Page 43 of His Godsent Duchess
Victor made a noncommittal noise, his attention still flickering between Christina and his friend. There was something more he seemed to want to say, but after a moment of hesitation, he merely muttered, "I will be in my study," before turning and walking off, his dark figure vanishing through the archway.
Ashing remained, his smile never wavering. "Who wants sugar plums?" he called to the girls.
Their excited cheers filled the air as they followed him toward the drawing room. Even Annie, normally more reserved, hurried along with them, eager to partake in the excitement.
Left standing alone at the base of the stairs, Christina exhaled softly. Her gaze drifted toward the archway that led to Victor's study, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. But she would not go after him. Not now. Instead, she headed toward the library, intent on finishing the task she'd begun earlier in the day.
Upon entering, she was greeted by the low purr of Carrot, curled up contentedly in a chair by the door. She smiled at the sight and moved deeper into the room, picking up the books she'd left on Victor's desk. With a quiet focus, she arranged the volumes on the shelf, completing the set.
"I see you're not one for following orders," came Victor's voice from behind her, low and amused.
Her heart raced at the sound, but she didn't turn immediately. "I see you're fond of issuing too many," she replied, a touch of humor in her tone.
When she finally turned, she found him standing there, arms crossed, a glint of amusement in his eyes. He puzzled her. One moment he was distant, the next, attentive and warm.
He stepped closer, his gaze flickering to her shoulder as he gently pushed the shawl aside to inspect the fading bruise. "How is your shoulder?"
She breathed a bit too quickly, the feel of his hand against her skin both soothing and electrifying. "It's healing well," she replied, her voice steady despite her fluttering heart. "Though it still looks worse than it feels."
Victor's hand lingered for a moment before he stepped back. "And the children?" he asked, his tone slightly more serious.
"They're doing well. Miss Peversly instructs them, but only under my close watch," Christina replied, watching him closely, waiting to see how he would react to the mention of the governess.
He said nothing about it, though his gaze wandered to the shelf behind her. "Where did you find the missing volumes?" he asked.
"I sent for them from London," she explained. "They arrived this morning."
Victor looked at her with something close to approval in his eyes. "You've done well," he said softly. Christina smiled as something warm and unspoken passed between them.
"Will you be staying, or do you intend to return to London soon?" Christina asked, her voice steady, though her heart betrayed a tremor of uncertainty.
Victor's eyes flickered, but he did not respond. Instead, he quietly reached out, adjusting the shawl around her shoulders, his fingers brushing against her skin with a touch so fleeting it might have been imagined. He stepped back, distancing himself once more, and Christina sighed inwardly.Taciturn again, she thought, feeling the walls he'd momentarily lowered rebuilding themselves between them.
"I visited the stables," he said at last, his tone neutral. "Angelique is improving."
Christina smiled softly, but the warmth did not fully reach her eyes. "I was there this morning as well."
Victor's brow lifted, his surprise palpable. "Has the physician returned in my absence?" His voice held a hint of disbelief, as though he couldn't fathom her defiance.
"He comes every afternoon," Christina confirmed, her tone brisker than she intended. "He brings more laudanum and insists I remain abed."
Victor's gaze sharpened. "You don't appear to be taking it."
Christina lifted her chin, a touch of pride creeping into her response. "I hate the laudanum. Mrs. Brimsey brews me vervain tea instead."
For a moment, Victor was silent, his expression unreadable. Then, with an edge to his voice that she hadn't anticipated, he said, "why am I not surprised?" When he moved toward his desk, she followed him.
"The village fair is in two days," she began. "The girls would love to attend. It would do them good to experience something outside these castle walls."
Victor's brow creased. "The village fair? Absolutely not. The girls are not leaving the grounds."
Christina's mouth tightened, but she held her ground. "Why not? It's a harmless event, and they've been shut here for far too long."
His eyes narrowed. "Harmless? A crowd of villagers is no place for my daughters. There will be chaos, and I won't have them exposed to it."
"They need more than tutors and governesses, Victor," she said, her voice rising slightly. "They need life! Experiences that will help them grow, not just be proper little ladies kept under lock and key."
Victor's jaw clenched, the muscles in his neck tensing as he straightened. "I am responsible for their safety. And I will not risk it by allowing them to be paraded around in front of strangers."
