Page 50 of An Orphan for the Broken Duke

It took her a moment to respond, as if she was not sure what she wanted. But Rhys had spent several weeks working on getting closer to Lucy, and small gestures like this were effective.

She is much like Violet in that way.

“Y—yes,” Lucy said carefully. “The eggs, they are messy.”

Rhys laughed as he cut into them and scooped some up on his fork. “Truthfully, I would prefer to use my hands also. Maybe another time, when Violet is not looking,” he added with a wink as he offered her the forkful of eggs.

Lucy giggled and then leaned forward, and Rhys gently put the eggs into her mouth.

He felt both Violet and Rose watching him, just as he felt Violet’s pride. Yes, he wanted to do right by Lucy, but it helped that it felt good… that Violet saw it and appreciated it.

Can good be done without that need for satisfaction? And does it matter?

“Speaking of the ball…” Rhys continued as he plied another forkful of eggs for Lucy. “I was going over some of the arrangements earlier; the list of costs you left for me to read through.”

“Oh?” Violet asked. “Is something the matter?”

“I admit, I was a little confused…” He felt Rose watching him, as if she knew what he was about to say. “A few days ago, you mentioned the floral company you wished to hire. His Majesty’s Bouquets. I noticed you have reached out to another?”

Violet blinked as if surprised. “I did… but for good reason. I decided for a cheaper option. This ball is already costing so much, and I did not wish to burden you with so many expenses.”

“What of the quality?” Rhys asked. “Is it as good? I doubt it, if they are cheaper.”

“Well, no, they are not quite as good. But really, it does not matter. I do not mind.”

“But I do.” Rhys offered Lucy another forkful of eggs, and she eagerly took it. “You want the best, and you will have the best, Violet. No expense is too large, as long as you are happy.” He looked pointedly at her. “Now, would you prefer to use His Majesty’s Bouquets?”

Violet considered him with what was not quite a smile, and not quite a frown. It was as if she was not entirely sure what she was hearing, and was yet to decide how she felt about it. “I would…”

“Then it is done,” he said.

Out of the corner of his eye, Rhys saw Rose nodding along.

Rhys finished helping Lucy and went back to his seat, and he did not fail to notice how Violet looked at him. The confusion was gone, and he had no doubt that his small gesture was greatly appreciated.

It helped, too, that it made him feel so good.

Things went on that way. While Rhys was sure not to interfere or overstep, as this was Violet’s thing, he was always looking for ways to help where he could, always trying to show her that he paid attention, and that she could rely on him.

The following day, Rhys overheard her complaining to Rose about the catering. A small thing, but Violet was frustrated by the fact that another lord had hired the same service that she wished to use. Seeing his chance, Rhys visited that lord and all but demanded that he relinquish his claim on them, which he did.

A few days later, Rhys noticed how worn and tired Violet was becoming. She had poured herself fully into the preparations for the ball, and as she was also spending her time watching over Lucy; it was taking its toll on her.

“I have had a thought,” he told her that afternoon. She was in the nursery, both watching Lucy and dealing with the invitations that she insisted on writing herself.

“Oh…” She looked up, her eyes red and swollen. “Rhys, I did not hear you come in.”

“It is no wonder,” he told her. “You have stretched yourself thin, Violet. All this work, it is a wonder you are able to stand on your own two feet.”

“I am fine,” she said, forcing a determined scowl. “Believe me when I tell you that this is nothing. If you knew what I used to deal with after my father passed away…” She scoffed. “I can do this with one eye closed.”

“But you should not have to,” he said gently. “And I am not suggesting that you ask for help. I know you would never do that,” he said with a teasing grin. “I was merely going to suggest that I watch over Lucy.”

She blinked. “You… when?”

“In the afternoons,” he told her. “I have already taken the liberty of moving around some things so that my estate affairs no longer take up so much of my time. Just for now, until this ball is organized. That will give you the afternoons to focus, without having to worry about Lucy.”

“I…” She hesitated, unsure, even afraid. “You do not have to do that. Truly, there is no need. I am fine.”