Claimed (The Women of Wintercrest #3) by Maggie Ryan

have kicked himself for his faux pas.  He should have known that.  Not only had he been a dinner guest at Wintercrest before this evening, his tutoring under Eleanor had also been an example.  Every one of her girls drank milk with their meals.  He felt his face flush, but quickly set down the wine bottle and picked up the pitcher of milk.  Lucy glanced up to see Edward’s friend watching her.  She quickly dropped her eyes.  Lucas grinned.
    “ Charles, it is well known that kittens prefer cream,” he said after Lucy’s glass was full.  She lifted her head and shot him a glance that was very unlike a loveable kitten.  He watched as she turned to address Charles.
    “Thank you, Professor,” she said sweetly , and gave him a smile.  “I’m sure it is as delicious as any wine.”  Lucas thought her ruse might have worked if she hadn’t picked up her glass to take a sip.  Although she attempted to hide her grimace, it was very clear that milk was not her first choice.  Lucy heard Lord Huntington chuckle and her face flushed.
    “Make sure you sample the cheese course, Lord Huntington,” Lucy said with fake sweetness.  “I’m sure a man such as yourself will find it most enjoyable.”  Eleanor hid her amusement behind her wine glass as she saw Lucas look surprised.  He recovered quickly and laughed, realizing the little kitten was calling him a rat.
    “Thank you, kitten,” he said , smiling as he tipped his wine glass towards her in a salute.  “I shall look forward to everything you have to offer.”  He watched as her eyes flashed at him and her face turned as red as the wine in his glass.  She finally dropped her gaze and Lucas shook his head in amusement before turning his attention to Eleanor. 
    As the meal progressed, Lucy was the sole object of Charles’ focus.  She alternated between embarrassment when she saw Lucas watching her to embarrassment over how to properly respond to her Professor’s attention.  By the time the meal was over, she felt exhausted.  Charles pulled back her chair and again offered her his arm, which she took automatically.
    “Perhaps I can persuade Edward to allow you another walk?” Charles said bending close to her ear.   Evidently he had not spoken softly enough .
    “As lovely as the outing sounds, I’m afraid you should not tempt our girl,” Lucas said , as he walked towards them.  “I would offer to take on her duty myself, since I still feel rather guilty, but I’m positive my mending would not meet Mrs. Bremmer’s standard of excellence.  Still, I suppose Lucille might be persuaded to take the risk, as she seems to enjoy putting herself in dangerous situations.”  Charles looked confused while Lucy looked furious.  Mrs. Bremmer shook her head, though she was amused at Lucas’ antics.
    She quickly cleared the air:  “Professor, what Lord Huntington is attempting to convey is that Lucille has mending to do.  Lucille, go to the library and get started,” Anna ordered.  “Professor Lloyds, perhaps you’d prefer to join the adults for a drink?” she suggested.  Lucy felt both embarrassed and relieved.  The day had contained too much newness for her.  She had grown accustomed to strict schedules and rules.  Though it had originally galled her to be forced to adhere to such strictness, she had discovered that her days had become filled with a calmness that was unfortunately now quickly leaving.  Being surrounded by all these people, especially Lord Huntington, was confusing her and producing feelings that she didn’t know how to decipher. 
    “Yes, Ma’am,” she said almost gratefully, and slid her hand from Charles’ arm.  “Thank you, Professor Lloyds,” she said.  She saw Lucas behind Mrs. Bremmer; his incessant smile as he nibbled around a piece of cheese caused her blood to race.  She knew he found her most amusing.  Before she realized what she was doing, she once more placed her hand on Charles’ arm and looked up at