Page 58 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
Adele felt a lump form in her throat, but before she could say anything else, the little girl with Rowen stepped into the centre of the adults. It was then that Adele realised that she was wearing trousers like her brother and had her hair tied up in a very boyish fashion.
“Is that your lake?” the girl asked, pointing to the large lake in the distance.
For a moment, Adele worried that Warner might be cold and distant with the girl, but to her surprise, he knelt down and gave the girl a smile. “It is.”
“Are there any monsters in it?” The girl’s eyes widened in excitement.
Warner shook his head. “Not as far as I know.”
“Oh.” The girl looked crestfallen.
“But we could always go and have a look.” Warner gestured to the lake. “That is, only if you can swim and your mother agrees.”
“I am an excellent swimmer. Mama, can I go and look for monsters in the lake?” The girl turned to Rowen.
“I don’t want to look for monsters.” A small boy peered out from behind Rowen. “They might eat me, and I can’t swim faster than a monster.”
“It’s okay, Ali. I won’t let any monsters eat you. I’ll keep you safe.” His sister patted his hand.
“Nor will I,” added Warner, giving the boy an encouraging look. “No monster has ever eaten anyone on my watch.”
Rowen gave her children an amused smile. “Perhaps, darlings, it would be best to introduce yourselfbeforeyou ask to go monster hunting.”
“Oh.” Adele watched as the little girl turned towards Warner and Adele and gave them a bow. “My name’s Georgia, but today I’mGeorge. Sometimes I’m Gigi, but today is a George day. And that is my brother, Alistair. He’s always Alistair. Or Ali if you like him.”
Adele saw Rowen stiffen protectively as her daughter introduced herself, as though she was preparing for someone to say that the girl could not be called George.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, George,” Warner replied without missing a beat, and Adele felt her heart glow with pride. “I am Warner Scott, Duke of Scarfield.”
“And I am Adele Scott, Duchess of Scarfield,” Adele introduced herself, smiling at George.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Rowen relax. She smiled at the little girl. “You may call me Auntie Adele if you wish.”
“I have lots of Aunties, but not a lot of uncles.” George looked curiously at Warner.
“I would be honoured if you called me Uncle Scott,” he replied seriously.
“What about Uncle Scar? That seems a better name for a monster hunter.” George canted her head up at Warner.
He stroked his chin and then nodded. “Uncle Scar it is.”
George clapped her hands in delight. “And you will take me hunting for monsters? Now?”
“If you wish.” Warner stood up.
Adele only just managed to keep the surprise from her face. She had expected Warner to politely decline. He clearly saw the look on her face and arched an amused eyebrow at her.
“I do! I do!” George began to tug on her brother’s hand. “We can all go together.”
“I am not sure if the Duke has enough boats for that.” Rowen shot Warner a questioning look.
“I have plenty of boats; we just need to ensure we have enough people to row them.” Warner gestured to the small boathouse by the lake.
“I think I am up to the task of rowing.” Rowen straightened, and Adele had to hide the smile she felt creeping across her face at her friends affronted pride.
“I can help too!” George added excitedly.
“You are too little to row,” Alistair pointed out.
