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  “Goodness, Lucas, instead of being disappointed, you should be quite relieved that your sisters are behind the closed doors of their rooms. I can’t imagine what they would think upon seeing you arrive home in this condition. I’m sure they’d be quite traumatized, thinking you had been in a serious accident, rather than just the inconvenience of losing a wheel. I can’t imagine how she managed to get so filthy. Poor child, it looks as if she has rolled about in the mud as well as dipped into a food trough.”

  Lucy heard the small gasp that Mrs. Mayes uttered, though it didn’t truly register as disapproval of Lucinda’s rude words. All Lucy was aware of was the fact that the beautiful governess was correct: she was filthy and covered not only in mud, but food stains from their picnic. Seeing the mocking look on the woman’s face, Lucy flushed hotly; every instinct she possessed was telling her that Lucinda not only found herself amused at Lucy’s condition, she would no doubt have disapproved of the intruder into the sanctuary of Haven’s Ridge, no matter if Lucy had appeared in modern finery, every hair neatly in place. The woman's derision, aimed squarely at Lucy, seemed to fall like an unwanted cloak onto her shoulders, causing her insides to clench and her body to tremble.

  When Lucy didn’t greet the woman, Lucas turned to look at her. “Lucille, aren’t you going to say hello to Miss Browning?”

  Lucy felt her face heat even more as her eyes flew to Lucas.’ She realized that he was not immediately coming to her defense—to explain that her condition was no fault of her own. She wondered why he didn’t tell his employee that she was being rude and disrespectful to the new Lady of the manor. She was about to explain why she was so disheveled, how her own fear had caused her to cling to Lucas, causing him to become almost as muddy, why she wasn’t wearing all of her clothing, when the memory of Lucas removing some of her clothing flashed across her mind. The vivid recollection of straddling her husband’s lap, being filled by him as they made love out in the open where anyone might have seen them, caused her heart to pound and her face to turn scarlet.

  “Lucille?” Lucas said, softly but firmly.

  In her embarrassment, instead of seeing the concern in his eyes, she saw it as disappointment in her. She lowered her eyes to avoid his and focused her gaze on her dirty, bare feet. Moaning softly in intense shame at his disapproval, she forced herself to look at the governess as she made another small curtsy.

  “I’m pleased … pleased to meet you, Lucinda,” Lucy managed to whisper, though she knew it was a blatant lie. The governess’ eyes were dark, seeming to stare into Lucy’s very soul and finding her sorely lacking. The way she held herself, as if totally comfortable and sure of her place in Lucas’ home, made Lucy wonder at the woman’s role in the family order. Though she had never had a governess before, she felt as if this woman was more a cherished family member than an employee. Lucy again thought of Mrs. Bremmer and trembled, remembering how the woman was confident of herself—and not above making sure naughty little girls were put properly into their places for far less than forgetting their manners. Lucy could easily see this awful governess becoming like Uncle Edward’s housekeeper, deciding that Lucas’ rude bride needed a spanking to remind her of her proper place.

  As if sensing Lucy’s uncertainties, the woman smiled again as she patted Lucas’ arm. “I don’t suppose we should fault the poor creature. I’m sure her ordeal has made her forget what manners she might know.” She turned her attention back to Lucy. “Lucas has made it quite clear to all at Hunter’s Ridge his preference of your role in our household, my dear. You may address me as Miss Browning,” Lucinda said, as if speaking to a four year old. Lucy’s embarrassment was easily seen as her face turned scarlet and her small hands twisted in the skirt of her dress.

  When she didn’t answer, keeping her eyes averted towards the floor, Lucinda chuckled lightly. “My, she is such a timid little thing,” she said. “Lucas, are you sure she is actually old enough to wed? Perhaps her wedding ring was lost in the mud, as well as her shoes?” Lucinda asked, as if teasing, but she had made sure to look at Lucy’s hand, which of course, bore no sign of a wedding ring. Lucy’s hand automatically lifted to where her necklace was hidden by the bib of her pinafore, the charm seeming to pulse against her chest.

  Lucas didn’t seem to find the question inappropriate or rude as he chuckled and nodded. “I assure you, Lucinda, we wed a little over a week ago—in a church with the ceremony performed by proper clergy. Lucy didn’t wish to have a large ceremony, as her parents perished just last year. Lucy’s sister is all that remains of her family. I admit, perhaps I should have waited until my family could attend, but I found it refreshing not to have to go through all the fuss a wedding usually entails. I was more than pleased to begin my new life with my bride.”

  Lucy noticed that he didn’t bother to mention the fact that he had given her a necklace as a sign of their marriage rather than a ring. She also noticed that Molly had stepped even closer to her as if offering her protection. Lucy was grateful, the gesture giving her hope that she wasn’t the only one to find this woman’s words and actions intolerably rude.

  Lucinda nodded after Lucas spoke and then smiled. “It was lovely, I’m sure. I must say, it is fortuitous that you have no desire for her to be considered the mistress of Hunter’s Ridge. I doubt anyone could take her seriously. She certainly appears more like a very small child.” Lucinda ignored the indrawn breath of Agnes as well as the flash of anger in the Lucy’s eyes. She turned to Lucas again, her smile bright. “Don’t fret, Lucas. I’m sure Lucille is simply overwhelmed and didn’t realize she was being a rude little girl forgetting such simple rules of etiquette. Poor little thing, she must be exhausted, and here I am just babbling about welcoming her home. I’m sure she knows how we all feel about her arrival.”

  Lucas shook his head, “Nonsense, Lucinda, you aren’t known to babble. We both appreciate being welcomed home.” He turned to Molly and spoke again, “Have you met Miss Saunderson?” Lucinda shook her head, barely giving the other woman a glance. “Molly, this is Miss Browning. Lucinda, this is Molly. She has come from Wintercrest to assist me with Lucy.”

  Molly felt an uneasiness stir inside her as the woman’s attention turned from Lucy to her, but managed to smile and nod her head towards the governess. Lucinda didn’t return the nod. Her eyebrows rose as she looked more closely at the young woman standing beside Lucy.

  “Assist you?” Lucinda asked, turning back to Lucas. “I wasn’t aware that assistance was needed. Does Lucille have unusual needs requiring more care than your sisters?”

  Lucas chuckled and shook his head. “Molly is Lucy’s nanny, Lucinda. She graciously agreed to leave her home to help take care of my little one.”

  Lucy felt her face grow hot; hearing him speak in such a way once more brought home the reality of both her and Molly’s role. She saw the amused look on the governess’ face, the smirk immediately following.

  “Ah, I see,” Lucinda said. “Of course, I should have understood what to expect. After all, the house has been simply buzzing in an attempt to quickly complete all the redecorating you requested.”

  Lucy had no idea what the woman was speaking about. She simply wished the woman would disappear off the face of the planet. She was tired and chilled, her emotions stretched to the very limit. She feared if she were forced to continue listening to the woman belittling her with every breath or witness any more ridiculous fluttering of the woman’s eyelashes and smiles all directed towards Lucas, she would simply explode. She had to squeeze her eyes shut when Lucinda continued.

  “How wonderfully sweet it is that you’ve left your home to serve here, Miss Saunderson. It shall prove most interesting, I’m sure. Hunter’s Ridge hasn’t had need of a nanny in quite some time. Not since our Henrietta was an infant. I suppose I’ve quite forgotten how much assistance is necessary caring for those children still confined to the nursery,” Lucinda said, her tone making the title and the role both seem unimportant but perhaps cause for futur
e amusement. “I certainly don’t wish to offend you or comment on your responsibilities, but perhaps, as her nanny, you can help the poor thing into something more comfortable. Though children are to be seen and not heard, I’m surprised the poor thing’s teeth aren’t chattering. I can see her trembling from the cold. I would think you’d recognize your charge is in dire need of a bath as well.” Almost as if her words summoned them, several servants appeared carrying pails of steaming water. “Thank goodness, the water is ready,” Lucinda said, as if she had been the one to request water for a bath.

  Molly was absolutely incapable of responding to the woman. She could not only see Lucy trembling, she knew it had nothing to do with her being chilled. From the look on Lucy’s face and the way her hands were fisted in the folds of her dress, Molly knew she needed to get Lucy away from this horribly rude woman before her young charge exploded into a tantrum, something that would instantly cause her to be in a great deal of trouble. Ignoring the governess, Molly turned to Lucas.

  “Sir, excuse me, but I fear the water will be chilled if I don’t get Lucy into the tub.”

  Lucas immediately nodded and turned. “Of course. Thank you, Molly. Excuse me Lucinda, we can speak further while Lucy takes her nap.”

  “Certainly, Lucas. I know you must be anxious to have a bath and a chance to catch your breath. Do hurry, though. We have so very much to catch up on. I’ll look forward to our chat,” Lucinda said with a smile, her hand once more reaching out to pat Lucas’ arm.

  “As do I,” Lucas agreed. “I shan’t be long.” He laid his hand over the governess’ before turning to scoop Lucy up off the floor.

  Embarrassed to be picked up like the small child the governess had claimed she must be, Lucy spoke quietly, “I can walk.”

  Lucas chuckled and shook his head. “Don’t be silly, Kitten. I fear the maids would have quite the task cleaning the floor of your muddy footprints, little one. Besides, the marble is quite chilly and I don’t wish you to become ill. Remember, you were very flushed this morning.” He seemed unaware of the fact that his small wife was distressed far more from what the governess had said than from her physical condition. He settled Lucy against his hip, forcing her to wrap her bare legs around his waist, her small bottom resting on his arm as he held her securely.

  When he dropped a kiss on top of her head, his hand patting her bottom, it was all Lucy could do not to struggle to get down. She suddenly did remember his concern at seeing her flushed as they prepared to leave the train. The knowledge that he had determined her temperature would be taken when they arrived home had her flushing hotly once more. Seeing the governess watching them closely and incredibly aware of the huge hand that continued to pat her bottom, Lucy couldn’t contain another shudder. She closed her eyes before laying her head against her husband’s shoulder. It seemed that her Papa was wrong. Despite his belief that Lucinda was concerned about Lucy’s comfort, Lucy was not a fool. It was absolutely clear that not everyone was glad she had come to Hunter’s Ridge.

  Chapter 3

  Lucas carried Lucy towards the sweeping staircase that would take them to the west wing. The servants with the pails preceded him, Molly following. She turned back to look at Lucas. “I’ve already had the valises brought up, Sir. Some of the trunks are still being cleaned before being brought in, as they were quite muddy. Mr. Mayes assured me that he would direct the trunks to be brought up shortly.”

  “Thank you, Molly. Despite our unfortunate incident, I appreciate that you have taken such good care of us.”

  Molly nodded, pleased to hear his praise. She had never imagined having to take charge so quickly and was grateful that circumstances had forced it upon her. Having something to do had helped settle her nerves at meeting an entire household of new people.

  ***

  Riding with Mr. Grover had been informative; he gave her a rundown of not only the senior staff, but how the household was run. She had been somewhat surprised to hear that Christian names were used among the senior staff and that most of that portion of the staff were not only married to each other, but had served at Hunter’s Ridge for several years, their own children often becoming the next generation of servants. The loyalty of the staff spoke a great deal about what they thought of the Huntington family. She had learned that Lucas enjoyed a far more relaxed atmosphere than that of most estates, that his sisters were under the guidance of a governess, and that everyone was extremely pleased that Lord Huntington had found his bride. She had been assured that everyone would do their best to welcome her and Lucy.

  Normally a somewhat quiet woman, Molly dared to ask a more direct question. It was her responsibility to protect Lucy, and being informed of what to expect couldn’t do anything but help her fulfill her duties. “Excuse me if I appear too forward, Mr. Grover,” Molly had said. “I know it must have come somewhat as a shock to everyone that Lord Huntington was bringing home his … his bride so quickly after they met.”

  William had grinned as he looked down at her. “Not really, Miss Molly. He is a man of action and doesn’t hesitate to do what he feels is either necessary or something he desires. Men, once they decide to marry—they want to have it done. It is the women who seem to enjoy long engagements with all sorts of parties and frivolities. Lord Huntington was quite intrigued when his friend wrote asking him to visit and meet his ward.” He chuckled and continued, “It wasn’t long after he left to visit Lord Wintercrest and meet Miss Lucy that he wrote home with quite specific instructions. The house was to be immediately prepared for his return with his little bride.” He paused, chuckling again. “I must say, I’m not sure what we would have done if Miss Lucy turned him down.”

  Molly remembered the night of the ball when Lucy had actually made her choice between Charles Lloyds and Lord Huntington. Molly hadn’t been surprised at her choice. Lucy may not have wanted to openly admit her need to wed a firm, strict-but-loving man such as her own twin had done, but everything about the young woman and the desires she had begun to discover residing deep within her had compelled her to choose her proper mate.

  Sensing that Molly was seeking a more direct answer, William spoke again. “Not only was the house to be prepared, every member of the staff was informed of the Lord’s wishes. Molly, we all knew of his Lord’s desires for Miss Lucy. You’ll discover the lifestyle that Lord Huntington enjoys did not come as a surprise to anyone at Hunter’s Ridge. Lucy should be very comfortable here, and I assure you, everyone will do their best to make her feel at home.”

  Molly had been a bit surprised, but on reflecting, understood it was simply her lack of experience. After all, she had not only witnessed such a lifestyle during her service at Wintercrest, she had participated in the special duties such a lifestyle choice demanded. Lord Wintercrest and his wife, Louisa, Lucy’s identical twin, lived as husband and child-bride. Having spent several days traveling with Lord Northbridge and his delightful child-bride, Emmaline, she was coming to understand that Lord Huntington’s choices were not as rare as one would believe. Hoping that Mr. Grover’s words would prove true, she had thanked him and they spoke of other things until they arrived at the house.

  ***

  Lucy remained silent in Lucas’ arms, her head spinning with all that had happened since their departure from the train. She was grateful that his sisters had not been downstairs, as it gave her a bit more time to prepare herself before meeting his family. She was nervous enough, and the thought of meeting them while dirty from head to toe caused her to shiver. Lucas must have noticed; she felt his free hand begin to rub up and down her back as if to warm her. She laid her head against his shoulder again, comforted by his touch but still confused as to his lack of defense for his bride when the governess seemed to do nothing but ridicule her.

  Molly opened a door in the hallway and gestured for the servants to enter. Lucas followed with Lucy. “These are Molly’s rooms,” he explained, as Molly stepped through another door to reveal a large water closet. The servants soon had empt
ied their pails into a large copper tub and departed.

  Lucy looked around Molly’s room. It was large and comfortable, the walls painted a light blue, with a deep blue floral rug covering most of the floor. There was a large fireplace with a comfortable armchair covered in a blue damask fabric. A matching ottoman stood in front of the chair; a pretty lamp sat on a table to the side. Lucy noticed a small stool was placed in one corner next to the fireplace, and she quickly slid her eyes away. Large bookcases flanked the two windows that were covered with dark blue curtains. A large sleigh bed covered with a beautiful quilt was ready to welcome a weary traveler; pillows were stacked against the headboard. An armoire stood against another wall beside a desk. Lucy knew the room was far more opulent than any Molly had ever resided in before. She smiled, thinking how pleased Molly must be. Her attention returned to the present activities as the door to the hall closed with the departure of the last of the servants.

  Lucas carried her into the bathroom and set her onto her feet. Besides the tub, the room held a large washstand with a ceramic bowl and pitcher. A pretty cheval mirror stood in one corner, another stool before it. On one wall stood a large cabinet that Molly opened to remove a towel and washcloth. Before she closed it, Lucy saw bars of soap and jars of creams on one of the shelves. Her breath caught as she also saw a wooden paddle and a leather strap hanging from hooks on the back of the door.

  Lucas heard her gasp but saw no reason to speak of those implements as their purpose was crystal clear to the three of them. “Molly will also store items for your hygiene here,” he informed Lucy. “Miss Summers has packed many special things for my little one. Some will be stored in my chambers, but most will reside in your nursery or this bathroom.” Lucy was spared from speaking as Molly turned her and began to undress her. Lucas bent and kissed her cheek as Molly set aside the soiled pinafore. “Enjoy your bath, and be good for Miss Molly. I’ll be back to tuck you into bed.”