Page 27 of An Orphan for the Broken Duke

Rhys’ chest tightened with regret and a pang of sadness as he watched Violet fall to her knees and embrace Lucy in a tight hug.

“Look at you,” Lucy laughed as she held her. “I hardly recognized you.”

“They made me,” Lucy said as if annoyed.

Violet laughed further and pulled away so that she could better look at the little girl. “How are you? Are they treating you well?”

“We are,” Rhys said, choosing that moment to step in. He then dropped to one knee so that he could look Lucy in the eyes. “But if you need anything, Lucy, please tell me. Whatever you need, you will have it.” He smiled warmly, sure that she would appreciate it.

The moment that Rhys dropped to his knees, Lucy gasped and hurried around Violet. She then pressed her face into Violet’s body as if she meant to hide.

Rhys grimaced, another pang in his chest, truly heartbroken that his mere presence might send such fear and distrust through the child.

“Lucy, there is no need for that,” Violet said, which surprised Rhys. “His Grace… I mean, Rhys… is only trying to help.”

Lucy said nothing, still hiding behind Violet.

Violet looked apologetically at Rhys, which again surprised him. As much as she wanted to distrust him, there was obviously a part of her that believed he was trying to do the right thing.

He offered her a grateful smile as he stood.

“It is fine,” he assured her, even if it still hurt. “Besides…” He was sure to look right at Violet as he spoke. “Trust is not something that is expected, but that is earned. And now that Lucy and you are here, I intend to earn it.”

Violet noted the words, she seemed to understand the meaning, and for once she did not dismiss him. “I look forward to it.”

Rhys wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of the morning, even the day, with Lucy. She was clearly terrified of him, she obviously had no desire to get to know him, but that needed to change. However, he would not force her to be in his presence.

“I think I will leave the two of you to catch up,” he said. “Mr. Marrow, when Her Grace is ready, please show her to her room.”

“It will be done,” Mr. Marrow said.

“Violet… Lucy…” He smiled at them. “I will be seeing you both later.”

With that, he turned, at which point he expected to go to his office and pour himself a drink. It had been a long day, he had much to think about, and he did not want it to appear as if he was hanging about to try and impose his presence on the two of them.

However, it was as he made his way across the foyer that Violet called out to him.

“Rhys…”

He turned and frowned when he saw her coming. And that frown deepened because for once she did not scowl, nor did she glare. In fact, she looked somewhat embarrassed, even regretful.

“Violet, is something the matter?”

“I wanted to…” She hesitated, biting her lip. Behind her, Lucy stood with Mr. Marrow, but not right beside him. “Lucy will come around, I am sure. She just needs time.”

“I know,” he said with an appreciative smile. “But thank you for saying. I never expected this to be easy, but I am willing to try. Whatever you might think of me, Violet, know that Lucy is why I do this.”

“I asked you this already, and I doubt it will make a difference, but can I ask why?” She looked back at Lucy, indicating for the girl to wait. “If I know the reason, I might be able to help.”

“I doubt that,” he chuckled bitterly. “If anything, such a story might make it worse.”

“So, there is a story?” she pressed. Not with aggression, but with tenderness and concern. “You do not have to tell me, but I would appreciate it if you did. If you trust me, that is.”

It was the last thing that he wanted to talk about. And not just then, but always. Such a story always brought with it pain and sorrow, the type that was better left forgotten. And what had already been a long and difficult day would be made no easier by opening up about that particular heartache.

And yet… perhaps I should tell her? If I want her to trust me, ought I not to give her a reason?

Was that not the entire point? Rhys was so desperate to gain Violet’s trust, but he had not given her a reason that she should yet. But with one small truth, his reasoning laid bare, it might just be exactly what they needed. For Lucy… for the two of them… for their marriage.