it a point to entertain you at the ball.” He saw Lucy’s face split into the happiest smile he’d seen since Cleo had become hers. He found he couldn’t help but tease his friend just a bit more. “Regardless, Lucille, I feel certain that the moment you enter the ball, you will find many an admirer anxious to ensure your dance card is full.”
When Lucy actually giggled at that possibility, Edward considered his announcement to finally be the success he’d sought.
“Thank you, sir,” she said. “I gladly accept the invitation.” Edward couldn’t hold back his laugh. Louisa giggled as well, experience teaching her exactly who did the accepting in their family.
“You are welcome, little one,” Edward said, and then continued, “I want to remind you both. Any naughtiness between now and the time of the ball and you will not only have your bottoms spanked, you will stay home. And though I’m sure I don’t need to point out, I also expect both my girls to be on their absolute best behavior during the ball. Don’t make me regret allowing either of you to play dress-up and attend the party by having to lift your new dresses and spank you.” Both girls looked at each other and then at him, both nodding and answering in perfect unison.
“Yes, sir.”
Lucas smiled, as he witnessed the way of twins. He was disappointed that Lucille had not immediately consented to his offer of being her formal escort. Ever since the night that Charles had told Edward that after discussing it with Lucy, he would be pleased to accept the position of headmaster, it seemed he was around even more often. Though it continued to annoy him, seeing Lucy smile he knew he couldn’t be angry with her. She was obviously quite excited and he knew he wouldn’t be the only man aware of her petite beauty once she arrived at the ball. He looked down to see that Cleo was climbing onto his lap, her little nails poking through the fabric of his pants. He gently plucked her off and smiled. Even Lucy’s little pet didn’t bother to hide her claws.
Chapter 12
Monday found both girls in the library, where several bolts of fabric were draped over every available piece of furniture and the game table’s surface was covered with so many patterns that the forest green felt was completely obliterated from view. Mrs. Bremmer sighed for the hundredth time as both girls seemed quite incapable of making any sort of final decision. She heard the seamstress going over the same ideas she had already covered twice. Finally, Anna clapped her hands loudly to get their attention.
“Girls! Unless you want to either go naked to the party or wear a dress you currently own, I suggest you decide what you want. Mrs. Palmer and her staff will not have enough time to make one dress let alone two if this continues,” Anna said.
Lucy stared aghast at the housekeeper for an instant, actually imagining walking into a formal ball wearing nothing but her birthday suit. When she heard a giggle, she snapped her head around to look at her twin.
“I’m sorry, but you should have seen your face,” Louisa said not sounding the least bit apologetic. “Don’t be so gullible, Lucy,” Louisa giggled again. “Papa wouldn’t allow either of us out of the house without the proper clothing. But, I’m afraid Mrs. Bremmer is right. You choose first and then I’ll pick,” Louisa offered.
Feeling a tad bit foolish, Lucy perused the choices again, finally picking up a bolt of sapphire-blue fabric and then saw her sister’s expression. Draping a length over her arm, she held it up against Louisa. “This is perfect for you, Louisa,” Lucy said, knowing it was the one her sister favored. Louisa smiled brightly and Lucy knew she had made the right decision. This was a very special night for her sister. Lucy knew Louisa had grown accustomed to her life and that she even found happiness in it. However, she was seldom out of the house and Lucy wanted her to remember the ball for a long time. If anyone deserved to have a magical night, it was her twin. Spying a bolt practically hidden beneath another, Lucy walked across the room and pulled it free only to have the cloth immediately taken from her.
“Most definitely not,” Mrs. Bremmer said, her gray head shaking. “Red is not a color for young girls,” she said and handed the fabric to the seamstress