Page 101 of A Duke for Stealing
Everett studied his friend, wondering what such a statement meant.
“Amelia, darling, how are your sisters?” Rose asked.
They had all finished their game of croquet, and it was oh so obvious by the wide, unmoving grin on Leah’s time had one. She was now speaking with Ophelia in excited tones, over what matter, Rose did not want to guess. Leah seemed to absolutely adore the attention her new aunties all gave her. Diana, however, was more bashful and was now glued to Rose’s side, resting her head against her breast.
“I miss them terribly,” Amelia replied with a forlorn sigh, “But they both enjoy their school in Paris, so I cannot fault them for not remaining by my side.”
“Better they are there than here,” Ophelia spoke up, “Lest society force them into early marriages.”
“I do not believe that I wish to marry,” Leah stated.
Ophelia beamed down at Leah and hugged her tightly.
“Are you sure you are not my daughter?” Ophelia jested, and their group laughed in chorus.
“Do not ruin her, Ophelia,” Everett warned, taking a seat by Rose. As always, when he was near, he reached for her hand and squeezed it warmly.
Rose turned to her husband with a loving look, and she was rewarded with a gentle kiss on her forehead. Even after four months, she still could not adjust to Everett’s openly affectionate ways. His promise to love her, it seemed, was one he was adamant to keep, and after a month or two of wariness, her heart had finally forgiven him for pushing her away.
All had seemed to settle into place the last few months. Harriet’s rumor dissolved within weeks, and as they’d promised, they sent her a monthly stipend. Betty was sober, strong, and not just devoted to Rose and her adopted granddaughters, but now also the Church. Maxwell had disappeared overnight, and according to Dominic’s spies, had not yet resurfaced. And she and Everett? More in love than ever. As for the girls-
“Mama?”
Rose looked down at the little girl in her arms. She had gone from ‘Lady Rose’ to ‘Mama’ approximately three months ago, and her heart still radiated with joy every time she heard the new moniker.
“Yes, my darling?” Rose asked, hugging Diana closer to her.
“I am quite tired now. Might I go lie down with the others?” Diana asked.
“Of course you can,” Rose replied, knowing Diana was referring to the children of her friends. Seraphina’s twins. Amelia’s daughter and her newborn son. They had all been tired from the journey and had taken naps in the nursery. In approximately five months, Theo and Alistair’s son or daughter would also be joining them.
“Just be careful not to wake anyone. Let them sleep until supper,” Rose insisted.
“Yes, Mama,” Diana replied.
Diana then leaned up and kissed Rose on the cheek. She then crawled across her lap to give the same attention to Everett, who held her tight and kissed her cheek in return.
“Sleep well, my darling,” he told her, helping her to the ground.
“Yes, Papa,” she replied.
Rose and Everett both watched Diana walk over to her sister.
“Will you have a nap, too, Leah?” Diana asked.
Leah looked to Ophelia, as if she had the answer.
“Oh, naps are very good,” Ophelia said with a nod of her head. “I may have one soon myself.”
“I suppose so,” Leah sighed. Taking her twin’s hand, the two girls waved goodbye to their guests and went inside to lie down.
“Thank you,” Rose said with a chuckle to Ophelia, “She would not have taken a nap otherwise.”
“Oh, I was quite serious,” Ophelia replied, “After such a competitive game, I find myself quite weary.”
“I could use a lie down myself,” Theo added with a yawn. At her side, Alistair pulled her into his arms and kissed her temple as he placed a protective hand over the bump on her belly.
“Have my darlings had too much fun?” He asked.
