Page 50 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

While they nibbled on their snacks. Her sisters regaled her with stories of the events that had taken place at home within the one week of her absence.

The cook had taken to serving them partly burnt meals. The cook Lisa was a young mother of six that was currently nursing a child at her breast. She was always tired and the on more than one occasion, Victoria had caught dozing off on her stool in the kitchen.

She always turned down the heat and monitored the meal while allowing the exhausted cook to nap.

But now that she was now she was no longer lived there, there was no body to rescue their meals from burning. She just hoped that Lisa improved soon or she might have to be replaced. She needed the job as her husband had returned from the war disabled and was barely able to make any money

"Maybe we could employ someone to help her." Diana commented in passing chewing on her biscuit.

Victoria watched as her father adjusted himself in his seat uncomfortably.

Of course she was the only one apart from their father, that knew that was not possible, especially considering the state of the family finances. She had managed to hide that reality from her sisters. She would make sure they did not find out now.

"I think she would adjust with time and proper guidance."

"I truly hope so. She is such a good cook and she is a kind person as well. I do not look forward to her leaving." Charity said quietly.

Victoria hoped so as well, as Lisa had become a friend of sorts to her and she didn't look forward to her becoming unemployed and penniless especially as her family depended heavily on her for sustenance.

Seeking to lighten the mood, she turned to Diana.

"Are you looking forward to going off to finishing school?"

In answer to her question, Diana wrinkled her nose in disgust

"Absolutely not. It has all the makings of a boring adventure. I am only going because I am required to and Papa says that is the only way I would get to debut."

"Well there is an extra benefit you have not considered." Charity said, a mischievous smile curving her lips.

"What is that?" Diana answered a curious frown on her face.

"Well." Charity started, pausing to take a biscuit from the rapidly diminishing supply on the table.

"We would finally have peace and quiet in the house. Free from your mischief."

"Nonsense, you just don't want to admit that you would miss me so." she said sticking her tongue out in mischief.

"I highly doubt that." Charity replied sticking her tongue out in retaliation.

"Stop it the both of you, that is unladylike behavior." Victoria scolded but her tone totally lacked heat especially giving they she was laughing at their antics

Their banter brought joy to her heart and brought home to her, how much she had missed them. She had truly been lonely this past week.

"Tell me." Charity said dropping her voice to conspirator tone. "Where is that Handsome Husband of yours?"

"He is well. He left early, said he had a meeting, Matters of estate." she replied pasting on a bright smile on her face.

There must have been something in her that had alerted Charity because her forehead furrowed with worry

"Are you sure you are all right? Are you sure the duke treats you well?"

"Of course he does." she said on a nervous laugh "He is a very good husband. There is absolutely no need to feel affronted on my behalf."

The look of disbelief that remained on Charity face showed that she doubted the authenticity of her claims, but she must have decided against speaking more on the issue, especially as the whole family seemed to be fixated on her face.

Theodore in particular seemed to be staring at her with an unreadable expression on his face. She wondered what he thought about her claims of happiness

"These biscuits are quite nice. Your cook has truly outdone herself with the baked goods. I am looking forward to testing an actual meal prepared by her." Diana said breaking the tension in the room. At that moment Victoria could have kissed her for providing that distraction

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