Page 9 of Her Lord's Desire

Edward nodded. “Yes, that’s true but it will take a special man to make that claim.” Edward saw Charles’ eyes flit about the study, his mathematical mind easily adding up the costs of the furnishings, the books on the shelves, the hand-woven rugs, the expansive floor to ceiling windows behind the huge mahogany desk. When his shoulders slumped a bit, Edward shook his head. “Now, Charles, there is no need to fret. A man’s value has far more to do with his character than his bank account. And if you think about it, I believe you’d agree with me that you are entering into the courtship with an advantage. After all, Lucille already knows you and has come to trust in you as well.”

Charles relaxed and smiled, his hand running along the leather. Edward knew the young man was remembering how Lucy had not only spent several hours with him in studying, but he had witnessed her in a truly shameful state bent over the arm of the chair in which Charles was now seated, her face buried in the brocade cushion to hide her shame as she reached to lift her skirts to bare her bottom to receive a strapping from her guardian for failing in those very studies. The fact that she had remained mostly comfortable in his presence despite the humiliation of what was quite a private moment definitely served to give Charles a leg up in Edward’s mind.

“Thank you, Edward,” Charles said and moved to press his case just a bit. “Perhaps I shall be able to further my head start. With your permission, perhaps you would allow me to escort Miss Furniss this evening? A nice walk to the park would offer her a lovely outing… perhaps even an ice-cream to enjoy?”

Edward smiled at the man’s eagerness but couldn’t fault him for it. “Since it has been a few days since Lucille has been in need of punishment, I feel she has earned a treat. I’m sure she would love an outing,” Edward said, and then stood, Charles following suit.

Though Charles did a fair job of hiding his surprise at hearing Edward’s mention of punishment, Edward caught it in the flash of color across the younger man’s cheeks as well as another glance at the chair he’d just abandoned. If Charles was to ever become successful as both a headmaster and a suitor of what Edward and others sharing his proclivities referred to as special little ones, the man would need far more than lessons in how to wield an implement. He’d need to learn to better mask his emotions. Gesturing for the man to precede him, the two began to walk from the study.

“Thank you, Edward. I… I must say I am quite taken with your ward. I confess that I won’t hesitate to claim any advantage available to me,” Charles said as they stepped into the hallway.

Edward chuckled but didn’t reply. He knew his friend, Lucas, would soon have an even greater advantage. With his impending arrival, he would have immediate access to Lucille as he would spend time under the same roof. He didn’t feel it necessary to inform Charles of any competition other than allowing him to know he was not the only man interested in luring Lucille away from Wintercrest Manor.

* * *

Lucy was indeed thrilled when,after dinner, Edward nodded to Charles who then spoke.

“Miss Furniss,” Charles said as he helped Lucy from her chair. “Would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the park? I believe there is an ice-cream stand that we can visit as well. Do you like ice-cream?”

Lucy smiled, and then she remembered that she was not in control of her own life. She turned to the head of the table.

“Sir, might I accept?” she asked politely, seeking his permission before even answering Charles’ request.

“Yes, little one, if you’d like. You’ve been a very good girl lately and haven’t given me cause to punish you for several days,” Edward said.

“Th… thank you, sir,” she stammered, her face flushing as she turned to Charles. “I’d like to walk with you, Professor Lloyds,” she said. She saw his smile, and hers brightened. “And, yes, sir, I really like ice-cream.”

“Then, my dear girl, you shall have a double scoop,” Charles said with a chuckle. Lucy accepted her cloak from Molly and allowed Charles to drape the material around her shoulders and then turned to say good-bye to her sister. Her smile slipped when she saw Louisa’s wistful look.

“May Louisa go with us, Professor Lloyds?” Lucy asked, looking up at him as she placed her hand on his arm.

“Of course she may, if that is what you wish and Edward agrees,” Charles said and turned to Edward. “Perhaps you’d both like to walk with us?”

“I’m sure Louisa would love that, Charles,” Edward said and Lucy saw her sister release the breath she’d been holding in anticipation of her husband’s answer. Edward continued, “We will join you for a little while, though I’m afraid we must return soon, as it will be time for Louisa to retire.” Louisa flushed, but didn’t protest, her small body almost quivering with delight. “Molly, please bring Louisa’s cape as well,” Edward said. When the maid reappeared, Edward draped it across his wife’s shoulder and bent to speak softly.

“You’ve been a very good girl as well, little lady,” he said, and saw her smile.

“Thank you, Papa,” she said, not even hesitating to address her husband as he preferred.

Lucy darted a glance to see Charles’ reaction to an address normally reserved for one’s actual father, but if he found it strange, he said nothing. He tucked Lucy’s hand in the crook of his arm and soon the four were walking down the sidewalk toward the city park.

* * *

Louisa watchedher sister as she listened attentively to whatever Charles was saying. She turned to her husband.

“This is wonderful, Papa, thank you,” she said again. Edward squeezed her hand and smiled.

“You are welcome. I know your life can be difficult at times, but I want you to understand that I appreciate it when my little lady works hard to be a good girl. Lucille has been very well behaved since her last paddling. I believe she will also work hard on being a proper young woman and deserves a bit of fun as a reward,” Edward said.

Louisa smiled and lifted her head, turning to take in the sights around her. The air was brisk, but Edward knew her cloak would assure she wouldn’t chill too much. He kept her safely beside him, her hand never allowed to slip from his arm. When they reached the ice-cream stand, Edward bought her a double-dip of strawberry ice cream and watched as her tiny tongue darted out to lick up the creamy treat before withdrawing back between her full lips. His cock instantly grew hard in his pants and he saw her face flush when her eyes met his.

“We shall finish our treat on our way home, Charles,” Edward said. “I trust you to have Lucille home within the hour.” Lucy appeared quite surprised to find Edward allowing her to remain in the park, but said nothing, most likely having no desire to question his unexpected leniency.

“Certainly, Edward,” Charles agreed. “Thank you for a lovely evening. Good night, Lady Wintercrest,” he said as he gave her a small bow. Louisa smiled and thanked him as well. She tucked her hand into her husband’s arm as he led her back the way they had come. They climbed the steps leading to the double doors of the manor.

“I believe your eyes were bigger than your tummy, little one,” Edward said when he saw that she’d not yet managed to finish her ice cream.

Her smile was as sweet as the treat when she lifted the cone to him. “I wanted to share it with you, Papa. It’s really, really good.”

---