by Maggie Ryan
“Papa, we are the same age, you know,” Louisa laughed and smiled, and after another moment, Lucy did as well.
“Thank you, Sir,” Lucy said, and Lucas could tell she was already imagining her gown. He grinned and decided to push his advantage.
“I’d be honored to escort you, Lucille,” he said. Lucy seemed surprised and felt her face heat as she looked at him. Having an escort had never occurred to her. She turned her gaze to Edward.
“Will…do you think Char…I mean, Headmaster Lloyds will attend?” Lucy asked, and didn’t see Lucas grit his teeth. Edward saw his friend’s tension and had to stifle his grin. The man was as besotted with her as the newly announced Headmaster.
“I’m sure he shall be, Lucille,” Edward said, having already requested the Eddington’s extend him an invitation though he would never admit it. Lucas shook his head slowly. Lucy turned to Edward and smiled.
“Sir, won’t the four of us be going in the carriage together from here?” Lucy asked. Edward nodded and she smiled as she turned her attention to Lucas. “Then I won’t really need an escort. I wouldn’t want to hurt Headmaster’s Lloyds’ feelings. I’m sure you understand, Lord Huntington,” she said. “Isn’t that the proper thing to do, Sir?” she asked Edward.
“I suppose that will be fine, Lucille,” he answered, knowing his friend would certainly not appreciate his concession. “It is kind of you to not wish to hurt either Charles’ or Lucas’ feelings. I’m certain that they shall both make it a point to entertain you at the ball.” He saw Lucy’s face split into the happiest smile he’d seen since Cleo had become hers. He found he couldn’t help but tease his friend just a bit more. “Regardless, Lucille, I feel certain that there will be many an admirer to ensure your dance card is full.” Lucy actually giggled at the thought. Now that she would be allowed to help choose her dress, a real woman’s ball gown, thoughts of a night full of dancing and fancy food filled her with anticipation.
“Thank you, Sir,” she said. “I gladly accept the invitation.” Edward couldn’t hold back his laugh. Louisa giggled as well, knowing exactly who did the accepting in their family.
“You are welcome, little one,” Edward said, and then continued: “I want to remind you both. Any naughtiness between now and the time of the ball and you will not only have your bottoms spanked, you will stay home. I also expect both my girls to be on their absolute best behavior during the ball. Don’t make me regret allowing either of you to play dress-up and attend the party by having to lift your new dresses and spank you.” Both girls knew he was serious. He watched as they looked at each other and then both nodded and answered in unison.
“Yes, Sir.” Lucas smiled, as he witnessed the way of twins. He was disappointed that Lucille had not consented to his offer of being her escort. Ever since Charles had told Edward that after discussing it with Lucy, he would be pleased to accept the position of Headmaster, it seemed he was around even more often. Though it continued to annoy him, seeing Lucy smile he knew he couldn’t be angry with her. She was obviously quite excited and he knew he wouldn’t be the only man aware of her petite beauty once she arrived at the ball. He looked down to see that Cleo was climbing onto his lap, her little nails poking through the fabric of his pants. He gently plucked her off and smiled. Even Lucy’s little pet didn’t bother to hide her claws.
The following day found both girls in the library, where several bolts of fabric were strewn about and the game table was covered with patterns. Mrs. Bremmer sighed for the hundredth time as both girls seemed quite incapable of making any sort of final decision. She heard the seamstress going over the same ideas she had already covered twice. Finally, Anna clapped her hands loudly to get their attention.
“Girls! Unless you want to either go naked to the party or wear a dress you currently own, I suggest you decide what you want. Mrs. Palmer and her staff will not have enough time to make one dress let alone two, if this continues,” Anna said. The girls looked frightened for an instant, as if they might actually be escorted naked to a formal ball. Louisa finally giggled at the image.
“Mrs. Bremmer is right, Lucy. You pick first and then I’ll pick,” Louisa offered. Lucy picked up a bolt of sapphire-blue fabric and then saw her sister’s face.
“This is perfect for you, Louisa,” Lucy said, knowing it was the one her sister favored. Louisa smiled and Lucy knew she had made the right decision. This was a very special night for her sister. Lucy knew her sister had grown accustomed to her life and that she even found happiness in it. However, she was seldom out of the house and Lucy wanted her to remember the ball for a long time. She walked across the room and picked up a bolt of red silk. Mrs. Bremmer stood and quickly took it from her.
“Red is not a color for young girls,” she said and handed the fabric to the seamstress and gave her a look of loathing. “I can’t imagine why it is even offered, and I’m positive that Lord Wintercrest would not appreciate either of his girls wearing red unless he placed the color on them himself. Choose something else, Lucille.” Lucy flushed, knowing exactly what part of her anatomy could easily be turned as red as the fabric. She was also embarrassed that the seamstress was smiling and nodding her own understanding of the veiled reference to a red, spanked bottom. Lucy reluctantly turned towards the remaining bolts. Louisa had thought the red a beautiful piece; the shade was the color of a fine wine. She saw her sister’s disappointment and offered her the blue fabric.
“No, Louisa, that one is for you,” Lucy said. She saw Cleo playing among some bunches of ribbons on the floor and bent to pick her up. The cat mewed at her and she smiled. As she looked at her pet, she made her decision. She turned and stroked a piece of green that matched Cleo’s eyes. Louisa clapped her hands and assured her that the dress would be beautiful. Mrs. Bremmer sighed, glad that the decision had finally been made.
Another hour found the patterns had been chosen and altered slightly by Mrs. Bremmer. Though Edward had allowed the girls the freedom to choose their party dresses, she knew he would certainly not approve of such a daring neckline or bared shoulders towards which Lucy appeared to be gravitating. Louisa had surprised her twin by choosing a pattern that seemed awfully simple and unadorned, unlike the ball gowns that were the current fashion.
“Louisa, your Papa said you could pick whatever you wanted. Why do you want such a child…um, I mean simple, dress?” Lucy asked, after seeing the final sketch Louisa had handed to the seamstress.
Louisa gave her sister a smile. “This is what I want, Lucy. I would feel silly and uncomfortable in a fussy dress. I…I want to make Papa proud of me,” Louisa said, and then showed the first sign of hesitancy. “Do…do you think it will be ugly?”
Lucy smiled and gave Louisa a hug. “It will be a beautiful dress, Louisa,” she assured her. “You make anything you wear beautiful. I know he will be happy with your choice.” Louisa smiled and felt the same. Lucy watched as the final notations were made on the sketch she had chosen. The dress was far more fashionable than the drop-waist dresses she wore every day. She couldn’t wait to try it on and feel like a grown woman once again.
Anna was very pleased when the girls did not argue about her requirements for changes to the patterns. She knew that Edward’s warning was constantly with them and neither wanted to miss the party. The seamstress made her final measurements, amused that the girls were truly the exact same size. She promised to have the dresses ready for the first fitting in two days. Final alterations would be done in plenty of time for the party. Though she secretly wished that Lord Wintercrest had hired her at least a week earlier, he had been understanding and was being more than generous to compensate her and her staff for the rapid turn-around. She was extremely busy during every Season, dressing many a young woman. She gathered her supplies and hugged the twins.
“You will be the belles of the ball, girls,” Mrs. Palmer said. The girls smiled and thanked her, as Mrs. Bremmer finally led her from the house and sent the girls to lunch. By the time she had tucked them b
oth into their beds for their naps, Anna found she almost wished she could crawl into her own.
Chapter 9
Lucy stood at the top of the stairs. She felt incredibly nervous as she placed one hand on the banister and lifted the heavy length of her gown with the other. She took the first step and carefully descended the long staircase. Seeing the people waiting at the bottom, she hesitated. As if sensing her presence, Lucas was the first to lift his eyes and lose his breath.
Lucy blushed as she saw his face light with a smile. He gave her a small bow.
“You are stunning, Miss Furniss,” he said softly. At his voice, the other three people turned as one. Lucy smiled at the sight of her sister. Louisa wore a gown of sapphire blue and was a reflection of her twin’s beauty. Her blonde hair had been curled and flowed around her delicate shoulders like a curtain of gold. For a moment, the sisters had only eyes for each other.
“You look just like Mother,” they said in unison. Their smiles and giggles broke the tension, though both felt the tears prick their eyes with the memory. Louisa hid her surprise at seeing the dress her sister wore. It was not the same as the one that had been fitted earlier in the week. Gone were the flounces at the wrists and neckline. Gone was the heavily embroidered belt that had originally cinched the waist. Edward stood next to his wife, his arm around her, as he gazed up the stairs at his ward. She was incredibly beautiful, the green silk of her simple gown hugging her tiny body in all the right places. Her hair was piled on top of her head with tendrils curling down her neck to frame her heart-shaped face. He gave her a bow as well.
“Lucas is correct. You are truly stunning, Lucille,” he said. “I’m proud to have the most beautiful bride in the world as well as her beautiful sister with me tonight.” Lucy smiled at his praise and completed her descent. Lucas took Lucy’s cloak from Anna and draped it around her. He still could not believe the change in her appearance. He had become accustomed to seeing both the girls dressed far simpler and far younger.
Lucy was just as impressed with both men’s attire. They were wearing their very best evening attire, their shirts stark white under their pinstriped vests. The trousers and coats of their tuxedos were a midnight black. Both men looked incredibly attractive.
“You look quite handsome, Sir,” Lucy said, smiling as she stepped forward to brush a bit of lint from Lucas’ lapel. He smiled and captured her hand, holding it close over his heart. She felt her own heart leap and her smile faltered at the look in his eyes. She pulled her hand away and slowly opened her fingers. A few strands of white lay on her palm.
“Cleo?” she asked, smiling as he grinned.
“Yes, it seems you are not the only kitten capturing my attention,” he said, enjoying the flush as it gradually climbed up her slender neck to bloom across her cheeks. Edward heard his wife giggle and he smiled. It was truly entertaining watching his friend constantly trying to impress himself upon Lucille.
“Come, Lucas,” he said, clapping him on the back. “We’ve kept Henri waiting long enough.” Lucas reluctantly nodded as he donned his coat. If truth be told, he had no desire to attend this ball. He would much rather keep Lucy at Wintercrest Manor, or even better, take her to Hunter’s Ridge, where he felt she belonged. Knowing he had no chance of getting his wish, he offered his arm and placed his hand over hers when Lucy slipped it into the crook of his arm. Mrs. Bremmer smiled as the foursome prepared to leave. Only the color of the dresses the girls wore was different. She had been surprised, but very pleased, when Lucille had requested alterations to her far more elaborate gown. Seeing the twins standing together, she knew neither needed anything to enhance their natural beauty.
“You look lovely, girls,” she said. “Your gowns are beautiful. I am proud of both of you. Now, go along and I hope you both have a very lovely time.”
“Thank you, Ma’am,” the girls chorused together, both hearing the catch in her voice and smiling as she tried to hide her emotions.
“I confess I feel a bit like Cinderella,” Lucy said, as she and Lucas waited until Edward had entered the carriage after his wife. Lucas smiled, knowing her love of reading and praying she was considering him for the part of her Prince Charming. He took her arm to help her into the carriage and watched as she placed her small foot on the step.
“Ah, my dear, I fear you have forgotten your glass slippers,” Lucas teased, and was pleased when she turned to look back at him and smiled. He climbed in and took a seat next to her across from Edward and Louisa. Once the carriage door was closed, Henri climbed onto his seat and flicked the reins. The carriage lurched and began to roll forward.
“Papa,” Louisa said, as she laid her hand on his arm, “I hope our carriage doesn’t turn into a pumpkin at midnight.” Lucy looked at Lucas and couldn’t suppress the giggle that bubbled from her throat. Lucas smiled down at her again, thinking of the wonder of twins and the invisible bond they shared. When she caught her breath, Lucy explained to her sister that she, too, had been thinking of the fairy-tale story. Edward squeezed his wife’s hand and assured her that she would have a safe journey home as he had no intention of letting his princess leave his sight.
When they arrived at the Eddington estate, both girls were awed into silence. The drive was lined with hundreds of candles and every window seemed to glow as if to welcome them. The girls had the curtains at the windows pushed aside as they took in all that they could. As Henri drove the carriage closer to the front door, Edward gently pulled his wife’s hand from the curtain. When Lucas saw the motion, he did the same with Lucille.
“Girls,” Edward said softly, but capturing their attentions instantly. Lucille expected him to remind them to be good and she well knew the consequences if they disobeyed. She should have learned by now that he was constantly capable of doing the unexpected.
“I want you to know how honored I am to escort you this evening. You have both worked so hard and I am very proud of you both.” Louisa and Lucy both blushed and were both surprised and pleased by his praise.
“Thank you, Papa,” Louisa said and slipped her hand into his. Lucy looked at Lucas and then at her guardian.
“Thank you, Sir, for everything. I shall do nothing to bring you shame,” she promised. Edward smiled and reached out to pat her hand.
“I know you shan’t, little one,” he said again, amazed at how incredibly different she looked and at how far she had come. “I know you will both remember that you are my good little girls. Now, let us go see if this ball is anything like the one in your books, shall we?”
The girls both nodded and were soon being escorted up the stairs to the veranda. The front doors were standing open, flanked by tall candelabras and urns of flowers that filled the air with their sweet scent. Lucy was extremely nervous, and felt her stomach flutter more the closer they got to the door. Despite her dress and the compliments she had received, she felt far more like an insecure young girl than a grown-up woman. She didn’t even realize that her grip on Lucas’ arm had tightened or that he could both see how her face had paled and feel how her body trembled. Stepping inside and joining a line of people who were greeting the host and his wife before being announced to the room’s occupants, she heard the sound of music in the background and the murmur of many voices. As Lucas followed Edward and Louisa towards the front of the line, he became aware that the voices were dropping away at the sight of the incredibly beautiful twins. He protectively laid his free hand over Lucy’s trembling one and gave it a squeeze. Lucy suddenly felt like she didn’t belong here and that these people knew it. She watched as Edward shook Lord Eddington’s hand, kissed his wife on her cheek and then turned to present Louisa. Louisa dropped into a perfect curtsey and accepted the kiss Lord Eddington gave her cheek.
“You are even more beautiful since the last time I saw you,” Eddington said approvingly. “Edward, your little one does you quite proud.” Louisa blushed but was pleased to hear his approval. She felt her husband step closer to her and took the opportunity to slip her ha
nd back into his.
“Thank you,” Edward said with a smile. “Your own little lady looks like an angel this evening.” Lady Eddington smiled and dropped her own curtsey, as she had been taught. Her husband and she might be hosting the ball, but she was still as much his little one as the other women in attendance were to their own husbands.
“Don’t tell me that your ward did something naughty and was not allowed to attend, Edward,” Eddington said, seeing that Edward had only one girl on his arm. “I had so looked forward to seeing her again and hearing her progress. I’ve already had to reassure a gentleman that she was expected and I can’t bear the thought of disappointing him. Your Headmaster has been wearing a hole in my floors awaiting her arrival,” he chuckled. “I knew she would turn many a head, Edward, but admit even I am surprised that you have allowed her to be spoken for so soon. Couldn’t you wait until I had the pleasure of presenting her tonight?” Edward chuckled, and knew that Charles had arrived ahead of him.
“It seems that Charles is quite infatuated and has done his best to consume all of Lucille’s free time,” Edward said. “I assure you, Sir, that no one has a proper claim as yet. Lucille was very excited with your invitation and is quite looking forward to enjoying her first social event.” He stepped to one side and Eddington smiled seeing the subject of their discussion clutching the arm of a huge man. Edward turned and motioned for Lucas to step forward.
As Lucas stepped forward, Lucy attempted to step back, seeing that she was next in line to offer her greeting. Lucas bent close to her.
“Remember, Lucy, Cinderella only had her fairy Godmother to help her. You, kitten, not only have me, you have the strength of a lioness. Make Cleo proud,” he said softly. She looked up at him and saw his smile and the gentleness in his eyes. He watched as her head slowly lifted and her shoulders straightened. He stepped away as Edward took her hand and turned her towards their host and hostess. Lucas smiled, seeing Lucille give the perfect curtsey, and watched as Lord Eddington kissed her on both cheeks. As Lady Eddington greeted her, Lucas knew she would do quite well. He was introduced, and the four were soon past the reception line and stepping into the large room, which had been cleared for dancing. Lucas watched as the girls took in everything, their eyes wide with delight. Several servants offered trays of tidbits as others served glasses of wine. If Lucy seemed surprised when Edward plucked two glasses off a tray and presented one to Louisa, she managed to suppress it. Lucas grinned, thinking that she had probably imagined being offered a glass of milk. Taking his cue from Edward, understanding that this was a special evening, he soon had a glass in each hand and turned to offer one to Lucille. His pleasure slipped as saw Charles walking towards Lucille. The man’s face showed the depth of his desire for the young woman. Lucas saw him reach out and draw Lucille into his arms, and when he dropped a kiss to her cheek, he was a bit shocked at the man’s arrogance. However, when he saw her blush and then smile, Lucas felt his heart stutter in his chest.
