It was their lack of closeness that struck him the most. Yet her defense of Percy in the stable yard had been that of a mother bear protecting her young, but Sebastian had a feeling her standing up for those weaker than herself was more an innate quality of Rebecca’s own. He thought back to those days when he’d had to make an appearance at Miss Greensley’s school due to some mischief Gabriella had managed to engage herself in. Rebecca had stood at his sister’s side, her chin lifted, daring anyone to put herorhis sister down. Gabriella had had a champion in Rebecca.
Sebastian was forced to admit, back in those days, he’d been comforted by Gabriella’s friendship with so staunch a friend and ally. He was also forced to admit that after the fourth summoning, he’d grown weary of their seeming unbreakable alliance. He’d had Gabriella’s future to think of, after all.
Sebastian watched the boys inhale their food and hold out their plates for more, which Rebecca refilled without complaint, barely taking anything for herself. She was a conundrum, and he longed to throw a wrench into the situation, even knowing the hell he would likely pay. Decidedly out of character, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. “I understand your middle name is Owen,” he said to Percy.
The air around the group, but for Daniel, stilled from the boys, to their mother, to Serena, to the damned dog.
“Who told you that?” Peter demanded.
Rebecca shot Sebastian a glare. “I did,” she said quickly. She appeared to be reassuring Percy-Owen, but her words were directed to Peter.
Something niggled at Sebastian but remained frustratingly out of reach.
The look that passed between the mother and her two sons, if he had to label it, would be fear, but what had they to fear?
Rebecca grabbed Percy’s hand, and leaning in, she spoke softly, urgently. “I explained how your middle name is one onlyIuse… darling.”
The speechless boy nodded slowly. His brother, however, was so furious, Sebastian could swear smoke rose from his ears. The picture was a confusing one.
“Lady Rebecca, you’ve hardly eaten a thing,” Sebastian chided mildly.
She looked down at her plate, frowning.
“Did you feed your dog?” Sebastian asked the boys. He sipped at his wine, watching the boys jump up and pepper Daniel with questions on what food had been included for the poor beast. It was a mild-mannered little thing, sitting off to the side, waiting patiently.
Rebecca picked at the hard cheese on her plate, crumbled the bread between her gloved and graceful fingers. She didn’t raise her eyes.
Sebastian observed the boys for a time as they fed the dog. “What will you name him?” he called out.
Percy didn’t bother looking up, but Peter regarded Sebastian with a calculating stare. A slow grin spread across his face. “I think we shall call him… Duke.”
Six
Rebecca clapped a hand over her mouth not quite able to contain a snort. She closed her eyes, struggling to contain her laughter. “That’s enough,Peter.Take Duke for a walk until we are ready to go.” She met Serena’s eyes and inclined her head, indicating to her maid to keep them in sight.
Serena’s eyes went to the dog, her countenance uneasy.
“Serena, are you afraid of Duke?” Rebecca asked her.
Her eyes shot to Sebastian and widened.
Rebecca began gathering the dishes. “He hasn’t even barked, my dear. Our Duke has a gentle soul—” She stopped, feeling a surge of hot flames devouring her cheeks. “Put your fear out of your mind. The boys, if you please.”
“Y-yes, my lady.” Serena went after the children, leaving Rebecca and Ryleigh alone.
A quick glance showed Daniel at the carriage and coming back in their direction.
“Let Daniel handle the clean-up,” Ryleigh said with some impatience. “I’m sure he has more energy, as he didn’t peck at his food like a bird.”
“I’m perfectly capable—”
She’d only blinked and he was on his feet, pulling her up and leading her away. Again. “I know you are capable, but this is why I employ servants,” he growled. “You are not my servant, Lady Rebecca. I vow you are the most frustrating woman I’ve ever known. Thenandnow,” he breathed.
Rebecca wisely didn’t respond.
“What is it you are not telling me, my lady?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” she retorted. Her hand was still much too warm from his touch, though he’d dropped his once they moved away. They followed a winding path along the canal to a lovely arched, bricked aqueduct. Rebecca stepped over a puddle in the path damp from recent rains. Thus far, they’d been spared, though gray clouds hung low in the sky.
