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They whispered to their grandmother a few questions, but mostly stared at him with curiosity.Matthew remembered Walter Snell coming into his life.He was the first and only man Matthew had considered father-like.Jezzy would probably still be with him if he hadn’t died so soon and so suddenly a few years later.
What did it mean to be the father-figure for two nieces?Perhaps the same as for two stepdaughters.Provide and protect.That was his responsibility.And he could do it without destroying anyone.
At Highwood, Matthew brought his family through the front door and settled them in the drawing room.Before he exited the room, Raleigh, Mrs.Callis and Sylvan were hovering to discover what they needed to do.
“My brother’s children and their grandmother.My brother’s mother,” he said in answer to their unspoken questions.“Before we get too ahead of ourselves, where is Mrs.Hardy?”He’d instructed her to be in bed, but that was before he’d decided to change his world once again.
“She was in the sunroom earlier,” Sylvan said.“I took a tray up since she waited to have lunch with you.”
“Let her know I’m home and that I need her in the drawing room right away.”
Sylvan hurried up the stairs.Mrs.Callis returned to the kitchen for another tray with more small foods.
“I’ll talk to you later,” Matthew said to Raleigh.“I haven’t forgotten about last night.”
“Of course, sir.”
Matthew leaned against the fireplace mantel, stuffing one hand in his trouser pocket.The girls stayed close to Mary as their heads bobbed, taking in the paintings, plants, piano and knickknacks.He was certain he was doing the right thing for their future—it was the next few weeks and months that could be awkward.
Another servant arrived with the tray followed by Rose.“Oh, we have guests,” she said.
The table was set in front of the three Trimbles and the girls looked to their grandmother for approval to eat.
“Be polite now,” she said, handing them a small plate and deciding for them how much they would get to eat.
“Rose, this is Mary Trimble and her granddaughters, Dora and Shonie.My nieces.”
“Levi’s children,” Rose said warmly.“It is very good to meet you.”
“I’ve suggested to Mary that the girls can stay here.That they would be safe with us for the time being.”
Rose gave him a quick glance.She didn’t seem perturbed by the news.“What a marvelous idea.Ava and Elaina would love to have new companions.”
“Will four children be too much for the governesses to care for?”Matthew asked.
“Why don’t we cross that bridge when we come to it?We’ll get them settled in a room next to the girls.And where will Mary stay?”Rose asked with some hesitancy.
“I thought Mrs.Callis could arrange that.”He was torn.Should the grandmother of his nieces be treated as a guest or as a servant?Another bridge to cross, he guessed.There was a bit of awkwardness before Rose rang for a footman.Matthew passed on some instructions, the footman grabbed the single valise and his extended family marched out.
Matthew went to a sideboard and poured a light drink.He gulped it down before he faced Rose.“A bit different than sending them off to Bath, eh?”
“If you think it best.”
“Do you?For everyone?I must consider you and the children.Will they be able to learn along with Ava and Elaina?They are the children of a duke; my nieces are the children of the street.”
“There’s no reason they must go back to that life.My children will not live in a ducal household again.There’s no reason your nieces, also the granddaughters of a duke, should not have some benefits.”
“Perhaps we can find them a suitable marriage, in time.”
“Another bridge to cross.Thank you for considering us, for asking.Why don’t we just assume they are as smart and resilient as their uncle?I’m sure they will bloom if we keep them watered and fed.”
“Do you want a drink?”
“No, Cook has held lunch for us.I thought you’d be home hours ago.”
“I wanted to do something right to counter last night’s disaster.You can tell Lord or Lady Chester I have their money, when they want to collect it.”
“Are you terribly upset with me?”
