Blessed Beginnings (Hunter's Ridge Book 4) by Maggie Ryan

Author:Maggie Ryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2015-12-10T17:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

"Where's Franny?" Ettie asked a few days later after the girls awakened from their naps. "I haven't seen her, and wanted to ask her about the pattern she drew."

"Oh, she went with Edward," Bea offered from where she was sitting, knitting what was going to be a baby sweater. "Perhaps I can help you with the pattern?"

"No!" Emmie said and then realized she'd shouted. "I mean, um, Franny drew it and is the only one who can decipher it."

"Well then, I'm afraid you'll have to wait," Bea said, giving her a puzzled look as Ettie hurried from the room.

"Where did your Papa go?" Lucy asked Louisa as the two worked on the puzzle with Emmie.

"I don't know, he didn't say," Louisa answered. "All he said was that it was Christmas."

"Ah." Lucy giggled. "I wonder what he is getting for you."

"I have no idea. I told him that I really don't need a single thing. Have you finished your presents?"

"Almost. In fact, now would be a good time to speak to Jasper. Come with me?"

Louisa leaned forward a bit. "I don't think it's a good idea to go to the barn alone. Don't you remember what happened?"

"It would be hard to forget," Lucy whispered. "It took almost the entire week for the wheals to disappear."

"Wheals? Do tell," Emmie said, her voice also low.

Lucy was grateful when Bea announced she was going to get some tea. Quickly filling Emmie in on the fact that she'd received a dozen cane strokes for disobeying her Papa's orders about the barn, she finished with a smile. "At least this week's maintenance was just for reminding me to be a good girl."

The other two nodded. All three had been in attendance during Sunday's session. Emmie had been impressed with the room at the top of the attic, and grateful that she'd been a good girl all week. Seeing the furniture built for only one purpose, and that being bending a naughty girl over to have her bottom blistered, had both excited and scared her.

"Papa loved Diabla," Emmie admitted. "She's much, um, prettier than the horse I am usually bent across."

Lucy giggled. "I wouldn't be surprised if you find a new horse in your house before long. I know that Uncle Edward has already requested one be made for Louisa."

"I don't know whether to hug you or curse you," Louisa moaned.

"Hug me, of course," Lucy said with a laugh. "After all, you told me that it was fun to ride, remember?"

Louisa blushed. "That was only because I wasn't being punished when doing so. I can't imagine riding as you did that day."

"Well, it's hard to describe but knowing you two, you won't have to imagine for long." The three laughed, happy that they had other child/brides to share secrets with.

"What are you three giggling about?"

Lucy looked up to see her Papa. "Horses, Papa. May we please go see Samson and Delilah?"

"Yes, I'll take you—"

"No!" Lucy shook her head. "I mean… secrets, Papa. It's Christmas, remember? You said so yourself!"

"Yes I remember, though I don't know how horses are involved.

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