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A charming smile crossed his lips. “Rosalie. How did you fare today?”
The joy that chased her features at such a simple enquiry made Adel wanted to grab a tuff of his hair and pull it from his scalp. His yelp would be so satisfying.
“Lady Adel taught us geography earlier. Then we came outside and observed the workings of the compass. It was rather intriguing.”
He arched his brow at the ball, and a sweet chuckle spilled from his daughter, then she lifted a small shoulder in a shrug. “I am unsure how we started playing, Father, but it was fun.”
“I saw,” he said a bit huskily. “Whenever you and Sarah play, I watch you from my study.”
Adel glanced at him from the corner of her eyes, careful to not be obvious in her perusal.
He was gripping the edges of the stone bench in a white knuckle grip.
There were several shrieks and peals of laughter in the distance, and Rosalie turned to the sounds.
“I must return inside with Sarah. We will need to refresh for dinner. Lady Adeline and grandmother have promised to dine with us in the smaller dining room. Will you join us tonight, Papa?”
“I will.”
A soft sigh of relief escaped his daughter’s lips. Then with a smile, she ran to him and pressed a fleeting kiss to his cheek. She turned to dash away but his hand darted and grabbed a hold of her. Edmond tugged Rosalie into his arms and enfolded her in a fierce hug.
Adel froze.
The naked pain of his features was unbearable to look at. Rosalie did not hesitate; she flung her arms and gripped him just as tightly. Adel felt she intruded on their moment, but was afraid to move and shatter whatever drew them together.
“I love you, Father.”
“I love you too, pumpkin,” he said gruffly. “Now go wash and change. We will all dine together, then afterwards we’ll retire to the drawing room and you can play the pianoforte for us. I heard you play today, and you were excellent.”
“Yes, thank you, Father,” she said, and Adel heard the pleasure in Rosa’s voice.
She drew away and ran in the direction of her sister. Then as if she forgot something, she twirled around and waved at Adel.
With a smile, Adel returned her farewell.
Edmond stood and walked away. She remained frozen, wondering if she should follow. Then he paused.
“Are you coming?” he asked with an imperious wave of his hand toward the lake.
She stood. “Is that an invitation to join you on a stroll, Your Grace?”
His lips quirked in a sensual smile. “Would you do me the honor of taking a turn in the gardens, Your Grace?”
“Why, yes, I believe I shall.”
He waited until she caught up with him before continue walking. They strolled without speaking, and she had no wish to break the companionable silence. They passed the gardens, and moved in the direction of the lake. They went behind a copse of trees into a small clearing. He sat on a stone bench beneath the cypress tree, hidden deep in the shadows. Adel sat beside him on the bench, desperately wanting to speak but unsure where to start. She had spied his unguarded response to her and the children cavorting a few days ago. It had been a raw and undisguised longing. He had wanted to join them. The novelty of it had left her bereft only fleetingly, and then she’d realized the improbable.
He was afraid of opening himself up to his own children.
“It would have been wonderful if you’d joined us today.”
The man grunted, but she wasn’t deterred.
“Rosa and Sarah need you.”
His gaze settled on her like a cold caress. “I have given them everything.”
Yes. Even a wife he had no intention of ever loving. She pushed past the ache blooming inside her and allowed a smile to touch her lips. “Not everything, Edmond. They need you to play with them again.”
