Homecoming

by Maggie Ryan

  Molly allowed Lucy to replace Cleo in her basket before leading her into the bathroom. Already having been given a full bath before her nap, Molly simply washed Lucy’s face and hands, and helped her brush her teeth after she had made her toilet. As Lucy was undressed, she suddenly gave a small jerk.

  “Oh,” she said, as if surprised. Molly paused in untying Lucy’s outer petticoat after already having removed her pinafore and dress.

  “Are you okay?” Molly asked, wondering what had caused the girl to jump a bit.

  “Did … did you see the dresses?” Lucy asked, obediently stepping from the petticoat. Molly placed the petticoat aside and reached to untie the second petticoat.

  “What dresses?” Molly said, shaking her head, as the young woman seemed unable to stand still.

  “My sisters … they … they had on dresses like I wore … I mean, before I wore this dress,” Lucy said, amazed that it had taken until now to actually notice their attire.

  Molly had Lucy out of her petticoat at last and sat back on her heels. She gave Lucy’s observation some thought and then shrugged. “I suppose I didn’t notice, Lucy,” Molly said, as she quickly finished stripping Lucy. “Arms up.” Lucy lifted her arms so that a nightgown could be slipped over her head.

  Despite her nanny’s words, Lucy smiled. Although all three of Lucas’ sisters were of the age to wear more fashionable clothing, all three had on dresses more suitable for younger women. Even Bea, a married woman, had worn a dress that was very modest and plain, though the hem had touched the floor. Both Frannie and Ettie had worn dresses of the same style, pleated bodices with white collars and white bands about their hips. Their pleated skirts fell to mid-calf. She also realized that only Bea had her hair unbraided; both Frannie and Ettie had two braids down their backs. Bea’s hair had been held back at the nape of her neck with a blue ribbon.

  “Mo … Nanny Molly, do you think … could it be that Papa’s … that my sisters are like me?” she asked, her eyes widening at the possibilities.

  Molly had been brushing out Lucy’s hair when she paused to consider the question. She truly had not given a single thought to how the girls had been dressed. She had simply been happy they seemed to truly welcome Lucy into their family.

  “I don’t know, Lucy,” she said as resumed brushing Lucy’s hair. “Perhaps that is something you need to discuss with your Papa.” Though she saw Lucy nod, it was obvious from her furrowed brow that the young woman’s mind was churning.

  Before leaving the nursery, Molly added a quilted dressing gown over Lucy’s sheer nightgown. She was hesitant to parade her scantily clad charge through the house, though Lord Huntington’s chambers were just across the hall. They walked the short distance to Lucas’ door and Molly opened it, drawing Lucy inside. Molly turned to close the door when Lucy’s gasp made her twirl around. A large man was kneeling at the fireplace. He too had turned when he heard the door open. Seeing the women, he rose to his feet. Molly was about to pull Lucy back into the hall when the man spoke.

  “No, please, I’m sorry to have startled you,” he said in a calm tone. “I’m Joseph Grover, Lord Huntington’s valet.”

  Molly’s heart stopped its pounding. “I’m sorry, Mr. Grover, I should have knocked. I confess I didn’t expect anyone to be in here,” Molly said softly. “I’m Molly Saunderson, Miss Lucy’s nanny.” Joseph gave Molly a nod.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, before turning to look at Lucy. His smile was sincere as he addressed her. “You must be Miss Lucy. Mother said you were a tiny little beauty. I hope I didn’t frighten you.”

  Lucy shook her head. She had truly liked meeting his mother in the kitchen and also remembered how friendly his father had been. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir,” Lucy said, only feeling a slight unease at the reversal of their roles. It didn’t matter that Joseph worked for her husband; what mattered was that Lucas insisted his little one show all adults respect. Hiding her unease, she looked around the room and then turned towards the fire. “The fire is nice, thank you,” she said.

  Joseph was pleased to see her obvious enjoyment. “Thank you, Miss. I’ve always loved going to sleep watching a fire. I used to make up stories about the things I saw dancing in the flames,” Joseph said, returning to place the last log on the fire. Molly allowed Lucy to walk towards the fire after Joseph had placed a protective screen in front of it.

  “It’s pretty, thank you,” Lucy said with a smile, her imagination already seeing creatures in the flames. Joseph gave her a small bow.

  “I’ll leave you for now. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me. Molly, perhaps when you’re done here, you might find your way to the kitchen. I hear there are cookies, though Mother tends to hide them from her darling son. If you join me, I’m sure she would allow me at least one.”

  Lucy almost giggled at his request, knowing he was also attempting to make Molly feel welcome. She was pleased when Molly nodded.

  “Thank you. I’d be glad to, but first I need to put Miss Lucy to bed,” Molly said, and Lucy blushed hotly.

  Joseph thought the small woman Lord Huntington had wed was not only beautiful; she was adorable in the way her emotions were clearly worn on her face. “Certainly. Good night, Miss Lucy. I hope your dreams are sweet,” he said, and then left the women alone.

  Not only had he laid the fire, he had turned down the bed and laid Lucas’ dressing gown across the foot. Molly removed Lucy’s dressing gown, placing it across the end of the bed next to Lucas’ before guiding her up the small set of steps providing the petite woman access to the very tall bed. Lucy crawled between the sheets and immediately turned onto her side, facing the fire. Molly tucked the covers up to her chin.

  “Sleep well, Lucy,” Molly said, bending to kiss her cheek and then giving her an impulsive hug. “Welcome home, Lucy; I know you will find your true happiness here.” Lucy’s smile was hesitant, as if she doubted her nanny’s words. “Don’t fret, little one, your Papa will be up soon.” Lucy nodded, her eyes moving about the room, taking in everything about her husband’s bedchamber.

  Despite her reassurances, Molly’s smile slipped as she left the room. She was well aware of the fact that there was one person who seemed intent on making Lucy feel unwanted, and that woman was even now in the library with Lucy’s Papa. Squaring her shoulders, Molly changed her plans. She had been intending to go to her room early, as the day had been long for her as well. However, she decided to return to the kitchen for a last cup of tea before she retired. Another cookie and conversing with the valet was a bonus she was looking forward to enjoying, as well. She appreciated the way Joseph had made Lucy feel comfortable, his words about the fire calming her instantly. It seemed that the Grovers not only shared a love for each other, they had raised their son to be a polite and thoughtful young man as well. She was determined to discover if there were anything that she needed to worry about to make sure the young woman she had grown to deeply care about would truly be able to find happiness at Hunter’s Ridge.

  ***

  When the door opened shortly after Molly’s departure, Lucy looked up thinking perhaps Molly had forgotten something. She was pleasantly surprised to see her husband. He gave her a smile as he crossed the room. She felt her heart speed up, her body beginning to tingle as she watched him approach, grateful he had come up before she was even asleep. She was even more grateful that he had left Lucinda.

  “I wanted to make sure my little girl was safe and secure,” he said softly, as he reached the bed and bent down to stroke his fingers down her cheek. His heart lurched at her sweet smile, her eyes seeming to fill with gratitude at his desire to see to her needs, as if knowing she might be uneasy after such an eventful day.

  “I’m fine, Papa,” she said, softly. “I’m very glad you are here.” One small hand lifted to lie on his arm, her fingers stroking his skin softly.

  Lucas smiled, loving to see her in his bed. Just as she belonged in the nursery across the hall, she
also belonged in this room. “My sisters are very glad you’ve come, Kitten,” he said, as he sat on the bed beside her. Lucy smiled again, sitting up, the covers sliding down to her waist. Lucas’ heart sped up as he saw her body barely concealed by the translucent fabric of her gown.

  “I like them,” Lucy said. “Every … everyone has been kind.”

  Lucas wondered at the pause but didn’t question the comment. “I told you not to fret so, little one. This is your home now, your family. We all want you to be happy here.”

  Lucy nodded though she couldn’t quite meet his eyes. She did feel welcome and wanted by almost everyone. However, despite her husband’s reassurance, she knew that at least one person wished he had never brought her home. She didn’t know what to say, how to let him know that his governess seemed to hate her intensely. Lucinda hadn’t said anything ugly or demeaning after dinner had started. Lucy had been so grateful when the governess had left the family alone, disappearing after the meal, but had felt distinctly uneasy when the woman had entered the library as Lucy was led to bed. Lucy wondered if reading in the library later in the evening was something Lucinda always did or if it was another subtle reminder that, while Lucas’ wife was really treated as a child that was put to bed early by her nanny, she was a grown woman who made her own choices. Not desiring to upset her husband or get into trouble, she kept her thoughts to herself.

  Lucas bent to kiss her lips softly. All thoughts of the governess evaporated as her lips opened to his demands. Her eyes softened and filled with such a look of desire that he felt his breath catch in his throat. He stood and pulled the covers from her, scooping her into his arms and crossing to sit in one of the leather chairs in front of the fire. Lucy snuggled into him, her hand lying against his chest, his heartbeat grounding her instantly. Lucas held her close, her small body fitting perfectly on his lap, her head tucked under his chin as they watched the flames dance. Lucy shared what Joseph had said, and Lucas chuckled and then continued the story he had started on the train.

  Lucy felt her heart swell as he talked quietly, soothing any remaining fears she might have with the magic weaving of fantasy. “Did they live happily ever after?” Lucy asked, when he finished the story.

  Lucas bent and kissed her before answering. “They have only begun to live, Kitten, but I promise, if they were any happier, they’d simply burst.”

  Lucy quivered, her stomach fluttering, her sex moistening at his words and the look in his eyes. He lifted her and placed her on her feet, slowly drawing her gown up and off her body. Lucy felt her nipples pucker despite the warmth of the fire, but this time, felt no desire to hide her naked breasts from his gaze. She watched as Lucas stood and quickly undressed. When he was naked, his arousal evident, he gently guided her to lie on the thick rug before the fire. Though the fur was soft, she couldn’t quite conceal a small wince as her bottom took her weight.

  “Still sore?” he asked, looking down at her, his fingers trailing from her cheek down to dip into the hollow of her throat before moving towards her breast.

  Lucy nodded, but didn’t want him to stop, his fingers feather light across her skin. “Just a bit,” she said, moaning as his fingers closed around her nipple, stroking the erect tip with the edge of his fingernail. She shuddered at the sensation, arching her back as if to offer her breasts to him, her nipples taut and aching. Lucas bent to kiss her and then helped her to kneel before him. He knelt as well and then bent to kiss and suckle at her breasts. Her hands moved on their own accord to run through his hair. As he drew her nipple into her mouth, she moaned deeply, the suckling of his lips causing her sex to pulse and moisten.

  “Please, I … I want to …” she whispered, as he moved to taste and suckle her other nipple, drawing another ragged moan from his wife. Lucas made no move to release the delicious morsel in his mouth. “Please … may I … I want to … to suckle you.

  Lucas did release her nipple at her words, his heart stuttering. He remembered telling her on the train that she did not need to be making a penance for him to enjoy her mouth. Just the thought of her wishing to pleasure him in such an intimate way made his already-engorged shaft swell further. He lifted his head and cupped her cheek with one hand.

  “Is my Kitten ready for another lesson in pleasure?” he asked, his voice low and husky with his own desire.

  Lucy nodded, thinking she would never, ever tire of his lessons—well, not those of pleasure. He lay down on the rug. Lucy remained kneeling, unsure how to proceed, with him flat on his back. She reached out towards his shaft, intending to take it into her hand.

  “No, let me,” he instructed, and then turned her so she was facing away from him, her legs straddling his chest.

  Lucy could feel the muscles of his chest beneath her bottom. She flushed, realizing that she was very slick between her legs, knowing he most certainly would be able to feel the evidence of her arousal. Her face flushed as she saw his erection pointing towards the ceiling, the very tip glistening with his own evidence of arousal. When she felt his hand press gently against her lower back, she bent forward, wrapping one small hand around the base of his cock. She lowered her body further until she could take him into her mouth, quivering at the low moan he made as her lips tightened around the very plump head of his cock. She ran her tongue through the moisture, spreading it over the surface before suckling harder, eliciting another deep moan. She was smiling and about to take more of his shaft into her mouth when he startled her, lifting her body and spreading her legs even wider. When she realized what he was about to do, she felt her entire body quiver.

  “We will suckle together,” Lucas said, only a moment before lowering her sex to his mouth.

  Lucy clenched and then moaned as his tongue began to softly caress her, opening the folds of her outer lips to tease and taste her pink inner ones before dipping inside her body. She felt his cock jerk in her mouth and remembered that she was to pleasure him, even as she was pleasured. The room was silent except for the crackling of the fire and soft moans from her and deeper ones from him. They didn’t rush, didn’t move frantically. They made love to each other, each wishing to give the other pleasure, even as they received their own. When Lucas felt her body begin to tense and pulse, he knew she was close to her culmination and lifted his lips from her.

  “Take your pleasure when you need, Lucy. I wish to lap at my Kitten’s cream,” he said softly, before once more drawing his tongue up the length of her quim, plunging it deep inside her soaking cunny before moving his mouth to take her swollen bud between his teeth. When he rolled his tongue across her clit and then bit down, he triggered her response and she was soon flooding his mouth with her explosive climax. Even as she shook with her culmination, his tongue never stopped moving, his teeth continuing to graze her swollen clitoris. Lucy moaned, her muscles contracting in deep pleasure as she continued to pleasure him with her mouth, one hand gently caressing his testicles, the other moving up and down the base of his shaft. Lucas knew he would explode within moments if she continued. He gave her quim a final kiss before easily lifting her off his body. He adored the whimper she made as if being denied her toy. He crushed her mouth with his, his tongue darting inside. Lucy shuddered at the absolute feeling of possession and whimpered again when he pulled away.

  “Shh,” he said softly as he positioned her on her hands and knees, his hands guiding her to lay her torso down onto the fur. He positioned himself behind her, his hands on her hips, noticing that her bottom showed no evidence of her recent spanking, though he knew from her wince that it was still tender. When she actually pushed her bottom up, he smiled and then easily slid into her velvet depths. She moaned deeply, her muscles clutching him, drawing him in as deep as possible. Though they had spent a long time making slow love, he was determined to bring her to even higher peaks. One hand left her hip to allow him to press a finger against her bottom flower. He was pleased when she didn’t protest but only gave a soft mew of discomfort as he slowly began to slide his finger into h
er tight channel. He almost came when he felt her entire body convulse with the entry. Pushing the finger to the hilt, he began to thrust in and out of both of her openings, his hips slapping against her bottom.

  “Ohhh … ohhhh, Papa,” she cried, her hands clutching handfuls of fur as he stopped being gentle, taking her roughly in a way her body adored, his thrusts causing her nipples to rake across the fur beneath them. She gave a sharp cry when he removed his finger from her bottom only to add another, the two stretching her, filling her far more completely. “Oh … oh, yes,” she moaned, her bottom rocking up to meet his thrusts. “Papa … please … please …” she begged, her need evident.

  “I love filling you, Kitten,” Lucas said as he continued to drive in and out of her while she pushed back against him. “I love being deep inside your cunny. I love having your little bottom clench around my fingers.” At his words, he felt her muscles tighten around him in both places, signaling that her orgasm was quickly approaching. He buried himself deep as he bent forward over her back to speak. “Soon, my love, it will be your Papa’s cock in your bottom, instead of his fingers.” At his words, he gave a last final thrust and exploded.

  Lucy joined him in ecstasy, screaming with the intensity of the pleasure he had given her. He collapsed across her back, her inner muscles milking every last drop from him. They were both breathing hard, both sated as he pulled from her, rolling onto his side and gathering her in his arms. She lay her head on his chest, her body quivering as she continued to spasm. After several moments, she smiled as she listened to his heart pounding and then gradually slowing again. She wasn’t even aware of the tear that ran down her cheek. It wasn’t a tear of sadness; it was one of total contentment. As she felt his hand rubbing across the surface of her bottom, she remembered his words and shivered. Though she knew she’d never be able to admit it, his promise of taking her inside her bottom gave her a deliciously naughty feeling as it meant she belonged to this man in all ways. She was his to pleasure or punish and she loved every moment.