Chapter 4

Four

C hristina turned to look at her groom as the vicar read the sermon, and her stomach formed several knots. The words of the sermon barely registered in her mind as she tried to steady her breath. Kilton stood straight and imposing, his sharp features defined, his jaw set in a manner that made him look like a marble statue.

His dark hair framed a face that was undeniably handsome, yet so cold and distant that it sent a chill through her. She wondered if he was always this stone cold, and how she was supposed to live with him. Her eyes traced the lines of his face, searching for any sign of warmth or softness.

Glancing to her left, she caught sight of the girls, Cassidy and Amelia, then two older ones she guessed were Kitty and Agnes. Their eyes were large and hopeful, and the grins on their faces positively melted Christina's heart. Their innocent joy contrasted sharply with the somber mood that surrounded her.

She reminded herself that she was marrying Kilton because she wanted to help them remain spirited and not have their light diminished by their stern father. The thought gave her a flicker of resolve, anchoring her amidst the torrent of emotions. Her eyes moved to the woman standing beside the children. The governess? The woman's face was cold, and her dark hair was brushed back into a tight knot at her nape, giving her a most severe appearance.

A slight cough drew Christina's attention to her right, where she found her mother glaring at her. Helen's eyes bore into her with an intensity that demanded compliance. Helen made a small, insistent gesture with her hand, waving for Christina to pay attention to the parson.

The parson's voice rose with authority, "I now pronounce you man and wife." The finality of the words echoed in Christina's mind, a bell tolling for the life she had known.

More knots tightened in Christina's stomach as Kilton turned to her. His movements were deliberate, each one amplifying her anxiety. She swallowed, hoping for a smile, but he merely inclined his head.

Cheers erupted, primarily from her family. The sound was loud and dissonant, overwhelming her senses. Her parents looked overjoyed, and Christina could not dismiss the feeling that they were happy to be rid of her at last. Her mother's smile was wide and unrestrained, her father's eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

As they turned to walk down the aisle together, Christina felt the weight of her new life pressing down on her, the cold touch of her husband's arm reminding her of the uncertain future ahead. The world seemed to close in around her, her shoulders heavy with resignation.

The girls surrounded them, their voices a cheerful cacophony as they spoke all at once.

"Oh, Father, can we?—"

"Did you see?—"

"May we show?—"

The governess immediately cut through the noise with a sharp command. "Girls, that is enough! Maintain your decorum and remember your manners." The girls immediately quieted, their faces falling into rueful expressions. Their earlier excitement dimmed, replaced by a subdued obedience. Christina's eyes narrowed slightly, noting the change in their demeanor.

The governess looked to Kilton and curtsied in an almost exaggerated manner. "My felicitations, Your Grace. This is a most festive occasion." She fluttered her lashes ever so slightly, and Christina blinked. The woman's behavior struck her as incongruous, unsettling in its sycophancy. She turned to her husband to see whether he was taking part in this impropriety. His gaze was on Christina.

Although his demeanor was still carved in stone, there was a gleam in his eyes that made heat crawl up her cheeks. She was suddenly aware of his warmth, and how tall and strong he looked. Gather your wits about you, Christina.

Her parents approached. Her father congratulated Kilton with a firm handshake. "Well done, Kilton. A splendid match, if I may say so." As though you did not force this match, dear Father.

Her mother wore the brightest smile Christina had ever seen. "Oh, my dear. You make a lovely bride," she said, her eyes shimmering with satisfaction. At last, Christina though, I have done something ‘right'.

Annie then stepped forward and hugged Christina tightly. "I am so happy for you, Sister," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine affection. The embrace was warm and firm, holding Christina in the midst of her emotional storm. Christina's throat immediately tightened. She did not want to leave Annie. Not like this—and certainly not in their parents' clutches.

Joanna and Juliette were next, their faces alight with excitement. "Christina, you were marvelous!" Joanna exclaimed. Her eyes sparkled with joy, and she clasped Christina's hands in hers. "Simply stunning," Juliette added, squeezing her hand. The shared enthusiasm brought a fleeting smile to Christina's lips.

Kilton cleared his throat and gestured to his daughters. "Allow me to introduce my daughters. This is Katherine, the eldest."

Katherine curtsied politely, her smile shy. "A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace." Her voice was soft, almost tentative, and Christina instantly noticed how alike Katherine and Cassidy looked, both with blonde curls and bright green eyes. There was also something akin to sadness in her eyes that reminded Christina of Annie.

"And this is Cassidy," Kilton continued.

Cassidy followed suit with a curtsy and a grin. "Delighted, Your Grace." Her energy was infectious, and Christina found herself returning the smile.

"This is Amelia," Kilton said, as Amelia curtsied.

"An honor to meet you again, Your Grace." Amelia was a spitting image of the Duke, and so was the little one that stepped forward, clutching a yellow rose. The resemblance was striking, from the dark hair to the determined set of their jaws.

"And lastly, Agnes," Kilton finished, his voice dropping as though he was relieved to be through with the introductions.

Agnes stumbled through her curtsy, her eyes bright. "Very pleased to meet you, Your Grace. I plucked this especially for you." She held out the rose with a look of pure innocence and pride.

"Oh, that is very sweet of you." Christina took the rose and raised it to her nose. "I shall treasure it." She smiled warmly at them. The simple gesture touched her deeply, a small beacon of kindness in the sea of formality. "It is my pleasure to meet all of you. I hope we shall become good friends."

"I am sure we shall!" Agnes said. Her enthusiastic response was met with nods from her sisters, and Christina felt a glimmer of hope.

Christina drew Annie toward her. "Allow me to introduce my dear sister, Annie."

"We have already met her," Agnes giggled. "She said her name is Lady Annabelle."

"Did she, now?" Christina smiled and glanced at her sister. Annie's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composed demeanor. Every time she introduced her to someone as Annie, she would correct it to Lady Annabelle, which was deemed more proper. What pained Christina was how Annie had once loved the diminutive of her name.

"I nearly forgot," Kilton said suddenly, drawing her attention back to him. "This is their governess, Miss Peversly."

"Your Grace." Miss Peversly's curtsy was light, almost as though she was reluctant to do it. Her posture was stiff, and her dark gaze held a condescension that perplexed Christina.

She turned her attention to the girls, and they beamed, their earlier ruefulness melting away. Their bright smiles reassured Christina that her presence might indeed make a difference. Her father then gestured toward the dining room. "Shall we proceed to the wedding breakfast?"

As they moved toward the dining room, Christina felt flutters within her—and not the good sort. The hallways seemed longer, the steps heavier as she contemplated her new reality. The future was uncertain, but the warmth in the girls' eyes gave her a small measure of hope. She held onto that hope tightly, like a lifeline. She would do her best to protect their spirits, just as she had vowed to herself.

"Write often," Annie urged, hugging Christina tightly. The embrace was warm and fierce, a desperate attempt to hold onto their bond.

Christina swallowed the lump in her throat. "I won't forget you. And once I am settled, I will invite you to spend time with us in Kent." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying the emotions she struggled to keep in check.

She hugged Juliette and Joanna, promising to write to them often, then turned to her mother. Helen embraced her, whispering in Christina's ear, "You are no longer your father's problem, but you must ensure you do not give the Duke a reason to send you back and annul the marriage before it is consummated." Her words were touched with an underlying threat, masked by the outward affection.

"Is that warning necessary?" Christina asked, her voice tight. The implication of her mother's words cut deep, stirring a mix of resentment and fear.

Helen pulled away, smiling like a loving mother. "It is." Her smile did not reach her eyes, which remained cold and calculating.

When Christina looked at her father, he only nodded at her. His nod was curt, almost dismissive, and she felt a pang of sadness at the lack of warmth. Holding back a sigh, she turned to the Duke, who was handing Katherine into the carriage. When he turned, his eyes focused intensely on her. Christina felt a blush creeping up her cheeks and quickly chastised herself. The intensity of his gaze made her feel exposed, as if he could see through her defenses.

"You are to travel without me," Kilton said, his voice formal. His tone was distant, as if discussing a business arrangement rather than their immediate future. "I have business to finish up in London."

Christina's brows rose, her mind racing with questions. Why did he not tell her this before? He made her believe he would be traveling with them. But then again, she felt relieved, for she won't have to tolerate his stifling company. It shall just be her and the girls… and their governess.

"How long will you be away?" she asked, unable to keep the curiosity from her voice. Her words were measured, but she couldn't hide the edge of concern.

Kilton's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. Oh, the nerve of him to be offended by such a simple question. "I will return to Kent when my business here is concluded."

Christina nodded, hiding her relief behind a neutral expression. The thought of some time apart was a small comfort, a chance to adjust to her new life without his imposing presence. She glanced at the girls already seated in the carriage, their faces bright with anticipation. Their innocence and excitement gave her a renewed sense of purpose.

Kilton took her hand, and she tensed, feeling both the warmth of his hand and his closeness. His grip was firm, as though to remind her of the control he wielded over her life now. As he handed her into the carriage, Christina felt both comforted and suffocated by the tight space. He gave a sharp nod before closing the door and knocking on the carriage.

As it rolled away, she looked back one last time at her parents, Her mother's stern gaze and her father's indifferent nod were reminder of the life she was leaving behind. She waved at her friends and family through the window before settling in her seat and sighing.

"Are you unhappy, Your Grace?" a voice asked.

She turned to her right to see Agnes sitting between her and Cassidy. The little girl's innocent eyes searched Christina's face for reassurance. Amelia, Katherine, and Miss Peversly were seated on the rear-facing seat.

Christina mustered a smile. "I am very happy to be in your lives because you all seem like charming girls." Her voice softened, genuine warmth replacing her earlier tension.

This got all of them excited, including Katherine, or Kitty as her sisters called her. Amelia started talking about a stream near Kilton Castle that they would love to show her. Agnes bounced in her seat, her hazel eyes glimmering with delight. "I have friends I would love to introduce you to."

"Who are they?" Christina asked, intrigued. Her curiosity was piqued by the child's enthusiasm.

Agnes giggled. "They are my dolls."

Christina laughed. "I am eager to make their acquaintance." Their laughter was a relief, a moment of lightness in the heavy day.

Cassidy chimed in. "We have an apple grove we love playing in."

Katherine, ever calm, added, "You must look forward to Cook's meals. They are delightful."

Christina responded warmly to each of them, feeling a sense of closeness to the girls. The warmth in her heart grew as she imagined the simple joys they described. "I cannot wait to see the stream, meet your friends, and taste Cook's meals. It all sounds wonderful."

Agnes then tugged at her arm. When Christina looked down, the girl said, "I am very happy you are our new mother, Your Grace."

Christina's heart swelled. "I am happy to be your new mother, Agnes." The sincerity in her voice was met with a bright smile from the little girl, making Christina's resolve even stronger.

Hearing this, Miss Peversly said sharply, "Girls, you may not play like wild urchins, and Her Grace is not your mother."

The girls lowered their eyes, and a sad tension filled the carriage. The joyous atmosphere was shattered, replaced by an oppressive silence. Christina felt ire rising within her. She raised her chin, meeting the governess's eyes with a steely gaze. "If the girls would honor me by thinking of me as their mother, it is not your place to criticize, Miss Peversly. The girls are free to choose whom they wish to see as their mother."

Christina was not surprised that Kilton would employ such a cold, condescending woman to look after his children. The realization only strengthened her resolve to protect the girls. She decided that she would watch her closely. The governess's influence would not go unchecked.

Perhaps the Duke might not be the only one the children needed to be shielded from.

The governess glared at her, but Christina continued, her voice firm. "As the Duchess of Kilton and their guardian, I have the final say in their affairs. Do we have an understanding?"

Miss Peversly responded by turning her face to look out the window, her demeanor cold and dismissive. The tension in the carriage was palpable, and Christina knew she had made an enemy.