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

exchange and said, "What? Don't you have to actually sleep?"
    "Yes, we do," Louisa acknowledged. "Nanny Molly makes absolutely sure that we do."
    "If Nanny Bertha comes to stay as well, I suggest you don't think you or Emmie would get away with anything. She's a wonderful woman, but believe me, she is not as lenient as Molly used to be." Lucy knew what she was talking about as she'd witnessed her former lady's maid turning into an excellent, confident nanny under the additional tutelage of Bertha.
    "Well, perhaps she won't come," Ettie said with a shrug. "She seemed very nice at Lord Northbridge's dinner party." That statement brought them to the men they'd met when attending a fun evening not long before.
    "Which man caught your fancy, Franny?" Louisa asked.
    Franny blushed and had just opened her mouth to give a response when Molly interrupted, announcing it was time for bed. Three soft moans of displeasure met the announcement but Franny appeared to be a bit relieved. Of all the women in the household, she was the quietest and held things deep inside. Lucy just hoped that she whoever she decided to court, he would be far kinder than that awful Lord Drakemore. She deserved a man who would acknowledge and appreciate what a beautiful soul he had been gifted. As she gave her sister-in-law a hug goodnight, she whispered, "We aren't being nosy, we just really care about you."
    Franny smiled and returned the hug, and had Lucy giggling when she raised her eyebrow and whispered back, "Perhaps a little nosy?"
    "Guilty," Lucy conceded.
    "I love you, Lucy. I know you are just concerned but don't be. I'll stay far away from anyone even remotely like Walter."
    After all the wishes for sweet dreams had been exchanged, the four parted to find their beds, stopping by the tree one last time.
    "I promise it will still be here in the morning," Lucas said as he joined them. "Remember, only well-rested girls get to go shopping," he teased as he also doled out kisses. His reminder made it just a bit easier for Ettie to skip up the stairs to seek her bed. She had already made out her shopping list, and couldn't wait to see what the newest store in town had to offer.
    Franny might not know if any of the gentlemen they'd met caught her interest, but she was already thinking and comparing the men. As she laid her head on her pillow, she thought about how Dr. Fielding had thought it sweet that the family had made candy cones for the children and smiled. He seemed to be a man with whom she could laugh and perhaps play. Lord Lenar; now he was a bit of a conundrum. He was so handsome, but had not joined in any of the lighter conversation that night. Instead, he'd been quiet, almost withdrawn, and yet she felt that he hadn't missed a single thing. Mr. Benedict had definitely not given her a second glace as he'd only had eyes for Franny. Lastly, there was Mr. Whitmore. He'd been funny and so nice in inviting them to come see his new store. She couldn't wait to taste what delectable treats would be offered in the café he'd mentioned. She closed her eyes and smiled. How did anyone make the right choice when faced with so many possibilities?
    * * * * *
    Lucas and Edward enjoyed a glass of brandy and cigars after the women had all left the library. Rolling the liquor in his glass to warm it, Edward grinned. "Amazing how quiet a house gets after being filled with so many voices during the day."
    "Yes, but I found that when I traveled, I truly missed the chatter of my sisters. I hope you aren't finding it too distracting during your holiday."
    "Good gracious, no," Edward assured him. "Not having siblings, it is a wonderful thing to be allowed to share your family. As much as your Lucy chattered and argued when she lived at Wintercrest, I missed her the moment she stepped aboard that train."
    Lucas chuckled. "Well, I can't apologize for taking her from you. She is the light of my life and I'd not give her up for anything." As a figure passed by the entry to