Edward’s wife. Lucille had been shocked, but Edward knew from her behavior that she was gradually growing accustomed to her new life. Edward pushed the thoughts of his girls away as he once more concentrated on the letter before him.
Lucas had been abroad for the past two years expanding his business interests. Edward was extremely pleased to learn that the man had recently returned to his own ancestral home, Hunter’s Ridge, and was finally ready to settle down and marry. Edward and Lucas both shared the same proclivities and Lucas had been the first name to pop into Edward’s head when he began to consider Lucille’s future. Lucas wrote to inform Edward that he would be in town soon, which suited Edward well. He knew his friend would have fully approved of the session that Edward had just conducted.
Lucas was a man who also believed in firm discipline and that red bottoms were a necessary lesson for the females in his life. Having being the eldest in a large family, he had never hesitated to discipline any of his female siblings as well as the women he had courted. Edward found himself looking forward to the man’s visit and was anxious to see his reaction to Lucille. Edward set the letter aside and picked up the next.
He was quite surprised to read its contents. The sender was not a name that had even crossed Edward’s mind. He tapped the edge of the envelope against his chin as he considered the man’s words. It seemed that his little ward had made quite the impression. Edward knew Lucille had been initially frightened upon meeting this formidable man. Edward shook his head but was still smiling. Whoever would have guessed that Pastor Reed, the leader of his community’s church, was writing to inform Edward of his interest in calling upon Lucille. Edward placed the letter next to Lucas’ and reached for another.
The final envelope did not contain a letter but held a formal invitation to the opening ball of the season. Lord and Lady Eddinberg were hosting the event, which told Edward many things. The couple had met Lucille during her celebratory dinner upon her successful graduation. They held a great deal of respect in society, both in what was considered ‘normal’ as well as the more selective one in which couples shared the lifestyle that Edward much preferred. The couple had been wed many years, serving as role models for how this particular dynamic could be fulfilling for both partners. While Lady Eddinberg was allowed to dress according to her age and station whenever she left the privacy of her husband’s estate, Edward knew that within their home, and often among their group of acquaintances, she was George’s own special little girl, often wearing dresses comparable to the ones Louisa wore daily. Attending the party would be a wonderful lesson for both his wife and his ward. He would, of course, accept the invitation and knew both his girls would both be excited about the prospect of attending their first party.
Edward sat back in his chair and rolled the heavy crystal glass between his hands to warm the brandy before taking the final sips. He was very pleased with what he had read. He was also thinking of the letter he had written to Charles Lloyds. He had instantly known that the professor was interested in Lucille as a possible wife, instead of simply as his former student. Edward still retained several doubts about Charles’ ability or even desire to tend to Lucy in the way she needed, but despite his doubts, Edward had to admit he was growing to admire and respect Charles and was willing to give him a chance. It would all depend upon the next few weeks and how Charles reacted to Edward’s suggestions.
Edward rose from his desk and extinguished the lamp. He had several things to attend to in the coming weeks. He would speak to Anna in the morning so that she could properly prepare the house for Lucas’ upcoming visit. Edward was looking forward to seeing his friend. He felt that Lucy was far more likely to consider Lloyds as a possible husband simply because she at least knew something of the man and his character, but he still felt Lucas was the most likely candidate to become Lucy’s husband. Charles had been nothing but supportive and kind while tutoring Lucille, and Edward knew that his ward was most likely under the impression that her