Page 46 of Three Weeks with a Princess
“But—”
“No, Lia. It’s out of the question.”
Before she could ask for an explanation, the door opened and Sir Dominic strolled into the room. As always, his craggy features lit up when he saw his wife. The transformation from somber magistrate to besotted husband was both startling and moving. Chloe and Sir Dominic had been married for less than two years, but their steadfast devotion to each other shone through in every word, look, and gesture. She didn’t know much about their history other than it had been full of grief and extended separation. That they’d overcome so many obstacles and found a second chance later in life dared Lia to hope she, too, might find a similar happiness one day.
Almost.
“Good afternoon, my love,” he said, bending slightly to kiss his wife. “I hope you ladies are having a pleasant day.”
It was surprising perhaps that the dignified Sir Dominic should act so informally in front of a near stranger, but he’d accepted Lia with a warm welcome, just like his wife. She could easily get used to life in their serene and cheerful household. That was a clear warning that she needed to stop lolling about and come up with a plan for her future.
“And how’s my boy?” he asked, gently cradling his son’s head.
“In desperate need of a change,” Chloe said.
“Yes, I see that. Or, rather, I smell that. It always amazes me that so small a creature can emit an odor that forcefully reminds one of a barnyard.”
His wife gave him an affectionate swat on the shoulder. “What a dreadful thing to say. Lia will think you don’t love your son.”
“From the look on her face, I think Lia agrees with me,” Dominic said with a twinkle. “Give me the rascal and I will transport him to Nurse.”
When he cuddled his son against his chest, Dom grabbed onto his father’s starched linen, demolishing the elegant folds.
“Oh dear,” Chloe said. “Another cravat ruined.”
“I’ll change it before dinner. God forbid I should offend your fashion sense, my lady wife,” he said on his way out.
Chloe scrunched her nose at Lia. “I’m the last person to keep up with the current styles, as Dominic knows. If I had my way, I’d spend most of my days in an old round gown, taking care of babies or tending to my garden.”
“It’s been quite a change from your former life, hasn’t it?” Lia asked. “You and Sir Dominic seem to be in great demand throughout the Ton.”
“My husband certainly is,” Chloe said. “I’m generally not fond of socializing in large groups. When we were first married, Ton parties made me so nervous I would break into hives. But I eventually got used to them, and so will you. In fact, you might even come to like parties. After all, you are a beautiful, vibrant young woman and deserve to have a bit of fun.”
Lia carefully smoothed out the faint web of wrinkles Dominic’s fat little body had pressed into her cambric skirt. “I’m sure I won’t have the opportunity.”
“I’ve instructed Smithwell to bring up the tea tray,” Dominic said as he reentered the room. “It’s early, but I profess to being famished after an exceedingly boring afternoon at Whitehall. And we must continue to build up our guest’s appetite, too.” He ran a quick, practiced eye over Lia. “You seem much better, but you’re still rather pale.”
“I’m feeling quite robust, sir, thank you. You and Aunt Chloe have taken such good care of me. If you continue to spoil me like this, I shall never wish to leave.”
“You are welcome to stay as long as you like,” Dominic said as he settled into one of the wingback chairs across from the chaise. “Is she not, my dear?”
“So I have told her, repeatedly.” Chloe took the chair next to her husband. “But I don’t think the message is penetrating.”
“Please don’t think I’m ungrateful,” Lia said apologetically. “In fact, your invitation was so fortuitous that I was tempted to believe you had conspired with Jack to remove me from my mother’s house.”
She caught the quick glance between husband and wife.
“You didn’t, did . . . did you?” she stammered. “I mean, beyond simply telling me my half brother wished to help me?”
“Of course not,” Dominic said calmly. “As you say, it was all quite fortuitous.”
Lia studied him without a hope of cracking that impervious façade. “As grateful as I am, I cannot stay here forever. And although I do appreciate Captain Endicott’s offer to join him in Vienna, I cannot possibly abandon my grandmother. It will be difficult enough for her to leave Stonefell, and moving to the Continent would be out of the question. Nor can I imagine Captain and Mrs. Endicott would truly wish it. Surely they are both very busy with the duties that must come with their diplomatic position.”
“I’m sure you’d find that Will and Evie would like nothing better,” Chloe said. “But I do understand your concerns about your grandmother.”
“Perhaps you should tell us whatyou’dlike to do,” Dominic said. “I suspect you’ve been giving it a great deal of thought while in your sick bed.”
“You would be right, sir. I must find some kind of position because my mother made it clear she will not countenance any further attempts to establish a theatrical career.”
