Page 69 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
Tobias ran a hand through his hair, his eyes distant, and Rowen knew he was thinking of all the things he needed to do.
“But first, I wish to check on the children. I want to make sure they are all right and that none of their other tutors have been behaving like this.”
His eyes flashed with anger, and he clenched his hands into fists. Rowen reached up and laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked at her, his eyes softening once more.
“Hopefully, it is only one bad apple in the bunch. But whatever happens, we will deal with it together.” She held out her hand, and he took it. “I will write to the widows and have them spread the word as well. Adele is hosting a tea party tomorrow, and I know that Miss Joan Featherstone will be there—she will delight in spreading something salacious.”
Rowen and Tobias began to walk towards the kitchen together. She tried not to think about the warmth of his hand around hers.
“I do not think I have known anyone who loves gossip as much as Miss Featherstone.” Tobias shook his head.
“It will be a nice change to have Miss Featherstone’s tongue used for good rather than ill.” Rowen tapped a finger against her lips. “No doubt Cora also knows someone well placed to spread word as well, especially with your legwork on the matter.”
“I will make sure the servants are apprised of the story, and remind Mr. Tanner to tell the footmen not to add their own embellishments.” Tobias frowned. “As a butler, they should respect his word, but perhaps I should also make it clear in person. Mr. Evans, especially, is prone to such things.”
“It may be best if we allow them to add their own embellishments, provided they serve our cause, of course.” Rowen pursed her lips. “Mr. Evans is taken with one of the maids; I can make sure she steers him in the right direction. Sometimes it is better to lure flies with honey.”
She realized that Tobias was looking at her, a small smile on his face. She felt her cheeks redden and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.
“You truly are remarkable.” He smiled at her.
“Thank you.” She swallowed.
As they rounded the corner, she found Georgie and Alistair waiting for them. Each was nibbling on a spiced bun, and when they saw them, their eyes widened.
Rowen did not let go of Tobias’s hand, feeling him hesitate when he saw the children. She saw the bandages around Georgie’s arms, and the urge to find Mr. Grey and feed him to the pigs returned.
“Do we have to resume our lessons?” Alistair asked as they drew level.
“No. Not today. I think you could both do with a break,” Rowen said, pulling her children into a hug.
“But—”
“Your mother is right.” Tobias’s voice was deep and soft. “You have both been working far too hard; you should do something fun.”
Georgie swallowed and looked between Alistair, Rowen, and Tobias. “Like what?”
“Anything you wish.” Tobias shrugged. “Well, perhaps not anything. I would not want you to put yourselves in harm’s way.”
“It is snowing.” Alistair pointed out the window.
“In that case, I think I have the perfect idea for us.” Rowen grinned at the children and saw their eyes widen. “I think it is time for us to build a snowman.”
“All of us?” Georgie looked hopefully at Tobias, as did Alistair.
Rowen saw Tobias hesitate for a moment, and then he nodded. “All of us.”
Twenty
“He needs arms.” Alistair frowned at the snowman they had built.
Tobias nodded, looking around to see if there were any suitable twigs nearby. The bare branches of the tree sagged beneath the weight of the snow.
Georgie and Rowen were nowhere in sight, but from the armless state of their snowman, Tobias suspected that they were also looking for suitable appendages. He let out a puff of air, watching as it fogged in front of him.
“What about that?” He pointed to a low-hanging branch with several breakable sticks. “Do you think you could break those off if I lifted you?”
“I think so.” Alistair nodded and walked towards the tree. “If we are quick, then we can finish our snowman before Mother and Georgie get back.”
