Page 47 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
Dahlia opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, the twins launched into speech, one after the other.
“We had a secret storytelling club when we were younger—well the members were just us two really.”
“We called itThe Garden of Hesperidesbecause, well, because it was a secret and because we held it in the garden.”
“And then we discovered romance novels. But Peter was not very keen on them, so we had to hide them from him.”
“And so, we turned our storytelling club into a secret reading club.”
“Please don’t tell Peter.”
“We read your books in our club, all of them.”
Dahlia was both charmed and tickled at the image of Mary and Claire as young girls conjuring stories among the roses and the lilies. And then of them smuggling novels and secretly reading them under the summer sun.
“What a lovely thing to have,” Dahlia said sincerely. “And what a lucky thing to have a sister—a twin sister at that.”
Mary went to sit next to her again, and Claire followed.
“But what about the hothouse?” Dahlia asked.
“Since it is winter, we cannot possibly have the meetings in the gardens, so the hothouse will work perfectly.”
“No one ever goes there anymore except Joshua.”
“You must say yes, please Dahlia.”
“Be a member of our secret reading club; you must, for we are your sisters now as well.”
Dahlia’s heart suddenly stirred at their words. To the earnest request, she was not immune either. Before she could really think it through, she found herself agreeing.
“Shall I bring out my collection of books, so you can choose the ones you have not yet read?”
“No,” they replied in unison.
“You must continue your writing.”
“The Duke and the Young Ladies of the Castle.”
Dahlia laughed at this, but she watched as each face displayed hope and excitement.
How can I say no? Besides, if I am not to have my love story, perhaps I can live vicariously through my characters!
Her mind was working fast. Dahlia felt inspiration run through her, much like the story of a book taking shape.
I shall turn it into a useful lesson for Mary and Claire. To equip them for their entrance into society. Yes, it shall be a manual of sorts! It shall help them navigate the season and teach them about the benefits and dangers of falling in love.
Dahliah clasped her hands together as the ideas formed. The twins feeling her excitement rising, sat at the edge of their seats.
It shall help in warning them about liars and the seducers within the ton! And it will all be in the form of a romantic novel, so they will not feel that I am trying to be their governess!
She looked at Mary and Claire.
“Yes.”
Peter spent most of the day inside his study. His steward, Mr. Phillips, was with him, running over accounts and receipts. The work that he had left unaccomplished during his stay in London—indeed the extension of his stay due to his unexpected betrothal and subsequent marriage—had piled up. One day turned into three, until he felt that he had caught up enough in his business affairs.
Dahlia had now been living in the castle for four days. And in those days, he saw her but rarely. Mostly only during breakfast and dinner—where there was safety in numbers, for his sisters where there as well.
