Her use of his name caught him off guard. Only his mother called him that. However, it did remind him of his agreement. “Eleanor, why do you wear a napkin on your head? Why is my daughter traipsing about in a quilt? And why is my son not allowed to eat?”
His wife’s smile disappeared and her brow furrowed. “Is it not obvious? I am the Sheriff of Nottingham and Maggie is Maid Marian. We invited Peter to be Robin Hood, but he refused. I assume he didn’t wish to eat the caramel ice cream because he wanted to give it to the poor.”
It was his turn to be puzzled. “And what does Robin Hood have to do with night-blooming flowers?”
Maggie sat down next to his wife. “Father, isn’t it obvious? We are learning about Nottingham catchfly flowers. Did you know they bloom for three nights? Could we have some planted in the garden?”
“I don’t want any flowers.” Peter scowled. “I don’t want anything.”
Lady Ferncroft took the napkin from her head. “Surely you want something.”
“I want you to go away.”
If he hadn’t been watching his wife, Darius would have missed her tiny flinch at his son’s words. Not happy with such rudeness, he opened his mouth to reprimand him, but she spoke first.
“Is that all you wish for? Then, Peter, I will be happy to leave.” She rose. “After all, I have many duties to ensure the house is run efficiently, and having fun with you and Maggie truly is not on my list. I’m so glad you let me know. I will happily remove myself so you may enjoy your day.”
“Please don’t go.” Maggie grabbed her hand. “You didn’t finish teaching us about the flowers.”
Crouching down, the lady of the house put herself on an equal level with Maggie. “Perhaps that lesson is best saved for spring. I promise to talk to the gardener about having the various night-blooming flowers planted so that in the spring we can venture forth at night and see them bloom. Would you like that?”
“Yes. I would. Will you come back tomorrow and teach us something different then?”
Lady Ferncroft looked over at Peter. “Would you like me to come back tomorrow?”
“No.”
The lady sighed as she rose. “I’m in a quandary now. You wish me to return, and Peter wishes that I don’t. Perhaps you two could discuss it and let me know?”
“We can do that.” Maggie gave her brother a serious look.
“Now, I best get back to my duties. Darius, did you wish to have cocoa? There’s plenty here.”
He did indeed, as he wished to talk to his children, but he also wished to talk to his wife. “As much as I would like to partake, I also have duties to attend to. But I promise to attend another ice cream and cocoa lesson in the future.”
He didn’t miss the pout on his son’s face, nor the disappointment in his daughter’s eyes. He steeled himself against it. It was his responsibility to be sure his new wife and his staff were in accord before he could enjoy any time with his children. It was critical that everything fell into place before he needed to leave again. He held his arm out for his wife. “I would be happy to escort you.”
“Thank you, Darius.” She strode toward him. She did not glide or stroll. It was another characteristic he had noticed about her. Wrapping her arm around his, she looked at him expectantly. “Shall we?”
He led her from the room and back downstairs directly into his study. He released her and closed the doors behind them. “May we talk?”
“Oh, we must.” She strode to his desk and leaned her backside against it. “I’m concerned about Peter. He really needs to eat more. I have never met a little boy who didn’t eat ice cream. He seems small for his age. Does he have health issues? Because the Duchess of Northwick is quite knowledgeable in that field and might be able to help.”
“My son was born too soon and has always been small, but I assure you he does eat ice cream, particularly caramel ice cream.” He hesitated to tell her why, remembering her reactionto Peter’s demand that she leave, but it was imperative that they all move into a new routine sooner rather than later. “His nursemaid says Peter refuses to eat because you are here.”
“Oh.” The light in her blue eyes seemed to fade. “I suppose he still misses his mother.”
Darius strode across the room and took a seat in his chair. “She passed away almost eight months ago, but he is young.” He fully expected his wife to move to one of the wingback chairs and take a seat. She did not.
Instead, she remained on his desk and turned her head to look at him. “First, he loses his mother. Then he has only you for eight months. Then he’s told I’m his new mother without a by-your-leave. Youdidtell your children you were marrying, correct?”
“I did. I had hoped to give them something to look forward to.”
Lady Ferncroft hopped off his desk and strode toward the window.
Unfortunately, her hip hit the lantern on the corner, and he jumped up just in time to keep it from toppling over. He set it closer to himself and resumed his seat as she turned to address him.
“Perhaps I was overanxious. I wished to offer Maggie and Peter my friendship as well as my wisdom. Oh yes, I almost forgot. There will be no need to hire a governess. Your nursemaid was expecting her cousin to be hired for that purpose, something I believe was arranged by your late wife. But I believe I know what’s best to teach them. I’ve had a far better education than a governess, and I’m more than willing to spend the time with such lovely children.”
