Homecoming

by Maggie Ryan

  “I … I don’t understand,” she said quietly. “Why am I dressed like this?”

  “Because I instructed Molly to do so,” Lucas said, entering the room. He gave his wife a smile before pulling her into his arms to give her a kiss. “You look beautiful, little one, and I will be honored to introduce you to the members of our church.”

  Lucy ran her hands down the side of her dress, amazed that she felt uncomfortable and yet understood her husband had meant what he’d told her before. Though he preferred her dressed much younger, he had no intention of causing her to feel shame. Seeing the ring he had placed on her finger the evening before, she smiled, even as she shook her head. “Papa, I don’t care what others think. I am happy being your little one, I … I don’t need to wear my old clothes.”

  “Thank you, Kitten,” Lucas said. “Perhaps we’ll find a church that openly accepts people who live a different lifestyle from what the majority of society considers proper. Until then, we shall worship as man and wife.”

  He was true to his word, introducing her to several people before services began. Lucy’s head whirled, but Lucas’ hand holding hers kept her grounded and able to enjoy the service. Though she had a moment’s fear when the door at the front of the church opened and the pastor entered, she quickly realized the older man was nothing like Pastor Reed. She relaxed and enjoyed being part of this family as hymns were sung and prayers said.

  After the service, Lucas introduced her to Pastor Hawkins and his family. She was instantly enthralled meeting his wife, Grace, as well as their seven children. Stroking her finger down the cheek of one of the babies the woman held in her arms, Lucy smiled. “I have a twin sister,” she said.

  Pastor Hawkins smiled down at his sons. “With five older sisters, I’m sure these lads will have to be a team,” he said, with a smile. When one of his youngest daughters stated that she wished they were girls, Pastor Hawkins’ laugh filled the nave, drawing smiles from his congregation as he bent to pick up the small child and tossed her into the air. Catching her and giving her cheek a kiss, he caused her to giggle by informing her he was happy to have several little princesses to love. Lucy could see the love the entire family had for each other and knew that, even if Lucas did find a different church, she would be very content to worship in this church and learn from this man until that day.

  When she woke from her nap, she was once more dressed as she preferred, the constricting corset relegated to her dresser for another week. She spent the afternoon with her sisters, gaining permission from Lucas to ask one of the stable boys to bring the kittens into the library, so that she could choose the perfect one for Emmie’s birthday. She was very pleased to find Frannie laughing with an abandon that she hadn’t witnessed before, the stress of the past having disappeared.

  She and Lucas also took a walk through the gardens, taking a path in the opposite direction of yesterday’s unpleasant incident. Lucas smiled as Lucy often stopped to look more closely at the various flowers that brightened the gardens with their colors. He helped her to gather an assortment of late-blooming roses, assuring her that Mrs. Mayes would be able to find a vase for them. As she pressed her nose into the blooms, her heart stuttered when he told her that his own little Rose smelled more delicious than the ones she held. The housekeeper took the flowers and promised she’d give the vase to Joseph to put into Lucas’ room.

  After dinner, Philip approached Lucas and quietly informed him that Lucinda had returned from her time off. When Ettie suggested a game, Lucas surprised them all when he said that there would be no playing that night. He asked that everyone take a seat, as he wished to speak to all of them. Lucy fully expected to be pulled down onto his lap but was guided to sit next to Molly on a settee. Ettie sat across from her on a matching settee, Frannie taking her usual chair. Frank took another chair and Bea settled on the ottoman at his feet.

  “Philip said you wished to speak to me,” Lucinda said, breezing into the room and then pausing, seeming surprised to find the entire family gathered.

  “Yes, please take a seat,” Lucas said, and waited until she sat next to Ettie.

  “I need to make my apologies,” he said causing all eyes to turn to him. “I have found that, though I think I am a man that advocates change, I have not adhered to my own beliefs. I have failed in my duties to each of you,” he said, looking at his wife and his sisters, seeing the confusion clearly on their faces.

  “I should have returned from the States earlier. It was my responsibility to be here, especially after we lost our parents. I placed too much faith in others and too much strain on the sisters that I have been blessed with. You each deserve to be raised by those that truly love you and not by a governess or other …”

  “Lucas, you don’t need to apologize,” Lucinda broke in, leaning towards him. “I’m sure your sisters understand it was necessary for you to explore new opportunities for the future. You don’t need to thank me for my service.”

  “Lucinda, I would prefer you remain silent,” Lucas said. He met the woman’s startled look with his own steady gaze. He waited until she sat back, her face flushing slightly. “As I was saying, it wasn’t fair of me to ask Frank to accept so many duties. I hope you can all forgive me and accept my promise that you are the most important people in my life. Frank, Bea, I apologize for not realizing how important it is to be able to concentrate on only yourselves as you began your lives together. It was not fair to either of you, though I know that I would be apologizing for a great deal more if it hadn’t been for Frank’s dedication, for which I am sincerely appreciative.”

  “It was an honor, Lucas,” Frank said. “Your absence did not put any strain on our lives. You and your sisters mean the world to me as well. Please, don’t feel guilty, as it was your work that assures a prosperous future for all of us.”

  “Thank you,” Lucas said. “While you are a respected and much-loved member of this family, it is time that you and Bea were free to begin your own.” He was pleased to see Bea’s smile as her husband took her hand. “I believe you should start final plans for the construction of the house we discussed.” This time it was Frank’s smile that lit the room.

  Lucas turned to his wife. “Kitten, I owe you an apology, as well.” He saw her mouth open as if she were about to speak and gave her a grin. “Let me finish, little one.” She blushed but nodded. “You were right. You worked very hard to earn your certificate. Though I will continue to believe that education is important and that we should never stop learning, it was wrong of me to require you attend classes that you’ve already taken. You are an intelligent, curious woman, and I have no doubt that you will learn many things simply by living your life, even if you choose to put Socrates aside. You have taught me many things and will continue to teach me many lessons. You put your school uniform away before we wed, and Kitten, you may put it away again.”

  “Oh, Papa,” Lucy said softly, her heart swelling with love for him. She desperately wanted to go to him, to climb onto his lap and assure him that he would never disappoint her. She was about to move when he gave a shake of his head, communicating that he was not yet finished speaking.

  Before he could though, Ettie leaned forward. “Do you mean that our schooling is finally over?”

  “Henrietta, don’t be ridiculous,” Lucinda said, putting her hand on Ettie’s arm and drawing her to sit back beside her. “Properly raised young women continue their schooling until they marry.”

  “That’s not true,” Ettie said. “Bea’s married and she still takes classes. I don’t want to be in school forever!”

  “Ettie,” Lucas said, drawing her attention back to him. “While Miss Browning seems to be demonstrating how properly-raised young women should not behave, as I’ve already asked her to remain quiet, she is partially correct.” He ignored Lucinda’s gasp at his reprimand. “Classes will continue until both you and Frannie complete the requirements for your own certificates,” he said, turning back to Bea. “Frank, it is my hope that you w
ill allow Bea to accept the role of teacher to her sisters. I don’t believe it will take them long to finish their studies.”

  “Lucas, you can’t be serious,” Lucinda interrupted, as the meaning of his words became clear. “First it was Lucille thinking she was qualified and now Beatrice? You seem to have forgotten that I’m the only teacher…”

  “Not any longer,” Lucas said, his eyes dark as they met hers. Lucy gave a small gasp and Molly reached to place her hand on her arm, silently reminding her to remain still, even though she too was shocked by what she was hearing.

  Lucinda had no intention of remaining quiet. “You can’t possibly be serious! I … I’ve given your family years of service. Surely you don’t think…”

  “Since my wife and my sisters are present, I can’t even begin to tell you all that I think, Lucinda,” Lucas said, pinning her to her seat with nothing more than his look and the tone of his voice. “I trusted you to teach my sisters—not only their lessons, Miss Browning, but to guide them to assume their roles as confident young women, as well. I can’t even begin to understand how you could have seen fit to encourage Drakemore, but to attempt to convince Frannie that she had no choice is unforgiveable.”

  “Frances should be thrilled that Walter chose her. He is to be Lord ...”

  “I don’t give a damn if he becomes the King of England! Walter Drakemore is nothing more than a horse’s ass!” Lucas said, raising his voice for the first time since he had begun speaking. No longer as concerned with keeping his true feelings from the delicate ears of his family, Lucas moved to stand behind a chair, his hands gripping its back, his entire attention now focused on only one person. “What you have done to Frannie is unconscionable. You have caused her to live in fear of a man that should never have stepped foot on this land, much less laid a single finger on her. I can’t comprehend how you could have thought I’d ever approve of a man that is of such character that he would dare touch another man’s wife!” He paused and took a deep breath, the silence in the room seeming even deeper.

  Lucy again wanted to go to him; her heart ached for the man that was baring emotions he normally kept close, wanting to appear strong for his family. Lucas looked to see his wife, her eyes full of concern for him, glistening slightly with unshed tears. When he spoke again, it was in a much quieter tone.

  “Lucinda, a title does not make a good man out of nothing. A man makes his own reputation, earns the love of his family and the respect of his peers by being a good man, regardless if he is lucky enough to be in the proper birth order or if he provides for those he loves by the sweat of his brow every day of his life. I gave you a great deal of authority over people I love and would protect with my life …”

  “I did not …”

  “Be quiet!” Lucas said, causing Lucy to give a small start, though the command was directed at the governess. “Just as I will not tolerate deliberate disrespect from my wife or my sisters, I will also not tolerate any of my staff showing disrespect toward a member of my family.” Despite his command, he saw Lucinda open her mouth to speak but cut her off. “I’m not through speaking, Miss Browning, and I believe you are aware of exactly how I deal with interruption and rudeness.” Her face turned scarlet at the implied promise. She knew that discipline occurred even among the staff, but never before had she been personally brought to task, or ever threatened with such a thing.

  “I have tried to give you time to adjust and yet have obviously made another mistake. Since my arrival home, all I’ve heard has been your attempts to embarrass my wife by making unnecessary comments about her clothing, her nursery, or her role in my life and my household. You've had the gall to discuss private matters of my family with outsiders. You’ve attempted to insult Lucy’s intelligence, question her integrity, and her desire to help her sister with her studies, and have even challenged her right to speak to me—her own husband.”

  “I … I don’t understand,” Lucinda said, her voice quivering at the realization of how furious he was. “Everything was fine until you brought that child here. I’ve done nothing but…”

  “I know exactly what you’ve done. Since titles appear so important to you, Lucinda, let me make it absolutely clear to you. Lucille is Lady Lucille Rose Huntington, my beloved wife first and foremost. It is not your right or place to judge love that you don’t understand. I am honored that she chose me to love, and I will treasure that gift every moment of every day. I can only pray that she has the ability to forgive me for not seeing what was right before my eyes from the moment I carried her across the threshold. I will never forgive myself for making her first week in her home such a difficult one.”

  “Oh, Papa, no,” Lucy said softly, her heart aching for her husband. Lucas stepped to her, bending to kiss her cheek.

  He stood again, turning back to Lucinda. “Miss Browning, it is time for you to leave Hunter’s Ridge and find a life of your own.”

  “What! You … you are dismissing me?” Lucinda asked, as if never considering the possibility, despite hearing every word he had said. “You can’t …”

  “I can and I have,” Lucas said. “It saddens me to have to do so, but it is the only path you’ve given me. As I have said, I do understand that you’ve given our family a great deal. However, it is time for change.”

  “Where will I go? What will I do?” Lucinda asked, her face ashen as his decision to actually dismiss her became clear.

  “I’ll provide you with enough funds to live on until you find another position,” Lucas said. “Though I can no longer offer you employment, I’ll give you a letter of recommendation as well, as it is not my wish to cast you out without a thought. Lucinda, you can be a wonderful governess and teacher. You have so much to offer if only you’ll allow yourself to release the anger that consumes you. It saddens me that you are so unhappy in your own life that you find pleasure in hurting others. I hope you can find a way to be happy again, Lucinda, but your happiness is your own choice and will not come at the cost of my family.” When he saw her open her mouth, he shook his head.

  “No, there is nothing more that I need to hear from you. William is waiting to take you into town. Your belongings have been packed and loaded into the carriage. Know this before you go: if I learn that you continue to disparage my family—any member of my family—I assure you that you will regret your actions. Take this opportunity to reassess what you want, how you wish to spend the rest of your life.”

  Lucinda stood, her blood boiling, but couldn’t even look at the people witnessing her dismissal. Life had been just fine until that horrid little girl had entered her life. She had been so positive that Lucas would eventually realize his quest for what he thought he wanted was simply impossible. When he did come to his senses, she would be the woman he would turn to. She had never truly expected him to return with—not only a wife, but with a woman who seemed content to have her husband also be her Papa. Her mind flooded with his words as she began to feel the reality of her situation. She finally acknowledged that her dreams of becoming his wife had been nothing but her own fantasy. She gave a sob as she turned and ran from the room.

  Lucas shook his head as he watched her leave. He turned to find Lucy pale, her eyes wide, and her expression reflected on his sisters’ faces as well. “Girls, I’m sorry you had to witness this. Please, don’t fret. None of this is your fault. I fear I failed you in allowing this situation to continue until it reached a boiling point.” He stood and walked to each of his sisters, bending and giving them each a hug and a kiss. He drew Lucy from her seat and held her close until he felt her relax. He kissed her softly, his heart more determined than ever to fulfill his promise to her. Hunter’s Ridge was her home, and he had promised she would feel safe and protected within its walls. Though he had made a bad start, he swore that, from this point forward, as long as he was alive, no one would be allowed to cause her to ever again question that promise.

  Chapter 20

  Monday dawned bright and clear. The household was still
reeling from the events of the evening before and the early departure of Lucinda. William had driven her into town, the young woman not speaking a word, not even thanking him for his assistance with her trunks as she took a room at the local boarding house. Frank had agreed that Bea could put aside her own studies in order to guide her sisters through theirs. As Bea led her sisters into the classroom to begin her first day as a teacher instead of a student, Lucas suggested that he and Lucy take a ride. Lucy quickly agreed.

  They headed in a different direction from the pond, so that Lucas could show her more of Hunter’s Ridge. He was convinced that his wife was a good horsewoman and led her over some fences, loving the sound of her laughter as she and her horse flew together, Delilah's golden mane, as well as Lucy’s locks, whipping in the wind.

  He helped her from the saddle, tethered the horses and then led her to the edge of a high ridge. “This is where Hunter’s Ridge got its name,” Lucas explained, pride evident in his voice. “My ancestors purchased this land, and we’ve been fortunate enough to expand our holdings.”

  “It’s beautiful,” Lucy said, looking out across the land and then down the face of the ridge to see the water pounding against the rocks far below.

  “Yes it is, and I am so blessed to have you become part of its heritage,” he said, drawing her even closer. He walked her safely away from the edge, warning her that she was never to ride this way without him. She nodded and smiled as he spread a blanket out on the grass beneath some huge trees. Without the rest of his family to hinder him, Lucas demonstrated the ease of arranging her riding skirts to bare her to him. As he laid her down and entered her, his hands holding hers above her head, she moaned with pleasure. They made love beneath the sky, their only companions the birds in the air and the only other sound the pounding waves far below.