“To help you live out your dreams.” Archer shrugged. “Perhaps take in a play or two, go to a ball. Strike up a business deal while we are at it.”
“It has been rather a long time since I’ve been to a ball. And I’m not sure if I’m ready to dance in front of other people.” Lydia swallowed nervously.
“Then we shall just have to practice.” He grinned at her.
“Are you trying to lead me astray, dear Duke?”
He snorted. “Hardly. I am simply trying to lead you forward. The question is whether or not you will follow.”
It’s about trust.His words came echoing back to her, and her heart skittered in her chest. “That depends on where you lead me.”
He smiled at her. “I will make the arrangements then. I’ll have a carriage prepared and send a few servants ahead to open up the London house. I’ll ensure they have something suitable for a ball packed for you, perhaps a garden party as well.”
“Are you planning on leaving us again, Brother?” Cora plonked herself into a seat and helped herself to a piece of toast. “It seems we are constantly deprived of your company lately.”
“As though you do not relish when I am gone, sister.” Archer arched an eyebrow at him, but Lydia could hear the amusement in his voice.
“We do miss you, you know.” Juliet appeared and slipped into the seat beside her sister, Iris hot on her heels.
“Which is why you all get up to so much trouble in my absence?” Archer gave them all knowing looks, and everyone but Iris shifted uncomfortably.
“Perhaps that is why they get up to such trouble,” Lydia muttered, putting a hand on Archer’s without thinking.
His eyes widened slightly, but he did not jerk his hand from hers. “I suppose I am gone rather a lot of late.”
“You are.” Cora agreed. “And even if you are irritating beyond belief, we do rather like having you around.”
“Though I suppose at least we will have Lydia to amuse us in your absence.” Juliet beamed at her.
“Actually, Lydia will be coming with me.” Archer said.
Lydia’s cheeks flushed at the look that passed between her husband and his sisters. “Will she indeed?”
“Yes. I thought she might enjoy a change of scenery,” Archer replied simply.
Thankfully, Iris decided to break the moment of tension.
“I want to come too!” Iris said.
“Iris, you cannot go with them.” Cora shook her head.
“Why not?” Iris frowned, looking at the adults gathered around her.
“Because you have just been to London.” Juliet reached for Iris’s little hand, but the child jerked away before she could grab it.
Iris’s pout deepened. “Uncle Dash goes to London all the time. I want to go too.”
“This is different sweetheart; this is a grown-up trip. Not for children.” Archer leaned towards the little girl.
“But I can be a grown up. I’m growing. I can be a grown up. I want to come with you.” Iris looked around, her eyes widening with increasing desperation. “I want to come.”
“Iris, I have already told you, you can’t come with us…” Archer’s tone was gentle even as Iris’s eyes welled with tears.
“But you always leave me.” Iris’ lip trembled as fat tears rolled down her cheeks. “And now you’re taking Auntie Lydia too.”
Lydia’s heart ached, and before she knew what she was doing, she walked around the table to kneel in front of Iris. She wiped a tear from her cheek gently with a handkerchief.
“Iris, I know it’s hard when people go away, but you must know, we wilalways, always come back.” Lydia gave her a reassuring smile.
