Page 75 of A Duchess for his Family

Marjorie appeared impressed. “You are becoming very good at knowing things.”

Sophia smiled. “I have had excellent instruction.”

Amelia smiled down at her chain of flowers.

Marjorie extended one slipper toward the pond. “Only the very edge.”

“No farther than the stones, and you must keep your shoes on.”

“That is not nearly as adventurous.”

“Then you must endeavor to endure the disappointment.”

Marjorie stepped onto the first flat stone, spreading her arms for balance. Sophia watched her carefully. She had chosen the spot precisely because the bank sloped gently, the water was shallow for several yards, and no tangled roots lay hidden beneath the reeds. She also positioned the blanket close enough that neither child could take three steps without her seeing it.

Marjorie hopped to the second stone.

“Carefully,” Sophia warned.

“I am always careful.”

Amelia looked up. “That is not true.”

“It is true at this moment.”

A shadow moved across the blanket. Sophia turned, expecting a cloud. Instead, Benedict stood several yards away.

He had come across the meadow without her hearing him. His dark coat was severe against the sunlit grass, and his hat was gripped in one hand. He looked first at Sophia, then at Amelia upon the blanket. Then he saw Marjorie standing upon the stones. Every line of his body changed.

“Marjorie.”

The single word struck the afternoon still.

Marjorie’s arms lowered. “Uncle Benedict.”

“Step away from the water.”

“I am only⁠—”

“Now.” There was no loudness in his voice. Benedict did not require it. The cold precision of the command sent Marjorie back to the bank at once.

Sophia rose. “Benedict⁠—”

“Amelia, take your sister and return to the house.”

Both girls stared at him.

“But we have not finished the seed cake,” Marjorie protested.

“You have finished the picnic.”

Amelia carefully set aside her flower chain. Her eyes moved from Benedict to Sophia, troubled and watchful.

Sophia felt an answering unease. “There is no need to send them away.”

Benedict looked over his shoulder. A groom stood at a distance behind him, evidently summoned to help search the estate.

“Mr. Harris will accompany you,” Benedict said to the girls. “Go.”