Lucy's Journey Home (Hunter's Ridge) Read online

  Lucy's Journy Home

  Hunter's Ridge Book 1

  By

  Maggie Ryan

  ©2014 by Blushing Books® and Maggie Ryan

  All rights reserved.

  No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  Published by Blushing Books®,

  a subsidiary of

  ABCD Graphics and Design

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  is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.

  Ryan, Maggie

  Lucy's Journey Home

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-62750-3945

  Cover Design by ABCD Graphics

  This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as Blushing Books' or the author's advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

  Table of Contents:

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  EPILOGUE

  Note to my Readers

  Maggie Ryan

  Ebook Offer

  Blushing Books Newsletter

  Blushing Books

  Prologue

  They hugged and kissed and said their final goodbyes the following morning. Lucy and Louisa both shed tears as the moment came to board the train. Lucas took Lucy’s hand and motioned for Molly, who was carrying Cleo’s box, to precede them onto the train.

  “Come, Kitten,” he said gently. “Edward has promised to bring Louisa to Hunter’s Ridge for the holidays. You shall see each other soon.” Her eyes brightened as she saw Louisa smile and nod as she stood beside her husband.

  “Be good, Lucy,” Edward said with a smile. The small woman had found her way into his heart. He admired her spirit and knew that his childhood friend would find life not only a challenge but filled with joy as the newlyweds began their journeys together. “We shall visit soon and I expect to hear that your time at Wintercrest has served you well.” Lucy blushed as memories of his lessons ran through her mind. She nodded, indeed grateful for this man’s love and support, and reluctantly admitted that she was also grateful for his discipline. Despite the pain her bottom had endured, she had discovered that deep inside, the discipline not only served to give her a sense of love and security, it fulfilled her in ways she had never imagined.

  Lucy pulled away from her husband only to run to throw her arms around her guardian, who she would now address as Uncle Edward, a man who had changed her life in so many ways.

  “Thank you, Sir,” she said, her voice trembling with her gratitude. “Thank you for taking me in and loving me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for finding Lucas for me. Thank you for everything you have done for me.” Edward felt his heart clench and knew it would not only be Louisa who would miss this precious woman. Edward crushed his ward to his chest and pressed his lips to the top of her head.

  “Thank you, Lucy,” Edward whispered. “I would not have changed a thing. I shall miss you very much. You’ve made me very proud to be your guardian and honored to become your uncle. Now, little one, go and allow your husband to teach you to be truly free.” Both sets of eyes were damp as he released her and then watched as she once more took her husband’s hand. Lucas nodded at his lifelong friend, his own gratitude shining in his eyes. Edward returned the gesture as he pulled Louisa into his arms, grateful he still had one of his girls to hold as he watched the other step onto the train.

  Lucas helped her onto the steps of the train and followed her. She took one last look at the two people who had given her so much and waved. Louisa and Edward waved back and she felt her heart lighten knowing that she wasn’t truly saying goodbye. While she had come to Wintercrest Manor as an orphan with a saddened heart, she was leaving as a bride, her heart full to capacity with joy. Well aware of the many emotions flowing through his new wife, Lucas bent and kissed the top of her head.

  “Are you okay, Kitten?” he asked softly. She looked up and smiled.

  “Oh, yes, Papa,” she said softy, “let’s go home.”

  Chapter 1

  Lord Lucas Huntington looked upon his new bride with a smile tugging at his lips. She was totally incapable of hiding her emotions and he could see the amazement written all across her face. She had boarded the train but seemed unable to move much farther than the doorway. Lucas became aware that a porter was waiting politely for the girl to move into the car. He was holding the first of the many valises that would need to be delivered to the Lord’s compartments.

  “Kitten,” Lucas said, “you are keeping this man from doing his duties, little one.” Lucy gave no indication that she heard her husband; her eyes were darting about the long car before her. It was the first time she had been on a train and she was finding the experience even more thrilling than she had imagined. When Lucas again called to her and once again she ignored him, he reached out, put his arm around her waist and popped her hard across her bottom. The swat immediately got her attention and she whipped around to find her husband looking down at her. She also saw a man standing behind her husband attempting to hide his smile at what he had witnessed.

  “I suggest you listen to me, Lucille,” Lucas said once he was sure he had her full attention. She blushed but nodded, though still unaware he had spoken before he spanked her.

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly. Lucas nodded, and taking her hand, led her into the car, immediately stepping aside to allow the porter to pass them. The man nodded his head respectfully.

  “If you’ll follow me, Sir,” the porter said as he began to walk down the center aisle of the beautifully appointed car. Lucy’s eyes were large as she took in the plush burgundy velvet of the seats, the heavy burgundy and gold brocade fabric of the drapes that swept from the ceiling to the floor on each side of every window, drawn apart and held open by golden cords with fluffy tassels allowing sunlight to stream into the interior. Several people were already seated and she thought of the swat she had received for her inattention. Despite her embarrassment, she found herself returning their smiles as they watched the large man guiding what appeared to be his lovely, young daughter along the aisle. They joined Molly, who was waiting at the next doorway, trying to keep her composure as desperate mewing came from the box in her hands. Lucas smiled at her.

  “Cleo doesn’t seem to be enjoying the journey,” he said reaching out to take the large box from the woman. Molly nodded, grateful to relinquish the box where the cat had been loudly complaining as she attempted to claw her way out of the unwelcome confinement.

  “Please see that our little one doesn’t fail to follow,” he said as he released Lucy’s hand. Molly immediately took the small hand and nodded.

  “Yes, Sir,” Molly said having seen the smack the girl had already received as she stood entranced by the sight of the train’s lavish decor.

  “Your compartments are past the dining car, Lord Huntington,” the porter said as he led them through another car of beautiful seats and then opened the door and stepped into the next car. If Molly had not been pulling Lucy along, the girl would have stopped to take in this car as well. Instead of rows of seats, there were small tables down each side, four cha
irs placed around each one. Sconces, on the walls above each table, would be lit when the sun began to fade. White linen tablecloths covered each table, burgundy and gold napkins folded neatly at each place. Heavy silverware waited for diners. There was a runner down the center of the car, the pattern intricate and beautiful. Lucy had eaten in fine restaurants that didn’t have the appeal of this train car.

  “Lucy, come along,” Molly said realizing she was practically pulling dead weight. Lucy felt her hand being tugged a bit harder.

  “Oh, Molly,” Lucy said as she quickened her steps. “Isn’t this just beautiful? I can’t wait to eat. What do you think they will serve?” Molly shook her head.

  “I’m sure I don’t know, Lucille,” she said and then stopped for just a moment and looked down at her charge. “It is Miss Molly, young lady. I fear you shall have many uncomfortable lessons across my lap if you can’t remember to be properly respectful.” Lucy flushed hotly at the reminder that the young woman who had been her servant only days ago, was now, in all respects, her nanny. Lucy was having an extremely difficult time adjusting to the change in roles. The two young women had formed a friendship as Lucy adjusted to life at Wintercrest Manor and the strict rules of her guardian’s home. Learning she was no longer going to be able to complain or misbehave in front of Molly, at least without fear of the woman turning her bottom up to teach her new charge the futility of complaining, was an adjustment that would be difficult to make.

  Lucy heard Molly sigh and shake her head as her charge seemed lost yet again in her own thoughts. Before she could decide to give her charge her first lesson, Lucy came to her senses.

  “Yes, Miss Molly,” she said quickly. “I’m sorry. I’m just excited.” Molly nodded and began to guide Lucy down the car again. Secretly, she was very relieved that Lucy apologized properly. Though she had witnessed Lucille getting her bottom spanked dozens of times by Lord Wintercrest and his head housekeeper, Mrs. Bremmer, as well as her new husband, Lord Huntington, Molly had yet to personally discipline the woman she had agreed to serve in the role of her new nanny. Lucas turned to see what was keeping the women. He knew that Molly was doing the best she could, but it was obvious she would need some direction to demonstrate her true authority over her former mistress.

  When they caught up with him, Lucas turned to the porter, who was patiently waiting. The group was led into the next car. This car would serve as their home for the next few days. There was no longer a center aisle. Instead, a narrow passage ran down the length of the car on the right side. The porter just barely managed to walk without turning sideways as he was still carrying the valises. He stopped at the second to last door to set down the bags and remove a key from his vest. He unlocked the door and pushed it open.

  Lucas turned to Molly. “This shall be your compartment, Molly,” he said and she nodded. Lucas stepped inside only long enough to set the box down on the small table under the window. “I suggest you allow Cleo to calm a bit before releasing her from the box. Hopefully she will settle and not bother you in the night.”

  “I’m sure she will be fine, Sir,” Molly said stepping into the room with Lucy. There was a long narrow bed along one wall, the table where Cleo rested, a chair and a small curtained area where she could hang her clothing. There was also a small washstand bolted to the wall that held a large ceramic bowl and a pitcher. A towel hung from the wooden bar in front of the washstand.

  “Miss, there is a large water closet at the end of the car. It has been recently appointed to provide water directly from the large water storage tank that rests on top of the car and is heated. It must be shared among the occupants of this car, but your party is the only one occupying these two compartments. Our passengers are quite pleased to be able to bathe if desired. You will find a slide that you may engage when you are using the facilities to ensure your privacy.”

  “Oh, thank you, that sounds wonderful,” Molly said, not able to hide her own excitement at the porter’s description. She couldn’t imagine having water so easily available. He nodded and after placing the two valises on the bed, held out the key. Molly took it and slipped it into her apron pocket.

  “I shall return with your luggage after I show you your compartment, Lord Huntington,” the porter said. Lucas nodded, and taking Lucy’s hand, stepped back out into the narrow aisle. The compartment was twice as large as Molly’s, and instead of a narrow bed built into the wall, there was an actual bed directly under the window. There were four large pillows piled at the head of the bed, the bed coverings looking warm and inviting in their burgundy and gold damask pattern. While the room was much smaller than the one she had shared with her new husband at Wintercrest, Lucy thought it beautiful and was excited thinking about sleeping on a train.

  Both Lucas and the porter smiled as she peeked behind a small door only to discover it held nothing more interesting than a few shelves, hooks for their clothing and a small stool. Seeing it caused Lucy to think about the small stool she was placed on in a corner if she were being punished or, far more embarrassing, the stool where her husband had ordered her to sit totally naked and displayed for his pleasure. She drew the door tightly closed and blushed hotly when she realized her husband was looking at her as if very well aware of where her thoughts had taken her. Lucy moved to the bed, climbing up to kneel on it to look out the window. She was surprised to see the train had yet to move and that people were still milling about on the platform. She briefly wondered whether Uncle Edward and her sister, Louisa, were still waiting for the train to depart.

  “Why aren’t we moving? Is something wrong?” she asked, turning and immediately realizing that she had interrupted the conversation the porter was having with her husband. Lucas looked over at her, one eyebrow raised in obvious disapproval, and shook his head.

  “Lucille, you know better than to interrupt when adults are speaking,” he said simply. She flushed and mumbled her apology before returning her attention to the window, embarrassed at being corrected in front of the porter. The porter proceeded to tell Lucas about the different cars along the train’s long length that would serve to provide him with as much comfort as possible during the trip. He made sure Lord Huntington understood the location of the smoking car, where men gathered in the evenings to enjoy cigars, brandy and cards, as he knew men of his class expected such extravagances to be provided.

  “If there is anything you need that I haven’t yet discussed, please know that I am here to serve you and your, um, daughter for the duration of the journey,” the porter said. “If I am not immediately available, you may ask any of the staff for me. My name is Nelson Brannon.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Brannon,” Lucas said as he accepted the key. “For clarity, the little one looking out the window is my new bride, Lady Lucille Huntington.” Lucy smiled, still adjusting to her new title and feeling her heart swell with pride hearing her husband address her as such. She also felt her stomach tingle, remembering the lessons her husband had begun teaching her. She heard the porter clear his throat before speaking.

  “My apologies, Sir, and Lady Huntington. I didn’t mean any disrespect,” Brannon said.

  “No need to apologize, Mr. Brannon,” Lucas said. “Lucy is my wife, but as you witnessed by her need for a swat to her bottom earlier as well as her rudeness in interrupting our conversation, her role is far more that of my special little one. So your assumption was also correct.” Lucy felt her face heat and she wished she could disappear. The porter looked between the two and slowly nodded, the dynamics becoming clear. He had been working for the rail system for more than two decades and had witnessed many unusual things on the hundreds of journeys he had taken. He was not unfamiliar with men of society wed to what he knew were referred to as little ones or child-brides. He also knew that discretion as well as impeccable service would most likely favor his own pockets.

  “Very well, Sir. Please let me know if you or your little one need anything at all. I am at your service completely and have experience with the a
dditional needs of the special little ones who travel with us.” Understanding that many men traveling with their child-brides often employed women to assist them, Brannon continued. “My services extend to Miss Lucy’s nanny as well. I shall return with your luggage as soon as possible.” He turned as if to leave and then turned back. “Pardon me, Sir. I forgot to mention that there are three different seatings for meals. The first for luncheon is at noon. Do you have a preference, Sir?”

  Lucas was impressed with the man’s rapid understanding of his small family. “Since my little one is put down every afternoon for her nap and retires early, I’d prefer the earliest seating for all meals,” Lucas said and noticed that his wife was attempting to become as small as possible as if to disappear from the small room. Brannon looked to the bed and nodded.

  “Very well, Lord Huntington. I find that our passengers traveling with children often prefer the earlier seating. I’ll make sure your table is reserved and the server knows when you wish to dine.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Brannon,” Lucas said and the man departed. The moment the door closed, he turned to Lucy. He hated having to discipline her so soon but would not begin the trip tolerating any disobedience. The three would be occupying rather close quarters, confined to the train for several days, and his little one needed to be clear from the very beginning that it would behoove her to be on her very best behavior.

  “Come here, Lucille,” he ordered as he stepped to the bed and held out his hand. Lucy placed her small one into his much larger hand and allowed herself to be helped from the bed.

  “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I’m just very excited.” Lucas nodded as he untied the ribbon under her chin and removed the small bonnet from her head. He removed her traveling cloak as well, moving to hang both on a hook by the door. Lucy ran her hands down the white pinafore that was tied over her childish yellow dress. She realized she felt years younger the moment Lucas had removed the concealing cloak. As she watched her husband turn, she felt her heart begin to pound as she realized he was looking quite stern. Lucas returned to sit on the end of the bed and pulled her to stand between his legs. Lucas knew she was still uncomfortable dressed as he desired but she had far more important things to worry about.