Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,47

she said taking a sip of the bubbly wine.

“You’re glowing, Lucy. You are such a beautiful bride,” Eleanor said giving Lucy a hug. “I’m so pleased to see that the clothing your husband chose only serves to enhance your loveliness.”

Lucy’s wasn’t sure exactly what to say, but stealing a glance at her groom, she saw Lucas looked as proud as a peacock.

“Miss Summers has also helped me choose several additional pieces for your wardrobe as well as several other items. They will be packed into trunks and ready for our trip home,” Lucas said, giving them both a smile. “Our luggage will most likely take up half of the cargo compartment, but, a woman doesn’t get married every day does she?”

Eleanor laughed and Lucy smiled though she truly hadn’t given much thought about where the dress had come from. She’d first assumed it had been borrowed from Louisa’s armoire, but now understood her husband had actually chosen it himself. She knew Eleanor was not only the owner of a very exclusive school with the mission of preparing young women to live a life of submission, she also catered to the men who wed her students. Looking down at her dress, she supposed providing clothing and other accessories was a natural extension of Miss Summers’ business activities.

“Thank you, Miss Summers,” Lucy said, brushing her hand over the skirt of her dress. It was a very pale pink with a border of tiny white roses embroidered around the hem and cuffs of the sleeves. Louisa was dressed almost identically, though her dress was blue and the embroidered flowers were violets that ran around the collar. Both of the girls were wearing simple flats on their feet and white stockings. Each had a white pinafore around their waists as if a precaution to keep their dresses clean. Unlike most young, wedded women who wore their hair in elaborate coiffures, the twins’ hair hung free, the long golden tresses curling over their shoulders and sweeping down their backs to brush at the swells of their bottoms.

Lucy also thanked Lord Eddinberg when he had kissed her and tried not to show any indication that her bottom was still tender when the older man actually patted her bottom.

“I admit my wife pouted quite a bit when we learned you wed without our being in attendance,” he said a bit sternly but then his smile belied his disapproving look. “I, on the other hand, can completely understand why the two of you didn’t see the need to wait. You’ve chosen well, little one,” he said, giving her a hug before passing her to his wife.

“Even though it cost me a sore bottom, I have to agree that you’ve chosen very well,” Lady Eddinberg said with a soft giggle as she gave Lucy an even tighter hug. “I just know you’re going to be so happy.”

“Thank you, I know we will be,” Lucy said and then surprised the older woman by adding, “I earned a sore bottom as well.”

The elegant woman giggled again and enveloped Lucy in a far more enthusiastic hug. “I knew we were going to be friends.”

Mrs. Bremmer appeared to announce that dinner was ready, and the group walked to the dining room.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” Lucy gasped, seeing the table. Dozens of candles had been lit to illuminate the table with a soft glow. Flowers again spilled from vases, and platters of delicious food covered the length of the table. They all took their seats, and glasses were being refilled with either champagne or wine. Lucy discovered her own flute had been removed, her usual glass of milk at her place. She blushed at the acknowledgement that, even as the bride, she was still treated as a child. She was determined not to cause anything to mar the evening. The fact that milk was also waiting at both Louisa’s and Beth Eddington’s places helped her to accept the beverage as did the memory of Lucas’ promise of lessons still to come if she was his good girl. She accepted her plate being filled for her and sat quietly while the others were served. Conversation flowed around her, and she occasionally answered a question when one was posed to her. She often looked to her husband to find his eyes always meeting hers. She flushed as she thought of what the conclusion of the day would bring. She saw Miss Summers smiling at her and quickly dropped her eyes. When she next lifted them it was