Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,78
walls. I know it will be difficult to leave your sister, especially since she is the other half of you,” he said, softly. “I promise, you will fall in love with Hunter’s Ridge, as well. You will learn to feel safe and protected within its walls.”
She nodded and lifted her face to his. “I know,” she whispered. “And, Papa, you are my other half now.”
“Oh, kitten, I love you so,” Lucas said, bending to kiss her.
She clung to him, her need for reassurance radiating from her small body. Lucas stood, easily carrying her up the path and back to the house. The couple, who had only just presented themselves for the first time in days, again disappeared, as he took her to his room.
Neither was aware of passing the library, where Edward and Louisa were sitting, each reading a book. The two looked at each other and smiled. “I’ll tell Mrs. Bremmer to prepare another tray,” Edward said, chuckling.
Louisa giggled, her heart finally releasing the tension that had gripped it since Lucy had fled the room. She knew her sister would be all right the moment she saw her cradled in the arms of the very man who had caused her cries to float through the open windows of Wintercrest Manor.
Chapter 18
Lucas and Lucy joined the others for dinner. Lucas helped her to her chair, observing her wince and hearing her small moan as her bottom met the hard surface of the chair. As Molly placed the first dishes on the table, he called to her, “Please bring Lucy a pillow.”
Though Lucy was horribly embarrassed, she was grateful for his concern but before she could thank him, he reached out to take her hand.
“Lucy, I have a surprise for you,” he said.
Lucy smiled at the thought of an unexpected present and yet she didn’t feel truly worthy. “I don’t need a present, Papa. I haven’t earned a gift.”
Lucas reached up and ran his hand over her cheek. “Acknowledging that only shows you are learning, little one.” He paused as Molly reached them, a large pillow in her arms. Lucas dropped his hand and gave the maid a nod.
“Stand up, Lucy,” Molly said firmly, reaching out to take Lucy’s arm.
Lucy was a bit startled at her maid’s action but obediently slid from her chair. She watched as Molly placed the pillow onto the chair.
“Thank you, Molly,” Lucy said softly, her face flushing at the reason for the pillow yet feeling grateful as she was guided to take her seat again.
“From now on, you will address her as Miss Molly and answer her questions with a simple ‘Yes, miss’,” Lucas said, and Lucy’s eyes snapped back to his. He smiled and took her hand again. “I know you will miss your sister when we leave, little one,” he said. “While I can't spirit her away from Edward, I have offered Molly a position such of that which Mrs. Bremmer holds at Wintercrest. Just as Mrs. Bremmer helps Edward with little Louisa’s care, Miss Molly will do the same for you.”
Lucy’s eyes widened as she turned again to look at the woman who was only a few years old than she. “Molly?” she asked, not truly understanding.
“Miss Molly,” Lucas corrected.
Lucy flushed, suddenly remembering how Molly had been the only one to tend to her in the past several days. She also remembered the girl’s helping Mrs. Bremmer administer the awful punishment enema she had been given. Blushing, she saw Molly in her new role. “What if she doesn’t want to go with us?” Lucy asked her husband.
The answer didn’t come from him. “But I do, Lucy,” Molly said. “I am most grateful for this opportunity and promise to tend to you as your papa wishes.”
Lucy’s eyes fluttered closed as she realized even the girl’s tone of voice had changed to take on an air of authority.
“There is nothing holding me to Wintercrest while Mrs. Bremmer’s heart is here with Louisa. Do you not wish me to attend you? Would you prefer another nanny?”
Lucy swallowed hard, her thoughts racing. Though the word had never been used in reference to Wintercrest’s housekeeper, Lucy understood that was most likely due to the fact the woman had been in the family’s employ even before there had been a need of any nanny at the manor. She also knew that though it might not be Molly, someone would always serve to help Lucas with the raising, discipline and everyday needs of his little one.