were nice.”
Edward smiled. “Yes, they are and they are also the couple hosting this ball. You weren’t uncomfortable that night, so tell me why you seem so frightened now.”
Lucy’s gaze flitted from his to Louisa’s, to the man sitting beside her before dropping to her pet on her lap before she answered softly, “I-I don’t want to be the source of amusement, sir.”
Edward wasn’t the only one who seemed taken aback by that statement. Lucas shot him a glance and then focused on Lucy.
“What on earth do you mean by that?”
She turned to face him, the question seeming to allow her to shake off the shroud of despondency Edward’s question caused to descend on her.
“Don’t mock me, sir,” she said, “You know exactly what I mean.”
Lucas shook his head. “I assure you that I don’t, Lucille. It might come as a surprise to you, but none of us are mind readers.”
Louisa proved otherwise as she said, “You think Papa meant that the seamstress will be making you… us, the same sort of dresses we wear now, don’t you?”
Lucy nodded. “I-I don’t want to go to any party dressed like a little girl. I know I said that clothes don’t matter… but…”
“A ball is different, is that what you’re trying to say, Lucy?” Lucas asked gently.
At her nod and her blush, Edward smiled to reassure his ward. “Lucille, you will have your choice of gown.” He saw her look of surprise and continued, “Within reason of course. I want my girls to feel beautiful, though I don’t believe either of you need fancy dresses for that. I’m aware that you are courting, Lucille,” he said, and saw her dart a glance to Lucas and her flush deepen to that of a rose in full bloom. “It might surprise you, little one, that even a stodgy man such as myself understands that you deserve to have a wonderful, magical night before you become an old married woman like my little lady here.”
Louisa reached up to pat Edward’s cheek. “Papa, you are far from boring, and I’m not old!”
Edward laughed and gave her forehead a quick kiss. “Of course you aren’t, little one. I simply meant that your sister has yet to join in the bliss of matrimony.”
With a smile, Louisa turned to her twin. “We shall make sure that the seamstress fashions you the most beautiful gown in the world, isn’t that right, Papa?”
“It is,” Edward agreed, pleased to see the sadness dissipate on Lucy’s face and the smile that took its place.
“Thank you, sir,” Lucy said. “The ball sounds like a lovely idea.”
Edward wasn’t surprised in the least to find his friend pushing his advantage of being a participant in the exchange.
“I’d be honored to escort you, Lucille,” he said.
Lucy seemed surprised and when she turned to look at him, Edward understood the thought of having an escort had never occurred to her.
“Will… do you think Char… I mean, Headmaster Lloyds will attend?” Lucy asked.
Since her head was turned toward him, Edward knew she wasn’t aware that her question had the muscle in Lucas’ jaw clenching as he gritted his teeth. His reaction had Edward stifling his grin. The man was as besotted with her as was the newly announced headmaster.
“I’m sure he shall be, Lucille,” Edward said, having already requested the Eddinberg’s extend him an invitation though he saw no benefit in admitting doing so.
Lucas shook his head slowly, looking from the woman he desired to gape at Edward as if silently asking if the man knew he was basically offering up the professor on some sort of platter. Edward just grinned broader. As he’d told Lucas, the only victories worth winning were those requiring a well-planned attack.
“Sir, won’t the four of us be going in the carriage together from here?” Lucy asked. Edward nodded, practically strangling on a chuckle as he saw her smile and turn her attention to his unsuspecting friend.
“Then we shall all be really escorting each other won’t we? I wouldn’t want to hurt Headmaster’s Lloyds’ feelings. I’m sure you understand, Lord Huntington,” she said. “Isn’t that the proper thing to do, Sir?” she asked Edward.
Make that a well-planned attack as well as the ability to alter a perfectly executed campaign to overcome the occasional setback. “I suppose that will be fine, Lucille,” he answered, knowing his friend would certainly not appreciate his concession. “It is kind of you to not wish to hurt either Charles or Lucas’ feelings. I’m certain that they shall both make