Page 2 of His Godsent Duchess
"I know, but the poor creature looked so helpless. It tore at my heart."
"Even in pain, you cannot help that mouth of yours, Christina. May God help you!" She turned to Annie, who looked like she wanted to flee the room. "Annie, you had better be a good girl, because following in Christina's footsteps will only lead to disaster." With that, she left the room.
Yes, I truly believe this family needs God's help!Christina clenched her teeth, anger simmering within her. She might be a disappointment to her parents, but they were draining the life from her sister. "Do not listen to her, Annie," she said just as Annie's governess appeared in the doorway, her keen eyes studying the scene.
"Lady Annabelle, it is time for your music lessons," she declared.
Annie's hazel eyes widened, and she looked torn. "May I stay with Christina since she is injured?" Her voice trembled slightly, torn between duty and concern.
The governess glanced at Christina. "My sympathies, My Lady." She turned back to Annie. "Your sister will survive this injury, and your music lessons cannot be neglected."
"Go on, Annie," Christina encouraged. "I shall be fine." She forced a reassuring smile despite the pain throbbing in her foot. Annie nodded reluctantly, then she took Christina's hand and gave it a squeeze. Christina smiled at her, whispering, "Do run along and be a good girl."
The physician arrived shortly thereafter. He examined Christina's foot, then addressed her mother. "It is badly sprained. She must not disturb it for at least five days."
Christina sighed. "Five days? I shall go mad with boredom." She let out an exasperated huff, looking around the room in despair.
Her mother gave her a stern look. "You will do as the physician advises, my dear."
Christina nodded, resigned, and slumped back against the sofa.It could have been worse.
Her father returned after the physician's departure and stood before her. Christina regarded him warily, for she had never seen him this angry before. Now she truly believed her mother's words—that she had pushed him to his limit. She wondered how he would punish her.
At last, he spoke. "By the time your foot is healed, you shall be walking down the aisle."
Christina blinked. "What do you mean, Father?" Her heart pounded, fear and confusion warring within her.
"Do you think your injury will allow you to participate in the season as you ought to?"
"I will recover!" Christina insisted.
"You will not waste another year! I will have you married and see to it that your husband tames your wild spirit!" .He did not wait for her response before he stalked out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the silence.
Her mother stepped forward, her expression inscrutable. "Do not look so stricken, Christina. You brough this on yourself. We should have arranged your marriage a long time ago."
Christina's heart was in her throat," and her life was unraveling before her.What now?
Victor Runeson, the Duke of Kilton, dismounted, and a footman rushed forward to take the horse's reins from him. He looked up at Kilton Castle, to the window of his daughters' schoolroom. They should be having arithmetic lessons now, and judging by how quiet the estate was, Victor thought they might be behaving themselves for once.
The butler opened the door, tugging slightly at his neckcloth. "Good afternoon, Your Grace. Welcome back."
Victor noticed the butler's unease immediately. He looked around the grand foyer. It was still quiet, but something did not feel right. "Where are my children, Smith?" he asked, as the butler collected his hat and greatcoat.
"They are quite well, Your Grace," Smith replied, clearing his throat.
"I did not ask how my daughters are, I askedwherethey are," Victor said, his voice edged with impatience.
Smith hesitated, avoiding Victor's gaze. Clenching his teeth, Victor strode toward the stairs. As he took the first step up, a shriek rent the air, followed by several other voices screaming. Victor's heart threatened to pound a hole through his chest as he charged up toward the sound.
The screams turned to giggles, and someone called, "up there!" Then another voice cried, "I will slay you, oh monstrous dragon!" followed by, "bring me my sword, sir!"
Lord, help me!
Victor ran the rest of the way to the third floor. The sight that greeted him in the broad hallway was one of absolute chaos. His four daughters had gone completely mad! Katherine wore some monstrosity on her head that obscured her vision, while Amelia swung a wooden sword, missing her by mere centimeters. Cassidy and Agnes were sliding down the staircase banister from the fourth floor. Agnes wobbled as she neared the end of the banister, and Victor dashed to catch her in time.
When he set her down, she tried to run away from him, giggling. "Don't you dare!" Victor caught the back of her frock and pulled her back to him. "Where is your governess?" he demanded, looking around.
The governess sat in a corner, reading, with her shoes off and her feet up on a chair opposite her. In her lap was a plate of scones that made her oblivious to the girls' horrendous endeavors and his presence.
