Page 104 of A Deal for the Duke’s Virgin

As he heard the door click shut behind her, Christian turned back to Alex, who was studying him with the same curious expression.

“What’s your favorite food?” he asked.

Christian smiled.

Yes, he is certainly my son.

Thalia had considered not getting in the carriage. It would be easy to avoid. She could simply not go out.

She did get in the carriage, of course. As it rattled away, she considered how things had changed.

Only a week ago, I couldn’t set foot out of doors after dark and even before dark, not without a maid or preferably a horde of chaperones. Now that I’m a married woman, I can do more or less what I want, even if it’s not to my benefit.

Closing her eyes, she leaned back in her seat and let out a long, ragged breath.

This is a terrible idea.

The whole ride, she considered the various ways in which the meeting could go wrong. By the time the carriage pulled to a halt in front of Thornhill Abbey, she’d worked herself into quite a frenzy.

Out she rushed and darted straight into the house.

Better get this over with.

She’d expected Christian to be waiting in the foyer, but instead the butler stood there.

“Where is he?” she asked, faintly confused.

“I believe His Grace is in his chambers, Your Grace,” Hooves responded smoothly. “I would usually offer tea and refreshments, but I believe that His Grace has had everything prepared.”

Thalia cleared her throat. “I see. Thank you.”

The butler bowed, leaving her to climb the stairs alone. Up she went, higher and higher, heart hammering in her chest.

At last, she reached the door to Christian’s rooms. The hallway outside was dark, allowing only a sliver of light to escape. She pushed on the door, and it creaked open painfully slowly.

“Come in, my dear,” came Christian’s light voice. “I’m glad you came.”

She slipped inside.

Despite the fur rugs and padded interior of the carriage, the cold had crept in anyway. Her cloak, a thin satin one, had done nothing to keep out the chill, and she was frozen to the bone. A jolly fire roared in the grate, and she saw wine, cheese, and bread waiting on a low table, alongside a tea tray.

Shivering, she stepped forward, holding out her hands to the blaze.

“Is Alex here?” she asked, desperate to break the silence.

Christian sat sprawled on a low sofa in the corner of the room, his long legs stretched out. He wore only a thin, almost translucent linen shirt and plain breeches. If she didn’t look directly at him, perhaps she might escape the conversation without taking any more damage to her poor, battered heart.

“Not yet,” he responded calmly. “But he’ll come tomorrow. I believe the nuns wanted to throw a farewell party for him. Sister Abigail mentioned that since you became a duchess, St. Sarah’s has attracted a great deal more interest. Suddenly, the board is much more amenable to the idea of the children having little treats. She told me to inform you that birthday celebrations are once again permitted, and there’s talk of regular outings for the children, ones not solely financed by you.”

Thalia bit back a smile. “Well, that is good news. Alex will be happy here, I think. He’ll miss Nicholas and Sophia dreadfully, of course. Perhaps you could arrange visits?”

“About that.” Christian slowly rose to his feet. “After much reflection, I believe the easier solution is to simply adopt Nicholas and Sophia too.”

Thalia went still. “What?” she gasped.

He shrugged. “They’re sweet children. They deserve a proper home, and Alex already considers them his siblings. Why should they not come here?”

“Oh,” she breathed, her throat tightening. “Oh, Christian, that’s wonderful. You are the best of men.”