Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,38

raked up and down Lucy’s form before doing the same to Louisa’s. He had been correct about their size, both were very petite, and though they were dressed differently, he’d agree with Eleanor. The two were exact replicas of each other. He saw Louisa looking at him and then at the professor, before looking at her twin with a smile. Lucas grinned as well. The woman might be dressed as someone far younger would be, but he had no doubt that Edward’s wife was as astute as she was beautiful. He found he couldn’t wait to speak with his old friend in private and discover all that had happened in his absence. Meanwhile, he would be quiet and simply observe.

A servant appeared in the doorway and announced that dinner was served. Charles stepped forward and offered his arm to Lucy. She glanced at Edward and saw him nod. She took the offered arm and then had to release it when she realized she was still clutching her mending.

“Allow me,” Lucas said stepping forward and plucking the dress from her hand. Lucy’s mouth dropped open and she flushed at his action. “I feel responsible, after all, it is I who caused your dress to tear.”

Charles gasped and looked between the two. “What does he mean, Miss Furniss? He ripped your dress?’ Charles asked, and actually took a step toward the much larger man.

Edward chuckled. “It was an accident, Charles,” Edward said. “There is no need to call Lucas out for it. He was simply keeping Lucille from taking a tumble from the library ladder. Come, Mrs. Bremmer will not be happy if we spoil all her efforts by being late to the table.”

Charles tucked Lucy’s hand firmly into the crook of his arm and nodded. Lucas grinned, and after dropping the ripped garment into what appeared to him to be a sewing basket, turned and offered his arm to Eleanor who had allowed the others to precede her from the room.

“Shall we?” he asked.

She looked up at him with a knowing smile. “Do I sense the little one has already captured your attention, Lucas?” Eleanor asked quietly.

“How can anyone’s interest not be piqued, Eleanor? How often have you seen identical beauties under one roof?” Lucas said, and then chuckled. “Although one seems to be a lamb and the other a lioness.”

Eleanor’s eyebrow quirked at his words. Lucas might have appeared to be just teasing, but Eleanor was very experienced with men and their interests. She smiled and squeezed his arm.

“Hmm, I’ve never dealt with twins, but it shall be educational I do believe,” she said.

“And a great deal of fun,” Lucas said with a grin as they went to join the others. “I suppose I should apologize for arriving early and interrupting your dinner party, but I’d be lying if I did.”

Eleanor laughed and gave his arm a squeeze. “You always were rather incorrigible, Lucas. I fear Mr. Lloyds has more of a battle than he possibly expected.”

“And exactly what is your part in this, may I ask?”

Eleanor smiled and shook her head as they reached the dining room. Speaking softly, she said, “You may ask, but that doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

Lucas chuckled and reaching the table, gave her a small bow before pulling out her chair. Taking his seat, he looked across the table to where the subject of his interest sat. He watched as Charles took a sip of the full-bodied Bordeaux that Lucas had helped Edward choose from his extensive wine cellar.

“I believe you will enjoy this wine,” Charles said to Lucy. “Shall I pour you a glass, or would you prefer to try the white?” he asked.

Lucas watched as Lucy flushed and shook her head.

“No, thank you. I’m not allow… um… I don’t really like… I mean I usually just drink—”

“Charles, it is well known that kittens prefer cream,” Lucas said, picking up the crystal pitcher of milk and pouring some into Lucy’s glass. She lifted her head and shot him a glance that was very unlike a loveable kitten.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” the professor said.

Lucas poured a small amount into another glass. Picking it up, he took a sip. “It is delicious isn’t it? I suppose one forgets that sometimes the simplest things are the most refreshing, wouldn’t you agree, Miss Furniss?”

Ignoring him, she turned to speak to Charles. “No need to apologize, Professor,” she said sweetly, and gave him a smile. “I’m sure the wine is delicious, but I do prefer milk with… um…”