Page 27 of His Godsent Duchess
"Out with it," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "What are you plotting?"
Katherine, the eldest and often the most composed, blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. "Plotting, Father? Whatever could we possibly be plotting? We're merely waiting for you and Mother so we can eat dinner."
Victor blinked.Mother. It was the first time he had heard any of them refer directly to Christina as such. The title made sense, of course. That was the very reason he had married her—to give his daughters a mother. And yet, hearing it stirred something unfamiliar within him. Was it unease? Or perhaps something deeper? He hadn't quite figured it out.
Shaking off the thought, he turned his attention to Amelia. "And you, my dear, what are you up to?"
Amelia's eyes gleamed with mischief, but she didn't hold back her laughter. "Oh, Father, don't try to be charming. You simply haven't the talent for it."
The other girls erupted into fits of giggles, much to his chagrin. Victor was about to protest when a soft, melodic voice cut through the laughter.
"Some princes have a hidden charm," Christina's voice rang out from the doorway. "And your father is certainly one of them."
Victor turned sharply, his breath catching in his throat. There she stood, radiant and every inch a duchess. She wore a deep green velvet gown, the silver embroidery at the hem and neckline catching the light. Her hair, fiery and captivating, was elegantly arranged in a chignon, and her green eyes gleamed with life and mischief. She looked ethereal, like a vision from a dream.A man's dream.
He caught himself on that thought and cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. Christina curtsied gracefully, and Victor stepped forward, taking her gloved hand in his. Without thinking, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles, a rare, spontaneous gesture that surprised even him.
A faint blush colored her cheeks, and Victor found himself momentarily unable to look away. He realized, with some dismay, that he had been holding her hand longer than intended. Clearing his throat once more, he released her hand, straightening his posture in an attempt to appear unfazed.
Agnes, ever the little imp, snorted with laughter. "Father is not a prince," she declared with the confidence of an eight-year-old. "He's a duke! But Mother is a wonderful princess."
Victor glanced at Christina, feeling his expression softening despite himself. "You've stolen my children's loyalty," he muttered under his breath.
Christina's lips twitched into a playful smile. "I would say I've earned it, Your Grace."
Before he could respond, dinner was announced, and the family made their way to the dining room. Victor found himself walking alongside Christina, her presence both disarming and strangely comforting.
Once seated, they began the meal in relative quiet, though the girls could hardly contain their excitement. It wasn't long before Cassidy eagerly began recounting the events of the day.
"We visited Mr. Danvers and the other tenants!" she exclaimed between bites. "And we introduced the Duchess to everyone. They were all so happy to meet her!"
Victor's brows rose slightly, and his gaze flicked from the children to Christina. A wave of guilt washed over him.It was my duty to present her to the realm,he thought.Not theirs.How had he overlooked such an important responsibility?
Shifting slightly in his seat, he offered a compliment, masking his discomfort. "You have done well. I commend you all."
He turned to Christina, his tone softening. "And how did you find Willsbury, Duchess?"
Her eyes brightened at the question, and for a moment, Victor's guilt deepened. "I found it utterly charming," she replied, her voice warm. "I look forward to returning and discovering more about the village and its people. I daresay it will become a favorite of mine."
Victor nodded, and as he turned his attention back to his meal, Christina placed a gentle hand on his arm. The touch startled him, but he turned to meet her gaze.
"Thank you for allowing Annabelle to visit," she said softly, her gratitude sincere.
He murmured something in response, though his thoughts were elsewhere. There was a grief and hollowness in his life that Christina had reminded of the night before, and he was uncertain how he ought to address it.
As soon as Christina heard the sound of carriage wheels crunching over the gravel, her heart leaped, and she sprang from her seat, her pulse quickening. She barely noticed Agnes on her heels as she hurried toward the foyer.
The carriage had come to a halt just outside, and the door swung open. Annie alighted gracefully, her movements so precise and measured, but the instant her gaze met Christina's, her poise crumbled. A soft cry escaped her lips as she ran toward her sister, arms outstretched.
"Annie!" Christina breathed, rushing forward to meet her. She enveloped her sister in a tight embrace, holding her as though she might never let go. For a moment, Christina shut her eyes, relishing the warmth and familiarity of the hug.
Agnes, standing beside them, grinned up sweetly at Annie. "Welcome to Kilton Castle," she said, her voice small and adorably polite.
Christina couldn't help but smile at Agnes's sweetness. "Thank you, Agnes," she said softly, brushing a hand over her shoulder.
At that moment, Kitty appeared, and behind her, Amelia and Cassidy came dashing into view, all enthusiasm and excitement. The girls practically tumbled over one another in their rush, talking at once, their words mixing in a cacophony of eager voices.
"Oh, Annie, we're so glad you're here!" Amelia exclaimed, her words colliding with Cassidy's equally enthusiastic greeting.
