Page 47 of A Mother for the Blind Duke’s Orphans

“But, Your Grace, the Duchess was most unpleased by this incident⁠—”

“I will speak to her. Can a lamp be placed safely in here?” he looked around the closet.

“For a child of four? I would not advise it.”

“Then something else. Not flame.”

“We might leave the door eased open.”

“She chooses it because it closes.”

“Yes.”

Hector stepped back and considered. Sight would have helped. He wanted to see the dimensions, the shelves, and the corners. Instead, he touched the doorframe, then the inner wall, measuring with his hands while Mrs. Patterson remained silent. The wood was smooth enough in places, rough in others. A child could catch skin on one unfinished edge. He ran his thumb along it and felt a splinter lift.

“That must be sanded,” he said.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Choose someone carefully to do this. Place a lamp at a far distance; perhaps he would have to break through the wall behind it.”

“I will see to it.”

Hector crouched, touching the floor. “And when he is done, get the maids to add some cushions, a blanket, and dolls for Aurora.”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Mrs. Patterson did not realize that she was grinning; her excitement for Aurora touched him.

The children seemed to be bringing joy to everyone in the dukedom.

He pictured Aurora curled inside, knees drawn up as she enjoyed her own private space. Hector understood that side of her; he craved his space as well.

Perhaps she got that from me.

“And—” he stopped, irritated by his own uncertainty. “What do children keep?”

“Treasures.”

“What kind?”

“Whatever adults fail to value.”

That answer was so precise he almost laughed. “Then leave room for treasures.”

“We can place a small box for all her toys, Your Grace.” The housekeeper beamed.

“All right. But nothing with a heavy lid.” He added, and she nodded.

He touched the inside wall again. The closet was not much. But it could be made less bare and cold.

If Aurora needed to hide, then by God she would hide somewhere warm.

“We will do it tomorrow,” he continued. “She may be upset for a while as it is prepared, but it will be worth it.”

Mrs. Patterson hesitated. “The duchess may wish to be consulted, Your Grace.”

He recognized the tone of her voice as her trying to advise him.

Hector sighed. “If the duchess is consulted, Aurora will know before it is done,” he said. “Then it becomes a matter of persuasion. She will think we wish something from her.”