Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,80

her training from the moment Lucy arrived at the manor.

“Don't ever be afraid to ask Lord Huntington questions, Molly,” Mrs. Bremmer continued. “Remember, it is far better to make sure his instructions and intentions are clear before you pass them on to your charge. Also take heed of the fact that you are subject to discipline at Hunter’s Ridge the same as you were under Lord Wintercrest’s rules.”

Molly blushed as she shot Lucy a look. Lucy remembered the confession Molly had made of being punished by either the lord of the manor, Henri, or most often, by Mrs. Bremmer herself. She remembered Molly’s fear of receiving a sound birching when Lucy was about to refuse being washed by the maid. She had shared the fact that it wouldn’t be the first time she’d bent across the sturdy kitchen table to lift her skirts and part her drawers. She gave Molly an understanding smile as a shudder ran over her, knowing how awful a spanking could be when delivered by the older woman’s strong hand.

“Yes, ma’am, I understand,” Molly said.

Anna nodded and turned to Lucas. “You made a good choice, Lucas,” she said, with a smile. “Molly is a good girl and has proven to be a fast learner. She will tend to your little one with love, as well as the necessary strictness.”

“Thank you for suggesting her, Miss Anna,” Lucas said, bending to give the woman’s cheek a kiss. “I’m sure she will be just fine, and most importantly, I know she loves my girl.” Anna nodded and left the two to finish their work. By the time the last trunk had been inspected, a small paddle, a stiff leather strap, and a pair of thin ropes had joined the pile to be carried onto the train, just in case their little one chose to be naughty.

Molly finally turned to her. “Come, Lucy,” she said, gathering up most of the items but handing the stack of nappies to Lucy. “Give your papa a kiss. It is time for you to be put to bed.”

Lucy felt as if her world was tipping out of balance, but she dutifully walked to Lucas and rose up onto her tiptoes to brush her lips across his cheek. “Goodnight, Papa.” Lucas smiled down at her, his hand cupping her cheek. He bent to kiss her properly, his mouth pressing hard to hers. She felt her body stir out of its stupor, her sex immediately moistening.

“Good night, kitten,” he said, giving her small bottom a gentle swat. “Be a good girl for Miss Molly. I'll be up soon.”

“Papa?” Lucy asked quietly, wondering if he would be upset she hadn’t immediately followed Molly from the room.

“What, kitten?” Lucas asked.

“Is… I mean may…” Lucy attempted, though fear of his refusal made her words stick in her throat. Lucas saw her distress and knelt down beside her, his hand cupping her cheek.

“Breathe, little one,” he said gently. “You won’t ever be in trouble for asking a question.”

She took a deep breath and nodded. “I-I know you were upset with Cleo—”

“Kitten,” he said softly cutting her off. “I would never deny you your pet. Molly has already prepared a special box with Cleo’s basket and a few toys. Just as I will have my own kitten in my compartment on the train, Cleo will be tucked into Molly’s.”

“Oh, thank you, Papa,” Lucy said, relief and joy flooding through her.

Lucas bent to kiss her forehead. “You’re welcome, little one. Now stop fretting, and run along with Miss Molly,” he said, turning her toward the door and gently swatting her bottom again.

“Yes, Papa,” Lucy said, blushing hotly but hurrying her steps to catch up with her former maid. Before she took the first step up the stairs, she turned back to see her husband watching from the doorway. “I love you, Papa!” she called and then ascended the stairs beside yet another person who would have control over her life.

Molly soon had the additional items tucked into the large bag that she had prepared that afternoon. The rest of their things would be packed into a separate luggage compartment on the train. The few bags left would be carried onto the train for easy access from their compartments.

Lucy stood still as Molly stripped her nude and then led her to the water closet. As Lucy made her toilet, Molly turned down the bed and then returned. Lucy blushed hotly as she was dressed in another sheer gown, nothing offered to be worn