“Come in!” Marina called.
He opened the door and found both Lilly and Marina dressed to go outdoors, complete with sun hats and parasols.
“What’s this?” he said, his voice coming out harsher than he expected. Lilly frowned and turned her back to him, her arms crossed in front of her.
Marina smiled at him, ignoring Lilly’s behavior. “We’re going fishing.”
“That does not sound like a lesson to me,” he said.
“It is a lesson. It’s science and exercise at the same time. Now, let us be off. Prince William and I are both eager to get some fresh air today.”
“Let me get my hat and coat,” Evan said. He turned and almost ran into Carlson, who was carrying the mentioned items.
“No need, Your Grace,” the butler said with an amused smile. “Her Grace already informed me of your plans and asked me to bring them to you.”
“How thoughtful,” he said, taking them and putting them on.It was nice of her to think of me.
Carlson smirked. “Cheer up, Your Grace. When was the last time you found the time to go fishing?”
“Why do I need to cheer up? I am not upset,” Evan said. He knew he didn’t look upset. Merely neutral.
The butler inclined his head. “My mistake, Your Grace.”
Before he could think more about it, Lilly ran past him, with Prince William hot on her heels. Marina joined him at the door, smiling. “Time to catch a fish,” she said.
He nodded.
It was a nice, sunny day outside. Perfect for walking to the river and fishing. Marina carried Lilly’s fishing pole as the little girl skipped ahead, tossing a ball down the path for Prince William.
Evan looked at Marina, who was smiling while watching the little girl. “This is not going to work, you know.”
She arched an eyebrow at him. “Oh?”
“Lilly likes throwing the ball for Prince William,” he explained. “But she is not terribly fond of the outdoors. Nor is she fond of me, as you well know.”
“Sheisfond of you. And even if she weren’t, you are her parent. It’s up to you to take the initiative to find things she’s interested in and spend time doing them with her.”
“How would that make her like me?” It did not make sense. Either someone liked him, or they didn’t. More often than not, it was the latter.
“It shows that you care. Now stop looking so cold.”
He frowned for a moment before attempting a jest to cover up his confusion. “What do you mean, cold? It’s warm today.”
A small smile tugged at her lips, but she didn’t respond. Instead, she looked at Lilly, who was still running in front of them. “What’s your favorite flower, Lilly?” she asked.
The child looked at her for a moment, perplexed, before she turned back to the dog. “Lilies,” she said.
Marina chuckled. “Of course. You were well-named then. And what is your favorite fish?”
“Dunno.”
“Lilly,” Evan warned.
She made a face at him. “I do not know,” she said, emphasizing every word.
Marina gave him an exasperated look. “That’s all right. We can find out together. Run to the river, but stay on the shore with Prince William. We will be there in a moment.”
Lilly and Prince William ran ahead, and Marina turned to Evan. “Do not do that.”
