Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,73
one, promise me you will never change. You never cease to surprise me.” He dropped a kiss on top of her head and continued to lead her to the dining room. Lucy’s gaze drifted to her sister who gave her a beautiful smile.
“Good morning, Lucy,” Louisa said, and Lucy managed to return the smile.
“Sleep well?” Edward asked, causing her face to color even more hotly.
Lucy shot her guardian a look that caused the man to chuckle. Lucas had to smile as well. “Yes, thank you,” Lucas answered for the both of them.
Lucy gradually relaxed and discovered that no one was going to speak of the activities between a man and a woman behind the closed doors of their bedchamber. She also learned that while she had enjoyed being held and fed, she was so ravenous that she was soon forking food into her mouth as quickly as she could swallow.
“Lucy, slow down,” Lucas admonished, with a grin. “No one is going to remove your plate until you have eaten your fill.” She blushed again but remembered her table manners, eating much more slowly.
After the dishes had been cleared, the four retired to the library. Edward pulled Louisa down onto his lap, and Lucy wasn’t surprised when she was lifted and settled upon her husband’s. She was already growing accustomed to his holding her and relaxed into him, her cheek pressed to his chest.
“Several trunks were delivered yesterday when you were indisposed,” Edward informed Lucas. “I've had them placed in the parlor. I gather you wish to make sure everything you have purchased is in order before sending them on to the station?”
Lucy looked up at her husband, her eyes showing her confusion. “Trunks?” she asked, and Lucas looked down at her.
“Yes, kitten,” he said. “I've purchased many items for you that you will need when we leave.”
“Leave?” she said as if the word was foreign.
“Yes, we shall leave for home in the morning,” Lucas said.
Lucy’s heart began to race as her eyes darted to her sister. Louisa gave her a soft smile, but this time Lucy did not return it.
“But-but, I don't wish to leave,” she said, and saw Louisa’s smile slip. Lucy looked at Edward and saw him frown. She sat up on Lucas’ lap, her eyes returning to his. “I won’t leave. Wintercrest is my home. Louisa is here!”
“Lucy, be still,” he said. “You’re my wife and our home is Hunter’s Ridge. You are being a silly little girl...” he said and then seemed utterly shocked when his sweet, submissive little one jumped from his lap, her hands ripping the white pinafore from her waist and throwing it onto her husband’s lap.
“I am NOT a silly little girl,” she screamed, not about to sheath her claws when he was ripping her away from everything she loved. Bursting into tears, she raced from the room before any of the three could react.
Lucas looked stunned as Louisa briefly shut her eyes, obviously knowing what was coming, and Edward stiffened. Lucas finally stood, the pinafore slipping to the floor. Edward set Louisa onto her feet.
“I see that your little hellcat is already testing your authority,” Edward said, not truly surprised. Louisa stood quietly, her own hands twisting in the fabric of her pinafore.
Lucas met Edward’s eyes and nodded. “I don’t understand how she could think she would stay at Wintercrest,” he said, his voice showing his disbelief. “She is married now. She is my wife, and her home is at Hunter’s Ridge with her husband,” he said, his voice growing firmer with each word as shock at his wife’s reaction faded and reality took its place.
“Then I suggest you find your little one and remind her that her behavior is unacceptable and that her papa makes the decisions,” Edward suggested. Lucas nodded and looked toward the door. He had no idea where to look, and Wintercrest had several places where a small girl could hide. He began to step to the door when a small, soft voice halted him.
“Please, sir, I don’t think she meant it. She’s just scared,” Louisa said, looking between the two men. “She’s probably in the garden, Uncle Lucas. I’ll show you,” she offered.
Edward nodded, taking her hand. Lucas understood where she was likely to lead but allowed her to guide him. They were soon in the gardens, the paths dropping with each terrace as they meandered deeper onto the property until he saw the huge weeping willow tree off the path. Louisa stopped and pointed.