Page 101 of Duke of Diamonds
“David is refusing to give me the apple he got,” Rebecca said, crossing her arms with the earnest indignation only a child could manage.
“I labored for this apple,” David announced before his mother could speak. “And I even scratched my knees climbing the tree to get it. How can I just give it up?”
Elaine’s eyes narrowed, turning to her son. “Have you been climbing trees again, David?”
“Oh dear,” David muttered, clearly realizing only now the trap of his own words.
Rebecca, triumphant, threw her head back with laughter. “See? I told you your big mouth would give you away before I even had to!”
Fiona felt a snort escape her before she could contain it. She pressed a hand lightly to her lips, her eyes dancing.
Elaine caught her gaze, and there was the same spark of amusement mirrored there.
“Rebecca dear,” Fiona said at last, “how would you like some raspberry tarts instead?”
The little girl turned, wide-eyed. “I love berries!” she cried, and without hesitation flung herself into Fiona’s arms.
Fiona let out a smalloofand caught her, laughing softly as she reached for the tray and plucked one of the tarts. She handed it to Rebecca, watching with quiet delight as the girl bit into it and promptly forgot about the apple and her brother entirely.
“Later,” Elaine said, eyeing David as he edged toward the tea tray, “you will explain why you went climbing again, young man.”
David gave a sheepish grin and slithered onto the cushion beside Fiona, clearly hoping proximity to her might spare him for the time being.
“He fell and twisted his ankle the last time. And now he’s gone back climbing again, can you believe it?” Elaine turned to Fiona with an expression that teetered between exasperation and disbelief.
Fiona shifted her gaze to David, who was nibbling at the edge of a tart with suspicious innocence. “Oh, I am quite sure David does not fancy losing his limbs anytime soon, now do you, David?”
The boy’s eyes widened in alarm. “Lose my limbs?” he echoed, paling.
“Why, that is precisely what happens when one is careless,” Fiona said, schooling her face into solemnity. “Climbing and falling and hurting those limbs too often, and they may well decide to leave you altogether.”
“I don’t want to lose my limbs,” he whispered, the tart forgotten in his hand.
“Then I am certain those apples can wait a little longer for the gardeners to harvest them now, can’t they?”
David nodded so vigorously his curls bounced. “Yes, yes. I won’t be climbing anymore. I promise.”
Fiona ruffled his hair, and he beamed up at her with relief. She smiled back, and when she glanced at Elaine, she caught a look of mingled surprise and gratitude.
Elaine’s eyes softened, visibly impressed, though she said nothing at first.
Fiona passed a tart to David, who took it with both hands and settled beside his sister. The four of them sat in a cozy circle, the children content, their earlier quarrel forgotten.
But as Fiona looked from Rebecca’s jam-stained cheeks to David’s delighted grin, a quiet ache unfurled in her chest.
This. This is what I want.
A household full of mischief and laughter, of tiny hands and messy squabbles, of small voices calling for her with absolute trust.
But it will not come to pass, will it? Not with Isaac as he is. Not if he continues to keep me at arm’s length.
“You are remarkable with the children, Fiona,” Elaine said at last, her eyes gleaming with what looked like more than approval.
Fiona smiled, though it felt thinner than before.
“They’re delightful,” Fiona said with a smile, watching the children with a warmth she no longer tried to hide.
Turning to them, she tilted her head. “How would you like to come visit me and Uncle Isaac soon?”
