Page 34 of His Godsent Duchess
Amelia, sitting beside her, began to cry as well, her quiet sobs making the tension at the table swell. Victor felt a sharp pang of frustration, his fingers curling tightly around his fork. He could hardly think straight with two weeping children, their innocent faces pleading for something as trivial as a kitten.
He set his fork down, his jaw tightening as he met their tearful gazes. "Carrot is not going anywhere," he said, his voice firm. The words sounded strange, even to him—utterly ridiculous, as though he were making grand declarations about the fate of nations, not the future of a feline.
But the relief in the girls' faces was instant. Agnes wiped her tears with her sleeve, and even Amelia sniffled quietly, a small smile breaking through her tear-streaked face.
Victor, however, could not help but think of Christina. He knew all too well that sending Carrot away would have been an invitation to a battle with his wife—a battle he had little interest in fighting at the moment.
For now, keeping the peace was the wisest course. Christina's defiance remained a thorn in his side, but he could not deny the subtle victories she had achieved. The girls were… different. There was order where there had once been chaos, respect where there had been rebellion.
Victory, no matter how small, is still victory.
There was still disorder in his home, but it could be managed. And he knew exactly where to begin. Tomorrow.
Fifteen
"This is from His Grace, Your Grace," Addison said softly, handing Christina a folded note.
Christina brushed a few stray curls away from her face, curiosity piquing her as she opened the paper. Her eyes skimmed the words, and her breath hitched slightly.
I invite you to join me for a ride this morning. I shall be waiting at the stables.
Victor.
She stared at the contents of the letter a moment longer, as if needing to confirm the invitation was real. Then, before she could stop herself, a wide grin spread across her face. She sprang from the bed, excitement bubbling within her.
"Fetch my riding habit, Addison!" she said, her voice alight with anticipation.
Addison raised a brow, but hurried to do as she was bid. Christina could barely stand still as she dressed, her thoughts swirling.Victor had invited her.Perhaps this was his way of making amends after the quiet tension of the day before, after the disappointment that had weighed heavily on her when she had declined to join him for dinner. This gesture felt like a peace offering—or at the very least, an olive branch.
Once dressed, she made her way down to the stables, her heart pounding a little faster than usual. As she approached, she spotted Victor standing between two horses—a striking bay stallion and a gray mare. The early morning light filtered through the stable doors, catching the dampness of his dark hair. He was dressed in a fine blue morning coat, his tall frame composed with that effortless elegance she had come to associate with him.
Her heart gave a small, traitorous flutter, but she schooled her features into a semblance of calm.
Victor turned as she approached, his gaze settling on her. "Good morning. How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice low and even.
"I am better," Christina replied, managing a smile.
Victor gestured toward the mare. "This is Angelique," he said. "And this," he added, nodding to the stallion, "is Toro."
Christina's smile widened at the introduction. "You named them?" she asked, amusement dancing in her tone.
Victor offered the faintest of smiles. "I did."
She let out a soft laugh. "Well, it seems you have a softer heart in that stone chest of yours than I thought."
The slight curve of his lips almost hinted at a smile, but it was fleeting. He handed her the reins to Angelique. "I trust you will find her suitable for our ride."
Christina's mood dimmed slightly as she eyed the side saddle. She had never been fond of it. "I see you've chosen a side saddle for me," she said, a note of displeasure in her voice.
Victor's brow lifted. "Indeed. I am here to teach you how to use it properly."
Her heart sank.So that was it. She had thought he meant to make amends, but no—he wanted to correct her behavior, to mold her into something more befitting a duchess. Her fingers tightened around the reins as she looked him in the eye. "I already know how to use a side saddle," she said plainly.
"Then why do you not use it?" Victor's question came as he stepped closer, and her breath caught.
For a brief moment, her mind flashed to the library, to the moment he had nearly kissed her. She wondered, as he stood so near now, if he might dare repeat that closeness. She cleared her throat, trying to steady herself. "Because I loathe it. It is not nearly as comfortable as ridding astride."
Victor's brow arched slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Being a duchess comes with a measure of discomfort, I'm afraid."
