Page 24 of His Godsent Duchess
"It was..." she admitted, momentarily lost in her memories. "I remember I would spend hours sneaking off and hiding away to get some moments of peace."
"I am surprised it was enough to entertain you," Victor said and sat down next to her on the bed, her familiar scent enveloping him.
When did her scent become familiar?
"Oh, it was not. But I was lucky the seminary had a very extensive library that they didn't bother to properly screen. There was this collection of adventure books about discovering new and forgotten lands all around the world," she said, a wistful look in her eyes. "It was the only thing that kept me from losing my mind."
Victor tensed at the mention of the books but did not let it show. "What was the title of the collection?" he asked, maintaining his composure.
"It was called ‘The Voyages of the Intrepid Explorers,'" she said, smiling at the memory.
Victor's jaw clenched immediately, and he felt one of his hands curl into a fist on his lap. Had he heard her correctly. Her next words confirmed that he had.
"Such wonders I read about." Her eyes gleamed as she spoke, the firelight shining in them, reflecting a passion he dreaded. "How I wish I could travel." She turned her gaze back to him. "Do you not wish you could see what lies beyond England?"
Victor swallowed, and his chest tightened. "No, I do not," he managed to let out, the chamber suddenly feeling very small. He stood. "Good night, Duchess."
Christina's brows furrowed, and she stood. Victor did not give her the chance to speak before he turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
Ten
Was it something I did?Christina's thoughts spiraled as she descended the grand staircase, her hand lightly tracing the banister. Victor had left her bedchamber so abruptly the previous evening. Had she said something wrong? She replayed their conversation, trying to pinpoint what had caused him to retreat so suddenly. If it was something she had done, she would much rather know than be left wondering.
"Your Grace?"
The sound of her title startled her, and she stopped mid-step, blinking Mrs. Brimsey into focus at the foot of the stairs. The housekeeper stood with her hands clasped in front of her, her face creased with a faint line of concern. She curtsied respectfully.
"Good morning, Mrs. Brimsey," Christina greeted, trying to push away the lingering thoughts of her husband.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey replied. "All is well, I hope?"
Christina forced a smile. "Quite well, thank you."
Mrs. Brimsey studied her for a moment, but wisely chose not to press further. "The tenants have been inquiring after you, Your Grace. They are most curious and would very much like to meet you."
Christina's smile grew more genuine at the idea. "I should like to get acquainted with them as well. Perhaps I ought to visit them this morning. It will give me something to occupy my mind."
"A splendid idea, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey agreed with a warm smile.
With that, they parted ways, and Christina continued her descent toward the breakfast room, silently hoping she might find Kilton there. But when she entered, her husband was nowhere in sight. Instead, she was greeted by the sight of Katherine and Agnes, whose faces lit up at her arrival.
Agnes wasted no time running toward her and wrapping her arms around her waist. "Good morning, Your Grace!" she chirped, her joy infectious.
Christina's mood instantly brightened, and she placed a gentle hand on Agnes's shoulder. "Good morning, dearest Agnes."
As she made her way to the table, Christina glanced around. "Where are Amelia and Cassidy this morning?"
Katherine, or rather Kitty, grinned and said, "Outside, seeking an adventure, as usual. And today is one of the happiest days of our lives, Aunt Christina. Miss Peversly is gone! We arefree!"
Christina couldn't help but laugh, her spirits lifting further. "I daresay that is cause for celebration," she agreed, smiling at their newfound freedom. "I was thinking of visiting the tenants and seeing the village this morning. Would you like to accompany me?"
Agnes's eyes gleamed with delight, and she exclaimed, "Why would we not want to? Of course, we shall go!"
Without another word, Agnes darted out of the breakfast room, her little feet carrying her swiftly as she no doubt hurried to share the news with Cassidy and Amelia.
Kitty remained behind, her expression softening as she looked at Christina. "Thank you, Your Grace… for standing up for us. Miss Peversly was horrid."
Christina reached over and lightly brushed her hand over Kitty's. "I am here to be a mother to you now, Kitty. And mothers protect their children."
