Page 94 of Stolen and Seduced By the Duke

"That is a very good idea," he said. "Your mother used to love a lavender bath as well."

Margaret could see the forlorn emotion in his eyes as he thought about his late wife.

"I miss her too," she said, reaching out to touch his hand.

"As do I," he said.

"Speaking of family. I have something rather important to show you, that I think will cheer you up," she said.

Bernard's eyebrows lifted with immediate curiosity. "Important? Has Pierce bought you another horse? Or another house?"

"Neither," Margaret replied, unable to suppress her smile. "I want you to meet someone."

Her father looked startled. "Someone?"

Margaret turned towards the door. "Mrs. Norris?" She called out loudly. A moment later, the housekeeper appeared in the threshold.

"Yes, Your Grace," she curtsied.

"Would you ask the nanny to bring Hugh down, please?"

"Of course, Your Grace," she left to her duty.

Bernard blinked. "Hugh?"

Margaret nodded, and the expression that crossed her father's face was almost comically delighted.

"The little fellow?" he asked.

"The very same."

A few minutes later, the nanny entered carrying Hugh, who was dressed in a neat little outfit Margaret had insisted upon after discovering that his wardrobe had once consisted almost entirely of gowns.

Bernard rose immediately. His entire face seemed to brighten when he saw the child, and Margaret felt her heart swell as though she were witnessing something precious.

"Oh, look at you," Bernard exclaimed, holding out his arms. "Come here, my boy."

The nanny carefully passed Hugh into his grandfather's embrace, and Bernard held him with surprising confidence.

Hugh stared at him for several seconds before giving a delighted little laugh.

Bernard's eyes widened with wonder. "He laughed at me!"

Margaret laughed as well. "He likes you."

"I should hope so," Bernard replied, settling Hugh more securely against his chest. "I am his grandfather. I shall be spoiling him rotten in order to purchase his proper respect by the time he is two."

Margaret shook her head. "I am afraid you shall do just that."

Bernard looked down at Hugh solemnly. "Do not listen to your mother. Grandfathers are permitted to spoil children."

Margaret's heart gave a little flutter at the word.

Mother?

She had grown so accustomed to caring for Hugh that she hardly noticed when the title slipped naturally into conversation. Yet hearing Bernard refer to her that way made the reality of it settle more firmly inside her. She had not given birth to Hugh, and she had certainly never expected to become devoted to a child so quickly, but somehow the little boy had become woven into her life.

"Oh, he has his father’s eyes. How remarkable," Bernard smiled.