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“Papa,” she said then smiled. “Thank you, Papa, for my pleasure,” she whispered, her breath so sweet against his lips. “I love you.”
“I love you as well, little one,” Edward said, kissing her softly before rolling off her. Lying on his side, he settled her against him, her small sweet bottom pressed into his groin. Louisa sighed and Edward smiled when a soft little purr told him his little one had fallen asleep with her gown still twisted above her breasts.
Chapter 4
Edward looked up from his seat in the library when Henri appeared. Louisa looked up as well from where she was sitting on her Papa’s lap. Lucy was totally involved in the book she was currently reading and didn’t move until Henri spoke.
“Sir, Mr. Lloyds is here,” Henri announced.
Edward saw Lucy’s head raise and her eyes dart toward the doorway as if to see her professor standing on the threshold of the room. Smiling, he gently removed Louisa from his lap.
“Thank you, Henri, please show him to my study,” Edward said. Henri nodded and left the room. Edward guided his wife to sit in the chair he had just vacated.
“Papa, what does Professor Lloyds want? Lucy passed her exams.”
“Yes, she did,” Edward agreed. “But unless I speak with the man, I won’t know why he’s called now will I?”
She smiled and shook her head. “No, I suppose not.”
“You girls behave,” he said
“Yes, sir,” the twins chorused. Edward smiled, still rather amazed at how two could become one. Sharing his home with the two young women certainly kept life interesting. He bent to press a kiss to the top of Louisa’s head and then walked to his study. He opened the door and stepped inside where he saw Charles standing before the French doors that led to the garden. Charles turned at the sound of Edward’s entrance.
“Good afternoon, Lord Wintercrest,” Charles said extending his hand. Edward shook it and motioned for Charles to take a seat.
“Good day, Charles,” Edward said and chose to seat himself in an adjacent armchair instead of distancing himself from his guest by sitting behind his large desk. “I trust you received my letter?”
“Yes, thank you, sir,” Charles said politely.
Edward smiled and leaned a bit forward. “Come, Charles, I believe you and I are beyond such formal titles. Please, call me Edward,” Edward said, wanting the younger man to feel relaxed in his presence.
Charles nodded his acceptance. “Thank you, Edward. I felt it necessary to come personally to offer my response to your suggestion rather than respond via the post. I’ve given it quite a bit of thought and find I agree with you. I find no other course available if I am to learn what is needed to feel capable of accepting the position of headmaster.”
Edward sat back in his chair and rested his chin on the tips of his fingers. He was pleased at the man’s words and appreciated the effort Charles was making to become prepared to take up the much desired position of headmaster at the girls’ former school.
“Wonderful, Charles,” Edward said. “I am very pleased to hear your decision. I assure you that you will find no better tutor than Miss Summers. She has run her exclusive school for years with great success. You will learn all you need, and I believe, find yourself acquiring an understanding of far more than just the skills required to fulfill the role of headmaster. I just ask you enter into your schooling with an open mind. These young women are educated in far more than reading, writing, or mathematics. They must be, in order to thrive in the positions for which they are being prepared.”
Charles swallowed hard and nodded. When first approaching Charles about his experience in dealing with wayward students, Edward had been impressed with Charles’ confession that he was totally uneducated in discipline of any kind. Having seen his reaction when Lucille had been strapped in his presence, Edward had suspected as much and had been very pleased at the man’s honesty. The detailed letter he’d posted to the professor’s home had explained exactly what sort of school Miss Summers led. Edward suggested it as the best possible place for Charles to learn quickly how to administer the strict corporal discipline necessary for a headmaster.
“Thank you, Edward,” Charles said. “I promise to do my very best. Believe me, the irony of your offering me a tutor is not lost on me.”
Edward chuckled as he remembered employing this young man to tutor his ward. “Think nothing of it, Charles. We all must start somewhere. While it is surprising to discover your ignorance in the matter of discipline, I assure you that it is a course of study that will capture your interest. As you know, the school board, as well as myself, have no interest in placing another man like Thorne into the position. The role requires a man who can not only yield the rod on the occasions it is necessary, but will only do so while providing empathy for the very student whose bottom is being caned. You have shown that you not only have a great deal of patience, you genuinely care for your students’ success. Your tutoring of Lucille impressed us greatly. It is the least we can do to allow you to have the tools necessary to feel you can make your final decision. If, after your studies, you agree that you feel capable of taking responsibility for our young women of society, I assure you the job will be yours,” Edward said and watched the man smile.
“I truly appreciate all you’ve done in supporting my name with the others on the board, sir. I pledge to do my best to meet the expectations of a headmaster who will elevate Cressington Academy to an even higher level where all students will not only receive the very best education possible, but will do so without fear,” Charles said.
Edward felt the need to correct him. “I guarantee that despite your sympathy, your students will always be a touch anxious. After all, the cane is an implement capable of leaving a lasting impression. A bit of apprehension is to be expected when the girls know that you are the one providing them a well-striped arse if they choose to be disobedient. The position is not one of popularity, but if fulfilled properly, will be one earning your students’ respect.”
The younger man nodded solemnly. “I understand and will do my absolute best not to disappoint you or my students.”
“I’ve no doubt of your sincerity, Charles. All you lack is the confidence in administering corporal punishment when a pupil decides to test the very rules of the institution. But, with a bit of personal experience, I’m quite positive you’ll have no problem fulfilling every part the position requires for several years to come.” Edward knew the offer had come as a complete surprise to the professor and understood Charles considered this great fortune as a possible path to be able to woo Lucille’s affections. Edward wasn’t surprised when the man turned the conversation of their meeting to address a more personal matter.
“I also appreciate your allowing me the opportunity to call upon your ward, Edward. I admit she’s not only the most beautiful young woman I’ve ever seen, but I find her absolutely fascinating. I swear to you that I will work exceptionally hard in order to prove my ability to not only court Miss Furniss but perhaps to sway her to become my wife.”
Edward wasn’t surprised at his enthusiasm but couldn’t help but take a moment to realize this was but the first offer for his ward. He’d been preparing himself for this very thing from the moment Lucy had earned her diploma, but still, hearing a man mention marriage to his ward gave him pause. He’d grown quite fond of the young woman and would not just hand her over to anyone he didn’t feel would serve all of Lucy’s needs.
“Charles, I have agreed that you might call upon Lucille,” Edward said and the man’s attention was captured fully. “However, I feel I must inform you that you are not the only man who has sought such permission.”
Charles’ wide smile slipped but he managed to compose himself after a brief moment. “I see. I admit I hadn’t given thought to having competition for the lovely young woman. But, I suppose it would be far too much to expect otherwise. As I said, Lucy… excuse me, Miss Furniss, is quite the woman. Any man would be proud to claim her as his.”
