He wished he could say it didn’t matter to him whether he found Lady Eliana or not, but he couldn’t, because it did matter.
It had mattered since the moment he gave the tiny girl his first carving, the first thing his father had taught him to make. It had mattered since the day she went missing, when he had seen the girl by the gate alone and hadn’t stopped her. It had mattered when he’d gone to Riyel to search for her, and it mattered now.
She mattered.
But the thought of his search ending should have brought only joy, and instead, he wondered if it meant that he had to forget Ella existed.
If she was the duchess, there was no place for him in her world, as a best friend or otherwise.
Ella entered the library with a flourish, immediately calling for Eugenia. Dietrich sighed as he entered the room. He had always teased Beatrice about her library, and if she knew that he was here willingly and not just to fetch someone, she would tease him horrifically.
But what Beatrice didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her, and he had no intention of telling her he’d been visiting the library.
Eugenia’s head popped around the corner of a shelf, her white hair instantly pulling his attention. She settled glasses on the edge of her nose as she hurried over and welcomed Ella with a hug.
“Dietrich?” she asked in surprise when she caught sight of him. “I didn’t expect to find you here.”
Dietrich grinned. “You are so kind, Eugenia.”
She let out a huff. “And what do you need?” she asked. “Because I know you’re not here just for fun.”
“Believe it or not, I came with Ella,” he said, gesturing to the girl. As he’d expected, Eugenia’s gaze softened as she looked at Ella.
“How can I help you, dear?” she asked. “I’m surprised you’re keeping company with him.”
Ella laughed. “I am too,” she admitted. “Frankly, he’s usually more trouble than he’s worth.”
Dietrich let out a gasp. “I’m offended,” he said. “And after all the trouble I’ve been through for you!”
He hadn’t meant to make the smile leave her face.
“Eugenia,” she said, turning to the librarian. “If I had questions about my past...” She faltered, turning to Dietrich, who stepped in for her.
“Do you remember the late Duchess Vaughn?” he asked Eugenia.
“Of course, I do,” Eugenia said. “How old do you think I am?”
Dietrich grinned. “You’re as young as a spring chick, Eugenia,” he said. “But I was asking for a reason.”
“I already said I remember her,” Eugenia said dryly. “I don’t know what else you want.”
“Do you think Ella looks like her?” Dietrich asked.
Eugenia’s eyes snapped to Ella, and he could practically see her mind working over the possibilities, her mouth twisting and her nose scrunching up.
“You don’t think...” she began.
Dietrich nodded. “I was wondering if you thought it too,” he said.
“I suppose a three-year-old would know her name,” Eugenia said.
“And she would have blonde hair and blue eyes,” Dietrich added.
Ella’s hand disappeared into her pocket, and she took a deep breath, fidgeting under their gaze.
“It’s very possible,” Eugenia said softly. “Does she know?”
“Yes, and I would appreciate it if you all would stop talking about me like I’m not here,” Ella said sharply, glaring at Dietrich. “Didn’t we already discuss this?”
