Her Lord's Desire (The Forbidden Saga #3) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,68

“When he said all those awful things and Lucy started to argue and then when we heard him paddling Camilla, and Lucy looked so scared, I was just so grateful that you turned him down that I couldn’t stop myself from telling her how you’d refused his request to… to court her. I… I can’t imagine…” She didn’t continue, but shuddered as if to demonstrate the level of her disgust.

“Girls,” Edward said looking between the two. “Did I not assure you both that I would never allow a man to court Lucille whom I did not respect enough to be able to both tend to her discipline as well as her heart? Did I not say I would not choose a man I felt Lucy could not feel she could learn to truly love?”

Only Lucas seemed aware that Charles had taken a step forward, his chest puffed out like some absurdly proud peacock. Not about to give the man any advantage, no matter if it was only in his mind, Lucas said, “So you weren’t about to faint in fear, but in relief, little one?”

“I’ve never fainted,” Lucy said. “I was just a bit… um surprised.”

Edward continued, his voice a bit firmer, “One day I pray you both learn to trust my every word and learn that all I desire is that you both are happy and loved, even when you are trying to squirm out of a deserved spanking.”

Lucas saw the twins give each other a look and then nod as they looked back up at Edward, both looking a bit chagrined. Edward sighed and motioned for his wife. Lucas released her, noticing that she showed no hesitancy in going to her husband. Edward soon had both girls held in his arms and pulled them close. Lucas wasn’t happy that it wasn’t he who was offering Lucy comfort, but he was glad that it wasn’t the professor’s arms around her.

“I’m sorry,” they chorused and Edward smiled.

“You are both forgiven,” Edward said, everyone in the alcove well aware of how different the outcome of the conversation could have been. “This is a party, ladies,” he reminded before releasing them as smiles appeared on their faces. “While other little ones might decide to be naughty tonight and have their bottoms reddened, my girls have done nothing but make me proud. No doubt tomorrow’s sermon will be a lesson on obedience and submission. However, that is tomorrow and the night is still young. Come, the buffet has been prepared and there are many more dances to enjoy!”

He looked over at Lucas and Charles and shook his head as they both took a step forward as if to relieve him of one of his girls. “No, gentlemen, I fear you shall both have to wait a bit. I find I wish to enjoy the delicious repast with both my girls,” Edward said, his smile tender. Louisa and Lucy both shot the rejected men smiles as they placed their hands in the crook of Edward’s elbows as he guided them to another room where tables were laden with dozens of tempting choices.

Camilla’s plight forgotten, all Lucas could do was follow Charles as they all went to eat. Lucas couldn’t believe his best friend truly intended to hog all of Lucy’s attention when he was the very one who had written to state he wished to introduce his ward to him. Instead of serving her himself, he had to watch as Edward helped the twins pile their plates with shrimp, cheeses, fruits, offerings of succulent meats and crusty bread. After he seated them at a nearby table, fate helped in keeping Lucas and Charles away as the Lord of Wintercrest didn’t even have to move more than a step away from the twins. As if by magic, a servant appeared to offer him a tray of beverages and he had glasses of champagne sitting before the women before Lucas could blink.

Lucy sampled the delicious fare, her nose crinkling as the bubbles burst on her tongue. Her delight was evident as she giggled, no longer appearing nervous or frightened, despite what she had witnessed upstairs. “I do love champagne,” Lucy announced as a smile lit her face. “We should have it far more often.”

Edward laughed. “I’m sure Mrs. Bremmer would disagree.”

Lucy’s giggle served to enhance her beauty and caused Lucas’ heart to skip a beat. She truly was the most incredible creature he’d ever had the privilege of knowing. As he sipped from his own flute