Page 66 of Duke of Emeralds
He nodded. “She’s a clever one. The both of them.”
They stood together in the blue-lit quiet, and Thomas found he did not want the moment to end.
Hester was first to break the silence. “I wish I could stay to use the room, but I want to see my mother. I think I should leave for Town tomorrow.”
He tried not to react, but the words left a sour pinch in his stomach. “Aye. That’s wise. Yer mother will be glad to see ye.”
She looked at him, something questioning in her gaze. “You will remain here?”
He nodded. “Too much to do. The estate needs a firm hand. But you can always return if ye tire of London.”
She laughed. “That is the best offer I’ve had today.”
He caught her hand again and felt the coolness of her skin against his. “I’ll ensure this room awaits your return with equal anticipation.”
She arched a brow. “How would you manage that?”
He shrugged. “As I said—man of many talents.”
She grinned then let the humor fade into something more subdued. “Humility is not one of them.”
He barked a laugh, and she joined him. For the first time, he felt as though the castle was not merely full but alive.
He wondered what it would be like, someday, to hear that laughter in every room.
Thomas found Hester and Arabella already waiting in the drawing room, both dressed for travel in somber grays and deep blues that managed to render the coming trip as solemn as a military campaign.
Hester’s gloves were fastened, her bonnet tied, and Bella sat primly at the edge of a settee, swinging her feet in a rhythm that betrayed her excitement far more than her composed features.
“Ye look ready for the front lines,” Thomas said, pausing at the threshold.
Hester glanced up and managed a smile though her lips were drawn thin. “If only London society were half as predictable as Waterloo. At least then I would know what to expect.” She patted the seat beside her for Arabella then turned back to Thomas. “May I speak with you privately?”
He nodded, led her to his study, and closed the door behind them. The sun was not yet high, but already, the new light from the studio cut a sharp angle across his desk.
She faced him. “What am I to say about Bella? To Town, I mean.”
He leaned against the door, arms crossed. “Tell them she is our ward. That’s all the truth anyone requires.”
She pressed her lips together, thinking. “They will want to know more.”
“Let them speculate,” he replied. “They’ll invent a story regardless. At least this way, it’s your story to tell.”
She nodded then caught his gaze, holding it. “You trust me, then?”
He shrugged, finding it difficult to look away. “With my life, Duchess.”
She inhaled once, quick, and Thomas wondered if she was about to say more. Instead, she smoothed her glove and let the subject drop. “Thank you,” she said.
They returned to the drawing room. Bella was standing now, peering out the window, clearly itching to be off.
Thomas watched them for a moment before speaking. “Have ye got everything you need, Hester?”
“Yes,” she said, tucking her gloves tighter. “We should be on our way before the roads fill with the market wagons.”
He nodded and offered Bella his arm. The girl took it, small fingers curling with surprising strength around his wrist. He led them out to the waiting carriage which gleamed in the cold morning air, the Lushton crest already attracting looks from the assembled staff.
He helped Bella in first, lifting her gently onto the high step. She smoothed her skirt then turned back to him, cheeks flushed.“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said. “This is the grandest carriage I have ever seen. I feel like a princess.”
