Louise hesitated, clearly torn between exhaustion and uncertainty. “Your Grace, about the arrangements?—”
“Can be discussed tomorrow. You’ve both had enough for one evening.”
Emily stood reluctantly, giving Buttercup one last pat. The dog immediately tried to follow her toward the stairs.
“Oh no, you don’t.” Cecilia caught his collar. “Let them settle in first, you magnificent beast.”
Buttercup whined pitifully but sat, his expressive eyes following Emily’s progress up the stairs.
“He’s wonderful,” Emily called down. “The best dog in the whole world!”
Cecilia pressed a hand to her heart. “Oh, I adore her already. Aaron, you clever boy, wherever did you find them?”
“It’s a long story.”
“My favorite kind.” His aunt’s expression grew more serious. “They’re in trouble, aren’t they? Real trouble, not just social embarrassment.”
Aaron watched Louise reach the top of the stairs, her hand protective on Emily’s shoulder even now. “Yes.”
“Then they’re exactly where they need to be.” Cecilia squeezed his arm. “Your mother would be proud.”
The mention of his mother made Aaron stiffen. “You needed a companion, Aunt. Lady Louise happened to be in need at the same time.”
“Of course, dear.” Cecilia’s tone suggested she didn’t believe a word. “I’ll just go ensure they have everything they need. Come, Buttercup. Let’s raid the kitchen for some biscuits first.”
The dog perked up at the magic word, following his mistress with renewed enthusiasm.
Aaron stood alone in the entrance hall, listening to the sounds of his home adjusting to accommodate two more souls.
He climbed the stairs, telling himself he was merely being a proper host. The Blue Room door stood ajar, Louise’s voice drifting out.
“… and tomorrow we’ll explore the house. I’m sure there’s a library.”
“With thousands of books, he said.” Emily’s voice carried sleepy contentment. “Do you think he really has that many?”
“I suspect His Grace doesn’t exaggerate.”
Aaron knocked softly on the doorframe. Louise appeared, having removed her cloak but still in her travel-worn dress. A strand of hair had escaped her pins, curling against her neck.
“Is everything satisfactory?”
Louise glanced back at Emily, who was already tucked into the enormous bed, looking tiny against the pillows. The tray of soup Mrs. Fielding had brought sat untouched on the bedside table. The child had been too exhausted from the day’s terrors to even eat.
“More than satisfactory. The rooms are beautiful.”
“Good.” He should leave. There was no reason to linger. “Your sister didn’t bring a governess.”
Louise’s shoulders tensed. “We … we haven’t been able to afford one. I’ve been seeing to her education myself.”
“That won’t do.”
Fire flashed in her eyes. “I assure you, I’m perfectly capable?—”
“I’m sure you are.” Aaron kept his voice level. “But you’ll have duties with my aunt. I’ll arrange for a governess for Lady Emily.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
“It is.” He moved closer, close enough to catch her scent. Notes of lavender and something … something he’d never smelled before. “Your sister’s education is important. Besides, I can’t have a six-year-old running wild through Calborough House.”
