Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,17
how leniency allowed naughtiness. His words seemed to pierce Lucy's heart as she listened to each and every word. She was aware that not a single woman stirred. Not a single female dared to be even the least bit naughty. Each knew that they had been allowed a night of magic and indulgence, and yet they understood the night was over. Reed's voice thundered across the congregation as he spoke of sparing the rod and spoiling the child, Bible lifted high as if to add its weight to his words. His dark eyes seemed to be lit with an inner fire as he reminded the women that the Bible instructed them to subjugate themselves to their men, to accept the absolute rule of their husbands and papas.
Lucy gave a small whimper, and Louisa reached over to take her hand in support. Lucy felt the gentle squeeze, and yet, after a moment, pulled her hand away. She glanced at Lucas, noticing he was looking forward. Dropping her gaze back to her lap, a small movement caught her eye. Lucas’ hand had opened where it rested on his knee, his palm empty. Lucy almost sobbed at the gesture. The moment she slipped her hand into his, and his fingers closed around hers, she knew what must be done. As the congregation stood for the closing prayer, Lucy prayed for strength and courage to face the punishment she had brought upon herself. She still had her eyes tightly closed in prayer when she heard her name spoken. Startled, her eyes flew open to see Pastor Reed again staring at her. Her face flushed, and for a moment she just knew he was aware of her as yet unpunished naughtiness. She was terrified that he was calling her to the front of the church to extract the expected payment from her bottom himself. Her eyes darted toward the side door where women disappeared almost every week to receive additional, personal lessons given in the pastor’s private chambers. She felt dizzy and then felt Lucas squeeze her hand.
“Breathe, kitten,” he said quietly. “Come.”
She didn’t believe she could move, but Lucas never released her hand, as he drew her from the pew and walked with her to the front of the church. Lucy was trembling all over, her face heated, her shame intense. She wished with all her heart that she had already had her bottom roasted. Anticipation, as Lucas had said, was indeed a lesson and one she wished never again to experience. Lucas dropped her hand only to slip his arm around her and held her close.
Lucy saw Reed’s lips compress into a thin, disapproving line at the rather intimate gesture, but after a moment, he turned to face the congregation.
“I wish to announce that the banns have been posted announcing the upcoming nuptials of Lord Lucas Huntington and Miss Lucille Furniss,” Reed said, giving them each a nod of his head as he said their names. Lucas gave him a small nod of his head in return while Lucy managed not to faint from relief.
“Lord Huntington has also purchased a special license,” Reed continued, and several men chuckled. It would have been uncommon for Lucas to not pay the exorbitant fee for such a license. Men in their societal group did not have either the inclination or the patience for long engagements. Once a decision to wed was made, the desire to bed was immediate.
“I’m pleased to see that it appears the young ladies in our midst took my sermon to heart and are on their very best behavior this morning. This leaves everyone the opportunity to come forward and offer your best wishes to the couple,” Reed concluded and then led the way down the center aisle. Lucas and Lucy followed and were soon surrounded once again by couples offering their congratulations. Lucas spoke to every well-wisher as he accepted handshakes and congratulations while fending off questions of when the ceremony would take place. Lucy stood as an innocent bride, her cheeks blushing as they were kissed, her friends giving her hugs and their excited whispers of how wonderful they thought her future with her fiancé would be. Though she managed to smile and acknowledge their happiness for her, Lucy’s mind remained on the sermon. She realized she felt unworthy of all these blessings and wishes. She felt unworthy of Lucas’ love, and knew the feeling stemmed from her resistance to submit to the man standing tall and proud at her side.