demanded, as his patience finally frayed. “You could have been seriously hurt or even killed! Why are you running from me like I was attempting to attack you? I demand you explain yourself, young lady!”
She attempted to pull away and was shocked when she felt his hand connect—hard—with her bottom. She gasped and looked up to see his eyes widen as well. Obviously understanding what he had just done, he instantly released her arm. Lucy stood still, her heart pounding, as she tried to assimilate what she was feeling. With no true answer, she simply burst into tears and threw herself into his chest. Charles staggered from the impact but regained his balance and closed his arms around her small form.
“Shh, Lucy, shh,” he said, as he attempted to quiet her. “It’s all right, Lucy. I don’t know why you are so frightened, but Lucy, shh, stop crying and talk to me,” Charles said. When she didn’t immediately answer, he simply held her closer and let her cry.
He bent to kiss the top of her head, something she had seen Edward do to his own wife. Lucy felt the pressure against her head, but didn’t know what to do… what to say. He was shorter than her guardian, the top of her head resting just under his chin where it didn’t reach much higher than Edward’s chest when he’d held her the same way. Feeling both ridiculous and rather confused as to why the man had smacked her and then kissed her, she finally pulled back, embarrassment suffusing her face.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Professor. I… I didn’t mean to be naughty,” she said as she stepped away. Charles dug in his pocket and handed her his handkerchief. Lucy wiped her eyes and offered it back, remembering that last time he had offered her such comfort. Charles evidently remembered as well.
“Keep it, Lucy,” he said softly. “Perhaps one day I won’t have need to dry your tears.” She flushed but offered him a small smile. Returning it, he continued, “I don’t believe you were being naughty, Lucy. I believe you were just frightened. Can you tell me what scared you so?”
She slowly nodded before realizing they were standing on the open sidewalk, in full public view, his arms wrapped around her. And while she might be dressed as a younger girl, she was an unmarried, unclaimed, un-chaperoned young woman. She looked around and then up at him. “People are staring at us.”
He cleared his throat also taking a look around. “Perhaps we should return to the park?” he suggested.
Lucy shook her head, already quite tired of being the center of attention. She had no desire to return to where others might wander into the park and wonder at her dress or her tear-stained face.
“May we just go home, please?” she asked.
“If you promise you won’t bolt away and once we return to the manor, you promise to speak to me,” he offered.
She nodded and they stepped further apart. She flushed as she realized just how they must have appeared. She allowed him to tuck her hand into the crook of his arm. They were silent for the remaining journey, Lucy attempting to calm herself and wondering how she was going to explain to her guardian that her entrance into society to find a suitable mate had been doomed from her very first outing.
They entered the house far earlier than Edward had deemed. He had only just sent his wife up to bed when he heard the door open and saw his ward slip inside, followed by Charles. Edward watched as the young man helped Lucille with her cloak, removing it and then laying it on the bench by the front door. Neither seemed aware of his presence near the bottom of the stairs.
“Shall we speak in the library?” Charles said quietly. Lucy nodded and they walked past the stairs, unaware they were being observed. Edward shook his head wondering at their behavior. His eyes had immediately seen evidence of tears on Lucy’s face. He would have instantly stepped forward to demand an explanation, but Charles’ own face and his concern had stopped him. It was obvious the young woman was upset, but Edward would wait to judge until he had all the relevant facts. He waited until the couple entered the library before stepping down the last few stairs. By the time he entered the library, Charles had seated Lucille on the settee and was sitting beside her, his hands clasping hers