Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4) (16 page)

"I did?" Lucy said, her eyes widening. "I-I didn't mean to." The girls looked over at Franny whose eyes were closed, a soft smile on her lips. "Do you think I should apologize?"

Shaking her head, Louisa smiled. "No, because I also noticed that Franny didn't question the reference. She hears us call our husbands Papa all the time so it's not as if it's something new. I just thought it strange that you evidently see him as being a possible papa."

Lucy was quiet as she lay back on the bed. Her thoughts were racing as Louisa's words and Franny's quiet questions ran through her mind. Though she wanted to give it a great deal more thought, her eyes drifted closed as she gave a huge yawn. Later… she'd think about it when she wasn't so sleepy.

When the door opened a few minutes later, both Molly and Bertha smiled. Five young women were sound asleep, legs and arms akimbo in a pile that resembled the litter of puppies Molly had seen at Mr. Benedict's. With care, the nannies slid their sleeping charges beneath the sheets, guiding five golden heads onto pillows and tucking the quilts around them. Walking back into the hall, Molly smiled. "I don't believe a better job exists than taking care of these women."

Bertha grinned and said, "I agree, and now that they are all asleep, I hear a cup of tea calling my name—and I'm sure you can show me at least one of Edith's hiding places for a biscuit or two."

Chapter Ten

"This is going to be such fun," Lucy exclaimed as she was helped into her boots.

"It's been a tradition for years," Lucas explained, tying the ribbon closure of her cloak. "The merchants set out refreshments and, of course, are open for last minute shopping. Our family expanded the idea to include our tenants. We depend on those who work for us and we feel it important to show our appreciation. I just hope you don't get too cold."

Lucy smiled and reached up to pat his cheek. "Sharing a fur with you, my lord, will ensure that I stay warm and toasty."

Lucas grinned and bent to kiss her. "That, my lady, is the best part of tonight's outing. Though, if you are naughty, I will warm up your little bum." Lucy shook her head and knew that he was teasing but also that he was serious.

The group was finally ready when the family stepped outside. Lucy, Louisa and Emmie stood, mouths slightly agape at seeing the crowd gathered in the drive. Ettie, Franny and Bea had experienced the tradition ever since they were children but the magic still hadn't worn off.

"Goodness, how are we going to fit into sleighs?" Louisa asked. "There are so many people."

"Wait," Ettie said, clapping her hands. "Oh, I think I hear them coming!"

Lucy wasn't sure what she meant, as all she heard was the chattering of the crowd, and then she started when the crowd began to cheer. Finally, she heard the tinkling of bells and smiled when sleighs began to round the corner of the drive. "Oh my. They are beautiful!"

Teams of horses with bells on their harnesses clomped through the snow. Sleighs adorned with holly and lanterns began to pull up. Lucy and her sisters stood on the steps as Lucas, Edward, Frank, Stefan and Joseph began to help families into the sleighs, piling furs onto laps. Children laughed and clapped, the joy of the adventure written clearly on their faces. It took a while but soon all but the family had been seated.

"Ready?" Lucas asked and then peered closer at his wife. "Kitten, are you okay?"

"Yes, of course, why?"

"Sweetie, you've got tears on your cheeks."

"I do?" Lucy asked, swiping a gloved finger across her cheek. "I didn't realize. It's just so wonderful seeing everyone so happy. I love this tradition."

Lucas smiled and gave her a kiss before tucking her beneath a fur. They shared the sleigh with Emmie and Stefan. Louisa and Edward rode with Franny and Samuel, and Bea and Frank took a larger sleigh as they chaperoned Ettie, accompanied by Dr. Fielding and Lord Lenar. Reins were snapped and bells rang out as the procession began the journey. It wasn't long before voices broke out into song to drift among the snow-covered trees as the line of carriages made its way into town.

Once in the marketplace, it was a bit chaotic as people scattered in all directions. Lucy watched as her Papa discreetly passed out envelopes to the men and women who helped Hunter's Ridge be so prosperous. When she realized that children were impeding their parents, who were trying to do a bit of Christmas shopping, she soon had many little ones gathered around her, promising them hot cocoa and treats. Louisa and the other women joined her and it was truly a horde who descended upon the bakery where tables had been set up.

Feeling a tug on her skirt, Lucy looked down to see Jenny. Bending, she lifted the girl into her arms. "I am so glad to see you. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, thank you. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas to you as well. Would you like a cup of cocoa?" At the little girl's nod, Lucy settled her onto a chair and placed a cup of cocoa and a plate of sweets in front of her. "Be careful, the cocoa is hot."

"I will." Lucy watched as the small girl blew across the surface of the chocolate. Her heart filled at seeing a child who had been seriously ill enjoying a treat. She couldn't bear to think of how close to death Jenny had come with her bout of pneumonia, and thanked God that her husband had made sure the girl received the best medicine available.

The night seemed to fly by as parents tucked surprises away and children ate, laughed and played under close supervision. Franny was busy sketching on a pad of paper she had run into the store to purchase, and Lucy wasn't surprised to see that Mr. Benedict was drawing as well. Peering over his shoulder, she smiled. While Franny was capturing the faces of many of the gathering, the only face on the page of Samuel's pad was her sister-in-law's. Stepping away, she found Louisa and shared her discovery.

"That's so romantic," Louisa said. "If I could draw anything recognizable, I'd sketch him sketching her as she sketched others." The twins giggled and milled about the group, stopping to make sure every child received a peppermint stick that David had given them to hand out. It was late by the time people began to climb into sleighs again. Lucy and Louisa looked around to find their Papas but didn't see them. When they appeared a few minutes later, Lucy looked up at her husband.

"Where were you? I was beginning to worry."

"Worry or getting cold?" Lucas asked, lifting her into the sleigh. It had started to snow again and the wind ensured that furs would need to be tucked tightly around shivering bodies.

"You didn't answer my question," Lucy reminded him after she snuggled into his side.

"Kitten, it's Christmas. Secrets are not left just to the women, you know."

Lucy giggled and nodded, wondering what secrets he was talking about. Knowing her husband, she'd learn that answer only when he decided it was time.

"I saw Jenny. She looks so much better."

Lucas bent to kiss the top of the hood covering her hair. "Yes, her parents couldn't be more relieved. Her father told me he'd already received the answer to his Christmas prayers the day she began to recover. Her mother told me she hopes that Dr. Fielding doesn't grow fat from all the baked goods she's pressed upon him."

"Oh, I didn't realize he was treating Jenny."

"Yes, he is a generous man and does not charge anyone who can't afford to pay. There are many good people in this world and I'm blessed with living among them."

Lucy knew he'd never consider himself one of those good men who did far more than required or expected. To him, it was simply the only way to live. Slipping her hand out of her muff, she found his and gave it a squeeze.

The sleighs took longer to return to Hunter's Ridge as they stopped often to return tenants to their homes instead of having everyone need to walk from the main estate. Calls of 'thank you' and 'Merry Christmas' rang out again and again as sleepy children were carried inside homes far less elegant than the manor and yet no less warm and loving. By the time the final sleighs pulled to a stop, everyone was happy but exhausted.

Lucas helped Lucy from her cloak and smiled when she yawned her thanks. "I'll be up in a bit, kitten."

"Okay, Papa, good night and thank you. I had a lovely time."

* * * * *

Louisa walked up the stairs with Emmie and Lucy, Molly following. Eyes were fluttering shut as clothes were removed and gowns drawn over naked bodies that shivered a bit. Louisa was quite glad to slip beneath the covers and thanked Molly when a bed warmer wrapped in a towel was slid to the end of the bed to warm her chilled feet. Despite its pleasing heat, she couldn't wait until her Papa joined her. A kiss on her cheek awakened her and she smiled up at him.

"I didn't mean to wake you, sweetie," Edward said, pulling her close as she curled up on her side facing him.

"Papa, I think tonight was wonderful. Do you think we might do something like that at Wintercrest? I know we don't have a huge estate or a lot of tenants, but perhaps we could do something to share our blessings?"

"I think that is a wonderful idea," Edward agreed. "I remember you suggesting the toys be donated to others and feel it was the perfect thing to do. Perhaps we can do the same and maybe offer to help those who are older and wish to learn a trade some sort of financial scholarship."

Louisa moved to place a kiss on his cheek. "That is a wonderful idea. Thank you, Papa."

Edward cupped her cheek in his palm. "No, thank you, little lady. You have taught me so much and have filled my life with nothing but love. I've been very blessed and would love to share those blessings with others." He grinned and then sat up, pulling her up with him in order to remove her gown. "However, I wish to keep this blessing all to myself."

Louisa moaned as his head dropped to kiss her and his hands lifted to cup her breasts. As his large thumbs ran across her puckered nipples, she shuddered, her arms going around his neck. She moaned again when one hand dropped to press against her bare mons.

"Open your legs, let me in," he whispered before drawing her nipple into his mouth and giving it a nip. Gasping, she obeyed and spread her legs apart as she knelt in front of him. "Good girl," he whispered again, lifting his head to move to her other breast. "You are soaking wet, my love."

Louisa shuddered again as a thick finger pressed into her with ease. She'd long since learned that it was impossible to even attempt to deny how quickly she grew wet whenever he touched her. "Papa," she gasped as another finger slid into her and began to move very slowly in and out of her quim.

"Yes, my love?" he said, moving his head again to place kisses down her flat tummy. She convulsed when the tip of his tongue began to swirl in her belly button, his fingers still stroking in and out of her. "What does my little lady desire?"

Louisa flushed, her nipples tightening even more as her body began to build towards the wonderful pinnacle of pleasure. When his fingers stilled, she groaned. When his mouth lifted from her skin, she knew he was playing a game in which he made up all of the rules. When she attempted to give him her answer by pressing down, attempting to urge him to return his fingers to fill her, he chuckled.

"Answer me, little one, what do you need?"

"To-to come, Papa. Please may I take my pleasure?"

Edward's grin had her quim pulsing and her blood racing. He didn't answer as he moved her easily. Sitting her up so that her back was against the headboard, he slid a pillow beneath her hips and then took her legs and spread them as wide as he could. Her entire body suffused with color as she couldn't help but see how the position left absolutely nothing hidden. She could see the glistening of her arousal not only in her sex, but shining on her inner thighs.

"You wish to come?" he asked as if he needed to make sure he understood her desire.

Though she flushed at the question, she nodded and managed to answer, "Yes, please, Papa."

"I wish that as well," he said, and her body convulsed again as it waited for his fingers to return—or perhaps he'd lie between her legs and use his mouth. It was something that would always cause her to blush but a position she couldn't deny she absolutely loved. Instead, he surprised her by climbing off the bed. Her legs began to close as he went to the armoire and opened it. She didn't see what he chose, but felt her stomach tingling when he returned to the bed, the object behind his back.

"Naughty girl," he said, looking down at her. "Is that how I positioned you?"

Shaking her head, she slowly inched her legs apart again as he climbed onto the bed to kneel before her. His choice still remained a mystery as he dropped it behind him in order to free his hands. Sliding them beneath her, he pulled her forward a bit after adding a second pillow. More heat filled her as it lifted her sex higher, as if offering herself to him. She realized that was exactly what she was doing. He finally bent forward and she gasped in pleasure as his tongue slid along her sex, twirling around her swollen clitty until she was bucking her hips up.

"No, be still," he instructed, and she tried to obey but failed when his tongue slid lower to lick at her little puckered hole after his hands spread the globes of her bottom apart. God, she'd never ever become accustomed to him licking, kissing, and worming the tip of his tongue inside such a taboo place. Her squirming earned her a pair of quick, sharp swats, one to each cheek.

"Be still." Moaning as the slight burn of his swats added to her arousal, she had to grip the sheets in order to ground herself and not grind against his tongue. She could feel her cream leaking from her quim and when his tongue moved to take a quick lap between her slick, wet folds, she almost got her wish. But he didn't allow her to come. Instead, he returned to lick at her pucker.

"Pa-Papa, please," she moaned. "I-I need to…"

"You need to obey me," Edward countered, lifting his face to give her a grin. "Unless, of course, you want to come after getting your pretty little posterior reddened?" When she shook her head, his grin widened. "No? In that case, perhaps you'd like something else?" He didn't seem to require an answer as he moved one hand and she finally got to see what he'd taken from the armoire.