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As she launched into the tale, watching Peter's face light up with laughter, Lydia silently added another item to her list: Give Peter the family he deserves. It wouldn't be easy, given Elias's carefuldistance and her own uncertainties. But as she looked at the boy who had so thoroughly captured her heart, she knew it would be worth any amount of effort.

After all, she'd already succeeded in becoming a duchess and finding happiness in her marriage – even if that happiness wasn't quite what she'd expected. Surely adding to their family couldn't be any more challenging than taming the Beast of Fyre?

Though perhaps, she thought as Peter dissolved into giggles at her description of the cat's escape attempt, she'd wait until after the ball to tackle that particular item on her list. One impossible task at a time was quite enough!

For now, she was content to sit here with her son – for that's what he truly was in her heart – sharing stories and dreams of the future. The rest would come in time. She just had to keep faith, stay determined, and perhaps invest in a few more silk gowns for tear-stained emergencies.

Just in case.

CHAPTER 17

The morning of their departure dawned clear and crisp, though Peter's face was anything but sunny as he watched the footmen load the last of the luggage onto the carriage. Mug sat beside him on the front steps, his usual exuberance dampened by the solemn atmosphere.

"Now then," Lydia said brightly, adjusting Peter's cravat one last time. "You'll remember to tend to the herbs exactly as Thomas showed you?"

"Yes," Peter nodded, his lower lip trembling slightly despite his best efforts. "And I'll document their growth in my notebook, just like we discussed."

"That's my clever boy." Lydia pulled him close, not caring who might see the display of affection. "I'll miss you terribly, you know."

"Even though you'll be at a grand ball?" Peter's voice was muffled against her shoulder.

"Especially then. Who will help me judge which dances are most pirate-worthy?" She felt him smile against her neck and hugged him tighter. "Be good for Miss Nancy, and remember – I want a full report on those herbs when we return."

"I will." Peter pulled back slightly, his eyes suspiciously bright. "And you'll remember about the chocolates? The orange ones?"

"How could I forget? I've only been reminded four times since breakfast," Lydia teased gently, tapping his nose.

Peter turned to his father then, straightening his shoulders in an obvious attempt to appear more dignified. "Have a safe journey, Father."

Elias stood stiffly, clearly uncomfortable with goodbyes. "Yes, well. Mind your studies. And do try to keep that..." he glanced at Mug, who wagged his tail hopefully, "...that dog out of Mrs. Winters's flowerbeds."

"Yes, Father." Peter hesitated, then suddenly threw himself forward, wrapping his arms around his father's waist.

Elias froze, his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. But just as Peter began to pull away, those arms came up to return the embrace, however briefly.

"We'll return in three days," Elias said gruffly, his hand lingering for a moment on Peter's curls before he stepped back.

Lydia pretended not to notice the way both father and son blinked rather rapidly as they separated. She bent to give Peter one last hug, whispering, "I love you, darling," in his ear before allowing Elias to hand her into the carriage.

As they pulled away, she kept waving until Peter's small figure disappeared from view. Only then did she sink back against the cushions with a small sigh.

"He'll be fine," Elias said, though she noticed he was still staring out the window in the direction of the manor.

"Of course he will. He's very brave." Lydia dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. "Though I don't know why you're so certain, since you're clearly not looking at me while my eyes are leaking so ridiculously. "

A startled sound that might have been a chuckle escaped Elias's lips. "I was merely... admiring the scenery."

"Hmm. And I suppose that's also why you kept your head turned just so when Peter hugged you? To better appreciate the architectural features of the manor?"

Elias's head snapped around, a retort clearly forming on his lips. But whatever he saw in her face – gentle teasing rather than mockery – seemed to give him pause.

"He's becoming quite... demonstrative... lately," he said finally.

"He's becoming quite loved lately," Lydia corrected softly. "And learning that it's safe to show it."

A dark frown appeared on Elias's face before he turned back to the window. But Lydia noticed that he didn't disagree.

They rode in companionable silence for a while, the rhythmic sway of the carriage almost soothing. Lydia found her thoughts drifting to the upcoming ball, to Peter's hopes for siblings, to the way Elias's arms had come up to hold his son...