“My methods of discipline are not your concern.”
“Aren’t they?” She settled into the chair across from his desk, her blue eyes steady on his face. “Because it seems to me that you asked me to marry you specifically to help with your daughters. And helping generally requires some involvement in how they’re managed.”
Hugo accepted the tea reluctantly. “I don’t need you to tell me I was too harsh with her.”
“Good, because I wasn’t planning to.”
He blinked in surprise. “You weren’t?”
“No. I was planning to tell you that your instinct was correct—Leah shouldn’t be keeping dangerous creatures in her bedchamber.” Sybil sipped her tea calmly. “But perhaps there might be a better way to address such situations.”
“A better way.” He sat down heavily in his chair. “You mean I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”
“I mean, you might have asked her to explain before passing judgment. She’s fifteen, Hugo, not five. She has reasons for her actions, even if they seem incomprehensible to you.”
“She was endangering the household?—”
“With a grass snake and some spiders.” Sybil’s voice remained patient. “Hardly the same as harboring wild boars.”
“A serpent is a serpent.”
“Is it? Because Leah seemed quite knowledgeable about the distinction between harmful and harmless species.”
Hugo stared at her. “You’re defending her hobby?”
“I’m suggesting that her interest in such creatures might be redirected rather than simply forbidden.” Sybil leaned forward slightly. “She’s passionate about learning, Hugo. That’s not something to discourage—it’s something to guide.”
Guide. Not control, not forbid but guide.
“And how exactly would you suggest I guide an obsession with reptiles and spiders?”
“By finding safer ways for her to pursue that interest. There are private collections in London, exhibitions, and even gentlemen who study such things. She could observe and learn without keeping dangerous creatures in your house.”
Private collections. Exhibitions. That sounds… reasonable.
“You spoke to her about this?”
“I did. She’s agreed to give up her bedroom… menagerie in exchange for properly supervised opportunities to study the creatures she finds fascinating.”
Of course, she did. Because you approached her with understanding instead of anger.
“You make it sound simple.”
“It is simple. The only way to reach her is through understanding and compromise.”
Hugo’s jaw tightened. “I am their father. I should not have to bargain and compromise with them. Especially considering their safety!”
There it is. The crux of the matter.
Sybil studied his face for a moment, noting the defensive set of his shoulders and the way his amber eyes had gone cold with stubborn paternal authority. She could see this was not a battle she would win today—perhaps not for some time.
He’s not ready to hear this. Not yet.
“You’re right,” she said quietly, rising from her chair. “You are their father. And their safety is paramount.”
Hugo looked surprised by her capitulation, as though he’d been prepared for further argument.
“I should return to my correspondence,” Sybil continued, smoothing her skirts. “But Hugo?”
