“Let us hope that other lines remain uncrossed,” he muttered under his breath.
“Pardon?”
“Oh, nothing.” Christopher changed the topic swiftly. “How is the business deal that you have with Lord Alwin coming along?”
Phillip eyed him with suspicion. As his best friend, surely he had an inkling that Christopher was hiding something. But it was not in his nature to press for more information, and for that, Christopher felt grateful.
The two men continued to talk about business, and then the children.
“I did not think it would be this hard to find a governess…”
“It’s a challenging situation, indeed. But I have faith that you’ll find the right person soon.”
Christopher sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I hope so. The boys need stability, and Frances needs support.”
Phillip placed a reassuring hand on Christopher’s shoulder. “You’ll manage. You’ve already done so much for them. As for Frances, it seems that she loves the children as her own, from what you have told me.”
Christopher’s lips curled upwards slightly.“That she does.”
“Besides, I think she keeps you on your toes. Good for her, it will keep you from having a wandering eye…”
Christopher stared at his friend, a bit concerned. Did Phillip really think that of him? Christopher had been a notorious rake, yes, but he was married now.
“I’m afraid my days of roguish charm are behind me. The boys keep me too busy to think about breaking hearts.”
“Good. I’d hate to see you out of practice. But seriously, it sounds like Frances is exactly what you need. Someone who can challenge you and keep you grounded.”
Christopher nodded, considering his friend’s words seriously. “She is, and I’m starting to see that.”
Phillip raised his glass, his expression sincere. “To finding what you need and want. And to the adventure of marriage.”
“To the adventure of marriage,” Christopher echoed, clinking his glass against Phillip’s.
CHAPTER10
When Christopher returned home, he found Frances asleep next to the twins. She seemed to be fast asleep, her face showing signs of exhaustion. Edwin and Ernest were nestled close to her, their small hands clutching her dress.
Christopher stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the scene. The weight of responsibility and care she carried was evident, and he felt a pang of guilt for not realizing sooner how much she had been doing. Quietly, he exited the room and sought out Mrs. Bellum.
“Mrs. Bellum,” he asked, his tone serious, “what has my wife been doing to be so exhausted?”
Mrs. Bellum looked up from her work. “Your Grace, Her Grace has been attending to all her duties as the Duchess, on top of taking care of the children. She has been working tirelessly.”
Christopher frowned and waited for her to explain a bit more.
“She’s been overseeing the staff, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that everyone’s needs are met. She’s meticulous, making sure that every detail is perfect, from the daily menus to the upkeep of the estate.”
“The staff is there to help her. I assume that is the case?” He raised an eyebrow.
He had never considered before just how much work it took to manage a household. His mother had never been too interested in it, and he had not spent much time with her to know either.
“They are.” Mrs. Bellum nodded
“And how are the children?”
“They are well, thanks to her care. But even I must admit, as much as I am strict, that Her Grace needs help. The twins need a governess, someone who can share the burden.”
Realization dawned on Christopher.“You’re right, Mrs. Bellum.”
