Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,37

unless you wish to learn to mend, I suggest you let me decide what is needed. You’ve obviously grown soft in your travels,” she said, and Lucy saw him grin and barely managed not to cry foul when she saw the housekeeper slap her own hand against Lucas’ chest.

“Don’t forget, I’ve known you since you were in short pants, Lucas Huntington. I just pray that you come to your senses soon.” Lucas laughed, and after bending to kiss her cheek again, he bowed to her as well.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said with a smile. “I’m sure Edward won’t hesitate to remind me of my duties.”

Anna shook her head even as the man darted a glance toward Lucy, letting her know that he was aware she was listening. Remembering what had happened the last time she’d been caught eavesdropping, Lucy quickened her steps.

“Dinner will be ready soon so don’t be late,” Anna said before adding, her tone changing to one of great affection, “I’ll inform Cook to make your favorite pudding for dessert. After, all, it isn’t often that my second-favorite young man manages to get home to visit.”

“I can’t wait,” Lucas said as Lucy finally crossed the threshold and turned with Molly toward the stairs at the end of the hallway.

Chapter 8

Lucy walked slowly downstairs. She had changed into another dress and was holding the torn one in her arms. Expecting everyone to be seated for dinner, she was surprised to see that the dining room was empty. Hearing voices, she turned and walked toward the library. She stepped into the room with the intention of placing her dress in her sewing basket. Before she took another step, she froze. Professor Lloyds was standing at the fireplace opposite her, in conversation with Lord Huntington. She must have made some sound because his head turned and his gaze found hers. She felt her face heat, remembering the last time she had seen him. Lucas followed the direction of Lloyds’ gaze and saw her frozen in mid-step.

“Ah, there’s the little kitten,” Lucas said. Lucy’s eyes moved to his and her color heightened.

Louisa, standing by her husband, swiveled her head between her sister and the two men before giving a small smile. Edward, seeing that his ward had not moved into the room, beckoned to her.

“Come, Lucy, I’d like you to meet my guest,” Edward said. Her guardian’s voice broke the spell and Lucy moved her gaze to him. She walked over to him and Louisa and only then realized that a beautiful woman was standing on the other side of him. Edward reached out and took her arm, pulling her closer.

“Lucille, may I present Miss Eleanor Summers,” Edward said. “Miss Summers is a dear friend of mine,” he added.

Lucy gave the woman an awkward curtsy, as one arm was holding her dress and Edward hadn’t yet released her other.

Eleanor smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lucille. Your guardian speaks highly of you and I can see why,” she said. “You didn’t exaggerate, Edward. You are a very lucky man. Your wife and ward are not only exact mirror images of the other, they are both have a beauty that their innocence only enhances.”

Lucy turned to see her twin’s face heating, exactly as she felt her own was doing. “You’re very kind, Miss Summers,” Louisa said when Lucy could think of absolutely nothing to say. She felt as if her head had been spinning since she’d been plucked off the ladder.

Eleanor laughed. “I’m not sure I can claim that kindness is my greatest asset as I value obedience and honesty far more, but thank you, Louisa.”

As the woman spoke, Charles excused himself and Lucas watched as the man moved toward the others. Leaning against the mantel he smiled, content to watch the action unfold.

“Good evening, Miss Furniss,” Charles said quietly. “I trust you are well?”

Lucas noticed that while Lucy seemed grateful for the interruption it took her a moment before she nodded and another before remembering her manners.

“I’m fine, thank you, Professor Lloyds,” she said.

Lucas might appear casual but his every sense was evaluating the scene as he gazed at those gathered around Edward. It was obvious that while the professor was infatuated with Edward’s ward, she wasn’t quite as taken with him. Eleanor was no stranger to Lucas as he had visited her establishment many times before he left the country. He had learned quite a bit under her guidance and fondly remembered more than a few of her students. His eyes