Page 11 of His Godsent Duchess
All except Agnes walked into the castle, while Agnes held on to Christina's hand. The bond between them felt natural, as if they had known each other much longer. A man, whom she assumed to be the butler, rushed forward with a warm smile. "Welcome to Kilton Castle, Your Grace. I am Smith, the butler."
A portly woman followed, curtsying deeply. "And I am Mrs. Brimsey, the housekeeper."
Christina immediately took a liking to both, no longer caring that the Duke was not there to introduce her to the household. Their warm reception eased some of her anxiety. "Thank you, Smith, Mrs. Brimsey. I am pleased to meet you both."
Mrs. Brimsey beamed. "We shall make the castle as pleasant for you as possible, Your Grace." Her genuine smile and earnest tone reassured Christina that she would not be entirely alone in this new place.
Smith instructed the footmen on where to carry the bags, while Mrs. Brimsey guided Christina and Agnes into the castle and up the grand staircase. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. The interior was the epitome of elegance—marble floors, richly woven tapestries, and intricate chandeliers that cast a warm glow. Portraits of past Dukes and Duchesses adorned the walls, telling silent tales of the family's legacy.
"The castle has thirty rooms and three floors!" Agnes said eagerly.
Christina smiled at her. "I look forward to you showing me all the rooms, Agnes." The girl's enthusiasm was a comfort, and Christina felt a genuine excitement for the first time since her arrival.
The girl's hazel eyes brightened, and she jumped with excitement. "I am most eager to do that, Your Grace." Her joy was a small but significant victory for Christina, giving her a glimmer of hope for the future.
As they turned on the first landing of the stairs and proceeded to the west wing, Mrs. Brimsey spoke. "The Duchess's bedchamber was recently renovated. I hope you will love it, Your Grace."
Christina's smile widened. "I am sure I shall, Mrs. Brimsey."
They reached the bedchamber, and Christina was enchanted by the room's bright, inviting atmosphere. Decorated in shades of dusky rose and mahogany, the room exuded warmth and comfort. A sitting area by the fireplace invited relaxation, and a spacious dressing chamber promised luxury.
Christina walked about the room, admiring the tasteful furnishings and the thoughtful details. She turned to Mrs. Brimsey. "I love it. Thank you."
Katherine's voice came from the doorway. "I chose the colors for the room, Your Grace."
Christina turned, surprised. "The Duke allowed you to choose?"
Katherine shook her head. "He put Mrs. Brimsey in charge of the decoration, andsheallowed me to choose."
"I see," Christina said, unsurprised at the Duke's actions.He is predictable, and perhaps that will help me stay out of his way.
Cassidy and Amelia appeared in the doorway, with Amelia giggling. "Mrs. Peversly shall be cross, but we could not stay away."
Christina laughed and conspiratorially waved for them to enter the room. They all slipped in and closed the door behind them, while Mrs. Brimsey stood near it with her hands folded in front of her, a motherly smile on her face.
Christina looked at the girls once more, deciding to get to know them better without their father's imposing presence. "Agnes, how old are you?"
"I will be eight in the fall," Agnes replied eagerly.
Amelia and Cassidy chimed in unison, "We're eleven," and added, "Katherine is thirteen."
Christina's brows furrowed in surprise. "Your father never mentioned he had twins."
Cassidy and Amelia exchanged a glance before Amelia said, "We wish we were real twins."
Cassidy, suddenly looking a bit somber, explained, "The Duke is not our real father, although we adore him. Our real father was the Duke's brother. He and our mother died years ago in the colonies while on a trip."
Christina's heart broke for the girls. She gently touched Cassidy's cheek and gave Katherine a warm smile, which Katherine returned.
Cassidy then said suddenly, "It is why Katherine is always sad."
Katherine argued, "It is not."
Christina smiled reassuringly. "We will make the house a happy place."
Mrs. Brimsey warmly said, "Young ladies, it is almost time for dinner. You should let Her Grace rest."
She ushered them out of the room as they all talked over one another while Christina laughed.
