Chapter 13 #2
Hesitantly, he nodded. “Yes, I believe we can agree on that.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Then I will follow your rules about tending to her lessons, taking her for walks, and working on her embroidery sampler. But you must follow mine as well.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “Go on, then. State your terms.” His voice held a note of warning, but he was willing to hear her out, so Marina saw this as a triumph.
“Lilly must join us for all of our meals,” Marina said.
“And we will both help her socialize outside of the house. It’s important that she knows how to behave comfortably around her peers.
If she wishes to follow in your footsteps and become a recluse as an adult, then that is her choice.
But we cannot make that choice for her.”
He looked a little annoyed at that. “Anything else?” he asked, his voice impatient.
“Indeed,” she said. “I also want you to spend at least an hour with her every day. If she is to have a stable childhood home, then she needs to spend quality time with her father.”
He looked conflicted for a moment as he considered her words before he finally answered.
“I will consider having her join us for meals. And spending time with her for one hour, if she’s amenable to it.
But there is no need for her to go and socialize with people.
She is five, and I will not put her in danger by sending her out into the world. ”
“I’m not saying we should send her wandering by herself like a knight errant! She will be perfectly safe going with her nanny or us to the neighbors’ houses, where she will play with other children.”
“You do not know that,” he said. “There are too many variables.”
The footmen came into the room to serve them tea and cake for dessert. Marina sipped the warm liquid. Between the tea and the stew, she was already starting to feel a little stronger, even though she knew she needed to take it easy unless she wanted to start feeling bad again.
“Perhaps you would feel more comfortable sending Lilly out to play with the neighborhood kids if you knew them better yourself. Perhaps we can throw a casual get-together here so we can all get to know each other better. It does not have to be something as formal as a ball. Perhaps a garden party, with games and music.”
“I told you there would be no social gatherings,” he said. “I have no interest in making my place in society, and I will certainly not be hosting guests in my manor. I enjoy my privacy too much.”
“Clearly,” she said, setting down her teacup. “But I’m not suggesting a ball, or strategies to ingratiate ourselves into society. This is for Lilly’s sake.”
“Absolutely not,” he said.
She shrugged and picked up her fork. She took a bite of cake, relishing in the sweetness.
She was glad that her appetite was back now that the wedding was over.
It would be a shame to miss out on such a wonderful dessert.
“If you do not want to mingle with your neighbors, then I can take her to London,” she said.
“You do not have to come. I know how much you detest the city, after all. She can stay with me at Shirley Manor, where my family can help her prepare for her debut.”
He watched her speak with growing horror.
When she finished, he said, “Perhaps it will not be completely intolerable to have her meet some of the neighborhood children. They will not be coming here, but Lilly could be safe enough with her nanny, or with you.” He shook his head. “Certainly safer than London.”
Marina grinned, feeling triumphant. “Excellent,” she said. “I’m glad we have come to an agreement.”
“Nothing is agreed upon,” he said. “I merely said I am considering it. You should also know, before you get your hopes up about me spending quality time with Lilly, that she will not agree to it. She’s not comfortable with me.” A muscle flexed in his jaw as he said so.
“Perhaps,” she said, not surprised. Evan clearly cared for his daughter, but he was not the best at expressing his emotions.
Lilly was five and would not understand why her father was stony-faced all the time.
“But I’ve spent my whole life craving love and affection from my parents, only to never get it.
Do not make the same mistake with Lilly. ”
His gaze darkened for a moment before he looked away.
But before he could respond, a piercing scream made them both startle.
Marina scrambled to her feet while Evan checked his pocketwatch.
He muttered a swear under his breath as he stood up.
“We had dinner much too late. I should have been keeping a better track of the time,” he said. “I must go.”
“What’s happening?” she asked. Fear made her heart pound in her chest. “Let me summon the constable and the physician.”
“That is not necessary,” he said. “Lilly is having a nightmare.” He started walking quickly to the stairs that would take him to the second floor.
Marina hurried to fall into step next to him. “How do you know?” she asked. She felt a little dizzy just from walking quickly to keep pace with him, but she ignored it. It did not matter if she was still feeling unwell, not if Lilly was in danger.
“Because this happens every night, at the same time.” He grimaced. “I usually pay better attention to the time. I should have done so tonight.” He glared at her. “This is why she needs stability.”
Marina nodded, understanding. That’s why he said he wanted her to find safety in a routine. So these nightmares would stop plaguing her. Her stomach twisted with sadness for the little girl. “Let me come with you to comfort her.”
He shook his head. “Not tonight. Get some rest. The last thing I need is you passing out on me.” He spun on his heel and disappeared up the stairs without another word. Marina watched him go, feeling helpless.
How am I supposed to help such a troubled girl?