Page 13 of His Godsent Duchess
Christina grinned. "That would be fur, darling." Her playful remark was meant to lighten the mood, but it seemed to anger the governess further.
Miss Peversly's expression hardened. "His Grace strongly disapproves of the girls having pets."
Christina couldn't fathom why the governess was antagonizing her, but she dismissed the notion with a stiff smile. The woman's hostility was puzzling, but Christina was determined not to let it affect her. "Carrot ismypet, not the children's. And I am his wife."
The governess turned and left without a word. Christina sighed. The tension she left behind was stifling, but Christina resolved to maintain her composure. "I wish to go riding."
Agnes bounced with excitement. "I want to go as well!" Christina found herself smiling despite the earlier tension.
Christina turned to Mrs. Brimsey. "Please have horses prepared for me and all the girls."
The housekeeper suddenly looked extremely nervous. Her demeanor shifted from welcoming to apprehensive in an instant. "Is something amiss?" Christina inquired.
"All is well, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey replied stiffly, then departed. Her departure was abrupt, and Christina was left feeling unsettled.
Christina wondered what had just transpired.
Six
It had been over a week since Victor had married the Duchess. As he arrived at Kilton Castle, he hoped the dream he had envisioned before the marriage was beginning to take shape. He climbed down from the carriage, straightening his coat as his groom approached, twisting his cap with a look of concern and uncertainty.
"What is the matter?" Victor asked, his tone clipped with irritation.
The groom shifted uncomfortably. "Your Grace, it's... well, it's the Duchess."
Victor's patience frayed. "Out with it, man!"
"I wouldn't say, except I knew you would disapprove, so I feel I have to..." at the sight of Victor's glare he stuttered out: "Earlier this week, the Duchess went riding with all four ladies," the groom stammered. Victor's anger began to simmer, but the groom continued. "She did not use the sidesaddle and rode astride... in men's clothing."
Victor's eyes widened, scandalized. "Surely, you are mistaken."
But the groom's solemn expression told him otherwise. Victor marched into the castle, ready to confront the hellion he appeared to have married. As he entered the grand foyer, he noticed both footmen carrying the bags, but Smith was conspicuously absent to take his hat and greatcoat.
From the direction of the library, he heard a commotion—shouting, laughter, and what sounded like battle cries. "Charge! To arms! Defend the fort!" Victor's brows knitted in confusion.What in the world is happening?He hurried toward the noise, quickening his pace until he found himself running.
Bursting into the library, Victor was met with a sight that left him in shock. Nearly all the castle servants were gathered, watching with varying degrees of amusement and horror as his daughters engaged in what could only be described as a mock battle.
To his absolute horror, his books had been transformed into fortifications. Katherine stood atop a makeshift parapet, brandishing a cane like a sword. "To victory, soldiers!" she cried.
Cassidy, her hair wild, was behind a stack of encyclopedias, pretending to reload a musket fashioned from a fireplace poker. "Reloading! Hold the line!"
Amelia, crouched behind an atlas, shouted, "Fire at will!" as she aimed a rolled-up map like a cannon.
Agnes, the smallest but no less fierce, charged with a makeshift bayonet, her eyes alight with the thrill of battle. "For honor and glory!"
Victor's mouth opened and closed as he tried to comprehend the scene. He took a step into the room, and his presence was soon noticed. The girls stopped mid-action, their weapons dropping to their sides.
"What is the meaning of this?" He demanded, his voice trembling with anger and disbelief.
Amelia, always the brave one, stepped forward. "Father, we were just having a bit of fun. The Duchess said it was important to play and use our imaginations."
"The Duchess said?" Victor's voice was cold. "And where is the Duchess now?"
"She… she went to…" Amelia trailed off, her voice small.
Victor took a deep breath, trying to rein in his temper. "This cannot continue," he said, his tone more measured. "There are proper ways to conduct oneself."
Miss Peversly appeared, her face tight with disapproval. "Your Grace, I warned the household against such diversions," she said, curtsying.
