Page 75 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Win accompanied hisnephews upstairs to the schoolroom and Charlie ran to a cupboard, opening it and removingTales from Mother Goose. He brought it to Win and said, “I want to readBlackbeard.”

“You don’t even know whatBlackbeardis about,” Win countered. “You might enjoyLittle Red Riding Hoodeven more.”

Freddie said, “I think we should read both stories. Then Charlie and I can make up our minds which one we like best.”

He chuckled, thinking Freddie was already skilled in the art of negotiation.

“All right,” he agreed. “We shall read both stories.”

Charlie looked at him. “Do you think we can sit in bed to read them instead of here at the table?” He smiled shyly at Win and added, “I like when we sit close.”

He wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulder and nodded. “I think that is an excellent idea.”

The boys hurried through the door and jumped on the bed, leaving a place for him. Win settled against the pillows between them as the boys snuggled close to him. He opened the book and found the story ofBlackbeardand began to read.

As he did so, a deep contentment filled him. He was thrilled the boys had taken to him so and even more surprised how much they had become such an important part of his life in a short amount of time. The same held true for Sera. Though they had not known each other for very long, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, knowing it would be a good one.

When they finishedBlackbeard, Charlie shivered. “That was scary,” he said.

“Well, I liked it,” Freddie proclaimed.

It amazed him how different the two boys were, both having come from Terrance, but he and his older brother had been very different, as well.

“Shall we readLittle Red Riding Hoodnow?” he asked.

He received an enthusiastic yes from both nephews. Locating the story, he read it to them, having fun voicing the Big Bad Wolf, who pretended to be Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother.

At the end of the fairy tale, Charlie clapped. “I liked that one much better,” he told them. “It was still a little scary but Little Red Riding Hood was smart, wasn’t she, Uncle Win?”

“She was indeed, Charlie. Just as you and Freddie are.”

“Do you really think we are smart?”

Win looked at Freddie, who probably would always be the Doubting Thomas of the pair. “Yes, I do. I don’t think there is anything you won’t be able to do.”

Freddie nodded. “I told you I liked to do maths. I also like reading and hearing stories, too.”

“I am glad you do. Reading is the foundation of everything. There are many things to learn through reading but we will also teach you other ways of learning.”

“You mean like Harrison is teaching us how to ride?” Charlie asked eagerly.

“Exactly, Charlie.”

He heard movement in the schoolroom and thought it must be a maid delivering dinner to the boys. He had them climb off the bed and the three of them entered the room. The servant placed the covered plates and cups of milk upon the table and then bobbed a curtsey before she left.

Win joined his nephews at the table, figuring Sera was still visiting with Percy and Minta, else she would already be here. The boys chattered happily throughout the meal, mostly talking about Blackie and Brownie and how they couldn’t wait to ride again tomorrow. He recalled how horse-mad he and Percy were at that age and smiled.

After they finished eating, Win accompanied them back to their shared bedchamber and watched them get ready for bed. They did not want his help so he merely served as their supervisor, reminding Freddie to wash the back of his neck and getting Charlie out of bed because he had yet to use his tooth powder. He got the boys settled and told them goodnight, first brushing a kiss on Charlie’s brow and then going to Freddie’s bed to do the same.

His nephew looked up at him, his face quite serious.

“Is something wrong, Freddie”? he asked.

Freddie sat up and looked across to Charlie, who nodded at his brother. Then Freddie said, “Today, you introduced us as Freddie and Charlie Sawyer.”

“Yes, I recall I did so.” Win’s heart began beating faster, already knowing what the boy would say.

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