Page 84 of Duke of Fyre

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace," Lord Whitmore said, extending a hand.

Elias shook it firmly, his posture as composed and commanding as ever. "The pleasure is mine."

Lady Whitmore knelt slightly to meet Peter at eye level. "And Peter, what excellent manners you have," she said, her tone kind. "It's a delight to meet you."

Peter grinned, glancing back at Lydia for reassurance before returning his attention to the Whitmores. "Thank you, ma'am."

As they exchanged pleasantries, another carriage arrived on the nearby path. Lydia turned and recognized it immediately—her family had arrived. The footman opened the door, and out stepped her sisters, their dresses fresh and delicate in the afternoon light.

"Marian!" Lydia called, waving. "Jane! Diana!"

The three sisters made their way toward the picnic spot, their differences as evident as ever. Marian led the way with her usual confident stride, her hands smoothing down the folds of her pale pink dress. Jane followed close behind, her expression bright and mischievous, her eyes darting around as though searching for some opportunity for amusement. Diana brought up the rear, her steps tentative and her gaze lingering on the path ahead, as though afraid to meet anyone's eyes.

When they reached the picnic blanket, Peter's eyes widened with curiosity. He edged closer to Lydia, Mug trotting faithfully beside him, as the sisters greeted her with warm embraces.

"Lydia!" Marian exclaimed, planting a kiss on her cheek. "It's so good to see you."

Jane leaned in next, her grin as cheeky as ever. "Look at you, Lady Duchess," she teased, winking. "Still the picture of poise."

Lydia swatted her playfully. "And you're still incorrigible, Jane."

Diana hung back, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. Lydia stepped forward and took her sister's hands, giving her an encouraging smile. "Diana, it's wonderful to see you."

"It's wonderful to see you too," Diana said softly, her cheeks coloring slightly.

As the sisters exchanged greetings, Peter peered up at Lydia, his brow furrowed with curiosity. She knelt down beside him, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Peter," she said, her voice warm, "these are your aunts—Marian, Jane, and Diana."

Peter's eyes lit up, his shyness giving way to excitement. "My aunts?" he asked, looking from one to the other.

"Indeed," Lydia said with a smile. "And I think they're quite eager to meet you."

Peter took a step forward, Mug still tugging at his leash. Marian knelt gracefully and extended a hand. "Hello, Peter," she said, her tone gentle. "I've heard so much about you."

Peter shook her hand, his small fingers curling confidently around hers. "It's nice to meet you," he said, his manners impeccable.

Jane, never one to miss an opportunity, crouched down next, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And what about me, young man?" she said, her voice teasing. "Are you prepared to put up with an aunt who's not quite so proper?"

Peter giggled, sensing her playful tone. "I think so," he said, his smile widening.

Jane clutched her chest dramatically. "Think so? Oh, Peter, you wound me!"

Laughter rippled through the group, even drawing a small smile from Diana, who stepped forward hesitantly. She crouched down and gave Peter a shy smile. "Hello, Peter," she said softly. "It's lovely to meet you."

Peter's gaze softened, and he extended a hand toward her. "It's lovely to meet you too, Aunt Diana."

Diana's cheeks flushed with warmth as she shook his hand, and Lydia's heart swelled with pride at how effortlessly Peter welcomed his new family.

Silas and Prudence approached next, their steps measured and their faces carefully composed. Prudence's eyes darted toward Elias, and Lydia noticed her mother's hands tightening on her reticule. Silas cleared his throat as they stopped a few paces away.

"Peter," Lydia said, placing a hand on her son's shoulder. "These are your grandparents—Lord and Lady Drowshire."

Peter looked up at Silas and Prudence, his expression thoughtful but polite. Lydia held her breath for a moment, uncertain how her parents would handle this introduction. To her relief, Peter stepped forward and offered a small bow, his hand still clutching Mug's leash.

"It's nice to meet you, my lord and lady," Peter said, his voice steady and clear.

Prudence's eyes widened briefly, and Silas glanced at Lydia as though surprised by Peter's confidence. Then Silas nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"It's nice to meet you too, young man," he said, his voice unusually soft.

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