Page 64 of A Duchess to Reclaim

“Girls, why don’t you go pick out your rooms? You may share or choose separately, it is your decision,” he said, his tone shockingly gentle.

“Really? We can pick?” Lydia asked, her tone absolutely humming with excitement.

“Mhmm. My quarters are on the third floor and it is best to stay away from those, but you may pick any rooms on this floor. That way you can be close to your sister if you may need her,” Dominic replied.

Both girls flew away from Amelia and toward him, their arms wrapping tightly around his waist. Amelia went rigid as she saw Dominic raise his arms, freeze, and widen his eyes at the sudden burst of physical affection. But then he relaxed, placing a hand on each of their heads, and gave them a small smile.

“Girls,” Amelia urged, and her tone spoke for her.

They let go of Dominic’s waist swiftly and came to her side.

“Go on,” she urged gently. “Take Miss Chiron and Miss Gerhardt with you. I’ll be along shortly to help you settle in.”

“You are the best brother-in-law in the world,” Lydia said, beaming at Dominic.

“In the whole world!” Sarah piped up.

Then the two ran down the hall, giggling excitedly as they began to open up doors.

“We shall help the girls in the meantime,” Miss Chiron stated, her and Miss Gerhardt leaving Dominic’s sides.

Amelia gave them a nod of thanks and waited until they too disappeared down the hallway.

“Dominic, what has happened? What did you do?” She asked, taking a step toward him.

“Everything is legal,” he murmured calmly. “My solicitor and I took care of it today. There are some papers you will need to sign but that can wait until the morning.”

Gratitude flooded through Amelia, but she fought the sudden urge to hug him and pushed on with her questions.

“What exactly was legal?” She asked. “And if you took care of it earlier today, why did you wait so late in the evening to go get them?”

“It means once you sign the papers you and I will have full, guardianship of your sisters until you allow them to get married. My name is on the documents simply because our laws demand it so, but they are yours now, Amelia. I will not interfere in your plans to raised them.

“As for this evening, there were some issues that needed worked around but it was taken care of. That is all you need to know.”

Amelia’s brows furrowed as she became torn between gratitude and annoyance, and she crossed her arms. She knew by the tone in his voice that he wouldn’t tell her more even if she threw an absolute tantrum.

“Why did you do this, Dominic?” She asked. “I’m grateful but I do not understand.”

You don’t care about me. You said as much the other night with your silence.

Dominic’s brow tensed as he looked her up and down, his jaw working as if he were chewing over thoughts.

“Because I knew it would make you happy.”

Amelia’s arms fell to her sides as her lips slowly dropped away from each other; her eyes going wide.

“Take the next few days to get your sisters settled. I’ll attend some social events for the gentlemen and spread our tale of love and commitment there, and you do the same at the married women’s club or whatever it is Seraphina brought you into. If it is still necessary, we will resume going to parties together in a week or so. For now though I believe we have accomplished enough so that we can work separately.”

Discomfort overcame her as Dominic then took a step back.

“You are leaving?” She asked.

“It is for the best,” Dominic replied, turning his gaze from her. “I have guards surrounding the house. You have nothing to fear.”

She watched, emotions churning as he began to descend the stairs. Before she could stop herself, Amelia went after him, capturing his hand in her own before he could make it very far. When he turned to look at her his silver eyes were dark with a guarded expression, but he paused and waited. She didn’t know what to do, what to say, so she put her head on his chest and wrapped both arms around her waist; hugging him.

“Thank you,” she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.

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