her nod, he led his two sisters to another room, where they would wait with the other women being introduced to society.

  "I don't see why we have to do this," Ettie said. "We've been here almost an hour and still haven't danced or anything! I mean, it's not like we both don't already have suitors. What if all the food is gone by the time everyone is presented?"

  Lucas chuckled. "I am quite sure that won't happen. It's a matter of protocol, Ettie. Just be glad you aren't expected to be presented at court. I assure you, this is far less rigid than what those debutantes go through."

  "At least you aren't having to do it twice," Franny said, attempting to lessen the boredom for her sister.

  "You're right. I'm sorry, Franny," Ettie said, nodding her understanding. "I'm just very glad that you are being presented with me." Despite her appearance of boredom, by the time she took her place next to her brother at the head of the stairs, her grip was tight on his arm.

  "Relax, sweetie. Everything will be fine." Turning to Franny, he bent his head. "Are you okay?"

  "Yes, I'm fine."

  With a nod, he confirmed their names to the man making each announcement and guided his sisters to the head of the stairs.

  "Lord Lucas Huntington presenting his sisters, Lady Frances Margaret Huntington and Lady Henrietta Constance Huntington."

  "Oh my, he sounds so serious," Ettie whispered as she looked at the crowd of people at the bottom of the stairs.

  "Steady," Lucas murmured back. "Smile and remember, you are a Huntington," he teased, as their family name had just been announced three times. His chuckle had his sisters giving soft giggles as they began to descend the stairs. Once at the bottom, the girls gave proper and beautifully executed curtsies to the crowd and then were considered official guests.

  "Let the courtship begin," Edward joked as he saw Samuel approaching.

  "You looked so beautiful," Lucy said, giving her sisters-in-law each a hug.

  "I agree," Samuel said, giving Franny a bow. "And may I be the first to request a dance?" Franny wrote his name on her dance card. Lucas wondered if his sister was as fine as she had stated, as he saw her hand trembling. He had spoken to Samuel that afternoon and hoped that by the time the ball ended, his sister would have settled whatever it was that kept the smile she gave from reaching her eyes. He'd keep an eye on her to make sure she wasn't becoming overwhelmed. He had absolutely no qualms about stepping in and taking her home if that was what she needed and he had no doubt the others of their pack would agree it was the only thing to do.

  Within an hour, all the eligible young women had been presented and the first strains of music began to play. Samuel led Franny out onto the floor and Lawrence, who had found Ettie first, gave other men a smug smile as he led her into the first waltz.

  "Shall we?" Lucas asked, giving his wife a bow. They were soon twirling about the floor as other couples joined them.

  "This is incredible," Lucy said, looking around. "Everyone looks so beautiful."

  "Do they?" Lucas asked, bending towards her. "I have eyes but for one."

  Lucy giggled. "Thank you, kind sir. I must admit you are the most handsome man here tonight."

  They danced and sipped champagne, Lucas stating she could have no more than two glasses. Seeing Ettie being escorted off the floor by Dr. Fielding, only to be led back again by Lord Lenar, she giggled. "I bet Ettie's feet will be sore by the end of the night."

  "I'm betting she won't even notice." Lucas chuckled. "Do you see Franny?"

  Lucy spotted her and pointed her out. "Is it proper to dance with only one partner?"

  Her husband shrugged. "Not strictly proper but I don't want to cause any stress for Franny. She deserve
s happiness and if she has found that with Samuel, then I really don't care about the protocol. Although, I do believe I would like a turn."

  Lucy was swept away by Samuel as Lucas partnered with his sister. "Does Franny seem okay to you?"

  Surprised at the question, Lucy looked across the floor to see her sister-in-law. "What do you mean?"

  "I'm just wondering," Samuel said. "She is so very quiet and looks a bit flushed."

  "She was a bit nervous," Lucy admitted, "but I'm sure she'll relax as the evening continues." When the man continued to appear concerned, she added, "Perhaps you should be asking Franny instead of me?"

  Samuel finally smiled and nodded. "Of course, I should have thought of that myself. Thank you." The dance ended and partners shifted again, but Lucy saw that Samuel had Franny in his arms once more. They made a very attractive couple, but she did have to admit that despite the bright spots of color on Franny's cheeks, she did look a bit pale.

  Lucy's own feet were soon sore as she danced with her husband, Stefan, Edward, Frank, and then accepted a dance from Dr. Fielding when Ettie was being led to the floor by a person Lucy had yet to meet.

  "Are you having a good time, Dr. Fielding?" Lucy asked, grinning when it became quite obvious that his attention wasn't on his current partner but on the one he wished to be escorting.

  "Pardon me?" Lawrence said when he heard her giggle. He had the grace to flush. "Excuse me, Lady Huntington, I suppose I make a terrible partner."

  "Think nothing of it," Lucy assured him. They finished the dance and he hurried towards Ettie, who was indeed proving to be the belle of the ball. When the men left to bring the girls a glass of punch instead of champagne, the three watched as Franny swept by in Samuel's arms.

  "Does anyone think we need to worry about Franny?" Lucy asked. "Mr. Benedict seems to think she might not be having a good time."

  "Really? She's danced with him almost every dance," Louisa said. "You don't suppose she has decided against him, do you?"

  "Oh, I hope not. He is such a wonderful man. I'd love to live next door to him and Franny! That way, I could pretend she is my real sister!" Emmie said. "Has she said anything to indicate she's unhappy?"