Free Reunion (Hunter's Ridge Book 3) by Maggie Ryan

Edward handed Louisa inside and she sat down next to her Nanny. Edward took his own seat opposite the women. The carriage began to move and Louisa clapped her hands, excitement glowing on her face.
    "To Hunter's Ridge," Edward said as he gave her a smile.
    "To Lucy and Uncle Lucas," Louisa added, and then giggled. "And to Cleopatra! Oh, and I can't wait to meet Lucy's sisters, and Emmie and Lord Northbridge!"
    "Then to meeting old friends and new," Edward said with another smile.
    The three sat in comfort as they made their way to town. Louisa gave her Nanny a tight hug as they stood on the train platform. "You be a very good girl for your Papa, young lady," Anna instructed. "Remember, Nanny Molly will be in charge of two little ones—make sure you do not give her cause to have me regret my decision not to accompany you."
    "I won't, Nanny. I'll make you proud."
    "I'm sure you will. Give Lucille my best. Have a wonderful holiday with your family." Anna hugged her hard, kissing each of her cheeks. "I'll miss you, little one."
    "I'll miss you, too."
    Edward pressed a package into Anna's hand. "Just a little something from me and Louisa. Open the envelope when you are inside, but know that Father Christmas is watching, and won't be happy if you sneak a peek at the gift before Christmas morn." His words caused Louisa to giggle and Anna to smile.
    "Thank you, Sir. Happy Holidays." The call was made to board and, after final hugs, Anna stepped onto the train.
    "Do you think she'll be surprised, Papa?" Louisa asked as he drew her into her arms. Making her promise to keep the secret, he'd told her that he'd exchanged the ticket Mrs. Bremmer had purchased to one allowing her to travel first class.
    "I hope so, she deserves to have a wonderful holiday," Edward said, then bent to kiss the top of her bonnet. "After all, she does an exceptional job taking care of my little lady."
    Louisa smiled and, as the train pulled away, she tucked her hand into her Papa's. "She does, Papa. I wonder if she packed her tawse?"
    Edward's laugh rang out as he heard her giggle. "Rest assured, I'd never leave home without one."
    Her face turned scarlet as they arrived at the carriage and Mr. Gordon opened the door. Once back inside, he removed her bonnet and her cape, placing them on the seat before pulling her onto his lap.
    He bent to kiss her, his tongue tracing the seam of her lips before pressing inside. Before they'd even left the station, her drawers were moistening, her nipples tingling as he claimed her mouth. She no longer minded that they weren't traveling by train, along with many others. Instead, this enclosed space held just her and her Papa, and promises of adventures she couldn't even imagine.
     
     
     

Chapter Five
     
    A few hours later, Edward looked across the aisle as he folded his newspaper. "Put away your toys. We will be stopping for lunch very soon."
    Louisa closed the book she had been reading and tucked it and Nadine back into her satchel. "Where are we eating, Papa?"
    "There's an inn just a few minutes farther on. We'll have our meal there."
    She nodded and, when he beckoned to her, she stood, her small stature allowing her to stand upright. Edward tied the ribbon of her bonnet under her chin, as well as the ribbon of her cloak. The carriage drew to a stop and he stepped out, turning to swing her down before placing her on her feet. Taking her hand, he led her up the walk towards the door, smiling as her head swiveled to take in her surroundings.
    The building was white with green shutters, a swinging sign depicting a swan gliding on a pond hung between two posts. Flower beds lined both sides of the cobblestone path, though no blooms were on the bushes. Seeds slept beneath the rich loamy soil, waiting for spring before appearing again. He knew they'd eat in far less attractive inns throughout their journey but was pleased their first meal would be taken in such a nice setting.
    He opened the door and drew her inside. The room