Page 57 of Bound By the Duke

The chamber glowed softly in the lamplight. Delicate silk gowns were laid across her bed, with slippers tucked neatly into their satin wrappings. Aurelia moved carefully across the room, her hands folding the gowns, her mind occupied with thoughts of the journey ahead.

A knock sounded at the door, drawing her attention.

Before she could answer, the door creaked open and Lottie’s small figure appeared. She was wearing a nightdress that trailed behind her, and her brown curls were loose down her back.

Behind her was Sir Whiskerton, who followed like a loyal shadow, his tail raised high, his green eyes glittering. The smile on Lottie’s face faltered before a careful expression replaced it.

“What are you doing?” Her voice was soft, almost a curious whisper.

Aurelia smiled. “I’m preparing for a trip, darling,” she answered gently.

“The one Papa talked about?” the girl asked innocently.

Although Percival had not given his explicit permission, it was never too early to start planning a trip to a ball. Aurelia was the duchess;shewould have the final say.

“Yes. So I must choose what to take with me,” she said gently, holding up a pale blue gown for her inspection.

Lottie’s face brightened with interest. “A trip?” She moved further into the room.

“Yes.” Aurelia folded the gown carefully. “To London.”

The girl paused, shifted on her bare feet, then glanced at the gowns shyly. “I’m not going, am I?”

The sadness in her voice pierced Aurelia’s chest. It was as though the girl already knew the answer before asking.

Aurelia slowly knelt before the child, her skirts pooling around her. “Not this time, sweetheart.” She cupped the girl’s cheek.

“Papa won’t let me?” Lottie whispered, her lashes lowering.

“No,” Aurelia sighed. It was already hard enough convincing Percival to attend the ball. “But…” She tilted the girl’s chin back up when she let out a defeated sigh. “I will convince him, Lottie. You will come with us to the next ball, I promise.”

A small smile tugged at the corners of Lottie’s lips. “Promise?”

“I never break my promises,” Aurelia said firmly. She kissed the girl’s forehead, inhaling the faint lavender scent of her hair. “Besides, I will bring you presents.”

The last word did its magic, just like Aurelia had expected. It caught Lottie’s attention.

Her brows knitted together in curiosity. “What kind of presents?”

“Oh, let me think…” Aurelia tapped her chin, pretending to ponder. “Pretty ribbons, so you can outshine every doll in the nursery. Sweet biscuits from the market, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with almonds. And maybe, just maybe”—she moved closer—“something mischievous for Sir Whiskerton, if he behaves.”

As though he understood her, the cat jumped up on the bed and stretched out his paws toward the nearest ribbon.

“Sir Whiskerton, will you behave?” Lottie teased with a giggle, patting the cat’s back. But her smile dropped as soon as it came. “But I don’t want presents, not if you are gone. I will be alone.”

Aurelia smiled. It seemed the prospect of getting a present could only do so much. She reached for the little girl and pulled her into her arms.

“You won’t be alone,” she whispered into her curls. “Do you know why?”

“Why?” Lottie asked with a little sniffle.

“Because Sir Whiskerton will stay here. He’ll protect you.” Aurelia let her down softly and reached for her cat, lifting him so she could see he was harmless. “He’s very fierce, you know.”

The cat, as though listening to their conversation, let out a loudmeowat that exact moment. It was imperious, as if to assert his authority.

Aurelia laughed softly and dropped him back onto the bed.

“See?” She smiled. “He has sworn his loyalty to you. He will keep you safe, play with you, and keep you company until I return.”