Page 59 of A Duke's Unwanted Bride
“But I’m strong!” his sister insisted.
“Your eyes will be needed to search for monsters,” Adele chimed in, sensing that it would be best not to let the children row and fearing what might happen if they fell overboard.
From Rowen’s grateful look, she could tell the interjection had been the correct thing to do.
“Oh. That’s true. Old people do not have very good eyesight.” George gave the adults gathered around her a sombre look while her brother nodded.
Adele forced herself not to laugh at the child’s serious expression.
“I am not old!” Verity exclaimed, and her spaniel yipped in happy agreement.
Warner added in a stage whisper to the two children. “It is very dangerous to tell a lady that she is old. Far more scary than any monster.”
Adele swatted at her husband who danced away laughing. “You see?”
The children laughed and then began to sprint towards the boathouse, calling over their shoulders, “Last one there is a smelly fish!”
Rowen groaned and tore after her twins. “Slow down! What have I said about running near water?”
Adele watched as Rowen wrangled the twins and Verity darted after them, her spaniel barking at her heels as she helped her friend. Cora shook her head fondly and walked towards the children, leaning on her walking stick for support.
“Thank you.” Adele took advantage of the moment to lean close to Warner as they walked and murmur, “You did not have to do this.”
“It was no trouble.” Warner made a dismissive gesture. “Well, it was a little trouble to keep it a surprise.”
“You do seem to enjoy surprising me,” Adele teased, and an unreadable look passed over Warner’s face, his body stiffening slightly at her words.
He shrugged, turning from her and massaging his neck. “I want you to feel at home here. The widows are important to you, and I wished for you to understand that they would always be welcome here.”
“That is very kind of you.” Adele swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Though you do not have to take any more time out of your day. I am sure we can arrange some other entertainment for the children.”
He arched an eyebrow at her. “I have already told little George that I would take her monster hunting. You know that I am a man of my word.”
“I do, but —” Adele began, but Warner cut her off, firmly though not unkindly.
“But nothing. They are your friend’s children, and I know their happiness is important to you. So it is important to me.” He gave her a sidelong look. “Besides, I am on my honeymoon — there is very little pressing business to which I need attend.”
“I think it will be best if I wait on the shore.” Cora’s voice broke in as they drew level with the rest of the group. “My old bones are not made for clambering in and out of boats.”
“Well, I shall keep you company then,” Adele offered. “I can have the servants bring us some lemonade and snacks.”
Warner moved towards the lake, his fingers twitching slightly as he stepped away from Adele. Her eyes followed him as he joined Rowen and her children by the rowboats.
“And cider, if you have it. I could use something a little stronger after the carriage ride.” Cora sat at the small table and chairs beside the lake.
Adele tore her gaze away from Warner and gestured to one of the passing servants who began to run over towards them. “Kindly have some refreshments prepared and brought out for all of us. And something for the children too, I expect they will want a bite to eat after their adventures on the lake. Lemonade, cider, some scones and biscuits. Perhaps some sandwiches — ham and cheese I think.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The servant bowed low and left.
“I would not say no to something to drink.” Verity took a seat besides Cora. “And I expect Pips would be more of a nuisance in the boat. So, I shall stay as well.”
“Well, if you are staying, Adele simply must join the Duke and Rowen and the children. I have always said that in the care of children, one needs at least one more adult than there are children.” Cora gestured towards the boats where Warner was showing the twins how to tie various knots. “Especially when there is water involved. Besides, I expect the children will want to spend time with their new auntie.”
As if to prove the point, at that moment, George’s voice rang out, “Auntie Adele! Come on! We need to go and find the monsters.”
Adele smiled at the child and made her way towards them. Warner, Rowen, and the two children were already in the rowboat. Rowen was talking to George and Alistair as Warner offered a hand to Adele.
She took it, allowing him to help her into the boat. It rocked as she stepped onto it, and she flailed her arms, trying to steady herself. For a moment, she feared she would fall into the water, and then she felt Warner’s arms pull her to him.
