Accidentally Compromising the Duke by Stacy Reid Page A

suddenly announced he was engaged. Her throat tightened. “Did… Has their mother been long gone?”
    The muscle underneath the tip of her fingers tensed and a chill blasted from the duke.
    “I only asked because my father presented Lady Margaret to me as his intended only thirteen months after Mamma died. It was very hard for me to love her. In fact, I fairly resented him such happiness, while I was still mourning for my mother. I would hate for your daughters to endure such a similar heartache.”
    She had not forgotten Edmond had said no questions about his deceased wife, but surely he would understand why she would inquire in this instance.
    “It has been almost three years.”
    Oh. “I see.” She gave him a tremulous smile. “Well, let’s proceed.”
    They continued on, the wind doing its best to tug the bonnet from her head. With one hand clasped on her head to keep the dratted thing in place, and the other holding onto the duke, they made their way across the expanse of lawn. One of the young girls glimpsed them, and Adel smiled at the sheer joy that suffused her face. Adel expected her to race across the lawn, but she waited with hardly a fidget, the joy on her face replaced with cautious happiness.
    The laughter and the shrieks died down as they approached, and two very delightful girls separated from the others and stepped forward. Based on their heights, Adel could guess who Rosa was, and who Sarah was. Both girls had fiery red hair and sweetly rounded cheeks. Their eyes were a replica of their father’s—even the cool reserve in their hidden depths was similar in manner.
    The taller girl stepped forward as they stopped and curtseyed. “Father, welcome back,” she said with a smile.
    Edmond released Adel’s arm and crouched. She found it odd, he did not hug his children nor did they seem inclined to do so. “Lady Rosa, happy birthday.”
    A charming smile wreathed her face. Oh, she is a beauty .
    “Thank you, Father.”
    Curious eyes shifted to Adel, but Rosa asked no questions.
    Edmond tugged his other daughter close, and then he rose, and prodded them forward. He stood behind them and rested a hand on each of their shoulders.
    “Girls, I would like you to meet Adeline, my new duchess of Wolverton.”
    Rosa gasped, her eyes widening. “You’re married, Father?”
    “I am.”
    Rosa dipped into an elegant curtsy, her manners already ladylike. “Your Grace,” she said, her voice a mere whisper.
    “Hello,” Lady Sarah said with a shy, but very sweet smile. “Are you to be my new mother?”
    Adel’s heart was pounding like a hammer in her chest. She sank to her knees in the grass, uncaring that the stains would ruin one of her better gowns. “Hello, Lady Rosa, Lady Sarah, I am delighted to make your acquaintances.” With a smile at Sarah, Adel continued, “If it is your wish, I would love to be your friend and new mother. However I am quite happy to be your friend until you say otherwise.”
    “It is our wish,” Rosa said, wariness evident in her posture.
    Adel frowned and Lady Rosa expounded. “It is our wish for you be our new mother. I think that is why father married you. He asked me what I would want for my birthday…and I said a mother.” Awe was evident in her voice, and when she looked up at her father, tears were glistening on her lashes.
    “Thank you, Father.”
    Adel swallowed. She was a birthday gift. A very foolish and convenient one. The duke really had not cared about her reputation; he’d just needed an urgent wife. Any lady would have certainly worked for him, because this icy distance that fairly simmered, warning her to keep away, this cool regard was not because of her being passably pretty, with no money or connection… This was simply him , and whatever thoughts that went on behind those beautiful but distressingly empty eyes.
    …
    Two hours later, Adel climbed the stairs behind the housekeeper. Mrs. Fields’ voice rattled with animation, but Adel felt too