Page 3 of His Godsent Duchess
"Comport yourselves at once!" Victor yelled. The girls scrambled about before lining up in front of him, all of them panting and wide-eyed.
The governess shot to her feet, sending the plate of scones falling onto the carpeted floor. She curtsied quickly, her gaze darting about. "Your Grace, we were?—"
"What were you doing?" Victor demanded.
The girls lowered their heads, and the governess was unable to utter a word. Then Agnes, the youngest and boldest, spoke up. "We did not know you would be back early from London, Papa."
"I see." He turned to the governess. "Is this how you have been training my children?"
She curtsied again. "Y-your Grace, they are out of control and never listen to me. I am unable to call them to order, and the servants are too afraid of you to challenge them."
Victor felt his eyes narrow. "You are dismissed. Gather your things and leave immediately."
The governess' shoulders fell, but not from sorrow or resignation. On the contrary, she appeared to be positively relieved.Who would not be, with children such as mine!She curtsied once more, then hurried away. Victor looked down at the girls and commanded, "Katherine, remove whatever it is you are wearing on your head."
"It is a dragon's head," Amelia said, but when she saw that he was not smiling, she quieted and pressed her lips together.
"Go to your rooms and change into decent clothes. Then present yourselves to me in my study. You have ten minutes!"
They scrambled away, almost falling over each other. Victor closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. It was time for him to do what he had dreaded for years.
It was time to find his daughters a mother before they sent him to an early grave.
Two
Victor watched as Lord Hillsbury walked to a table and picked up a miniature portrait. He brought it to Victor, saying, "This is my daughter, Christina." The Earl's fingers lingered on the edge of the frame, a small smile playing on his lips.
Victor frowned as he looked at the miniature. The lady in the picture had fiery red hair that her bonnet could not seem to contain, and she was sitting in a meadow by a lake. The sunlight danced on her hair, making it look like it was ablaze. This might be a mere painting, but Victor thought there was something peculiar about her—and he did not like it.
Handing the miniature back to the Earl, he asked, "Is your daughter fond of the outdoors?" He eyed the portrait again, noting the wildflowers around her and the carefree tilt of her head. He wanted order in his home, and she did not appear as though she could enforce it.
The Earl laughed as he took his seat behind his desk. "Oh, no, she is too delicate and refined for that, Your Grace. My Christina prefers to spend her time playing the pianoforte or engaging in more productive pursuits." He waved a hand dismissively, as if the idea of Christina being outdoors was absurd.
Lord Hillsbury reached into his coat and retrieved a handkerchief with a lace border, showing it to Victor. "She is so sensible. Knowing how unkind spring is to me, she embroidered this handkerchief for my use." The delicate lace and intricate embroidery were evident, and Victor traced a finger along the edge, noting the craftsmanship.
Victor nodded, his earlier fear allayed. "How old is she?" He handed the handkerchief back, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers.
"She is two-and-twenty," Hillsbury responded.
Victor felt his brows rise. "And she has not found a suitable match in four seasons? Is something the matter with her?" He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he scrutinized the Earl's reaction.
Hillsbury laughed. "I shall not take offense at that question, for you are quite an extraordinary person, Your Grace. Christina is too good for most gentlemen, as you will come to find out should you marry her. She is noble, and very particular about whom she will share the remainder of her life with." The Earl's eyes gleamed with pride, and he leaned forward, his hands clasped together on the desk.
"Very well, My Lord. What of her education?" Victor's tone was inquisitive, though he already suspected the answer.
"She had an excellent early education from one of the best governesses in England," Hillsbury replied. "Then I sent her to Mrs. Darlington-Whit's Seminary, one of the finest schools for girls in the country, as you know." He sat back, a satisfied smile on his face as he listed her accomplishments.
Victor nodded, quietly satisfied that Lady Christina fulfilled his requirements: composure, education, and… "Is she graceful?"
Hillsbury rose and picked up another picture from the arrangement on a console. Victor accepted the picture and studied it. It was a painting of Lady Christina dancing with the Earl. Her dress flowed around her as she spun, her expression serene and poised. Her pose could be described as the epitome of grace, but then this was a painting and not reality.
Victor was aware that some aspects of human nature could not be falsified, and he would have to see her to truly determine her grace. He turned the picture slightly, catching the light to better see the details. He had no cause to doubt Hillsbury, however, for all he had ever heard about the Earl were honorable things.
"She dances very well," Hillsbury said.
Victor nodded again, setting the picture down on the desk. He leaned forward slightly. "You mentioned earlier that she sprained her ankle, but I do not believe you've made me aware of the cause."
The Earl shook his head slowly and pressed his lips for a moment. "My dear Christina went walking with her friends, the Duchess of Nettledown and the Duchess of Statton, in Hyde Park when a wayward horse charged toward them. Christina fell in an attempt to save a child from being trampled. Such strong maternal and protective instincts she has."
