Page 31 of The Wedding-Crashing Duchess

“Good evening, Your Grace,” she said.

Ronan inclined his head, although his gaze did not leave her face. “Good evening, Duchess.”

Once the soup had been placed before them, Ronan dismissed the footmen to the edge of the room with a glance, and although the servants remained present, the space around the table felt private enough that Augusta could hear the faint scrape of his spoon against porcelain.

He ate only a little before he looked at her again.

“The housekeeper informed me that you visited Sarah this afternoon. She rarely offers information without expecting me to make use of it, I assume she wishes me to ask how the visit went.”

Augusta set down her spoon. She had been waiting for him to mention his daughter.

“She allowed me to read to her, although I suspect she agreed because she wanted the story rather than because she wanted my company. She even corrected me when I skipped a line.”

“That sounds like Sarah, because she remembers every word of the stories she likes, and although her governess believes this demonstrates an excellent memory, I sometimes think she only pays close attention when she expects someone else to make a mistake.”

“She chose her favorite one. The book has been handled so often that the binding is nearly gone, although there were several newer books on the shelf, which makes me think she has been reading the same story for years.”

“It was the first story her governess read to her after she became old enough to follow one, and although I have purchased other books since then, she continues to prefer that one.”

Augusta watched him for a moment, because the answer had been more specific than she expected. “Then tell me everything else you know, because if I am to become part of her life, I should know more about her.”

Ronan’s hand remained around the stem of his glass, and although his expression did not change, his shoulders appeared to stiffen. “You ask that as though I possess an orderly catalogue of my daughter’s preferences. I cannot pretend that I have spent enough time with her to know every small habit for myself.”

“I did not ask because I intended to test you,” she said immediately. “Nor am I trying to embarrass you, although I would rather you tell me what you do know. Surely, you know more than me.”

He sighed, and then a contemplative expression formed on his face.

“I know that she is afraid of thunder, but she pretends she is not, because one of the maids told her that brave girls do not cry during storms; I also know that she likes pink, although I made the mistake of refusing to have her room painted a second time because it was already pink, and she interpreted this as proof that I objected to the color itself.”

Augusta tried not to laugh, although the image of Ronan being defeated by a six-year-old’s opinion on paint made restraint difficult. “There are many shades of pink, and perhaps the existing shade was unsatisfactory.”

“I was informed of that after the argument.”

“The fact that you remain unconvinced suggests that Sarah may have inherited your stubbornness.”

“She might learn that from you, as well.” he passed her a look.

“She has known me for two days, and therefore I doubt I have already altered her character.” Augusta couldn’t help but laugh.

“You stopped a ducal wedding after one glimpse of a cane, and so I am not prepared to underestimate the speed of your influence.”

Augusta lifted her wineglass, although she could feel herself smiling. “Continue, because you were telling me about Sarah.”

Ronan leaned back slightly. “She likes small animals, although she has poor judgement regarding which creatures ought to be brought indoors, and last summer she attempted to keep a beetle in a jeweler box because she believed the pattern on its wings was beautiful. Her governess threw it away after it died, and Sarah refused to speak to her for three days. She enjoys riding, although I cannot tell you the name of her pony, and before you ask, I am aware that I should know it.”

“I haven’t said anything.”

“The stablemaster knows the name, and I know that the animal is well cared for, which seemed more important than memorizing whatever fanciful name Sarah chose.”

“The stablemaster is not her father, and although caring for the animal matters, knowing what she calls it would tell you something about her.”

Ronan’s expression tightened, and Augusta immediately wished she had softened the remark, although he did not turn away from it.

“You are right,” he said after a moment, “ It would be much easier to defend myself if your criticism were unfair. I know the arrangements made for her, yet those are the responsibilities of a guardian, while the things you are asking belong to a father.”

He paused for a moment then.

“I’m not sure I still understand the difference between the two, fully.”