Page 9 of His Godsent Duchess
"Did she, now?" Christina smiled and glanced at her sister. Annie's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composed demeanor. Every time she introduced her to someone as Annie, she would correct it to Lady Annabelle, which was deemed more proper. What pained Christina was how Annie had once loved the diminutive of her name.
"I nearly forgot," Kilton said suddenly, drawing her attention back to him. "This is their governess, Miss Peversly."
"Your Grace." Miss Peversly's curtsy was light, almost as though she was reluctant to do it. Her posture was stiff, and her dark gaze held a condescension that perplexed Christina.
She turned her attention to the girls, and they beamed, their earlier ruefulness melting away. Their bright smiles reassured Christina that her presence might indeed make a difference. Her father then gestured toward the dining room. "Shall we proceed to the wedding breakfast?"
As they moved toward the dining room, Christina felt flutters within her—and not the good sort. The hallways seemed longer, the steps heavier as she contemplated her new reality. The future was uncertain, but the warmth in the girls' eyes gave her a small measure of hope. She held onto that hope tightly, like a lifeline. She would do her best to protect their spirits, just as she had vowed to herself.
"Write often," Annie urged, hugging Christina tightly. The embrace was warm and fierce, a desperate attempt to hold onto their bond.
Christina swallowed the lump in her throat. "I won't forget you. And once I am settled, I will invite you to spend time with us in Kent." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the emotions she struggled to keep in check.
She hugged Juliette and Joanna, promising to write to them often, then turned to her mother. Helen embraced her, whispering in Christina's ear, "You are no longer your father's problem, but you must ensure you do not give the Duke a reason to send you back and annul the marriage before it is consummated." Her words were touched with an underlying threat, masked by the outward affection.
"Is that warning necessary?" Christina asked, her voice tight. The implication of her mother's words cut deep, stirring a mix of resentment and fear.
Helen pulled away, smiling like a loving mother. "It is." Her smile did not reach her eyes, which remained cold and calculating.
When Christina looked at her father, he only nodded at her. His nod was curt, almost dismissive, and she felt a pang of sadness at the lack of warmth. Holding back a sigh, she turned to the Duke, who was handing Katherine into the carriage. When he turned, his eyes focused intensely on her. Christina felt a blush creeping up her cheeks and quickly chastised herself. The intensity of his gaze made her feel exposed, as if he could see through her defenses.
"You are to travel without me," Kilton said, his voice formal. His tone was distant, as if discussing a business arrangement rather than their immediate future. "I have business to finish up in London."
Christina's brows rose, her mind racing with questions. Why did he not tell her this before? He made her believe he would be traveling with them. But then again, she felt relieved, for she won't have to tolerate his stifling company. It shall just be her and the girls… and their governess.
"How long will you be away?" she asked, unable to keep the curiosity from her voice. Her words were measured, but she couldn't hide the edge of concern.
Kilton's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his features.Oh, the nerve of him to be offended by such a simple question."I will return to Kent when my business here is concluded."
Christina nodded, hiding her relief behind a neutral expression. The thought of some time apart was a small comfort, a chance to adjust to her new life without his imposing presence. She glanced at the girls already seated in the carriage, their faces bright with anticipation. Their innocence and excitement gave her a renewed sense of purpose.
Kilton took her hand, and she tensed, feeling both the warmth of his hand and his closeness. His grip was firm, as though to remind her of the control he wielded over her life now. As he handed her into the carriage, Christina felt both comforted and suffocated by the tight space. He gave a sharp nod before closing the door and knocking on the carriage.
As it rolled away, she looked back one last time at her parents, Her mother's stern gaze and her father's indifferent nod were reminder of the life she was leaving behind. She waved at her friends and family through the window before settling in her seat and sighing.
"Are you unhappy, Your Grace?" a voice asked.
She turned to her right to see Agnes sitting between her and Cassidy. The little girl's innocent eyes searched Christina's face for reassurance. Amelia, Katherine, and Miss Peversly were seated on the rear-facing seat.
Christina mustered a smile. "I am very happy to be in your lives because you all seem like charming girls." Her voice softened, genuine warmth replacing her earlier tension.
This got all of them excited, including Katherine, or Kitty as her sisters called her. Amelia started talking about a stream near Kilton Castle that they would love to show her. Agnes bounced in her seat, her hazel eyes glimmering with delight. "I have friends I would love to introduce you to."
"Who are they?" Christina asked, intrigued. Her curiosity was piqued by the child's enthusiasm.
Agnes giggled. "They are my dolls."
Christina laughed. "I am eager to make their acquaintance." Their laughter was a relief, a moment of lightness in the heavy day.
Cassidy chimed in. "We have an apple grove we love playing in."
Katherine, ever calm, added, "You must look forward to Cook's meals. They are delightful."
Christina responded warmly to each of them, feeling a sense of closeness to the girls. The warmth in her heart grew as she imagined the simple joys they described. "I cannot wait to see the stream, meet your friends, and taste Cook's meals. It all sounds wonderful."
Agnes then tugged at her arm. When Christina looked down, the girl said, "I am very happy you are our new mother, Your Grace."
Christina's heart swelled. "I am happy to be your new mother, Agnes." The sincerity in her voice was met with a bright smile from the little girl, making Christina's resolve even stronger.
