“You’re wrong,” he said with a shrug. “If anything, it only makes me more determined to watch out for you, since you seem to not want to do it yourself.”
“I am capable of taking care of myself,” she said.
“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Dietrich said. “Your first lesson is that you are no longer alone, and you can let people help you—even when you don’t want to.”
She wanted to throw something at him. She knew that she was no longer alone—she really did—but knowing that did not mean it felt like that, and it would not be an easy thing for her to adjust to. He should give her more credit for adjusting as well as she had already.
“I don’t think you want to see anyone else hurt,” Dietrich continued. “And I think if you realized how much they cared, you would understand why I am so concerned to see you returned to your rightful place.”
“So we’re just going on the assumption that it’s true and you can do whatever you deem necessary?” she asked, the words biting.
“If that is what it takes, yes,” he said. “Because I want to see you and your family happy, and I want to make sure that I am helping to protect you in every way possible.”
“Whether I want it or not,” she said bitterly.
Dietrich sighed. “I know that you probably see this as a loss of your freedom,” he said, “but I don’t want you to look at it that way. I want you to look at it as what it really is: me trying to help you find your family and restore everyone to their rightful place.”
“But I don’t understand why you think keeping me away from everyone is good for me.”
“I didn’t say, ‘keep you away from everyone,’” he said. “I just want to keep you safe.”
“By keeping me away from everyone,” she said bitterly.
“No,” Dietrich protested. “I just want you to not run around alone.” He looked around to make sure no one else in the café was listening before he said quietly, “You were kidnapped once. I don’t want to see it happen again. Is that so awful of me?”
When he put it like that, it was hard to be upset with him.
“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “You’re right—I’m not used to relying on others.”
“I know,” he said. “But if you want our help in learning to be yourself, you’re going to have to let us help you—even if it makes you uncomfortable.”
Ella wrinkled her nose at the thought. “Must I?” she asked.
“You must,” he said cheerfully. “And with that in mind, I have asked a friend to join us.”
“A friend?” Ella asked.
The door to the café opened, and Lady Dunham walked in.
Ella’s eyes widened. Lady Dunham had been a commoner before she married Lord Dunham, and she had needed her own lessons in adjusting to joining the noble class. She glanced at Dietrich, who grinned.
“I see you’re putting it together,” he said. “Beatrice is going to help us.”
“But—” Ella began, and Dietrich shook his head.
“No buts,” he said. “You will accept help willingly and cheerfully.”
She glared at him as Lady Dunham approached with a smile.
“I heard you got yourself into trouble,” she said to Dietrich with a grin, giving him a hug.
“This is Ella,” Dietrich said as they both turned to her. “I think she may find herself in a situation similar to yours soon.”
Lady Dunham simply waited for him to continue.
“I believe she may be the missing duchess,” Dietrich said quietly, and Lady Dunham turned to Ella with wide eyes.
“I could see it,” Lady Dunham admitted, examining Ella. “Of course, she’ll need some assistance.”
