Page 19 of His Godsent Duchess
"What is the matter, dear?" Christina asked.
Agnes's lower lip trembled. "We have been in the house for four days since Father returned."
Katherine added, "Miss Peversly doesn't even allow us the half-hour walk."
Christina felt her eyes narrow. She had not interfered in their walks because of Kilton, trusting the governess would follow his instructions. Now, she boiled inside with frustration. Setting down her teacup, she rose from her seat.
Agnes looked up at her, wide-eyed. "Where are you going?"
Katherine encouraged, "speak to Miss Peversly about the walks she denies us."
Christina gave a determined nod. "I am going to see your father."
Half an hour later, she was knocking on the library door where he had been sequestering himself since his return, practically turning it into his study.
"Who is it?" came his voice.
"It is I," she answered.
A short moment passed before he opened the door. She smiled at him, and he quirked a dark eyebrow. "If this is your way to get a smile out of me, you are wasting your flattery."
She retorted, "I do not recall flattering you."
He stepped aside, allowing her to enter. "Bringing me treats and smiling sweetly is flattery."
Christina walked into the library with the tray and found a place for it on a table at the center of the sitting area in front of the fireplace. She turned to face him. "I brought you luncheon, not treats, because I noticed you did not join the girls and me for the meal."
His expression softened immediately, and he closed the door. Just before it shut, however, Christina caught sight of Carrot slipping into the room. She remained quiet about it, hoping the cat would find a corner and rest instead of causing mischief.
Kilton crossed the room to join her. He regarded the contents of the tray—a delicious cold repast of ham, cheese, freshly baked bread, and a selection of fruits—and then looked at her with an odd gleam in his eyes, as if appraising her anew, determining she was no longer a danger to him and his children.
"Thank you for bringing the meal to me," he said, adding, "it is thoughtful of you." He sat in a chair while she lowered herself into an adjacent sofa.
Christina, never able to keep her mouth shut, playfully asked, "do you still deem me a hellion?"
He placed a slice of ham and cheese on some bread and took a bite, taking his time to chew before swallowing. "You are still a nightmare."
She teased, "why don't you awaken, then?"
"I have no choice but to remain in this slumber," he replied, reaching for another slice of ham. Just as he was about to raise it to his mouth, a soft mew broke the moment. Kilton tensed, his hand freezing midair. He looked down to see Carrot longingly eyeing the ham in his hand.
The Duke shot an accusing look at Christina. "What is this beast doing in the library?"
Christina glanced down at Carrot, who was licking his lips. "Look at him. He is hardly a beast."
Kilton asked again, "how did the creature enter the library?"
She shrugged. "I certainly did not carry him on the tray."
Kilton ignored her and raised the ham to his mouth once more, muttering something under his breath. Carrot continued to stare at him, his eyes wide and imploring.
Christina smiled and said, "you will never be free until you allow Carrot to partake of your meal."
The Duke sighed, looking down at the cat with his brows furrowed. Kilton grumbled, "what manner of entrapment is this where I cannot even eat in my own home?"
Christina pointed out, "you are the one holding the food, not Carrot."
With a sigh of resignation, he tore a piece of ham and gave it to the kitten. Carrot devoured it with eager enthusiasm, growling softly. Kilton managed a single bite of his own before Carrot's second demand came. He tossed the remainder of the ham to the insistent kitten and reached for another slice.
