Page 18 of An Unwanted Widow for the Duke
“Very well. We begin there, then continue our little arrangement for a month, no longer.”
“A month?” she asked, tilting her head. “We could extend it, if it means spending time with Lord Hector and doing what he enjoys.”
Hector squealed in delight and ran to her, wrapping his small arms around her waist. To Gerard’s surprise, his son then ran to him, throwing himself into his arms.
At first, Gerard held him stiffly, like marble, then softened, gently patting his back.
He inwardly groaned. Yes, his boy needed a mother, and he could not provide one.
The governess’s soft voice called a cue for bedtime. “Come along, Lord Hector. It is time for bed.”
Hector groaned dramatically. “But we were just planning?—”
“Now, My Lord,” she interrupted firmly.
“Very well,” he relented, pouting dramatically before following her. “Goodnight, Papa! Goodnight, Lady Sil—ahem, Lady Slyham!”
Gerard noticed a bit of color draining from Lady Slyham’s face at his son’s slip-up, but she quickly regained her composure.
“I believe that is all for tonight. Goodnight, Your Grace,” she murmured.
Gerard nodded, and she took it as permission to leave.
Even as she left, he remained where he was, unsettled, too aware of her presence.
Too distracted by thoughts of his son and this spirited woman to retire just yet.
Chapter Five
“You look incandescent—but then you always do,” Daniel praised, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
“Why must you use that word?” Wilhelmina asked, knowing full well he was teasing her love of books and language.
“So, you’d rather I say ‘lovely’?” he replied innocently.
“Good heavens, no. The English language contains far more fitting adjectives, and many are unjustly overlooked,” she said, patting his shoulder affectionately. “As for you, Brother, you look as though you have just been knighted. Truly, you are quite splendid.”
What Wilhelmina could not admit was how much she cherished the days when she could speak freely with Daniel. For a time, her half-brother had been away, seeking to find himself. Yet they all knew it was difficult for him to remain, given their father’slingering resentment over his first wife, Daniel’s, Elizabeth’s, and Marianne’s mother.
Lately, Wilhelmina had noticed Daniel making a conscious effort to remain civil, not only toward her but also toward the twins’ mother, Lady Grisham.
“I feel like that would send tongues wagging.” He chuckled.
“Oh, so you’re admitting you’ll be getting more attention tonight?” she teased. “More than my poor, lowly gown could manage.”
“No, Mina,” Daniel said in a conspiratorial tone. “Your dress could spark a war.”
Daphne giggled at their brother’s silliness. “I rather think it would win hearts instead,” she said, glancing at Wilhelmina with admiration.
Victoria grinned, bold and unrestrained. “He’d better keep his compliments in check, or he might find himself in competition with every gentleman in the room,” she quipped, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
A few lords approached, two of them clapping Daniel on the back. Wilhelmina could only assume that they were the business partners her brother had been talking about.
“Lord Grisham.” Lady Grisham interrupted the little reunion with a forced smile, addressing her stepson formally. “Please do introduce us to your companions.”
The sisters exchanged glances. If there were one word to describe their stepmother, it would be perseverance, particularly in matters concerning young ladies and their prospects.
Lady Grisham had clearly taken note of the new arrivals’ confident bearing and refined attire. These men had clearly been raised in comfort.
