Page 83 of When We Touch

“She hates me, and believes that I killed her father. I’m not sure that I would be a proper guardian for her. James is her cousin . . . or second cousin twice removed, and far closer to her affections.”

“Lord James is aware of the terms of the will.”

“And?”

“Charles specifically asked that you be there to guide his daughter.”

She sighed. Charles had never known that Arianna so despised her.

“But . . .”

“Are you refusing, my lady?” the elder Green asked, looking at her sternly.

“I’m not refusing, I’m explaining that the child detests me.”

The elder Mr. Green wore a look of total impatience. “She is a child, just that. The child of your late husband. With power comes responsibility, Lady Maggie.”

Maggie rose, lifting her hands. “I can do my best, gentlemen. But, perhaps, after you’ve spoken with her. . . you’ll see my position. I sincerely thank you for your time.”

“We’re available, whenever you need us, my lady,” the elder said. Of course they were available, she thought wearily. They might consider her to be a murderess themselves, but they derived a handsome income from handling the affairs of this household. She didn’t begrudge them that, and Charles had trusted them.

“Thank you. I may well need you soon enough. I’ll see that Arianna is sent to you, if she isn’t awaiting her time as well.”

With that, Maggie swept from the library.

Arianna wasn’t outside waiting, but the maid, Fiona, was.

“Fiona, can you tell Arianna that her father’s solicitors wish to see her? And then, please, consider yourself free for the rest of the day. I have . . . business elsewhere.”

She left Fiona to deal with Arianna, and Arianna to deal with the solicitors. Right now, if she didn’t escape the house for a time at the very least, she thought that she would die.

As she started up the stairs to her room, she nearly collided with Jamie. He had a bag in his hands.

“Ah, Maggie. Clear-eyed at last!” he said dryly.

She frowned, looking at his valise. “You’re leaving?”

“I have my own home.”

“You’ve just inherited this one.”

“Yes, well I’m afraid that I have some very pressing business affairs that must be attended to as well. This house remains your home, as you well know. Until such time as you find another husband.”

“I’m scarcely seeking another husband, Lord James.”

“Um. Well, I suppose, as matters stand, you certainly don’t need one.”

“Marriage, Lord James, should scarcely be a matter of need.”

“Oh?” he said, his tone polite enough, his skepticism more than obvious anyway, considering recent events.

She flushed, and was annoyed that she did so, and yet, refused to be cowed.

“I believe that Arianna will need you.”

“Charles specifically believed that she would need you, Maggie. Therefore, I think that, perhaps, you and Arianna need some time together.”

“You, too? This is ridiculous, and dangerous. She loathes me.”