Chapter 5

Five

L ady Christina—the Duchess—has more fire than I would like in a wife, Victor thought as he lowered his cigar and snuffed it against a saucer. The memory of her defiant gaze lingered in his mind. It was not the docile demeanor he had expected.

He was not pleased with the way the Duchess questioned him. Yes, her boldness fascinated him, and perhaps that boldness was what she would employ to discipline his children. Heaven knew they needed it.

"Should you not be at White's on the night of your wedding?" a voice asked.

Victor looked up to see his friend Marcus Hebert, the Marquess of Ashing, standing before him. The familiar sight of his friend brought a momentary sense of relief. "It is no conventional wedding, Ashing," Victor replied, tilting his head slightly. "The Duchess and my children are on their way to Kent."

Ashing raised an eyebrow sarcastically and took the chair across from Victor. "And why are you not traveling with them, Kilton?"

"I have business in London," Victor responded. His tone was clipped, leaving little room for further inquiry.

Ashing laughed, a sardonic look on his face. "Do you truly have business?" The skepticism in his voice was clear, and Victor felt irritated.

Victor did have business, but another reason he was remaining in London was because the Duchess might expect more from him than he was willing to give. If we spend the first days apart, then perhaps she might understand the true nature of our marriage—that her sole purpose is to be a mother to my children, not my ‘wife'.

"What brings you to town, Ashing?" Victor asked, changing the subject.

"I am here for the social season," Ashing replied, "to see what wife I can find among the ‘lovely' ladies of the ton ." His voice dripped with sarcasm, and Victor couldn't help but smirk.

Victor nodded. "I would have invited you to the wedding ceremony if I'd known you would be in London."

Ashing dismissed this with a charming wave. "I know you prefer a quiet event , Kilton. When will you return to your fair Duchess?"

"Until my business here is concluded," Victor replied unceremoniously. His response was deliberately vague, leaving his friend to interpret as he wished.

Ashing shivered exaggeratedly. "The poor Duchess is likely unaware she married winter himself." His jest was light-hearted, but Victor felt the sting of truth in it.

Victor shook his head while his friend laughed. I do not know my wife, and she does not know me , he acknowledged inwardly, but he still trusted Hillsbury's word that his daughter was calm and capable.

Yet, the fire he saw in her eyes today suggested otherwise, and he wondered if he had underestimated her.

Christina stepped down from the carriage with a footman's help and looked up at Kilton Castle, bathed in the last glow of the setting sun. The majestic structure seemed to shimmer in the fading light, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. The castle's beauty took her breath away—its towers rose high, like vigilant sentinels guarding a realm of enchantment. The intricate stonework and ivy-covered walls whispered of centuries past, filled with stories and secrets waiting to be uncovered.

She felt someone take her hand, and Agnes's voice followed. "Do you like the castle, Your Grace?"

Christina smiled warmly. "I already feel like a princess from the fairytales." The child's hand in hers was a comforting anchor in this new, imposing world.

Cassidy laughed. "But you didn't marry a prince. Father is anything but charming." Her candid remark made Christina chuckle, breaking some of the tension.

Amelia's eyes widened with curiosity. "Do you read fairytales, Your Grace? Father does not allow us to because he thinks it will pollute our minds."

Christina held back a sigh and resisted rolling her eyes. Give me strength! What have I married? She reassured Amelia with a gentle squeeze of her hand. "I will read to you, Amelia. We shall have our own stories." Her promise brought a spark of hope to the girl's eyes.

Miss Peversly cleared her throat, her voice clipped. "Girls, follow me." Her tone brooked no argument, and the girls obediently moved toward the entrance.

All except Agnes walked into the castle, while Agnes held on to Christina's hand. The bond between them felt natural, as if they had known each other much longer. A man, whom she assumed to be the butler, rushed forward with a warm smile. "Welcome to Kilton Castle, Your Grace. I am Smith, the butler."

A portly woman followed, curtsying deeply. "And I am Mrs. Brimsey, the housekeeper."

Christina immediately took a liking to both, no longer caring that the Duke was not there to introduce her to the household. Their warm reception eased some of her anxiety. "Thank you, Smith, Mrs. Brimsey. I am pleased to meet you both."

Mrs. Brimsey beamed. "We shall make the castle as pleasant for you as possible, Your Grace." Her genuine smile and earnest tone reassured Christina that she would not be entirely alone in this new place.

Smith instructed the footmen on where to carry the bags, while Mrs. Brimsey guided Christina and Agnes into the castle and up the grand staircase. The interior was even more breathtaking than the exterior. The interior was the epitome of elegance—marble floors, richly woven tapestries, and intricate chandeliers that cast a warm glow. Portraits of past Dukes and Duchesses adorned the walls, telling silent tales of the family's legacy.

"The castle has thirty rooms and three floors!" Agnes said eagerly.

Christina smiled at her. "I look forward to you showing me all the rooms, Agnes." The girl's enthusiasm was a comfort, and Christina felt a genuine excitement for the first time since her arrival.

The girl's hazel eyes brightened, and she jumped with excitement. "I am most eager to do that, Your Grace." Her joy was a small but significant victory for Christina, giving her a glimmer of hope for the future.

As they turned on the first landing of the stairs and proceeded to the west wing, Mrs. Brimsey spoke. "The Duchess's bedchamber was recently renovated. I hope you will love it, Your Grace."

Christina's smile widened. "I am sure I shall, Mrs. Brimsey."

They reached the bedchamber, and Christina was enchanted by the room's bright, inviting atmosphere. Decorated in shades of dusky rose and mahogany, the room exuded warmth and comfort. A sitting area by the fireplace invited relaxation, and a spacious dressing chamber promised luxury.

Christina walked about the room, admiring the tasteful furnishings and the thoughtful details. She turned to Mrs. Brimsey. "I love it. Thank you."

Katherine's voice came from the doorway. "I chose the colors for the room, Your Grace."

Christina turned, surprised. "The Duke allowed you to choose?"

Katherine shook her head. "He put Mrs. Brimsey in charge of the decoration, and she allowed me to choose."

"I see," Christina said, unsurprised at the Duke's actions. He is predictable, and perhaps that will help me stay out of his way.

Cassidy and Amelia appeared in the doorway, with Amelia giggling. "Mrs. Peversly shall be cross, but we could not stay away."

Christina laughed and conspiratorially waved for them to enter the room. They all slipped in and closed the door behind them, while Mrs. Brimsey stood near it with her hands folded in front of her, a motherly smile on her face.

Christina looked at the girls once more, deciding to get to know them better without their father's imposing presence. "Agnes, how old are you?"

"I will be eight in the fall," Agnes replied eagerly.

Amelia and Cassidy chimed in unison, "We're eleven," and added, "Katherine is thirteen."

Christina's brows furrowed in surprise. "Your father never mentioned he had twins."

Cassidy and Amelia exchanged a glance before Amelia said, "We wish we were real twins."

Cassidy, suddenly looking a bit somber, explained, "The Duke is not our real father, although we adore him. Our real father was the Duke's brother. He and our mother died years ago in the colonies while on a trip."

Christina's heart broke for the girls. She gently touched Cassidy's cheek and gave Katherine a warm smile, which Katherine returned.

Cassidy then said suddenly, "It is why Katherine is always sad."

Katherine argued, "It is not."

Christina smiled reassuringly. "We will make the house a happy place."

Mrs. Brimsey warmly said, "Young ladies, it is almost time for dinner. You should let Her Grace rest."

She ushered them out of the room as they all talked over one another while Christina laughed.

Later that evening, as Christina sat on her bed, stretching her neck and reflecting on the day's events, she felt the weight of exhaustion settle over her. The grandeur of Kilton Castle, the introductions, and the overwhelming emotions had taken their toll. Just as she was about to let out a weary sigh, she heard a soft knock on the door.

"Yes?" she called.

The door opened slowly, and Agnes walked in, clutching a woolen doll. She was barefoot, wearing a white nightdress, and her chestnut hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders. Agnes looked from left to right as if checking to ensure no one could see her before stepping into the room on the tips of her toes and closing the door quietly.

When she reached Christina, she whispered, "I came to bring you a friend." She placed the stuffed woolen doll in Christina's hands. "This is Margaret, my favorite doll. I brought her to keep you company while Father is away."

Christina's heart both tightened and bloomed at the same time. She gazed at the doll, her emotions swirling. "Agnes, you should not part with your favorite doll on my account."

Agnes shook her head, her eyes earnest. "I don't mind, Your Grace. I want you to have her."

Christina hugged Agnes tightly, feeling a surge of affection for the little girl. "Thank you, Agnes. You are very kind."

They bid each other good night, and Agnes sneaked out of the room as quietly as she had come. Christina looked down at the doll, hope and apprehension filling her heart.

She sighed softly, wondering if her new life would indeed hold the meaning she intended for it.

Christina smiled at the maid who was helping her dress the morning after her wedding, accepting the pair of pearl earrings she proffered.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps and giggles. Christina immediately felt a thrill of excitement and rose from her seat. "I have been wondering when the children would come," she said eagerly. A knock sounded on the bedchamber door as she stepped out of the dressing chamber. She hurried to open it, and the sight before her was almost overwhelming.

The girls were talking over one another, their voices a cheerful cacophony barely making any sense. Agnes clutched Carrot, grinning widely, while her lady's maid, Addison, stood nearby, looking utterly bewildered.

"Ladies," Christina called, trying to capture their attention. They all quieted, looking at her expectantly. She smiled warmly. "I will understand you better if you speak one at a time."

They all nodded, and Katherine stepped forward into the room. "Miss Addison just arrived with the most adorable little creature," she announced.

Agnes raised Carrot, holding him by his armpits. The kitten seemed to be enjoying both the hold and the company. "He's orange!" she gushed.

Cassidy chimed in excitedly, "We learned his name is Carrot, and I'm so glad he's here."

Amelia added, "Father never allows pets, not even a fish."

Agnes piped up, "the last time I asked for a fish, he threatened to have Cook make dinner with it if we brought it into the house."

Christina shook her head, leaning down to kiss Carrot's forehead. "Carrot is mine, and he is here to stay. If your father has an issue with it, he can take it up with me." She turned to the happy feline, and scratched him behind his ears, "I promise I will not let the big bad duke turn you into slippers."

The girls cheered, their faces alight with joy. Christina greeted her lady's maid. "Thank you, Addison."

Addison smiled. "His Lordship, your father, would not allow me to bring Carrot. I had to conceal him in a basket with my luncheon, as the Earl was present when the carriage departed from Hillsbury House."

Christina felt a wave of gratitude, pleased to have both her lady's maid and Carrot here. I wonder if Kilton will find Carrot as abominable as my father did.

They descended the grand staircase, where Mrs. Brimsey greeted her warmly. "Your Grace, I would like to show you the room the Duke intends to become your study."

Christina blinked in surprise. "The Duke wishes for me to have a study?" The notion of having her own space in this vast castle was both unexpected and gratifying.

Mrs. Brimsey nodded. "Indeed, Your Grace."

"How thoughtful of him," Christina expressed, inwardly appreciating him for providing her with a space where she could quietly avoid him. She felt a measure of relief that he was not present, but then the memory of his handsome face and the warmth of his hands lingered in her mind. She blinked, raising her chin to suppress the blush that threatened to rise.

As Mrs. Brimsey showed her the study, Agnes entered with Carrot cradled in her arms like an infant. "Do not forget our tour of the castle," she reminded Christina. The kitten purred softly.

Another presence emerged in the doorway, casting a shadow over the room. Christina's jaw tightened as she met Miss Peversly's cold gaze. The governess curtsied reluctantly. "Your Grace, Agnes has watercolor lessons in half an hour." Her tone was sharp, and her eyes held a disdainful glint.

"Agnes shall be punctual and will not miss her lessons," Christina replied firmly. She refused to let the governess undermine her authority.

The governess glanced disdainfully at Carrot, who hissed at her. Christina stepped forward, while Agnes stepped behind her with the kitten and muttered, "Do not mind Miss Peversly. She is only jealous of your orange hair."

Christina grinned. "That would be fur, darling." Her playful remark was meant to lighten the mood, but it seemed to anger the governess further.

Miss Peversly's expression hardened. "His Grace strongly disapproves of the girls having pets."

Christina couldn't fathom why the governess was antagonizing her, but she dismissed the notion with a stiff smile. The woman's hostility was puzzling, but Christina was determined not to let it affect her. "Carrot is my pet, not the children's. And I am his wife."

The governess turned and left without a word. Christina sighed. The tension she left behind was stifling, but Christina resolved to maintain her composure. "I wish to go riding."

Agnes bounced with excitement. "I want to go as well!" Christina found herself smiling despite the earlier tension.

Christina turned to Mrs. Brimsey. "Please have horses prepared for me and all the girls."

The housekeeper suddenly looked extremely nervous. Her demeanor shifted from welcoming to apprehensive in an instant. "Is something amiss?" Christina inquired.

"All is well, Your Grace," Mrs. Brimsey replied stiffly, then departed. Her departure was abrupt, and Christina was left feeling unsettled.

Christina wondered what had just transpired.