Page 4 of Her Lord's Claim

Though her face was still red and her eyes shone with unshed tears, she managed to nod. “I’ll try.”

Lucas nodded, his face softening as she made her promise, accepting it as all she could honestly give him. “That’s a good girl,” he said and brushed his lips across her own. “Come, kitten, we need to pay our respects to our host.”

“Yes, sir,” she said softly, giving him a tremulous smile as she attempted to regain her composure, slipping her hand into his when he released her and Lucas smiled.

It would be the first of thousands of times his little one would answer him in such a manner, but he would never forget that he’d need to earn the respect of a title that meant more to him than the one of his birthright. They walked across the room, the conversation about Pastor Reed put aside as they celebrated their engagement.

Chapter 2

They spoke with Lord Eddinberg, who gave Lucy a kiss and declared that he believed she was a very lucky little girl for choosing a man who seemed extremely capable of keeping her in line. Lucy had flushed but nodded and thanked him and Lady Eddinberg for such a lovely evening. George smiled at the lovely little woman.

“It has been our pleasure, my dear,” George said. “Seeing you and your lord brings back so many pleasant memories of the days when my own sweet Beth and I began our journey together. Like you, Beth’s passion is a gift to be both corrected and cherished.” When Lucy’s color bloomed again, Lucas gave her hand a squeeze, but their host only chuckled.

“That beautiful blush is exactly the testament needed to prove my words true,” George said with his own chuckle as he slapped Lucas on his shoulder. “You, young man, have your hands full, but I’ve no doubt your life will benefit from it. Lady Eddinberg and I wish you all the happiness we know is waiting for you both.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lucas said, shaking the lord’s hand and bending to press kisses to Lady Eddinberg’s cheeks.

“Treat each other as the gifts you are to the other,” Elizabeth said to Lucas and then turned to give Lucy a hug. “I’m truly happy for you, Lucy. There will be days you wish to strangle your prince, but remember he is the one your heart chose,” she said far more softly.

“I will, thank you, ma’am,” Lucy said.

Lady Eddinberg giggled and shook her head, “No, Lucy, my friends call me Beth and I so hope I can count you among them.”

Lucy’s smile grew, the last of any despondency evaporating as she nodded and gave the older woman a hug. “It’s my honor, Beth.”

Lucas and Lucy accepted congratulations from scores of other well-wishers. As Lucy was kissed again and again, accepting congratulations from the men and often some tidbits of advice from the women, she realized something of importance.

Her life of the past several months had been lived surrounded by people of society who shared in this unusual lifestyle. This ball had not been one where every elite member of society was invited as one would expect. The Eddinberg’s guest list had been meticulously compiled. The attendees of this ball were selected, not just because the men were titled, held prominent positions, or from families considered to be the cream of the ton, but because they accompanied very special women, the couples each having chosen to walk a different path than what the majority of society dictated was the correct path to travel.

These couples, sipping wine and champagne from crystal flutes, nibbling on delicious treats, dressed in elegant clothing, dancing together and holding conversations where laughter was often interrupted with a word of quiet correction would transform with the coming day. Women dressed in beautiful gowns tonight would be donning childish dresses on the morrow. Beneath those dresses they would wear lacy or split-crotch drawers that could be lowered or pulled apart, or even nappies that could be quickly drawn down to trembling knees to bare their bottoms in preparation of being spanked, paddled, strapped or worse. They would be reminded that, though they had been allowed a magical evening, they were once again subject to strict discipline and expected submission.

She trembled as she acknowledged that her life as she knew it was now over. She had declared her choice openly, and everyone accepted the fact that she was pledging not only her life but also her willing submission and obedience to Lord Lucas Huntington. Lucas kept her close to his side, her hand always held firmly, yet tenderly, within his own. When Edward approached and suggested they make their departure, Lucy found she agreed. She was suddenly extremely tired and saw Louisa cover her own yawn with one hand.

The couples walked down the same stairs they had ascended earlier that evening, though their status had changed. From this point forward, Lucas would always be the man escorting Lucy, for the rest of her life.

“Your pumpkin awaits,” Edward teased as he held open the door to the carriage and turned to bow with a flourish to his wife. Both girls giggled, remembering their earlier conversation about the fairy-tales they both enjoyed.

“Thank you, my prince,” Louisa said as her husband helped her into the carriage. Lucy was helped by Lucas and settled herself onto the seat. She smiled at her sister and gave a contented sigh. The girls didn’t speak, but both understood that the fairy-tale they lived might at this moment resemble Cinderella’s but was immensely different.

Lucas put his arm around her small frame as he drew her closer to his side, bending to press his lips against the top of her head. Lucy smiled at the loving gesture and closed her eyes in contentment. She was where she belonged, and tomorrow would take care of itself.

* * *

By the timethe carriage arrived at Wintercrest Manor, both girls were sound asleep. Edward and Lucas had been speaking quietly.

“You realize your little one is living in a dream world, Lucas,” Edward said quietly. “She has come a very long way from the day she entered my life, but she has no true knowledge of what her role as your wife and the little one will entail.”

Lucas nodded as he glanced down at the sleeping girl. “She’ll learn, Edward,” he said confidently. “She at least has had some time to grow accustomed to the lifestyle and has the benefit of being able to witness her sister and your relationship as an example. I am not a fool, Edward. I’m well aware that the battles will be difficult. I do assure you, though that I will dedicate my life to her.”

“I’ve no doubt of that, Lucas,” Edward said and then chuckled. “The girls might be twins but they are different. As you said once, Louisa has the gift of serenity while our little Lucy? Let’s just say that you fell in love with a hellcat rather than the sweet little kitten you seem to imagine her to be.”

Lucas chuckled as well, shaking his head at Edward’s grin. “I’m made of tough stuff, Edward,” he said, trailing his fingers down Lucy’s cheek. “I’d have it no other way.” The men both smiled, watching as she gave a small sigh of contentment at his touch. “She's likely to scratch and claw, but I’m betting she’ll purr soon enough.”

As Henri opened the carriage door, Edward made a last comment. “See that she doesn’t purr until the ring is on her finger, and her name on the license.”

Lucas nodded and grinned, his thoughts going to a special item he had carried for weeks, hoping to one day be able to present it to Lucy. “Don’t worry, Edward. We may be men who demand absolute submission and obedience, but we are both men of integrity. Your ward will remain a virgin until our wedding night.”

Edward chuckled, knowing just how hard it would be for his dear friend to keep his promise and was extremely glad that he had no reason to deny his own needs.

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