gift, she had called him ‘sir’ without her usual false connotation of politeness. His determination increased as he knew he’d never be content with hearing the word spoken so sincerely only this one time.
The girls were fussing over the kitten when Edward found them. He smiled as he drew Louisa away from Cleo to pull her onto his lap. After giving her a kiss, he bent to whisper in her ear.
“Should I get you a kitten as well, little lady?” he asked.
Louisa smiled and shook her head. She lifted herself to whisper in his ear. “No, Papa, I have you to cuddle.”
Edward smiled his pleasure at her response and she felt his lips pressing hard against hers. Louisa felt the familiar tingle of arousal flow through her body. Even as she returned the kiss, she had a moment’s thought as to how her sister had described her first kiss from Charles. She knew that only a few weeks ago, Lucy would have settled for almost anyone who could take her from Wintercrest. She prayed that her twin would no longer wish to do so. She deserved happiness and Louisa wanted her to wait however long it took until she found her heart truly captured. Her thoughts left her sister as Edward kissed her again.
Across the room where he was standing by the bookcase where he’d plucked whom he’d first thought to be the lady of the manor from the ladder, Lucas smiled at the two. Edward might demand his wife be his child-bride, but it was obvious to anyone seeing the couple that Edward loved Louisa with all his heart.
The presence of Cleo did lighten the mood between Lucy and Lucas. She no longer went out of her way to avoid him. Lucas was pleased, but realized she was still accepting invitations from Charles. The man always seemed to be joining them for dinner and then escorting Lucy out for long walks and ice-cream cones. During one of his endless visits, one evening Charles had presented Lucy with the gift of a stuffed mouse on the end of a stick. Lucy was delighted but Lucas wanted to throttle the man. Lucy was his kitten!
“Just to be clear, the toy is meant for Cleopatra,” Charles had said, laughing when Lucy had pointed the stick toward Lucas before dangling it in front of her kitten.
Everyone except Lucas had laughed as Cleo immediately pounced on the mouse. His little kitten might believe she was playing with a rat, but it was time to discover that he too had claws.
Lucas found that his friend was not going to take sides, either. “I’ve known you forever,” Lucas said one evening over their after-dinner drinks in Edward’s study. “I know how you think, and, Edward, I can’t believe you have allowed your ward all this freedom. What happened to the stern guardian you used to be?”
Edward laughed loudly and slapped his friend on his back. “Don’t blame me for your failings, Lucas,” Edward said. “Feeling like you are fighting a losing battle, do you?” he asked.
Lucas shook his head knowing Edward was baiting him. “No, just wondering how long you intend this game to go on. I’m telling you, Lucy is not truly interested in that… that professor!”
Edward didn’t laugh this time. Instead he studied Lucas’ face for a moment before saying, “I’ve promised both Louisa and Lucille that I would not be quick to force Lucille to accept some man simply because I chose him,” Edward admitted.
Lucas was a bit surprised but nodded. “That’s admirable of you, Edward,” he said and then laughed. “Doesn’t do me any bloody good, but, hell, it is admirable. There aren’t too many men who would take the feelings of their wives much less their wards into account in making such a decision.”
“Well, we both know these two females are not like any others,” Edward said, and refilled his friend’s glass. “That’s what makes the battle worth the effort. After all, if one could simply pluck victory from the air, it wouldn’t be as sweet.”
Lucas had to agree, though he didn’t have to like it.
Chapter 11
Only a week was left before the opening ball. Edward decided to make his announcement that night after dinner. Once the four had gathered in the library, he pulled his wife down onto his lap. Louisa smiled and snuggled into his chest.
Edward was aware of his friend’s eyes on them and smiled. He was so incredibly pleased with how Louisa had not only accepted the