To See You Again_A Daring Duchess Novel by Ariel MacArran

Author:Ariel MacArran [MacArran, Ariel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Here Be Dragons Publishing
Published: 2018-10-31T00:00:00+00:00

Twenty-One

Louis and Helena were spirited children indeed, and Juliana quickly discovered they burst with far too much energy to keep within the confines of the schoolroom for long. She also learnt good behavior could be purchased, at least for a little while, by the promise of a Greek fable by the fire or the scene from a Shakespeare play acted out by the three of them in the garden. Attention could be commanded as well, if everything were couched as either a game or contest and the promise held out that the child who accomplished the most could choose the next lesson.

On their best days her charges were a delight but, being children, they were hardly angelic. When overtired or hungry, Louis’s attention would wander so that even a short lesson was a trial for all, and Helena could at times be argumentative and lapse to a most unbecoming obstinacy.

As Mademoiselle was right now.

“Titania would know it was a man with the head of an ass!”

Their little outdoor performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream had been going well enough, considering it was far nearer to Michaelmas than Midsummer and the three were dressed for the chill of autumn.

“The fairie queen is under a spell,” Juliana explained—again. “To her, her love is beautiful.”

“It is ludicrous.” Helena’s nostrils flared. “I should never fall in love with an ass!”

“I should hope not.”

“Uncle!”

Kneeling on the ground—she had been playing the role of Mustard Seed—and startled by the duke’s arrival, Juliana hurriedly stood as the children ran to greet him. Connell hugged each in turn, smiling as they both spoke to him at once.

“Uncle, you did promise that—”

“—and yesterday I was the king—"

“Hush, Louis! Uncle, you did promise that we should have a proper picnic when you returned.”

Connell smiled as he patted Helena’s cheek. “I haven’t forgotten.”

Juliana smoothed her pelisse with gloved fingers, dropping a curtsey the moment his eyes turned her way.

“Miss Seabright.”

“Welcome home, Your Grace.”

“I am afraid I have put off your lesson entirely. But did I hear that my niece had her heart set on a”—he looked at Helena, eyebrows raised— “a donkey, was it?”

“An ass.” Helena lifted her chin. “And I say that neither the queen of the fairies—nor I!—should ever be fooled so.”

“Shakespeare, Your Grace.” Juliana awkwardly handed over the book.

“And you’re performing this?” He looked with mock amazement at the children. “The three of you?”

“I’m the Fairie Queen.” Helena stood tall. “And the other queen, too, the mortal one. And Hermia. But I won’t play Helena, since we have the same name.”

“I’m the king!” Louis tugged on his uncle’s hand. “Oberon.”

“And you, Miss Seabright?” Connell’s eyes were emerald in the midday sun. “What part do you play?”

“The rest, Your Grace.”

“I wonder you are not hoarse from so many speeches.” He snapped the book shut and tucked it under his arm. “Come, I’ve had the promised picnic set out already.”

“You have?” Helena stopped short, her golden-brown curls bouncing. “We cannot have a picnic in September. You are teasing again.” She looked at Juliana.

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