“Your Grace, you have to forgive me. But I have made a grave mistake. The twins, they were asking me questions again about their parents, and I… I let it slip that they had died in an accident. I know that you did not want to tell them straight away, but?—”
Christopher held up his hand to silence her. “It is done now. Let me handle it.”
Thus far, he had only told the children that their parents were away. They did not know the details of what had happened, thinking their parents would return soon. It was unfortunate that it had to come out like this, but the truth could have only been hidden for too long.
He hastened his steps towards the twins’ room, his heart rate quickening as he got closer. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of light casting shadows on the ornate carpet. Pushing it open, he was met with a scene that nearly broke his heart.
Edwin lay curled up on the bed, his small body shuddering with sobs, while Ernest, ever the protective older brother by mere minutes, sat beside him.
“Edwin, Ernest,” Christopher called softly as he entered. “I am here now. There is no need to worry.”
Ernest looked up, his eyes red and watery, a mix of relief and desperation crossing his features. “Uncle Chris.”
Christopher knelt in front of their bed, gently reaching out for them. “I am sorry that you had to find out this way.”
“Are our parents never going to return?” Edwin mumbled.
Christopher shook his head. “I will take care of you now.”
It looked like Edwin had been crying for some time now. His eyelids fluttered, weighed down by exhaustion, and slowly, with the comfort of Christopher’s presence, he drifted off to sleep.
Turning his attention to Ernest, Christopher furrowed his brow. “You’ve been so brave tonight. Let’s get some rest now.”
But Ernest shook his head stubbornly, his small hands clutching the blanket. “I want Frances,” he insisted.
“Frances?” Christopher was surprised the boy even remembered her. Her meeting with the twins had been so brief, but it had left an impression.
“I remember how that she was the friend whom Mother used to speak about. I want her here.”
“Edwin, it is late at night. Frances is at her home, we cannot disturb her at this hour.”
Edwin shook his head, and Christopher saw a flash of his brother in him at that moment. The boy was stubborn, just like his father.
“I will not go to sleep until she is here. She promised that she was going to come back. Did she not?”
Christopher was at his wits’ end. After the stressful week he had, he did not have the energy to argue with a five-year-old. Sure, he could send him to bed regardless. But it did not feel right to break his heart after he had received such awful news.
Besides, Edwin looked as though he was on the verge of tears. Christopher, for all his charm, had no experience in soothing a distressed child.
“I’ll see what I can do.”
“You have to promise me.” Edwin grasped his wrist. “Please, Uncle.”
Christopher left the room and immediately went to his study. The twins’ distress tonight was more than he could bear, and Ernest’s insistent plea for Frances had pushed him to this moment.
He began to write, each word carefully chosen.
Dear Lady Frances,
I hope this letter finds you well, despite the late hour of its arrival. I apologize for the urgency and the directness of my request, but I find myself in a situation beyond my experience and ability to comfort.
As I write this, my nephews, Ernest and Edwin, are in a state of considerable distress due to recurring nightmares that have plagued them this evening. While I have tried to provide comfort, it has been to no avail. Ernest has expressed a specific desire for your company, believing firmly that your presence would ease their fears.
I must ask if you could consider coming to Huntington Manor at your earliest convenience to visit the boys. I understand this is an unusual request, particularly given the hour, but your assistance tonight would be invaluable.
Please ensure that this letter is seen by yourself and your maid only, as I wish to maintain discretion and avoid any unnecessary complications or gossip that might arise from this situation. My valet has instructions to deliver this directly to you and await any response you may have.
Thank you for considering this sudden plea. I am at your service should you need any assistance in making the journey here.
