Pieces of the gilded cage around Pippa’s heart continued to fall away. She had been trying to protect herself since Archer Castle, but it was impossible, especially with St. Clara finding Maggie and Peter and insisting on being a part of their lives.
“Have you given any thought to your profession?” Chauncey asked Peter, looking down at the long, lanky boy.
Shoving a hearty helping of stew in his mouth, Peter chewed for a moment before speaking with his mouth full. “I’m going to join the Brotherhood when I’m older,” Peter said confidently, his long red hair falling into crisp blue eyes.
He had the eyes of a monster, but on Peter, they were angelic, dancing joyfully as he interacted with the other children, commanding their attention. He was very much a smaller version of her husband with nearly the exact features except for the shocking red hair and higher cheekbones he’d gotten from Maggie.
“You’re not joining the Brotherhood, Peter. I’ve told you no son of mine will be a criminal.” Maggie’s Irish accent had lessened in the years since Pippa had last spoken to her.
“The Brotherhood?” Chauncey asked from beside Pippa, taking a bite of the hearty stew.
Pippa sat on the other side of her husband in desperate need of a bath after waking early and leaving for London at first light. She couldn’t find it in herself to care with his heavy hand on her thigh. Her body was inflamed from the chaste kiss he’d placed on her lips in the office. In truth, she wanted him in every way, but there was still an infinitesimal part of her that was afraid.
“Criminals.” The word was harsh out of Jessie’s mouth.
Ini tore off a piece of freshly baked bread as her eyes bored into Jessie. “The Brotherhood does a lot of bad things to feed themselves, but they also do good for the people of St. Giles, Jessie.”
Jessie sat down her spoon to point at Ini. “Reaper doesn’t do anything good for anyone. All he wants to do is keep Brotherhood’s bellies full and their pockets even fuller.”
Pippa stared at Chauncey, who had turned white in color, then at Jessie who sat on the other side of her. Reaper, the man who her husband owed and who sent men after them.
Why on earth would Peter want to be like such a man?
She turned to her husband, following his movements as he studiously ate the last of his stew. Surely, this Reaper person wasn’t the same person who sent men after them in Staffordshire.
She could still recall the pure terror of that day; it was in that moment that she realized how true her feelings for Chauncey were. For the first time in her life, Pippa was petrified of losing someone she loved again.
Chauncey stood, holding his hand out for Pippa. “I’m afraid we must be leaving, but please come to Bennett House anytime.”
Pippa took her husband’s hand. “Yes, and you must join us for dinner this week,” she offered, genuinely wanting Peter and Maggie to be a part of their family.
Family.
Pippa was a part of a family. She and Chauncey were a family. There was no denying that. She had fought for years against their connection, but after being with him and spending time with him as his wife, Pippa knew with him was where she belonged.
Always.
She smiled at the wide-eyed children as she and her husband walked out of the dining hall arm in arm. Some shyly waved as Peter proudly announced that he had a duke for a brother.
Once they were walking down the long hallway leading to the outside, Maggie turned to them, her hand on Peter’s shoulder. “Come now, Peter, bid the duke and duchess goodbye.”
“May I really come visit, Your Grace?” Peter asked excitedly, bouncing up and down.
“Of course. You’re my brother, and you may call meSt. Clara.” Chauncey ruffled the boy’s hair, laughing at his eagerness.
“Very well, St. Clara. I’ll come visit tomorrow but only to convince Her Grace to marry me instead.” Playful, youthful eyes turned to Pippa. “Besides, I am the handsome brother after all?—”
“You are not, and I’m afraid she is already taken.” Chauncey wrapped his hand around Pippa’s waist, securing her to him.
“Off with you now!” Maggie pushed her son away, watching him run down the long hall. “Thank you both for forgiving me and accepting Peter.”
Chauncey held up his hand. “I am the one who should be thanking you for allowing me to be in his life after my father’s behavior.” He cleared his throat, his eyes becoming watery.
Pippa wrapped her arm tighter around his, pressing her body to her husband’s, trying to give him her strength and support. Standing beside him, seeing him interact with a brother he had just discovered, proved to Pippa what she had already knew in her heart.
She loved him most ardently, and there was no denying the man he was. He was a man of integrity who valued his family and who wanted a future. A future with her.
“What the devil are you doing here?” Jessie’s loud voice carried through the hall as she marched up to two men who had entered the orphanage.
