Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,50
your tone does not change.”
Louisa gasped, and Lucy’s mouth opened to protest, but at the sight of his eyes and his unflinching expression, she closed her mouth. And when the brow over his right eye lifted, she swallowed hard and nodded, dropping her eyes back to her lap. She was angry but also felt a bit guilty as she remembered he had stopped Mrs. Bremmer from spanking her. Her face flushed at his veiled threat and her blood rushed through her body, her tummy feeling as if the butterflies had left Louisa’s tapestry to settle inside her belly. Lord Huntington might be a total stranger to her, but she had absolutely no doubt the man meant exactly what he’d said. Remembering that Edward had said they’d been friends since childhood and Mrs. Bremmer had mentioned knowing the man since he’d been in short pants, it was obvious Wintercrest Manor was not only familiar, it was his second home.
“Yes, sir,” she managed to say, if only in an effort to keep her bottom safe.
Bending down, Lucas looked at the seam she’d been repairing. “There is beauty in all things no matter if elaborate or simple, Lucy, and pride to be found in all jobs well done.”
She was surprised at his words and was about to nod when he pointed at the few stitches she’d just redone for the fourth time.
Smiling and lowering his voice as if conveying some great secret, he added, “Those remind me of the flagstones lining the garden paths…” Pausing, he waited until she raised her gaze to his before adding, “You know, serviceable even if a trifle crooked.” He grinned when she growled.
As he straightened and picked up a book off a table, she couldn’t help but regret she hadn’t ‘accidentally’ stabbed him with her needle. Perhaps doing so would allow some air to escape the insufferable man.
Over the next several days, Lucas discovered that winning her heart was not going to be as easy a task as he’d originally thought. Lucy made every attempt to avoid being in his presence. When they ate their meals or whenever he did manage to be in the same room, she was unerringly polite. Lucas found it somewhat amusing at first but quickly found himself irritated by her constant curtsying, thanking him profusely for every little thing he passed her while at the dining table, or continuing to address him as Lord Huntington with a voice that sounded like it was dripping treacle. He did not complain or reveal that he was unamused, but would catch Edward looking at him with a knowing smile. Lucy never went far enough to warrant discipline, but he found himself thinking more and more about upending the small woman and trying to spank some sense into her. He found he missed the spirit in her voice and the fire in her beautiful eyes.
Originally, Lucas had been unconcerned about Charles Lloyds. However, as several evenings passed with Lucille being escorted by him to the neighborhood park or even on long walks through the gardens surrounding Wintercrest, he did begin to wonder what he was doing wrong.
Lucas also became aware that, even as he was watching Lucille, Louisa was watching him. He found he approved of her sister’s diligence, understanding that Edward’s wife simply wanted what was best for her sister. One afternoon, Lucas returned to the house earlier than usual leaving Edward in town where he had a meeting. The house was too quiet. He sighed to himself, wondering how he could get past Lucy’s barriers. He went through the house and out into the gardens, walking down the paths and chiding himself for his inability to form a plan.
He had seen Lucille saying good night to Charles the evening before. After the man left, Lucas, from the shadows of the parlor, saw the girl reach up and touch her cheek. He instantly knew that regardless of how innocent Edward thought the girl was, she had obviously just been kissed. He shook his head, fearing that he was falling further and further away from her mind. He was surprised when he found himself thinking about what was best for the girl. Was he simply trying to win her because he hated to lose? Would she be better off with Charles?
Lost in thought, Lucas’ reverie was interrupted by the faint and distant sound of feminine giggles. He glanced behind him, but saw nothing. He looked all about, but again didn’t see anything that could have produced