Page 60 of An offer from the Marquess (Necessary Arrangements 4)

Isabel’s voice quivered for a moment as she tried to concentrate on the page. Millie inched her way forward, and soon she was sitting in the first row, leaning her cheek against her palm and dreamily listening to Isabel’s words.

Isabel finished the last sentence and flipped the book closed. “The end,” she said.

Children cheered and clapped, asking for another story.

Isabel smiled. “Perhaps another time. I am afraid I need to go back to my more boring duties.”

She stood, and Vane made his way toward her. “I hope you were not referring to us when you spoke of boring duties,” he said.

Isabel’s cheeks flushed. “I was referring to budget allocation for the next month that I need to discuss with Mrs. Ainsworth later this afternoon.”

Vane raised his brow. “Well, do you have a moment to spend with Millie and me?”

Isabel’s heart fluttered in her chest. “I would enjoy that immensely.”

They went outside, Isabel still limping lightly. Vane took her arm and weaved it with his without asking. Isabel did not protest. She needed a strong and sturdy presence to lean on.

Before Millie could run off with Button, Vane addressed her. “Millie, was there something you wanted to say to Lady Isabel?”

The girl looked at the ground shyly. “I wanted to apologize on behalf of Button. He didn’t mean to hurt you yesterday.”

“And?” Vane prompted.

“And I am sorry he tackled you because of me.”

Isabel smiled widely. “You are both forgiven.”

Millie smiled shyly before addressing her father. “Can I go play with others now?”

Vane tipped his head, and Millie took off in the direction of the playing children, Button on her heels.

“Thank you for making Millicent accountable for what happened yesterday,” Isabel said. “I wish we could spend a bit more time with her, though.”

“That is easily rectifiable,” her husband said.

“It is?” Isabel raised her brow. “I didn’t think you wanted us to spend time together.”

“I didn’t,” he admitted. “But I can’t keep shielding my daughter from life. She enjoyed listening to you read. I think this would be a good start for you two to bond. I will bring her here every time you read. And maybe by the time your ankle heals, she will be more amenable to wanting to spend some time alone with you.”

“And would you be amenable to that?” She peered into the marquess’s troubled eyes.

Isabel felt his muscles tighten beneath her fingers, and that’s when she realized something she should have realized all along. His mistrust toward her had nothing to do with her.

He just didn’t trust anyone with Millicent.

She wanted to know why. She wanted to learn what lurked in the dark corners of his mind, but she didn’t persist. Not yet.

“I shall have to learn to be,” he answered hoarsely. Then cleared his throat. “In the meantime, would you like to learn how to control Button?”

---