Page 89 of A Duchess for his Family

“It is only a kitten.”

The animal opened its eyes and looked directly at Benedict. He had the unpleasant impression that it understood the debate and found his position needlessly severe.

Amelia touched one cautious finger to its paw. “It may be hungry.”

“It may also have fleas.”

Marjorie drew back slightly.

Sophia looked at him. “Both conditions may be remedied.”

Three faces watched him. Four, if he included the kitten.

Benedict folded his arms. “It may remain upon the estate until its owner is found.”

Marjorie brightened. “In the house?”

“In the stables,” he clarified.

“The stables?” Amelia repeated.

“It will be sheltered, fed, and kept warm. The grooms may determine whether it is injured. That is a reasonable compromise.”

Marjorie looked at Sophia as though appealing to a higher court.

Sophia stroked the kitten’s head. “It is better than nothing.”

“Only slightly,” Marjorie muttered.

“May we visit it?” Amelia asked.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Every day?” she asked.

“If your lessons are completed.”

“May we feed it?”

“Under the groom’s supervision.”

“May we name it?” Marjorie asked.

Benedict hesitated. The kitten sneezed against Sophia’s bodice.

Marjorie’s eyes widened. “That means yes.”

“It means the animal has mud in its nose.”

They named it Admiral before reaching the stables. Marjorie claimed it possessed a commanding expression. Amelia said the name was dignified. Sophia confessed that the kitten did appear capable of conquering small territories. Benedict observed that it could scarcely conquer a bowl of milk without falling into it.

For the next several days, Admiral established himself at Rivermere with the effortless confidence of a visiting monarch.

The stable boys found him a basket lined with an old horse blanket. The head groom, who claimed to dislike cats, brought scraps of chicken from the kitchen and was later discovered allowing Admiral to sleep inside his coat. Cook sent a saucer of cream while insisting she had done no such thing. Mrs. Bell permitted the twins to carry him through the servants’ hall once, provided his paws were clean, and no one informed His Grace.

Benedict was informed. Marjorie informed him herself.

“He is becoming very popular,” she announced at breakfast.