“Of course. That was what I had in mind as well,” she lied, looking away.
“I shall leave you to rest now. The maid will show you to your room. It has been a long day for both of us. The twins must be asleep, but you can check on them if you wish.”
She nodded, and she watched him leave, now alone with her thoughts.
His expectations were clear, and she had no reason to be anything other than relieved. Still, they served as a reminder of the strictly transactional nature of their union.
* * *
Frances sat across from Christopher at the breakfast table, watching him scarf down a plate full of eggs with impressive speed.
“Your Gr—Christopher,” she corrected herself before he could. He looked up at her.
“You have not touched your food at all,” he remarked. “Is the food not to your liking?”
She shook her head. “No, everything is fine. I was just… wondering if the children were going to join us, as well.”
He slumped his shoulders, leaning back in his chair. “Considering that they have not in the two weeks since they have been here, I would not be too optimistic.”
“Perhaps they just need to be…” Frances paused, considering her words. “Encouraged more.”
“Are you this optimistic about everything?”
Frances felt the weight of his gaze on her. “I try to be.”
“Then be my guest.” He nodded, sweeping his arm around him.
Frances decided to take him up on the challenge. She went upstairs to the children’s bedroom. Last night, she had not gotten a chance to interact with them, so this would be their first official meeting with her as the Duchess.
She decided, though, that they were too young to understand what that meant just yet. Everything would come in its own time, and there was no need to rush.
She knocked softly on their door. At first, they looked surprised to see her, but it quickly turned into excitement.
“Frances?”
“I promised you that I would return.” She smiled as they rushed over to her.
Ernest was more shy than his brother, but he seemed happy to see her nonetheless.
“Will you stay for long?” Edwin asked, wide-eyed.
“I will, but only on the promise that you eat your meals on time, and in the dining room with your uncle,” she replied.
It was a delicate balance to strike a deal with young boys, but she felt confident in her ability.
The twins exchanged a look.
“In fact, I propose we go down there right now. There’s eggs and your favorite jam on the table. Just like the one your mother used to make for breakfast.”
The twins’ eyes lit up at the mention, and they did not protest as they followed her down to the dining room. Frances could see Christopher’s jaw drop, even from a distance.
“Why, I cannot believe my eyes,” he whispered as she sat back at the table and the maids helped the twins into their seats. “You’ve done the impossible, once again.”
Frances gave him a coy smile. “You are so surprised each time that I am beginning to think that you must underestimate me greatly.”
“Never.” He shook his head, and she could have sworn he was teasing her now.
But their little moment was short-lived, as Christopher quickly turned his attention to the children.
