The little girl had not replied but ducked out of sight into the room behind her.
“Do not worry about her,” Emily had assured him. “She will grow used to you in time.”
And indeed, she did. It had only taken a few days for his niece to warm up to him enough she clung to him at every chance she got. Edward had dedicated nearly every moment of his days to his sister and niece. They had taken walks through the park, visited shops, bought sweets, and overall had a merry time together. He had spoiled Lily with gifts and affection, determined to win her over, and his efforts had proven successful.
“Uncle Edward, Uncle Edward!” Her cries of excitement reverberated throughout the townhouse.
Looking up from the newspaper he had opened, Edward smiled as Lily came rushing into the drawing room.
“What is it, Lily?” he asked, folding his paper and putting it to the side so he could open his arms for her.
She ran into them without hesitation, scrambling up onto his lap. “Uncle Edward, did you know that mama is going to find me a friend?”
Edward arched a brow, confused. “A friend? Whatever do you mean, my dear?”
“She means a governess,” Emily explained, strolling into the room with an exasperated smile. “I am interviewing governess candidates today for Lily. I am in need of help to care for her and begin her schooling. James and I discussed it before he left for sea, and Lily and I came here.”
Emily’s husband, James Radcliffe, was a sea captain currently sailing toward the Americas and would be gone for many months. It was not his first extended voyage since he and Emily had wed, but Edward knew she never liked it when her husband was away for such long periods. Especially now that she had Lily to concern herself with as well.
“A governess?” He shuddered, thinking of the parade of sour-faced old women that would likely be coming in and out of the house. “Are you really going to make poor Lily put up with a governess day in and day out?”
Emily rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Not all governesses are like Mrs Fields was when we were children.”
Edward grimaced, remembering their governess, who had been a terrifying old woman with a short temper and sharp eye. Edward had not been able to misbehave at all with her around, and she had been quick to lash out with a switch to keep him in line.
“Please tell me you are not going to hire someone like her,” he practically begged. “Poor sweet Lily does not deserve such a cruel fate.”
Sitting in a cushioned chair across from him, Emily laughed and said, “Do not worry. I would never do such a thing to my precious girl.”
“Yes, well, that is what mother thought as well, I am sure,” Edward scowled. “Mrs Fields was quite adept at hiding her sadistic ways, however. You might not even know who the person you are hiring really is.”
Emily arched a brow. “Now you are just being silly. I am perfectly capable of judging a person’s character, especially when entrusting them with my daughter’s care.”
Edward released a huff. “You think that, and then you hire a woman like Mrs Fields.”
“All right, then,” Emily snapped back. “Why not help me if you are so concerned?”
“Help you with what?” Edward asked, eyes widening.
“Help me with the interviews,” Emily explained. “You can sit in on them with me and observe the women I meet with. I am sure you will be able to accurately judge their characters based on that little amount of exposure to them.”
Edward stared at his sister in disbelief, unsure whether she was jesting. He certainly hoped she was. He had no desire to sit through the interviews or have anything to do with the selection of a governess. In all honesty, it had nothing to do with him, and he would feel strange participating. Would it seem like he was stepping into James’ role in his absence? He did not want to cause any confusion for Lily…
“My goodness, Edward, I was only teasing you,” Emily laughed. “You do not need to appear so frightened by the prospect of joining me for the interviews. I have no such expectations.”
Edward released a breath of relief. “Thank goodness. Not that I do not care about the person you hire, mind you. It is just…well…you know…”
Lily let out a giggle. “Uncle Edward’s tongue is all tied up.”
Emily chuckled. “Yes, darling. Uncle Edward’s tongue is tied up. It is all right, though. It is usually better for everyone when he does not speak.”
Edward narrowed his eyes at his sister. “You are so amusing, Emily. You know what I think? Perhaps you deserve a nasty Mrs Fields. She can be perfectly sweet to Lily and a thorn in your side. Yes, I believe that is what I would like to happen for you.”
Emily turned her gaze to Lily and said, “Lily, sweetheart, do you hear how mean your uncle is to me? You should tell him to be nice to his kind and loving sister. I am the only one he has, after all.”
Lily blinked her big eyes and turned to face Edward.
Scrunching up her nose into an adorable little glare, she scolded him by saying, “Uncle Edward! Do not be mean to my mama! You need to be nice. Be a gentleman.”
