Read Online Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3) by Maggie Ryan - Free Book Online

you a lesson, but Lucille, it is only a word.  Your professor gave you his handkerchief to give you comfort.”  She nodded again but he knew she still didn’t understand.
    “Lucy, every school needs a Headmaster,” he began , and saw her flinch.  “Not every Headmaster is like Thorne.  Can you tell me you believe your Professor could possibly become the sort of man that Thorne was?”  He saw her become aware of his train of thought. 
    “No, I…I don’t think that,” she admitted.
    “Then, Lucy, you have nothing to fear. Just as handkerchief is a word, so is Headmaster.  Words cannot hurt you, little one.  Professor Lloyds is simply trying to better his life.  If he accepts the position, he will have a much better future.  Trust in him, little one; trust that the same man who showed nothing but concern while tutoring you, will also show concern for any student he must attend to.  You know the only students sent to his office will surely deserve to have their bottoms caned.  Trust him to do so with a true concern for their well being.”  Lucy thought about his words and understood her fright was unnecessary.  She knew Professor Lloyds was a good man.  She smiled when Edward tucked the handkerchief back into her hands.
    “Sir,” she said softly as she returned to her earlier question.  “Do…do you think he hates me?”  Edward leaned forward and drew her into his arms.  She went willingly, her cheek pressed against his chest as she accepted his comfort.
    “Oh, sweetheart, I assure you that he does not hate you.  I believe the man to be infatuated with you,” Edward said, and then kissed the top of her head.  Lucy smiled against his chest before he set her gently from him.  “I believe you will discover he will ask to escort you again.  What you need do, Lucille, is determine if you believe you can love a man who is more than likely to become a Headmaster, knowing what that entails.”  She blushed hotly, but dared to ask another question.
    “Do you…do you think he is like you, Sir?” she said and worried that her question would cause his easy manner to disappear.  Edward thought before answering.
    “I can’t say as yet, Lucille,” he admitted.  “I believe he is a good man, he has earned my respect, but, little one, I can’t say I believe he is the proper man for you.”  She was a little shocked at his openness.  Edward smiled. 
    “There are many types of men, remember?”  She nodded remembering their conversation the night of her celebration dinner.  “Rest easy, Lucille.  I told you that I would guide you as you begin courting.  I am promising you now that I will not choose a man that I feel you cannot grow to love.  You need to trust me.”  She looked into his eyes and saw his promise reflected in their depths.
    “ I’ll try. Thank you, Sir,” she said. 
    “ You are most welcome, little one,” he said and then stood and walked to pull the bell cord to summon Mrs. Bremmer.  Lucy stood and straightened her skirts.  Though she suddenly remembered her feeling of shame in her outfit, she understood that it truly didn’t matter.  In the grand scheme of things, what mattered was finding the right man - one she could love as fiercely as she had discovered Louisa loved Edward.
    “Thank you for speaking with me,” she said again.  Edward nodded and bent to brush his lips over her forehead.
    “You are a special girl, Lucille, and I promise to protect you always,” Edward said.  He opened the door and found Mrs. Bremmer waiting.  He watched as Lucy slipped her hand into the older woman’s.
    “Good night, Sir,” she turned to say.
    “Good night, little one.  Sleep well,” he answered.
     
     

     
     

Chapter 4
     
    Louisa and Lucille finally found a chance to be alone.  The next day, after they had been awakened from their naps, Mrs. Bremmer gave them permission to walk in the garden.  Louisa made sure they were out of sight before taking her