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“Emeline, I want you to know that I really wish to be a good mother to you. I hope you will be a good friend to me also. Will you walk with me?” I offered her my hand.
She hesitated at first but then took my hand, and I led her out of the room with me. From everything I had gathered yesterday from the staff, Mrs. Watson was very protective of Emeline, and Emeline depended on her. I was grateful that Emeline had had someone’s attention and care all these years. But at the same time, I had to insert myself now, or I would never get the chance. I wished for Emeline to be able to come to me, not a housekeeper. No matter what the child’s circumstance, or the truth of her parentage, to the world, she was the daughter of the duke. Therefore, she was a lady of this house and under my care. And I would see to it that it was the best care.
“Emeline.” I glanced down at her. “You are the duke’s daughter, and, therefore, I will think of you as my daughter. You may even call me Mama if you wish. I will always help you.”
She just stared.
This child stared a lot. I paused, glancing around.
“But first, I think I must help myself to a map.” I giggled, frowning, then looking at her. “I am a bit lost. Do you know how to get to the gardens? Or where we are?”
I expected her silence, but when I sought to go back from where we came, she pulled me forward with all her little strength, turning left, then another left, before going right and down the hall. In a few minutes, we stood before the glass doors leading out to the garden.
“Do you know the whole house?” I asked in amazement.
She nodded slowly.
“You are remarkable. When I was your age, I would get lost in my own home numerous times, and my brother would have to come search for me.” I chuckled and opened the door, allowing her to go out first. I was not sure what to do, but I figured that maybe like Devana, I should just speak and let her interject whenever she wished. “I was quiet as a child, too. Then my sisters came, and they were very loud, so I learned to find my voice. Even still, I did not talk nearly as much as Hathor, and no one can beat my sister Abena. She is only ten years old. When she comes, I hope you can show her around, too. Actually, before she comes, can you show me? So I do not look foolish in front of her.”
I glanced down, and she was just staring at me.
Okay. Maybe less talking. I smiled, walking with her, which was better than nothing…for all of ten minutes before she released my hand to try to catch a butterfly. It was a simple action, but it showed me she was at least somewhat comfortable.
“Your Grace?”
I spun around to see Eleanor rushing toward me. “Eleanor, what is it? Are the baskets finished already?”
“No,” she exclaimed and tried to catch her breath. “Forgive me, Your Grace, but you are needed right now!”
“Now? Why?”
“The dowager duchess is here and refusing to leave, and the duke is not pleased.”
“Oh no!” I moved to hurry back with her but remembered Emeline. Turning to the girl now picking flowers, I rushed to her quickly. “Emeline?”
She looked at me.
“I am sorry. I have work to finish, but we will play again later. Come, we must return,” I said, taking her hand.
I did not wish to run, as it was not proper, and her little feet would not allow me to, either. I feared the scene that would be caused between Evander and his stepmother. I waited until we had gotten inside and I knew where I was.
“Eleanor, take her to Mrs. Watson, and then meet me in front,” I said and transferred Emeline’s hand to Eleanor’s before I cupped Emeline’s face gently. “We shall have another day all to ourselves, my dear, I promise.”
I dusted off the front of my dress before heading to the foyer, where I could see the back of Evander’s broad shoulders, the light of the sun coming in from the door before him. He stood like a lone gatekeeper to the outside hall, his whole body looking as though it were carved from marble.
“I do not know how many times I must tell you that you are not welcome here, Datura.” His voice was cold and severe.
“I have a right to—”
“You do not!” he snapped and took a step forward.
Luckily, I had reached them by then, placing my hand upon his shoulder. He paused and glanced over to me.
I smiled, searching his eyes to see only anger. “Dear, I heard we had unexpected company?”
He stepped back. “Datura came to see Emeline, so she says.”
“She is family, is she not?” the woman called, not able to even come up the stairs as the men stood guard beside her. “Since my return to Everely, I have heard a great deal of talk, saying that she is being neglected. The duchess prefers her sleep.”
