“Pamela,” he said flatly. “Embroidery is not as important as etiquette. A young girl must know how to act in Society. You need to focus.”
“Yes, Father, I understand,” she murmured.
“The reason for this meeting is not just to get an update on your lessons.” Dread coiled in Raph’s gut before he continued. “Your birthday’s coming up, Pamela.”
Her fingers tightened in her lap, and she nodded.
“We will visit your mother’s grave as usual, and you may have the day to yourself.”
Pamela’s eyes flicked up again, slightly wide, then dropped. “I… I’d like to celebrate my birthday, Father.”
Raph raised an eyebrow, masking his surprise with indifference. “Without paying respect to your mother?” He tried to keep his tone neutral, but his anger simmered.
This must be Camelia’s doing.
“No.” Pamela looked stricken. “I would like to celebrate my birthday first and then visit Mother’s grave. If… if that’s all right?”
He froze, surprised by her choice and hearing her speak more than one or two words. “Celebrate first?”
“Yes, Father.” Her new confidence faltered when she struggled to keep eye contact with him.
“And what or who made you decide that?”
She hesitated, glancing at the door, then whispered, “Her Grace, Father.”
Raph sighed loudly. “Where is she?”
Pamela glanced at the door again, and Raph realized that Camelia was standing just outside, waiting for her or waiting to pounce on him.
She will be my ruin.
“You may leave, Pamela.”
The girl got up immediately and made for the door.
“And on your way out, tell the Duchess to come see me.”
His order stopped her in her tracks. She nodded, opened the door, and Raph heard the whispers and mumbles on the other side.
A strange feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Camelia was evidently changing things around Brentmere, and he wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
As if she had read his thoughts, his wife barged into the study with the grace and confidence of a true duchess.
“What fire have you decided to start now?” he asked dryly.
Camelia stopped before his desk and slammed a palm down. The sound echoed, and a part of him wanted to reach for her and command her not to hurt herself in his presence.
“When were you planning to tell me that Pamela’s mother isdead?” she hissed through her teeth.
“I’m curious, Camelia. When did you and Pamela have time to discuss all of this?” he countered calmly.
“That hardly matters, does it?”
“You tell me. My daughter was placed in your care, and now she’s speaking of not visiting her mother’s grave on her birthday.”
“It’s herbirthday, Raph. You cannot expect her to mourn for her mother all her life!”
Raph gritted his teeth.
