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* * *
The occupantsof the parlor had been silent as Charles related his story. Even Lucas, who had no prior knowledge of the reason for the man attending Eleanor’s school, was impressed. He could easily picture the scene. He glanced at Edward and saw him smile and nod his approval.
“He did an excellent job, Edward,” Eleanor said. “I have no reason to doubt that Charles will make a fine headmaster for the school. He not only saw to the baroness’ discipline with a firm hand, she left feeling far better after paying for her naughtiness, without feeling shamed by the experience. I assure you that the young women attending Cressington will be quick to discuss just how effectively their new headmaster wields a cane. If hearing the baroness fairly howl as the cane bit into her ample rump was any example, the entire student body would soon know it would behoove them to avoid being sent to Headmaster Lloyds’ office.” With a coy smile, she looked from Edward to Charles. “Though he must remember that while it would be perfectly acceptable to offer a hug in comfort after the punishment has been accepted and the lesson learned, touching the weals across a student’s bare bottom could very well lead to misunderstandings. Unless, of course, she is enrolled in a different sort of institution.”
“I apologize for that,” Charles said, his face warming. “I’m not exactly sure what came over me.”
Edward grinned. “I have to admit, I’m really rather impressed, Charles. Eleanor is not one to give compliments when they’ve not been earned. If the only criticism she has of your performance is your need to feel the tactile evidence of your delivery of the strokes, well, I’m certainly not one to hold that against you this once. To hear her accolades about your abilities leaves me no doubt that you are exactly the sort of man needed to fill the position.”
“Thank you, Edward, I can’t thank either you or Eleanor enough,” Charles said, and gave her a slight bow. “Though I now admit that young women need a firm hand, I will always believe in giving comfort after their poor little bottoms have paid the price of their naughtiness, but I will assure I not overstep any boundaries. I will do my very best to keep your high regard.”
Eleanor laughed. “I’m sure you shall, Charles,” she agreed and then added, “Perhaps a certain ward we both know won’t agree, but, sir, you shall make a fine disciplinarian for any naughty bottom.”
* * *
Even as Charles smiled,Lucas frowned. Though he had already known that the professor was courting Lucille, he’d had no knowledge that this lifestyle was totally new to him. Before he could question Edward granting his permission, his friend stood and walked toward Charles.
“I’m sure the school board will agree, Charles,” Edward said. “I believe congratulations are in order, Headmaster Lloyds.”
Charles stood as Edward came forward to shake his hand. “Thank you, Edward,” Charles said. “But, sir, I must ask for your patience in informing the board.”
Lucas knew it was very rare to catch Edward off guard, but he appeared to be quite surprised by Charles’ comment.
“May I inquire as to why?” Edward asked.
“I feel I need to speak with Miss Furniss before I accept the position.”
Lucas shook his head, wondering at the man’s indecision. What sort of man turned down an opportunity to a better life, not only for himself, but for any future wife and possible children? What did Miss Furniss have to do with a man making the best decision for his family? Had his friend softened in the years Lucas had been abroad?
Edward didn’t speak for a moment, but then nodded. “As you wish, Charles,” he conceded. “I don’t suggest you wait long, though. It is important that whoever takes the position do so at the earliest opportunity. The board is anxious to have the matter decided, and the man will also need time to settle into the position before the term begins.”
“I understand, sir,” Charles said.
Eleanor stood and put her empty glass down onto the table by her chair. “It’s getting late, Edward,” she said with a smile. “Thank you so much for a lovely evening. It was a pleasure to see you again, Lucas. Shall I be watching for your visit to meet my newest little ones?”
Lucas smiled, took her hand and pressed a kiss against it. “You never know, Eleanor,” he said, charmingly. “I promise to visit if for nothing else than to see you again.” If Eleanor was surprised at his words, she didn’t show it. She nodded and was soon walking with Charles toward the front door. As they all reached the door, Charles turned back to where Lucas stood beside Edward.
“Lord Huntington?”
It was Lucas’ turn to be surprised when the professor addressed him. “Yes?”
“I realize that you are not only a house guest of Edward’s, but an old friend as well. I also understand that you seem to be interested in Miss Furniss. While I could pretend it is nothing more than you assuring the young woman is comfortable with your residence in her home, I’m not one to bury my head in the sand. I feel that would serve neither of us, so may I speak frankly?”
“Please do,” Lucas said.
“I may not be a lord, and I will never have the advantages that your birthright gives you, but rest assured, sir, I intend to give you a run for your money, Lord Huntington.” Pausing, he chuckled as he pulled on his coat. “Though, you have to admit, Miss Furniss’ response to you has been, shall we say, less than enthusiastic?”
Lucas was spared the need to respond when Edward chuckled and Eleanor laughed. He simply inclined his head thinking the professor had no idea that the first instinct of a passionate feline was to show her claws. Accepting the challenge, he also knew that it was only the strongest lion in the pride who could pin the female down and earn the right to make her his.
Charles turned to Edward. “I’d like to call on Miss Furniss tomorrow. There is a poetry reading at the library. With the discussions we’ve had concerning literature on our outings, I think she would truly enjoy attending if that meets with your approval, Edward,” he said with a quick look toward Lucas as if to make sure he understood that while he might be a novice at wielding a cane, this was not the first time he’d escorted Lucy.
“That will be fine, Charles, and I’m sure Lucille will be pleased,” Edward said. Charles shook both men’s hands and then escorted Eleanor down to the waiting carriage.
Chapter 10
Edward and Lucas settled in Edward’s study. After taking a sip of his brandy, Lucas leaned back in his chair.
“Okay, I admit it, you definitely picked the best of the lot. Your girls are not only beautiful, there is something about them that has one wishing to peel back every layer of that beauty to discover that it is far more than skin deep.” He grinned and shook his head. “Though Lord knows how you managed to get Louisa to agree to wed you.”
