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  “That’s my good girl. That’s my obedient little one. Come for me, Kitten. Come hard for your Papa. Come with me. I want to feel your quim pulse around my cock. I want to feel your cream coating my shaft.” Her moan was ragged as he began to thrust hard for the first time, rapidly withdrawing and thrusting into her as he lifted her up and down. Moments later, he felt her body clutch tightly and then explode around him. She cried out, her head thrown back as her pleasure consumed her, every muscle contracting with the force of her culmination. Lucas gave his own moan of pleasure as he filled her womb, pumping himself hard and fast up inside her. When he was empty, he settled her onto his lap, his cock still buried inside of her.

  “Oh, Papa,” she sighed, laying her head against him again, her breathing a bit ragged. Lucas smiled in satisfaction as he lifted her chin and brought his lips down to hers, his mouth gently possessing her.

  “I love it when you squirm on me,” he teased, adoring the sated look on her flushed face. He chuckled, kissed her again, and then simply held her close as she laid her cheek against his chest, the sound of his heartbeat calming her completely. It wasn’t long before he realized that she was asleep. He might be muddy and barefoot, stranded on the roadside, but he was completely happy. Lucy was not only a beautiful and spirited young woman, she was an extremely sensual one as well. Every time he held her, every time he partook of her body, every time she exploded in pleasure at his hands, every time she looked at him with the love and trust filling the depths of her violet eyes, he fell more and more in love with her. He held his wife as she slept, his hand stroking down the length of her back. An hour or three—he wouldn’t care; he was perfectly content to simply hold her until the others returned.

  Chapter 2

  As Lucas and Lucy enjoyed their impromptu picnic, the wagon arrived at Hunter’s Ridge. Molly was speechless; the house seemed to loom in front of her. William offered to drop her off under the front porte-cochere and return to her after the driver went to the back, but Molly assured him she didn’t need the fuss or ceremony of entering through the front door. She was fine staying with him. It wasn’t the way she had imagined entering her new home, but she was a sensible young woman and was certainly not accustomed to being catered to in any way. William helped her from the wagon and led her through the back door. They entered a room full of great aromas as well as a great number of staff.

  “Edith,” William called, and a rotund older woman turned from her place in front of a huge stove. The woman’s eyes widened upon seeing her husband with a much younger woman, both a bit disheveled.

  “Oh my,” Edith said, wiping her hands on her apron and walking towards them. “What happened? Where’s the Lord and his bride? Don’t tell me you left them outside … what …”

  “Hush, woman,” William gently chided. “Let me get a word in. Lord Huntington and little Lucy are fine. The carriage wheel snapped in all this damn mud. I need to get to the stables and have Jasper prepare the Lord’s horse as well as get the tools and some lads to replace the wheel. This sweet young woman is Miss Molly, Lucy’s nanny,” he said, turning to motion Molly forward. “Miss Molly, this is my wife, Edith. I apologize for leaving you, but I promise you couldn’t be in better hands.”

  His words proved true. His wife took Molly’s hand and pulled her forward, enveloping her in a hug. “You poor dear, what a welcome! We were beginning to worry, when you hadn’t yet arrived at luncheon. Come, let me help you ....” She paused, turning to her husband, shooing him away with her hands. “Go … go get the little one. She must be so cold and frightened. Molly is in my hands now. You go get Miss Lucy, and bring her home before she thinks we don’t care!”

  William chuckled and did indeed depart, only to return a moment later with the box containing the kitten. Edith rolled her eyes as she once more shooed him away, but he didn’t leave before grabbing his wife and giving her two loud swats to her broad backside before kissing her cheek.

  “Watch yourself woman,” he said, chuckling again as Edith pushed him away. “We can’t have Molly believing that little girls are the only ones that get their bottoms smacked, now can we? No matter the age, Molly, you’ll find that saucy girls can expect their bottoms to be reddened as well,” William said, before turning to walk back out the door.

  Molly was a bit shocked at the display, but the soft flush that crept across Edith’s face and the sparkle in her eyes gave evidence of the older woman’s delight at her husband’s attention. Edith watched until he disappeared, before turning to give Molly a smile, which Molly easily returned. Apparently Hunter’s Ridge was far different from Wintercrest Manor, if the past few minutes were any indication of what to expect. Molly listened as Edith instructed one kitchen maid to prepare tea, another to pour a saucer of cream for Cleo, and others to begin filling huge pots with water to be heated for the baths that the Lord and his wife would definitely need upon their arrival. Throughout all the hustle and bustle, Molly realized that she felt far more comfortable in this kitchen than she ever had in the kitchen at Wintercrest. She sipped her tea and stroked Lucy’s precious pet, praying that Lucy would also feel welcome in her new home.

  ***

  Lucas reluctantly awakened Lucy when the horses began to whinny and move about on their tethers. It was obvious the animals could sense other horses approaching. Lucy opened her eyes when Lucas bent to kiss her, awakening her from her nap.

  “Come, Kitten, let’s get you dressed,” he said softly, and smiled at seeing her blush as she felt his softened cock slip from her when he lifted her from his lap. He tucked himself back into his trousers before picking up her drawers. “Perhaps we should leave these off; I fear they are now a bit damp from lying in the grass,” he said. Seeing her eyes widen in horror, he shook his head and helped her into the drawers. Despite their damp and muddy condition, he knew she appreciated being allowed to wear them. The fear of being forced to remain naked beneath her clothing disappeared from her face as he tied the ribbon and smoothed down her petticoats and skirt.

  “Thank you, Papa,” she said softly, and reached up to kiss his cheek. They watched as a horse crested the hill followed by the empty luggage wagon.

  Within minutes, Lucy was seated in front of her husband on the large horse. His arm held her securely, her traveling cloak wrapped around her. William had brought two stable boys from the house, and with the wagon driver’s help, they unloaded tools and a spare wheel. Lucas turned to head towards the house, knowing the men would follow once the carriage had been repaired.

  Lucy relaxed against her husband’s chest, trusting him completely to keep her safely seated upon the horse. She looked around the grounds as they rode, still quite amazed at the extent of her husband’s estate. When she had fallen in love with him, choosing him as her husband, she hadn’t even thought of his worth, not truly considering anything other than that she knew he loved her and would care for and protect her. However, with all that she had seen so far, she realized he was far wealthier than she could have possibly imagined.

  They continued up the road and Lucy was soon gasping again. They made a final turn and Lucas’ home came into view. The house was massive, stately, and very beautiful. Chimneys rose all across the roof, signifying many fireplaces inside. The main center section was larger than the two wings extending out from each side, though both wings were also impressive. Tall pillars rose to support a large porte-cochere, where people could depart their carriages and remain dry in even the severest thunderstorm. Thick green vines covered the red brick exterior. Lucy saw hundreds of blooms that climbed up trellises, and she imagined she could already smell their scent filling the air. Century-old oak trees lined each side of the long drive, their branches forming a leafy canopy above the road as they turned through an opening in the stone wall. Intricate lettering spelled out ‘Hunter’s Ridge’ at the top of the curved arch of a carved iron gate, a matching pair of rearing horses forever captured in iron on either side.

  Lucy turned back to look up at her
husband. Lucas saw the wonder in Lucy’s eyes and smiled. “Welcome home, Kitten,” he said, bending to brush his lips across her cheek.

  “All this is just your home?” she asked, her eyes continuing to scan back and forth, attempting to take in all they passed. She saw additional buildings, as well as large paddocks and lush, green pastures where horses were grazing. People were working, going about their daily duties, though she saw many turn their attention to the riders, lifting a hand or tipping a cap as if to welcome the Lord of Hunter’s Ridge home. Lucy couldn’t imagine how many people it took to simply keep such a place running smoothly.

  “Our home,” Lucas corrected. “Don’t worry, Kitten, you will soon know your way around as well as I do.” When he felt her stiffen against him, he pulled her closer, offering her comfort. “Lucy, it will be fine. Hunter’s Ridge is a beautiful place and I know you will find happiness here.”

  Lucy nodded, though her mind was churning. Her husband was responsible for everyone that lived on his estate, and that meant he would be incredibly busy. What if he were so busy he would no longer have time for her? What if his responsibilities often called him away from home? If she was not to serve as mistress of this huge manor, if she had no responsibilities whatsoever, what would she do in his absence? Would he grow tired of her and simply tuck her away in a room far from his own chambers, visiting only occasionally? Good Lord, what if he no longer allowed her to share his bed nightly? She wasn’t conscious of the soft moans coming from her throat.

  Lucas became aware of her distress. “Breathe, Kitten. Just breathe, and remember I’ve got you. You are safe, little one,” he said calmly.

  Lucy finally gasped and took in several deep breaths. “Promise? Promise you … you won’t lose me in … in there?” she whispered, and at his chuckle looked up to meet his eyes.

  He stopped laughing when he saw the look of sheer panic on her face. Lucas wrapped his arms more tightly around her, drawing her as close. His heart filled with the love he felt for this small woman who trusted him to take care of her every need. “Yes, Kitten, I promise. I will never lose my precious girl. I swear everything will be just fine. Just trust your Papa, little one.” He was pleased at her small nod as he kissed the top of her head, feeling her relax within his arms as he continued to lead his horse up the long drive. She sat up straighter and squared her shoulders as Lucas drew the horse to a halt under the porte-cochere. Lucas realized she was attempting to prepare herself to meet the residents of his home, people he had known for most of his life and yet total strangers to his little bride. He felt a moment of guilt for taking her away from her old life. He knew she was missing her sister and was still acclimating to her new status as his wife and little one. He promised himself that he would make sure her fears and doubts became only memories as she settled into her new life and home at Hunter’s Ridge.

  He lifted her off his lap when the waiting groomsman reached up to take her. Lucas slid from the horse and handed the reins to him. “Thank you, Jasper. Give him a good rubdown and an extra ration of oats.”

  “Certainly, Sir,” Jasper said, and watched as Lucy stepped forward to stroke the horse, as if thanking him for the ride. The groomsman smiled and tipped his cap. “Welcome home, Miss,” he said, before leading the horse around the side of the house. Lucas scooped Lucy up into his arms, her legs and feet still bare; her stockings and slippers were beyond repair and had been left with the carriage. He carried her up the stairs.

  As he reached for the door, it opened. “Welcome home, Sir, Miss Lucy,” a distinguished-looking man said, his formal bearing softening a bit as he gave Lucy a smile. Lucy automatically smiled back, though she remained silent.

  “Thank you, Philip,” Lucas said as he paused for a moment to look down at his wife. He grinned. “I am honored to carry you over the threshold, my little Lady Huntington,” he said as he bent down to kiss her before stepping through the doorway. Aware of others in the foyer, Lucy blushed hotly as Lucas slowly lowered her onto her feet before bending to kiss her again. “Welcome home, Kitten.”

  She couldn’t help but smile at the romantic gesture of her husband carrying her safely across the threshold into their home.

  Molly joined them, and before Lucy knew it, she was being helped out of her cloak. “Oh my,” Molly said, realizing how dirty and disheveled Lucy was. Seeing that she seemed to have lost her stockings and shoes, Molly quickly turned to a young girl who had taken the cloak. “Mary, please run and tell Mrs. Grover that we are ready for Lucy’s bath water.”

  “Yes, Miss,” the girl said as she gave a small bob of a curtsy and hurried from the room. Lucy stared in disbelief as she listened to Molly. She appeared calm and collected, as if she had been a member of the household for ages.

  Molly gave her a smile and turned to Lucas. “Your staff has made me feel quite welcome, Sir. Your home is lovely.”

  “Your home as well, Molly. I’m sorry your arrival was so disorganized, but am happy to hear that you were welcomed,” Lucas replied.

  Lucy remained silent as an older woman approached. “Welcome home, Lord Huntington,” the woman said, in a soft voice. She was dressed in a dark blue gown, her graying hair pulled back in a neat chignon at the nape of her neck. She was smiling as she looked down at Lucy. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Lucy. I am so sorry for the trouble with the carriage. We all have been waiting anxiously for your arrival and hope you don’t allow the unfortunate incident to taint your homecoming.” Lucy saw the man who had opened the door move to stand next to the woman and give her a smile.

  Lucy allowed herself to relax a bit, now that she had Molly beside her, and was feeling the sincerity of the woman’s words and seeing the man's reassuring smile. She was about to assure the woman that she didn’t blame anyone for the accident, but Lucas spoke before she could, introducing the couple.

  “Lucy, this is Mr. Mayes, who is our butler, and his wife, Mrs. Mayes, the head housekeeper.”

  Lucy instantly thought of Mrs. Bremmer, the head housekeeper at Wintercrest. However, this woman wasn’t wearing an apron with deep pockets containing any sort of item that would be readily accessible to use on a naughty girl. Nor was she wearing a disapproving look on her face. Mrs. Mayes appeared to be truly glad to meet her. Lucy gave the couple a small curtsy, though her mind told her that the gesture should have been reversed.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Lucy said as she met their eyes. “Despite the accident, I assure you that I find Hunter’s Ridge quite lovely.” Mrs. Mayes smiled and nodded, her posture relaxing just the slightest at Lucy’s reassurance.

  “Where are the girls?” Lucas asked, having seen no signs nor heard any welcoming cries from his sisters. “I’d have thought they would be quite anxious to meet their new sister.”

  The housekeeper opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by another voice.

  “I’m afraid their absence is my fault, Lucas.” Lucy turned to see another woman approaching. She was much younger than Mrs. Mayes. She was tall, only a few inches shorter than Lucas. Her slender form made quite a picture as she came closer. She wore a fashionable forest-green dress, the skirts swaying from rounded hips as she walked towards them. The toes of her soft leather boots peeked from beneath the hem. Soft cream lace edged the scooped neckline of her dress, allowing just the barest hint of the full roundness of her breasts to be visible through the delicate lace. Her black hair was arranged in a sleek French twist at the back of her head, soft tendrils escaping to curl around her face. Thick black lashes framed her blue eyes, her make-up enhancing her cheekbones and her full lips. Small earrings dangled from her earlobes, the deep green of the stones set in silver reflecting the light. She was one of the most beautiful women Lucy had ever seen, and that included Eleanor Summers. The woman glided up to Lucas and possessively laid her hand on his arm, completely ignoring the small woman by his side.

  “Welcome home, Lucas,” she said softly, leaning close to kiss his cheek. “It is wonderfu
l to have you safely home again. We tried to wait luncheon but had no idea of how long you would be. The girls have been so anxious for the past few days that I felt they needed to rest. I know you wouldn’t wish the girls’ schedule to be disrupted unnecessarily. I hope you aren’t too upset but I sent them on to bed. Though they were disappointed, the time will also allow you to get a bit settled after your unfortunate delay.”

  Lucas nodded, appearing slightly disappointed, but he was a man who treasured order and understood schedules. “While I’m disappointed that the girls aren’t here to meet their new sister, I do understand your decision. I’m afraid our delay couldn’t be helped,” Lucas said, and motioned for Lucy to step forward. “Lucinda, I’d like you to meet Lucy. Lucy, this is our governess, Miss Browning.

  Lucinda turned to look down at the rather tiny woman who had been silently standing next to Lucas. Not wanting to believe that Lucas had actually married and was bringing home his bride, Lucinda realized that this was, indeed, his bride and that she looked like a child—a rather disheveled one at that. The bedraggled creature was wearing what had once been a frilly pink dress that was mud-spattered and covered by a filthy white pinafore. The dress barely reached beneath Lucy’s knees; the dirty lace of what had to be her drawers was hanging limply below the hem of her skirts. The rest of the girl’s legs and feet were bare and mud-spattered as well. A smile appeared on Lucinda’s lips as her eyes raked up and down the small woman’s frame, taking in the tangled curls of golden hair that hung down Lucy’s back. The governess’ sharp eyes didn’t miss the dirty face—or the uneasiness showing in the girl’s rather startling deeply violet-colored eyes. Seeing what appeared to be food stains contributing to the filth of the garment, Lucinda’s eyebrow rose, and her smile turned into a smirk.