“Yes, Father.” Pamela nodded excitedly.
Camelia’s eyes sparkled as she stood beside Pamela.
Like her pillar of strength.
“See? It wasn’t that scary to change a few rules, was it, Your Grace? And Pamela’s happier already.” Camelia smiled sweetly at him.
Raph’s stomach twisted with unease. His gaze locked onto hers, and a spark of mischief flickered in her amber eyes.
That look… She’s playing me, and damn if it doesn’t make me want to drag her to my chambers and claim her.
“Don’t push your luck, Duchess,” he said flatly. “Rules keep things in order. You’d do well to remember that.”
Pamela glanced between them. “Thank you, Father and Your Grace,” she said shyly, before Camelia could retort. “For helping me.”
Camelia smiled down at her, and it took every ounce of Raph’s will not to get up and kiss her with gratitude.
“You’re welcome, Pamela. And I think it’s time you call me Camelia. We are family, aren’t we?”
“Yes… Camelia.”
They beamed at each other, and Raph’s throat tightened. His thoughts became a tangled mess of pride and unease.
“We’ll get back to our schedule then. Thank you, Your Grace.” Camelia curtsied. All mischief in her amber eyes was replaced with genuine gratitude.
Raph was grateful that Pamela blossomed under Camelia’s care.
I should thank her.
As they turned to leave, he stood up abruptly, his voice stopping them in the doorway. “Camelia, wait.” He cleared his throat. “We’ve been invited to a ball, and I believe we should attend.”
“Oh?” Camelia blushed, and he craved to taste her fiery skin again. “What should I wear?”
“It’s entirely up to you. We may go to a seamstress and get the best dress made for you.”
“Pamela, would you like to come dress shopping with us? We could find something dazzling for you, too. For your birthday.”
Pamela’s hazel eyes lit up. “Dress shopping? Yes, I’d love that!” She clasped her hands as a shy smile broke through. “Can I try something with lace? I’ve always wanted to.”
Raph watched with an odd warmth in his heart as they both planned ahead.
“Absolutely. We’ll find the perfect gown, something to make the ton gasp. And I’ll send word to my sisters. They’re dreadful at choosing gowns, but they make the experience more tolerable, and they’ll adore you!”
Raph cleared his throat. “You ladies will be escorted, without a doubt.” His tone left no room for argument.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Camelia agreed, yet glared at him.
“Your sisters cannot be trusted.”
“I’d like to meet your sisters, Camelia.” Pamela’s voice drew their attention back to her. “I just hope that they will like me.”
“Oh, Pamela, never doubt yourself like that. You are an amazing young lady, and anyone would be lucky to call you their friend. Trust me, my sisters will be fighting over who gets to style you! We’ll make a day of it.”
Pamela grinned. “When do we go? I can’t wait!” Her excitement was infectious.
“I will arrange a carriage first thing tomorrow morning. And Pamela,” Raph addressed her. “Would you like to go see the horses in the stables now? You can choose your favorite today.”
Her face lit up even further. “Yes, Father, I’d love to!”
