Page 33 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Chapter Twelve

“What?” all threecried, looking at her as if she had gone mad.

Sera stood her ground. “You have said it yourself, Minta. How good I am with children. Percy saw it when Tessa and Spencer were here.”

“That is true,” Percy confirmed. “You had Analise and Adam eating out of your hand.” He looked at Win. “Sera is quite good. Especially since she has never had any children of her own.”

“But these are two boys. Terrible boys. Six-year-old boys,” Minta interjected. “It is one thing for a two-year-old and a baby to adore you. From what Win has said, Freddie and Charlie are incorrigible. Please, Sera, think how badly behaved they must be for the Birdwells to return them to Win. I don’t want to see you run ragged by such hellions.”

She ignored her twin’s pleading and looked directly at Win. “You need me. You have admitted as much. You cannot do it alone. Your servants are baffled at how to handle them. You have nowhere else to turn. You might as well let me help. Let me see if I can get through to them.”

He raked both hands through his hair, clearly frustrated. “I did not come here to drag you away from your sister, Sera. You have only been together a couple of weeks. Besides, aren’t Owen and Louisa coming to visit? And then Ev and Adalyn? I cannot ask you to do this.”

“You didn’t ask me to. I volunteered,” she pointed out. “This will save the others from coming to Kingwood when they have better things to do. I will meet them at the house party as it is.”

When he didn’t look as if he would budge, she added, “Look, Win. You have nowhere else to turn. No one else willing to come help out. I am not saying I will be successful but I would like to give it a try. I like to be useful and I am really of no use at Kingwood. Yes, I have spent some time with Minta but I know she would rather be with Percy.”

“That’s not so,” her sister protested weakly.

“You are newlyweds, Minta. I felt odd about coming with you to Kingwood in the first place. Take this extra time with Percy. After all, the babe will be here before you know it and then there will be three of you. Enjoy your time alone together. You know I have always loved children and animals more than people. I can go to Woodbridge and help care for these boys until the house party. That is six weeks away.” She smiled. “By then, I will either have broken them in and gotten them under control—or I will actually be eager to leave and attend a party.”

Win frowned. “But what of clothing? I know how important that is to ladies. You’ll want to be fitted for gowns for the house party.”

“That won’t be necessary. Minta and I have always shared our gowns since we are identical in size. It helped stretch Papa’s salary farther by us sharing a wardrobe.” She chuckled. “And in another six weeks, Minta may need to have new gowns of her own made up to wear because she will be increasing. I might have use of her entire wardrobe during the house party, most likely.”

“That is true,” her sister admitted. “And we weren’t going to worry about a new wardrobe for Sera until next year at any rate. I wanted her to be bedecked in the latest of fashions.”

“I may be lucky enough to snag a husband at this house party and keep Uncle West from having to buy me that new wardrobe.”

She noticed Win frowned deeply at her words but pushed that aside. “What do you say?” May I accompany you home? Even for a few days—or a week? Let me see what I can do with the boys. If I am unsuccessful, then you may interview another governess. Surely these two can’t run off every governess in England. And I might actually be able to handle them.”

Reluctance shone in Win’s eyes but he nodded. “All right. You can return to Kingwood with me.”

“Why don’t you let Sera come first thing tomorrow?” Minta suggested. “That way we will have time to pack for her and you can prepare Freddie and Charlie for her arrival.”

“No,” she said firmly, overriding Minta, something she rarely did. She noticed her twin’s brows arch in surprise. “These boys are an immediate problem. What good will it do to put off my going to Woodbridge? In fact, I think the idea of preparing them for me would only set me up for failure with them.”

She looked and saw Win smiling at her. “So, you plan to storm the castle in a surprise attack?”

Sera returned his smile. “Exactly. They will never know what hit them.”

Minta sniffed. “Well, at least come upstairs with me so we can pack a few things for you. I’ll gather everything else you will need for an extended stay and send them over tomorrow.” She looked at her husband. “Perhaps Percy and I could bring Sera’s things and visit.”

“No,” she said again. “Give me a few days with them before you make an appearance. I want to get them into a routine. Routine is important.”

Her sister sighed. “Very well then.” She rose. “Come along and let’s get you ready for a few days then.”

“We won’t be long,” she promised Win and then she followed Minta from the drawing room.

The moment they were alone in the corridor together, Minta asked, “What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking I could help.”

“They are hellions, Sera. I doubt anyone can help them.”

“Well, Win isn’t going to abandon them,” she pointed out. “That means they are in his life for good. I might as well try and help give him some peace and those boys stability.”

“You are unlike yourself,” Minta said as they went up the stairs. “You are... more assertive than I have ever seen you.” She looked at Sera. “But I think this is a good thing. If helping these two orphans will bring you out of your shell, you will have more success at the house party.”

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