Chapter 10

Ten

W as it something I did? Christina's thoughts spiraled as she descended the grand staircase, her hand lightly tracing the banister. Victor had left her bedchamber so abruptly the previous evening. Had she said something wrong? She replayed their conversation, trying to pinpoint what had caused him to retreat so suddenly. If it was something she had done, she would much rather know than be left wondering.

"Your Grace?"

The sound of her title startled her, and she stopped mid-step, blinking Mrs. Brimsey into focus at the foot of the stairs. The housekeeper stood with her hands clasped in front of her, her face creased with a faint line of concern. She curtsied respectfully.

"Good morning, Mrs. Brimsey," Christina greeted, trying to push away the lingering thoughts of her husband.

"Good morning, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey replied. "All is well, I hope?"

Christina forced a smile. "Quite well, thank you."

Mrs. Brimsey studied her for a moment, but wisely chose not to press further. "The tenants have been inquiring after you, Your Grace. They are most curious and would very much like to meet you."

Christina's smile grew more genuine at the idea. "I should like to get acquainted with them as well. Perhaps I ought to visit them this morning. It will give me something to occupy my mind."

"A splendid idea, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey agreed with a warm smile.

With that, they parted ways, and Christina continued her descent toward the breakfast room, silently hoping she might find Kilton there. But when she entered, her husband was nowhere in sight. Instead, she was greeted by the sight of Katherine and Agnes, whose faces lit up at her arrival.

Agnes wasted no time running toward her and wrapping her arms around her waist. "Good morning, Your Grace!" she chirped, her joy infectious.

Christina's mood instantly brightened, and she placed a gentle hand on Agnes's shoulder. "Good morning, dearest Agnes."

As she made her way to the table, Christina glanced around. "Where are Amelia and Cassidy this morning?"

Katherine, or rather Kitty, grinned and said, "Outside, seeking an adventure, as usual. And today is one of the happiest days of our lives, Aunt Christina. Miss Peversly is gone! We are free! "

Christina couldn't help but laugh, her spirits lifting further. "I daresay that is cause for celebration," she agreed, smiling at their newfound freedom. "I was thinking of visiting the tenants and seeing the village this morning. Would you like to accompany me?"

Agnes's eyes gleamed with delight, and she exclaimed, "Why would we not want to? Of course, we shall go!"

Without another word, Agnes darted out of the breakfast room, her little feet carrying her swiftly as she no doubt hurried to share the news with Cassidy and Amelia.

Kitty remained behind, her expression softening as she looked at Christina. "Thank you, Your Grace… for standing up for us. Miss Peversly was horrid."

Christina reached over and lightly brushed her hand over Kitty's. "I am here to be a mother to you now, Kitty. And mothers protect their children."

Kitty's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Even from villainous governesses?"

Christina chuckled. "Indeed. And from dragons, if need be."

She sat and reached for the basket of muffins and brioche, placing a few on her plate before spreading a bit of butter over one. Kitty poured tea from the pot and handed her a cup, which Christina accepted gratefully.

The quiet contentment of the moment was interrupted when Smith entered the room, holding a missive in his hand. For a brief moment, Christina's heart quickened, hoping it might be from Kilton. But the seal on the letter revealed otherwise. Her thoughts of Victor vanished as she quickly opened it, recognizing her sister Annabelle's neat scrawl.

Dearest Christina,

I am so very excited to be coming to Kent! Father says I may leave London tomorrow, and I cannot wait to see you again. I look forward to meeting the young ladies you spoke of—Katherine, Cassidy, Amelia, and Agnes. Please tell them I shall arrive soon. And Kilton Castle! I am beside myself with excitement to see it.

Yours most lovingly,

Annabelle.

Christina smiled at the letter, her heart swelling with fondness. "Kitty," she said, her voice light, "I have wonderful news. My sister Annabelle will be arriving in two days. She is quite excited to meet all of you."

Kitty looked positively thrilled, her happiness only amplifying Christina's own. She took a small bite of her muffin, savoring the moment of peace before turning to Kitty again.

"Do you know where your father is this morning?" Christina asked, trying to keep her tone light though her heart felt slightly heavier at the mention of him.

Kitty shook her head. "I've not seen him today. Perhaps he is out on business?"

Christina nodded, trying not to let her perplexing feelings rise to the surface. She continued with her breakfast, but her mind kept returning to the puzzle that was her husband. What did I do to him?

"Agnes, you must return Carrot to the castle," Kitty's voice echoed through the courtyard as Christina stepped out from the castle doors. She paused at the top of the steps, her gaze sweeping over the four girls gathered near the carriage. Agnes, ever the determined one, clutched Carrot tightly to her chest, the kitten purring contentedly in her arms.

"Mother, may we take him with us?" Agnes asked, her wide eyes filled with hope.

Mother . The word warmed Christina's heart in a way she had not anticipated. Smiling gently, she stepped toward Agnes, crouching to meet the little girl at eye level.

"My darling, I fear Carrot may grow restless on the journey," Christina explained softly. "He is still very small, and something might frighten him. It would be better if he stayed here where he is safe."

Agnes lowered her gaze to the kitten, her small brow furrowing with thought. After a moment, she nodded, though reluctantly. "Very well, Mother," she sighed and handed Carrot to the waiting footman.

Christina's heart swelled at Agnes's sweet compliance. She touched her cheek lightly. "Thank you, my love. Now, come—there is much to do today."

Agnes's spirits lifted at once, and she darted toward the carriage, climbing inside without waiting for assistance. Kitty, ever poised, took the footman's offered hand and stepped into the carriage with grace. Christina followed, settling herself next to the girls.

Once inside, Cassidy and Amelia were already seated, their faces glowing with excitement.

"Mother, we cannot wait to meet Annabelle!" Cassidy exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat.

"We have so much to show her!" Amelia added. "The brook, the old oak, and the termites! She must see everything!"

Christina smiled indulgently at their eagerness. "I am certain Annabelle will delight in your discoveries."

As the carriage rolled forward, Addison joined them, her presence quiet yet reassuring. They traveled in comfortable silence for a time, the gentle clatter of the wheels soothing Christina's nerves.

However, Cassidy's curious voice soon interrupted the calm. "Mother, why is Miss Peversly still in the castle? I thought Father dismissed her."

Amelia chimed in before Christina could respond. "Father said she could stay until they found someone new."

Agnes wrinkled her nose in distaste. "I hope it's soon. I don't like seeing her around."

Kitty nodded solemnly. "She stands in the shadows, watching us. It is quite unsettling."

Christina offered a reassuring smile. "It will not be long now, I promise. Soon, all will be well."

Their journey continued until they reached the first tenant's home, a small but well-kept cottage nestled amongst the rolling hills. As they alighted from the carriage, Kitty's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Mother," she said eagerly, "may I introduce you to the tenants? I should like to do it properly."

Christina's heart warmed at the request. "Of course, Kitty. I would be most honored."

Inside the cottage, Mrs. Danvers greeted them with a warm smile and a deep curtsy. Kitty's smile broadened with pride. "This is the Duchess of Kilton."

Mrs. Danvers's eyes brightened with excitement, and she curtsied again, deeper this time. ""Your Grace, it is a pleasure beyond words to meet you. Oh, how wonderful for the estate to have a new duchess! Please, do come in. I have tea and biscuits prepared."

"Thank you, Mrs. Danvers," Christina replied with a gracious nod as she took a seat.

The girls eagerly helped themselves to the biscuits, their laughter filling the room as Mrs. Danvers poured the tea. "Mr. Danvers is out with His Grace, inspecting the fields. He would have been delighted to meet you today, Your Grace."

So that's where he is. Christina's heart fluttered at the mention of Victor. She gave a polite smile, masking her mild disappointment that he had not joined them for breakfast. "I am sure we shall meet in due course."

As they left the Danvers' home, Christina glanced toward the open fields, her eyes searching for a glimpse of her husband among the workers. However, the men she saw were unfamiliar, and Victor was nowhere to be found. Sighing inwardly, she climbed back into the carriage, pushing thoughts of him aside for the moment.

They continued visiting tenants, each one as welcoming as the last. It was only when they arrived at the village of Willsbury that Christina felt a wave of charm and delight wash over her.

The square was a lovely scene of bustling activity. Cobbled streets wound between quaint shops adorned with bright flowers. In the center of the square stood a statue of a local hero, surrounded by benches where villagers sat in cheerful conversation.

The girls' faces lit up as they took in the lively village. "We are rarely allowed to come to Willsbury," Kitty confided. "I'm so glad we're here today."

They wandered through the square, pausing to purchase warm pastries from a bakery, which they enjoyed together at a small table outside. The sun shone brightly, and the air was filled with laughter and joy.

As they were preparing to leave, Christina's attention was caught by a modest little bookstore tucked in a corner of the square. She hesitated for only a moment before deciding to enter.

The inside of the shop was cozy, the smell of old paper and leather-bound books filling the air. A bespectacled man behind the counter looked up from his ledger as they entered, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"Good day, ladies," he greeted. "I am Mr. Stone, the proprietor of this humble establishment. How may I assist you?"

"Good day, Mr. Stone," Christina replied with a polite smile. "I am the new Duchess of Kilton and was wondering if you had any children's books."

At her words, Mr. Stone's face lit up with excitement. "The Duchess of Kilton! What an honor, Your Grace. It is wonderful for the estate, and indeed the entire realm, to have a new duchess. We have been most eager to meet you."

Christina blushed at the man's enthusiasm. "You are too kind, Mr. Stone. Your shop is charming."

He beamed with pride. "Anything you desire from these shelves, Your Grace, is yours. It would be my greatest pleasure to provide it."

Christina smiled warmly at his generosity as she began to explore the shop. The girls followed close behind, chattering animatedly as they inspected the various titles.

"I must say," Mr. Stone remarked, glancing at the girls, "the Duke's daughters seem happier than I've ever seen them. It's clear they are flourishing under your care."

Agnes, never one to hold back, blurted out, "That's because we have a new mother now!"

Both Christina and Mr. Stone shared a fond smile. "I am glad to hear it," Christina said softly, brushing a hand over Agnes's hair.

As she continued, a particular book caught Christina's eye. She reached for it, her fingers lightly tracing the spine as a small smile tugged at her lips.