be eternally grateful that she’d chosen him, he could feel her trembling with the realization of what that choice would demand of her every day for the rest of her life.
“Kitten, you have not yet earned a spanking, but I fear you are extremely close to having your bottom heated. Let’s not allow Pastor Reed to taint our evening,” he said, his tone soft but his words demonstrating his total authority and intent.
Lucas was aware of Edward standing with Louisa, both silent as if waiting for the drama to come to its conclusion. He watched as the love of his life turned her head to seek her sister who was standing in her husband’s arms, her face showing her concern for her twin. Evidently she also saw the disapproval reflected in Edward’s eyes as her color heightened even further obviously knowing that had it been her guardian’s choice, her bottom would already be making the apology for her behavior.
“I’m sorry,” she said, her voice quiet and her lips trembling as she looked up at Lucas. “I’d be lying if I said I was sorry about what I said about Pastor Reed because I’m not, but I am very sorry that I was disrespectful to you, Lucas. I know that’s not what you really wish me to say—”
“It will serve quite well, little one. As I said, you are entitled to your feelings, and I know you’ll remember to show the proper respect to Pastor Reed… even if it curdles your insides, correct?”
Though her face was still red and her eyes shone with unshed tears, she managed to nod. “I’ll try.”
Lucas nodded, his face softening as she made her promise, accepting it as all she could honestly give him. “That’s a good girl,” he said and brushed his lips across her own. “Come, kitten, we need to pay our respects to our host.”
“Yes, sir,” she said softly, giving him a tremulous smile as she attempted to regain her composure, slipping her hand into his when he released her and Lucas smiled.
It would be the first of thousands of times his little one would answer him in such a manner, but he would never forget that he’d need to earn the respect of a title that meant more to him than the one of his birthright. They walked across the room, the conversation about Pastor Reed put aside as they celebrated their engagement.
Chapter 2
They spoke with Lord Eddinberg, who gave Lucy a kiss and declared that he believed she was a very lucky little girl for choosing a man who seemed extremely capable of keeping her in line. Lucy had flushed but nodded and thanked him and Lady Eddinberg for such a lovely evening. George smiled at the lovely little woman.
“It has been our pleasure, my dear,” George said. “Seeing you and your lord brings back so many pleasant memories of the days when my own sweet Beth and I began our journey together. Like you, Beth’s passion is a gift to be both corrected and cherished.” When Lucy’s color bloomed again, Lucas gave her hand a squeeze, but their host only chuckled.
“That beautiful blush is exactly the testament needed to prove my words true,” George said with his own chuckle as he slapped Lucas on his shoulder. “You, young man, have your hands full, but I’ve no doubt your life will benefit from it. Lady Eddinberg and I wish you all the happiness we know is waiting for you both.”
“Thank you, sir,” Lucas said, shaking the lord’s hand and bending to press kisses to Lady Eddinberg’s cheeks.
“Treat each other as the gifts you are to the other,” Elizabeth said to Lucas and then turned to give Lucy a hug. “I’m truly happy for you, Lucy. There will be days you wish to strangle your prince, but remember he is the one your heart chose,” she said far more softly.
“I will, thank you, ma’am,” Lucy said.
Lady Eddinberg giggled and shook her head, “No, Lucy, my friends call me Beth and I so hope I can count you among them.”
Lucy’s smile grew, the last of any despondency evaporating as she nodded and gave the older woman a hug. “It’s my honor, Beth.”
Lucas and Lucy accepted congratulations from scores of other well-wishers. As Lucy was kissed again and again, accepting congratulations from the men and often some tidbits of advice from the women, she realized something of importance.
Her life of the past several months had been lived surrounded by people of society who shared