Page 30 of An Orphan for the Broken Duke

“Ah, good,” he said when he saw them all. “You are here. Miss Beaumont,” he greeted Rose with a firm nod as he made for his chair. “I trust your trip here was without incident.”

“It was fine, Your Grace.” Rose immediately dropped the erratic energy that she had carried since entering the room. She sat properly, with poise, and was careful to appear grateful. “And thank you again for helping me with my things, and for allowing me to live here.”

“Not at all,” Rhys said as he sat down. “You are Violet’s sister, and as I have told her many times, this is her home, and now it is yours. Treat it as you would like.”

“I will,” Rose said, again with a sense of reservation.

The mood in the room took a tense turn. Lucy, who had previously been relaxed, sank down in her chair and looked at her empty plate as if worried she might be noticed. Rose said nothing, biting her lower lip, and trying not to look at Rhys while Violet considered the situation and what to do.

Her brief conversation with Rhys yesterday had been a revelation, and now that she knew why he was so eager to adopt Lucy, she was more willing to trust him. At the very least, she was more willing to believe that his motives were pure… that he was not trying to trap her or use her in some way.

But that did not mean that he was necessarily a good person. Nor did it mean that he would do right by Lucy. The best intentions did not always lead down a path of goodwill, and now she found herself wondering what might come next for her, for Lucy, and for this marriage.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked Rhys, determined to at least try and create a less hostile mood.

“I did, thank you. And you?”

“Very well,” she said. “Although this one…” She stroked Lucy’s head, “fidgeted terribly all evening. I think she is still growing used to having such a comfortable bed.”

“She…” Rhys frowned. “She stayed with you?”

“She did.”

Rhys clicked his tongue. “That is… she has her own room. Did Mr. Marrow not show you?”

“He did,” Violet said slowly, surprised by Rhys’ question, as well as his tone. “But she was scared to spend the night alone, so I thought it best that she spend it with me. That is not a problem, is it?”

It clearly was. For some reason, one that Violet could not fathom, Rhys appeared a little annoyed that Lucy had not stayed in her own room, as if it was some sort of personal affront.

“I suppose it is fine, for now,” he said as his brow tightened. “But such things should not continue. Lucy needs to learn that this home is her own, and that she is perfectly safe here. There is no need for her to be frightened.”

“Which she will do in time,” Violet countered, keeping her tone as civil as she could. She also resisted the urge to scowl. “But this is all new to her, and until she becomes accustomed to it, such things should be expected.” She then raised both eyebrows at Rhys.

Across the table, she noticed Rose looking between them.

She could feel the tension rising. She could feel the argument brewing. And while Violet did not mind so much, she was keenly aware of Lucy beside her. As such, she widened her eyes at Rhys and gestured to Lucy, praying he would understand.

He saw it. He grimaced. Then he forced a smile. “I will trust your judgment on this…” Violet breathed a sigh of relief. “For now, Lucy may stay with you. But I do urge that you try and help her settle into her new life. That is, after all, why I—” He caught his tongue.

Violet shook her head at him, then turned and smiled at Lucy. Thankfully, the little girl seemed so eager to be invisible that she did not appear to have heard what they were saying.

“Speaking of settling in.” Rhys cleared his throat. “I have gone ahead and hired a governess for Lucy.”

“You have?” Violet blinked in surprise.

“It is necessary,” he said with sharpness, as if he sensed her argument forming. “I have also discussed with the governess what I expect. A full nursery schedule has been prepared for her. That includes lessons, meals, daily walks, time for playing, and other activities. You can, of course, speak to the governess yourself, and your input will be valuable and heeded. But Lucy needs structure, and once she has it, I know that she will start to see this place as her home.” He nodded once as if proud of his announcement and even smiled. “Lucy, how does that sound?”

Of course, Lucy said nothing.

Violet looked at the little girl, noting how nervous she was. And while Rhys continued to look at her as if expecting an answer, Violet knew that none was forthcoming.

He cannot be serious? Surely, he knows how absurd he sounds?

“If I might suggest something…” Violet held onto her tone, maintaining calmness. “While I agree that, in time, a governess will be required, for now, I doubt such things are necessary.”

“Of course they are.”

“No,” Violet countered with firmness. “What Lucy needs is comfort. She needs to find her own way, while knowing that if she makes a mistake, we will be there for her. All these rules… she is not used to such things.”