Page 27 of The Trouble With Her Duke
“That happens all the time. Many women must marry to secure their lifestyle, and if they married much older men, it would not be unusual for them to die. I fail to understand what that has to do with my taking the job with the duke. If his interests lie with her, what has that to do with me?”
“Don’t you see? If things go according to her plan, she will be the children’s mother one day. And you will be in her crosshairs. Surely, Lydia, you realize how beautiful you are! No wife would want you living in their home with access to her husband.”
“My goodness! While I appreciate the compliment, I would urge you both to stop reading the gothic novels. Not everyone poisons their husband,” soothed Lydia. “And you are suggesting there is interest between the duke and me—which is not true.”
“Perhaps mistresses do nefarious things if they need more money!” insisted Eliza. “I’ve read that she has gone through two fortunes and her dowry!” A timer went off, and the three pulled their biscuits from the oven and placed them on cooling racks.
They had been involved in their baking and conversation that no one had heard Blake enter. “You are speaking of the Widow Naomi Withers.” His voice sounded from behind them.
Lydia whirled around at her brother’s voice. “You too? I am to be a governess, nothing more. And Blake, please don’t start back in on me to marry Jacob. I hoped that subject was closed.”
“You’ve made your case. But I’ll have you promise me something.”
“What’s that?” Lydia asked.
“You will send for me if you need me. Bridget and Eliza are right about that one. Stay alert in her company. And do not believe everything you read about Danforth.”
“You said he had mistresses,” Lydia said, narrowing her eyes. “Did you exaggerate?”
“I did,” he said with a droll smile. “Like you, I enjoy having my way. One day, you’ll have to tell me how you always have Father on your side.”
“By being on the side of right,” she chided good-naturedly.
He kissed her cheek. “Danforth is a good man; he loves his children. But you must promise to send for me if you need me for anything.”
Lydia wiped off her hands on her apron. “I promise,” she said, hugging Blake. “This is the best Christmas present you could have given me.”
Chapter 9
January 2, 1816
Goodbyes were always difficult. Despite the differences he had with his mother, they had found a middle ground during the holiday. She had even decided not to give the holiday party she had been planning, putting it off for another day.
Damon had had a great time with his cousin and brother ice fishing and hunting. The children and their new sidekick, Rosie, had thoroughly enjoyed the snow . . . many times. Somehow, they had snagged his sister and mother into a few more snowball fights. Damon couldn’t recall when he had seen his mother have a better time.
“Hargus, I know you are busy here, but anytime you’d like to come to London, there will be a place to stay,” Damon suggested, hugging his cousin.
“Aye! I’ve given it some thought since ’aving you and yer precious wee ones here. They grow quickly. Elsa has already mentioned visiting. With Mrs. Nimble here to watch Simon, we may take you up on yer kind offer, cousin!” Hargus returned.
“Grandmama, we hope to see you again soon. England doesn’t have much snow, but we can fish and hunt toads,” Michael said, hugging his grandmother’s skirts tightly. “Thank you for Rosie.”
His mother grinned and gave both children a big hug. “I’d like that!”
“Really? You’d fish and . . .” Mandy started.
“Hunt toads with us?” Michael finished her sentence, excited by the prospect. “Father doesn’t hunt toads with us, but takes us fishing.”
Damon laughed. “I explained why, dear boy.”
“Because you don’t want them to pee on you. But couldn’t you give it a schedule to do its business like we do Rosie?” his son asked.
Damon shrugged and fluffed his son’s hair. “Sorry, but I don’t pick up toads.”
Hargus and Gavin roared with laughter. “If that changes, let us know!”
His mother kissed each child. “I expect to get excellent reports on you both from your father. No more tomfoolery with your governess,” his mother said. “She’s there to make sure you get a proper education.” She scratched behind the puppy’s ears, receiving a lick on her chin. “Take good care of Rosie. She is an enormous responsibility and needs to continue the schedule we set here so she can do her business.”
“We promise, Grandmama,” they said together.
