Page 20 of His Godsent Duchess
Christina seized the moment. "Your Grace, I did not come here only to bring you your meal. I wish to appeal on behalf of the children."
He tilted his head, his expression inviting her to continue.
"The children are bored, and remaining indoors does not benefit them," she explained, her tone measured.
"It does benefit them," he countered, a hint of irritation in his voice. "Miss Peversly has reported their improvement. Cassidy is excelling in arithmetic, Katherine's skills with the needle are commendable, and Agnes is progressing in her reading."
"And Amelia?" Christina asked, her brow furrowing as she recalled the sadness in the girls' eyes.
He paused, taking a deliberate bite and chewing. "I have no report about Amelia."
Christina took a step closer, her gaze unwavering. "Are you aware that they are not even allowed to take the half-hour walks you permitted them to?"
Kilton's eyes narrowed. "I am certain Miss Peversly has a good reason for not allowing them."
Miss Peversly is not to be trusted!Christina was silent for a moment, then spoke, her voice low but insistent. "If you were confined to this library—" He opened his mouth to interrupt, but she held up a hand, forestalling him. "Against your will for months, unable to step out into the hallway, what would you do?"
He looked at her, his expression softening ever so slightly. "You have a rather good point. What do you propose to lift the children's spirits without excess? I cannot afford to disrupt the fragile peace we have achieved."
Christina brightened with hope. "We could organize a picnic for them."
Kilton shook his head. "It will excite them too much."
"It will not," she argued, her tone earnest. "You can join us to ensure the situation remains under control."
He considered her words, his gaze steady. "Very well, but the picnic shall be held in the garden."
Christina smiled warmly. "There is an oak tree that provides perfect shade."
At that moment, Carrot pawed at his boot, and without thinking, Kilton tossed him another slice of ham, which the kitten devoured eagerly.
Christina watched this interaction, a warm feeling blossoming in her chest. She could see now that Kilton was not as unfeeling as she had initially thought.
"What are you smiling about?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Before she could answer, Carrot jumped onto her lap. Kilton observed the scene with a bemused expression. "Did you choose the cat because you look alike?"
Christina chuckled, shaking her head. "I found him in a tree when he was younger and rescued him. I decided to give him a home. It is fate that brought us together."
Kilton took another bite, his gaze shifting between her and the cat. "You did not sprain your ankle rescuing a child from a horse in London, did you?"
She slowly shook her head, a sigh escaping her lips. "No, I was rescuing Carrot from a tree again."
He gave her an incredulous look but said nothing, returning to his meal and selecting a few strawberries. Christina waited a moment, stroking the kitten's fur as he purred contentedly.
"I did not know my father would lie to you," she said softly. "I regret it deeply."
He sighed, his demeanor softening. "It has already happened. Like you and Carrot, fate brought us together. All I wanted, and still want, is a mother for my children. They deserve someone strong and with a good heart after all they have endured."
Christina recalled that Katherine and Cassidy were orphans. She hesitated, then asked, "How did the late Duchess…?" She trailed off, unsure if the question was appropriate.
Kilton surprised her by answering, "She succumbed to a strange fever."
Christina muttered her condolences, wondering if he had loved his late wife—if he was capable of loving anyone. His gaze grew distant as he spoke again.
"She was cold and unfeeling toward the children," he said quietly.
"Oh, poor dears," Christina whispered. No wonder they were unruly. All they wanted was affection. She could give them that at least, and she vowed not to let them down.
