Page 19 of Her Duke Next Door
The implication hung in the room. Mary only hoped Eloise did not hear the meaning.I could be your papa and provide you with gifts now you are old enough to remember.
Hugh beckoned with two curling fingers at the butler in the doorway. “Would not you like a new papa, Eloise?”
Mary bit back a dismayed noise. It was exactly what Eloise had told her several days ago. She could only hope Eloise did not admit it. The girl lifted her chin as the butler presented her with a boxed gift. Pulling off the lid, Eloise found a porcelain doll inside.
“I do not play with dolls anymore,” she said.
“What would you like instead?” Hugh asked.
“Nothing, thank you,” Eloise answered, a hint of her growing attitude rising in her. “
Mary swallowed, both proud of her daughter and terrified that she might push Hugh Yore’ patience. If she had learned anything, it was that the men of that family were dangerous and hid a dark side behind a fake smile.
Hugh sighed. “If you do not like your doll then whatdoyou care for?”
“My best friend’s papa bought her a harp.”
“Do you play?” he asked, clearly hopeful that he had found a way in.
“No.” Eloise’s voice went flat. “I paint.”
A light flickered in Hugh’s eyes. “You do? How about you go and retrieve your paintings and show us?”
Mary wanted to agree and get Eloise away from Hugh. Bernie could look after Eloise as long as she could keep an eye on Hugh.
“I do not need to?—”
Eloise was cut off but the butler coming back in. “Forgive my interruption, my lady, but you have visitors.”
“Who is it?”
“His Grace, the Duke of Livingston, and his daughter, Lady Katie.”
Eloise gasped and scrambled up. “Mama! They came to us instead!”
“Instead?” Hugh asked.
“Yes, we were on our way to visit Eloise’s friend, Lady Katie, and her father.”
Hugh’s smile turned dangerous. “Ah. So that is why you were dressed up. For thisDuke.”
Mary’s heart stuttered in fear.He does not own you, she reminded herself.No, but he can still have control over me.He controls my allowance and this house.
Anne had told her easily Patrick had once attempted to overpower her in the carriage and had just managed to escape him. Mary ushered Eloise out of the door, fearful for her daughter but also for herself. She had heard stories of what men with power were capable of. Especially men with a horrible glint in their eyes like Hugh.
“Why don't you go to play with Katie outside?” she asked.
Eloise grinned at her before sticking her tongue out as she passed Hugh Yore. “You might be related to my father but you willneverbe my papa.”
She ran out of the room before Hugh could react.
Mary was frozen as Hugh set a fixed, fake smile on her. He was sly, oily, and she did not trust him. She could not relax an inch in his presence.
“Send your guests away, Mary. Send that brat with them as well.”
“How dare you call hermy daughtera brat?—”
“Come now,” he said. “Be an obedient wife and do as I say.”
