Page 42 of His Godsent Duchess
A flicker of understanding passed across Ashing's face, and he stood, crossing the room to join Victor by the window. "You can't protect her from the world by shutting her in a cage, Kilton," he said softly, placing a hand on Victor's shoulder. "I've seen that look in your eyes before. You're trying to control something that can't be controlled. You can't stop her from being who she is, any more than you could have changed Christian."
Victor's jaw tightened further, his gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on the darkened landscape outside. "I know," he admitted, his voice rough with frustration. "But it doesn't mean I should let her charge headlong into danger. It's my responsibility to keep her and the children safe."
Ashing's grip on his shoulder tightened slightly, a reassuring weight. "You can't control everything, Kilton. Not people, not fate. All you can do is stand by their side and trust them to walk the path they choose."
Victor exhaled slowly, the truth of Ashing's words settling uncomfortably in his chest. He turned to face his friend, who watched him with the patience and understanding of someone who had long since come to terms with life's uncontrollable nature.
"There's nothing for you here in London, Kilton," Ashing said softly. "Go back to Kent. To your family."
Victor's heart clenched at the thought, his mind warring with itself. Part of him wanted to return, wanted to see Christina and make sure she was well. But the other part—the part driven by fear—kept him rooted in place.
He had promised himself he wouldn't fall into the same trap again, yet here he was, already teetering on the edge.
"May I be excused?" Amelia asked, her voice soft and hopeful as she cast a glance toward Miss Peversly.
The governess, already prepared to deny her request, met Christina's steady gaze from across the schoolroom. Her lips thinned, and after a moment of silent exchange, she nodded with reluctance. "Very well," she muttered, her face drawn tight with displeasure.
Christina sat quietly at the back of the room, watching Miss Peversly's lesson. Two days had passed since her injury, and though her shoulder still ached, she was feeling much better, strong enough to oversee the children's lessons herself. She wasn't about to let Miss Peversly continue unchecked.
Minutes later, Amelia came bursting through the door, her eyes wide with excitement as she shouted, "Father has returned!"
Christina's heart gave an unexpected leap, betraying her.Why does it always come to this?She wasn't supposed to miss him, yet she did. But she was also meant to be angry, wasn't she? After all, he'd left without so much as a word, and now here he was, back without explanation. She watched as the girls leaped to their feet, their excitement bubbling over.
Except for Annie, all the girls rushed toward the door, eager to see their father. But Miss Peversly quickly stepped into their path, her stern voice cutting through their excitement. "Lessons are still in session. Return to your seats at once."
Christina rose, her expression calm but resolute. "Surely they are allowed to welcome their father home, Miss Peversly," she said, her voice smooth, though firm. "They have missed him terribly."
For a moment, the governess hesitated, her face tight with restraint. But Christina stood her ground, and slowly, grudgingly, Miss Peversly stepped aside. The girls tumbled out of the room, giggling as they dashed down the hall. "Walk gently," Christina called after them, suppressing a smile. "We wouldn't want any accidents."
Miss Peversly scoffed audibly behind her, but Christina turned, offering the governess a sweet smile, a silent message passing between them. They both knew whose authority held sway in Kilton Castle, and it wasn't the governess.
As Christina descended the corridor, Annie looped her arm carefully through Christina's injured one. "You handle her so well," she whispered, admiration in her voice. "It's remarkable."
Christina smiled, patting Annie's hand. "I am simply doing what any mother would do for her daughters." The word ‘mother' felt as if it carried more weight with each passing day.
They reached the grand foyer, and there, surrounded by the girls, stood Victor, towering as always, his dark presence commanding attention. Agnes, with her usual boldness, had her hands on her hips, demanding to know why he'd left without saying a word.
"I had urgent business in London," he began to explain, but a cough from beside him interrupted.
Victor's head snapped toward the source of the sound, glaring at the gentleman who had apparently stifled a laugh. Kitty turned to the man, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Uncle Marcus, why are you coughing?" she asked innocently.
The gentleman—Marcus, the Marquess of Ashing—chuckled lightly and shrugged. "Merely a bit of dust in the air," he replied with an exaggerated innocence.
Cassidy wasn't convinced. "But Mrs. Brimsey ensures there's no dust in the castle every morning," she countered with certainty, making the whole scene that much more entertaining.
Victor was about to respond when his gaze shifted, locking with Christina's as she descended the final step. Something unfamiliar flickered in his expression, something that caused warmth to bloom in her cheeks. He approached her, his focus solely on her, and for a moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room.
He stopped at the base of the stairs and took her hand, pressing his lips to her knuckles in a gentle kiss. His eyes remained on hers, and the air between them seemed to hum with something unspoken. "How are you faring, Christina?" he asked softly.
Her heart fluttered at the way he said her name, and she smiled, despite her racing pulse. "Much better, thank you."
Victor nodded, his eyes lingering a moment longer before he turned to the Marquess. "Ashing," he called, beckoning his friend to join them. When the marquess approached, Victor introduced him to Christina. "This is my dear friend, the Marquess of Ashing."
Ashing offered a low bow, his smile both charming and warm. "Your Grace, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance."
Christina returned his smile, inclining her head gracefully. "You are most welcome here, my lord."
Ashing straightened, his gaze playful as he looked between Christina and Victor. "I see the castle has been in good hands during your absence, Kilton."
