Page 39 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“Dahlia, we shall be arriving at Icedale Castle in a few minutes.”
“Hmm.”
“Wake up, Dahlia.”
“What?” Her eyes opened a fraction, but they definitely showed irritation.
“We are almost there,” Peter repeated patiently.
“What? Oh!” Dahlia sat upright then moved as if to exit the carriage.
Peter’s hand surged out to stop her.
“We are not yet there!” He could not stop his laughter.
“But you just told me we are there! You naughty man!” She slapped at his knee.
“I said we arealmostthere.”
“Oh, do stop laughing! It is only making the carriage shake the more, and I am mightily tired of being jostled about!”
“Tired of travelling so soon?”
“Peter, I beg you, do not tease a person who has just woken up from a stormy sleep.”
Finally taking pity on her, Peter made a small bow, honoring her request.
“But we really are very near.” He pointed out the window. “It is very dark, but you can see some of the windows, the ones with a light in the rooms. Mary and Claire’s rooms are the ones on the right.”
“How old are your sisters?”
“They have recently turned sixteen.”
“Ah, young ladies.”
“Yes, I have some time yet before they start their first season.”
“Exciting times.”
“Hmm.”
Dahlia had a question in her eyes, but Peter was glad when she did not voice it. He was not quite sure how to go about with his sisters most of the time, but now that Dahlia was to add to their dynamic, he was all the more unsure. The loss of their mother had shaken the twins, but it was their father’s demise that had them withdrawing completely from him and retreating into themselves. It was the one aspect in his life that he could not completely control.
Outside, the lane that wound to the drive appeared. Torches that were meant to light the drive illuminated the castle walls as well. Closer now, the whole of the castle was seen at an advantage. And despite the dark, or perhaps because of it, it was rendered more grand, more dramatic.
“Peter, it is beautiful!”
Peter smiled at her. Dahlia studied the castle. Her face reflected pleasure, anticipation, and… hope? Peter stilled. As if waking up from an enthralling dream to a reality that was not quite satisfactory, he relived the events of the day. He recalled the pleasure in her eyes when she saw a particularly beautiful vista, he recalled the way her smile turned triumphant when she thought she had outwitted him, and he recalled his own laughter and tender feelings of pity as he listened to her childhood stories. The journey to Icedale Castle had never felt so short.
What am I doing? I should know better!
He could not allow her to hope. He could not allowhimselfto hope. He knew this was for the better for both of them. He knew what he had to do. He closed his eyes. It took all of his willpower to gather himself. When he was surer of himself, he opened his eyes again and found that Dahlia watched him.
The carriage came to a stop. Outside, a line of servants waited to greet them despite the hour.
“We have arrived,” Peter said. “Welcome to Icedale Castle, Your Grace.”
Mr. Cooper, the butler, and Mrs. Baker, the housekeeper, were the first to greet them. The other servants followed, all bowing and curtsying to their new mistress.
