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“No eyes rolls at the table.And when do you talk?”
“When we are asked a question,” they said together.
“Now, let’s enjoy this meal with Mr.Hardy.It won’t happen often you know, so do your best to impress him with your manners.”
“Is he going to be our papa now?”
“He is your stepfather, yes.You remember who your real papa is, don’t you?”
Elaina nodded.Ava pulled at a strand of her hair.“Can Tilly hold my hand?”Elaina asked.
“Of course.I’ll hold Ava’s hand and we will walk to dinner together.”
At the bottom of the stairs, Raleigh led them to a dining area with an intimate table setting where the chairs had been fitted for small girls.It wasn’t seven yet.Mr.Hardy wasn’t in the room.
Elaina glanced at Rose and lifted a shoulder.
“Mr.Hardy will arrive promptly.He will be most impressed by the fine dresses you are wearing,” Raleigh said.
“Thank you, Raway,” Ava said.“It’s blue.”
“And I’ve never seen such a pretty blue before.”
Rose was relieved to hear Matthew’s footsteps.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” he said, bowing to her.“Lady Elaina.Lady Ava.”
They both curtsied.“Good evening, Mr.Hardy,” Elaina said.Ava turned her face into Rose’s skirt.
“Raleigh, would you be so good as to help our young guests.”Matthew went to Rose and pulled her chair back so she could easily sit.Raleigh lifted the girls and placed their linen napkins.
As Matthew turned away, she felt the brush of his fingers along her neck.She watched out of the corner of her eye, and he raised his brows toward her once he was seated.The look sent little frissons of pleasure through her.She was foolish.Edmond had hated her forward nature.Matthew Hardy had no idea how he was fanning the flames of her unquenchable inner fire.
The duke she’d married was very rigid when it came to his sexual appetites, but the commoner she was getting to know whetted her already healthy appetite in every way.The sweet pulsing between her legs and the heat of want would not be quenched by fine wine or quality French food.
The trays, bowls and tureens were placed on the table.Not the full seven-course spread one might expect at atondinner party.Raleigh assisted the children while another servant assisted Rose and Matthew.
Did Matthew know any children?Rose watched him conquer his unease by asking the girls a few obvious questions about their first day at Highwood.Tilly received high marks and Ava was very interested in whether they would get a pony or not.Always curious about the ponies.Rose saw he preferred his meal with a large portion of meat with a few side dishes that were neither rich nor fussy.Mrs.Callis must already know his preferences.Rose would listen to her suggestions for meal planning.
The dinner was later than what the girls were used to at Sandhurst, but Rose didn’t think they noticed at all.Highwood was extravagant and comfortable.Tilly and another nanny were there to whisk the children off to bed at the conclusion of the meal.Rose stayed with Matthew while they were served a delectable butter cake drizzled with toffee and butterscotch.
“Thank you, Matthew, for being so kind to the children.”She glanced at him.His return stare confirmed they were thinking the same delicious thing.
“They’ve lost a lot in the last several months.”
She nodded.“Will you be gone tomorrow?”
“My businesses keep me busy most days.As a general rule, you can expect me to leave after breakfast and return at dark.”
“Oh, that’s too bad...that you will be gone so much.”
“Don’t fret.We will find a ball or two to display your beauty.”
“The season ends soon.The timing couldn’t be better.Islington will provide privacy.”
Matthew glanced toward the servant who cleared the table, reminding her with a wag of his brow that she tread close to their family secret.Mostly, she just wanted to freely converse with him.One day wasn’t enough to judge a lifetime.There would be plenty of opportunities, surely.
She set her fork aside and dabbed at her lips.“If you don’t mind, I should like to retire to my room.”
