Page 76 of Wicked Is the Duke
“Why do you dislikeHenry’s new wife?” Daisy said.
Alice sat down on the bed next to her younger sister. Daisy was still young and impressionable, and someone needed to guide her. Jane wasn't here, and Henry's wife was yet to prove she could be trusted with their hearts. It was up to her to fill in the gaps until Jane returned.
"Because she's trying to take Henry away from us. We can't allow that."
"I think you're imagining things, Alice. Henry would never allow anyone to do such a thing."
Alice shook her head. "That's because he fancies himself in love with her and is blind to her ways. We must protect him."
"How?"
"We ask Jane once she arrives."
"But she won't be staying here. Won't that make it harder?"
"Not if I can get word to her first," Alice replied.
Daisy's eyes widened. "You're going to write her before she arrives?"
"Yes, and I must do it quickly. We have only two days until that tea party Miss Grover has invited all those people to."
"That isn't very nice, Alice. She is Henry's wife, and we must address her as such."
"Must we?"
"You know we must. Just pretend. She's Duchess of Blackmont now, and we have to accept that fact."
Alice laughed. "Poor, innocent, Daisy. You're so trusting," she replied as she rose from the bed. "I must write to Jane and apprise her of the dire situation here."
"I think you're making a mistake, Alice."
"Nonsense. Now you really need to see to Mr. Tiger. We don't want to give Henry cause to turn him out to the country."
"He would never do that. He talks tough, but he has a soft spot for animals."
"Hmph. Just not cats."
Alice sat down at the writing desk, picked up a sheet of paper from the drawer, found a pen, and began to write. Jane would know what to do. Perhaps she and Daisy could stay with Norwood and Jane. At least while they were in London. She smiled to herself. If she played her cards right, she could probably convince Jane to let them permanently move in with them. Jane was so easy. Even as children before their parents died, all she had to do was look sad, and Jane would make everything better.
