Page 22 of His Godsent Duchess
The girls pointed at a small puddle near a hedge, a remnant of the rain from the night before.
Christina was about to suggest the girls go inside to change when Agnes gasped, her eyes widening as she looked over Christina's shoulder. Turning, Christina saw the governess marching toward them, her expression dark and ominous.
Miss Peversly did not wait to reach them before she began scolding. "What is the meaning of this disgrace? Look at the state of you, Agnes, Cassidy! Mud all over your dresses! Have you no sense?"
Christina felt frustration bubbling within her. She stood and attempted to draw the governess aside by the elbow. "Miss Peversly, the Duke is aware of this picnic?—"
Miss Peversly shoved her shoulder hard, causing Christina to stumble backward a little. Shocked, Christina demanded, "Why would you do such a thing?"
Miss Peversly glared at her. "Stop behaving as if you are truly the mistress of this castle because you do not deserve that title!"
It took immeasurable effort for Christina not to respond in kind. She reminded herself that she needed to be a good woman and a role model for the girls. "We will continue this conversation in private, Miss Peversly," she said calmly, before turning to the children. "Girls, let us go inside and get you clean."
"What is going on here?" a stormy voice boomed across the garden. Christina turned to see Kilton marching toward them, his expression dark and thunderous.
She immediately thought he was here to disapprove of the girls getting mud on themselves. "Your Grace, I can explain?—"
He cut her off, his eyes locked onto the governess. "Who do you think you are to lay a hand on a duchess of the realm? On my wife!"
It was the first time Christina had heard him refer to her as his wife and not simply the Duchess. Something swirled in her heart at his words. Kilton stood closer to Christina, as if shielding her with his body. Could it be that he considered her a part of his family? His eyes were stormy, and his hands were clenched into fists.
The governess stammered, her face paling. "Your Grace, I was merely?—"
"Explain yourself," he demanded, his voice ice-cold.
Miss Peversly's voice wavered. "I-I was only trying to maintain discipline, Your Grace."
He glared at her, unyielding. "You are unfit to work here. Make arrangements for a new position. I will allow you to stay until that is done, but do not take advantage of my good will."
Christina thought allowing Miss Peversly to stay a minute longer in the castle was a mistake but decided not to argue with her husband, choosing to trust his judgment. The governess curtsied, her face pale and expressionless, before leaving.
Addison ushered the girls inside, and Kilton turned to Christina. "Are you well?"
She nodded, warmth spreading within her. "I am fine, thank you for helping me."
Their eyes held, a current passing between them. He said, "it is my duty to defend my family."
She felt herself leaning a little closer to him, and he did the same. Her heart raced when his gaze seemed to move to her lips. But then he blinked, as though checking himself, and straightened.
"How did you know what was happening?" she asked, curious.
"I have been watching the picnic from my study," he revealed.
"So you did join us in spirit, at least?" she teased.
"I was merely observing to ensure everything was in order."
"Ah, the ever-vigilant guardian," she replied, her tone light.
He raised an eyebrow, his eyes flaring slightly. "Is that what you think of me?"
"Well, you did just come to my rescue," she said. "Perhaps there is a chivalrous heart beneath that stern exterior."
He leaned in slightly, his gaze intense. "Perhaps there is more to me than meets the eye, Duchess."
She felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "And perhaps there is more to me as well, Duke."
Kilton offered his arm to her. "Shall we return to the castle?"
