Page 16 of An Orphan for the Broken Duke

They sat on the ground together, mere feet away. Between them was a large ball, and the duke pushed it to Lucy, at which point Lucy pushed it back. It looked as if they were playing a game—a most surprising thing—because Lucy never played with anyone.

And while Lucy did not look comfortable, while she looked a little unsure and frightened, that she was playing with the duke at all was enough for Violet to gape and stare and wonder what on earth she was witnessing.

What was more, the duke smiled as he played. He laughed, even if Lucy did not laugh back. He truly looked as if he was enjoying himself. Violet watched at a distance, trying to discern what the duke was doing, what his motives were.

He must be up to something.

But the longer that she watched, the more that she was forced to admit that there was a slim chance she had been wrong about him.

Was it possible that he just wanted the best for Lucy? Was it possible that he cared? And was it possible that he was not like all the other men who had lied and stolen and cheated throughout their life, simply because they could?

It was a few moments later when Lucy saw her.

The little girl’s eyes widened with joy, and she was on her feet, hurrying across the floor with her arms wide open. Violet tore her gaze from the duke and laughed to see the little girl’s happiness. And she laughed further when Lucy wrapped her arms around her legs.

“Did you miss me?” Violet said as she stroked Lucy’s head.

“Yes,” Lucy said, never being one for many words.

“I missed you too.” Violet crouched down and held the girl close. As she did, she looked over her shoulder and watched the duke approach.

He studied them as he did, taking note of the moment. And the closer that he came, the more his smile grew. It did not reach his eyes, however, as those remained sad. But there was an honesty in the way that he looked at them, a sense of relief as if that single hug was a confirmation of Violet’s choice.

“Miss Beaumont,” he said as he reached them. “I was hoping to see you here.”

“I was not expecting to see you,” she said sharply as she stood. “Your Grace,” she then added, just as sharply.

He noted the tone. “I see you still do not trust me?”

“A fact that is unlikely to change anytime soon.”

He studied her further, seemingly looking straight through her. Violet tried to stand tall and proud, determined to appear stronger than she felt. While she had not made her decision yet… well, she knew which way she leaned.

But before she came to a decision, she needed to make sure that the duke was honest, and that she had a reason to trust him, if such a thing was possible.

“I meant to come and see you after my visit here,” he said simply. “It was to be a short visit but…” He smiled down at Lucy. “I got a little distracted. Surely, you cannot blame me for that.”

Lucy glanced at the duke before clutching closer to Violet. He laughed at the gesture as if it were endearing.

“Lucy…” Violet stepped back from the little girl. “I need to speak with His Grace about something. Go outside for a few minutes, dear. I will come find you when I am done.”

Lucy did not look as if she wanted to go. Her expression was pleading, but Violet waved her away. The conversation she meant to have was not for Lucy’s ears, nor did she want the girl around so that the duke might use her to further manipulate the situation.

Lucy reluctantly left them eventually, but she moved slowly. The duke watched her go with a smile on his face the whole time.

If he is lying about his intentions, he is certainly doing a good job of hiding it.

“She was rather hesitant at first,” he began as he turned back, dropping the smile. “But I think that she is starting to like me.”

“Or perhaps she felt that she had no choice,” Violet said. “Personally, I can relate.”

He sighed. “Of course you have a choice, Miss Beaumont. I am not forcing you into anything. But as with all choices, they come with consequences. For you, that means losing your home. For Lucy, it means losing you. And for me…” He turned back as if to look for the little girl.

“Why Lucy?” Violet asked. “You still have not told me the reason. You could adopt any child you wish, but you seem determined that it be her.”

“It must be her.” He turned back, his expression determined.

“But why?”