A maid opened the door, sticking her head into the room. “Lady Sophia asked for you, my lord. She is restless and a bit out ofsorts.”
He rubbed the back of his neck, closing his eyes for a moment, thenstood.
The woman shrank back into the hall, closing the door in herwake.
The duke leveled his gaze on Emma. “I must go toher.”
“Of course, YourGrace.”
He stepped closer and placed his hand on her shoulder. “You have leave to call meAaron.”
She angled her head to look at him. “Aaron.” His name left her lips barley a whisper, and though she’d never spoken it before, it felt comfortable on hertongue.
. “We will finish this conversation on the marrow.” He patted her shoulder before moving toward thedoor.
She sank back against the chair as she watched him take his leave of the parlor. What would he think of her once he knew her secret? What would he do? She closed her eyes, pushing away the worry. There would be time enough for thattomorrow.
* * *
Aaron strodedown the hallway toward Sophia’s room, his mind racing. He adored his daughter, but bloody hell parenting was hard work. He had to discover Emma’s past in order to protect not only her, but also Sophia—and himself. Each day that past without him knowing how she came o be hidden in his coach presented more danger to themall.
Emma had told him her uncle was destitute. Worse, he was deep in debt. Had she hid in his carriage hoping to somehow entrap or swindle him? Perhaps the passion in her kisses was a farce meant to bring him toheal.
No. She’d not have told him about her uncle’s debt if she had meant to swindle or trap him in order to pay the accounts. But what then? He massaged the back of his neck as he continued along the hall. Perhaps she truly sought a paid position so that she might be able to help the man who raisedher?
Turning the corner leading to Sophia’s bedchamber, he hurried his pace. Hiding in his carriage would be an odd way to go about securing a job, however the idea held more merit than his previouspondering.
After all, a destitute woman would not be able to hire a carriage of any kind. Even a mail coach would be above her means. Regardless, he did not believe such a compassionate woman capable of taking advantage of him—and certainly not ofSophia.
Reaching the room, he stepped in and went to Sophia’s side. “What is the matter, Poppet?” heasked.
She sniffled, wiping away a tear. “I’m lonely. Will you stay with me for a while,Daddy?”
“Of course.” He settled into the pink and grey brocade chair beside her bed. “Now close your eyes,darling.”
She fluttered her long golden lashes. “Thankyou.”
He reached out to stroke her hair. “Go to sleep. I will stay right here. You have myword.”
She rubbed the corner of her blanket between her tiny fingers. “As agentleman?”
“Yes, as a gentleman.” Her eyes closed as he continued to smooth the hair on the top of her head. He sighed, releasing the stress of his day as he watched her relax, his own eyes growingheavy.
Sometime later, Aaron woke to bright rays of sunshine streaming through sheer pink curtains. Somehow he’d managed to sleep the entire night in Sophia’s chair. He straightened stretching his stiff muscles, then glanced at her empty bed before peering out the window at the suns orb well above the horizon. It must be after breakfasttime.
Pushing his tasseled hair into place, he left the room in search of Sophia. He peaked into the playroom, family parlor, and school room before coming upon Sophia’s nanny in a corridor. “Where has Lady Sophia gotten off to thismorning?”
The nanny dipped into a curtsy. “She is in the kitchen with Miss Baxter, YourGrace.”
He offered a nod then made his way toward the kitchen. Sophia had never been in that particular room before and he could not imagine why she was now—not that it bothered him. He was merelycurious.
Sophia’s sweet chatter greeted his ears before she came into view. He stopped to watch her and Miss Emma as they stood behind a counter, both wearing aprons, their faces marked with streaks of whiteflour.
“Now add three eggs,” Emmainstructed.
Sophia reached for one large brown egg before tapping it against the metal bowl and dropping its slimy contents into the bowls depth. “One.” She reached for another, repeating the process. “Two.” Then again. “Three.” She looked at Emma, her nose wrinkled in consternation. “I still see asolid.”
“Patients, Princess. Add a cup of water to themix.”
