Page 29 of Better Than a Duke
“No, I didn’t, either. I’m—It’s kind of you, but seeing Edmund happy makes me happy.”
“Of course. I had a visit to Kensington in mind. The gardens there are some of the prettiest in the world.” When her eyes narrowed a bit, he cleared his throat. “And I’m not intimating that as a female, you should enjoy flowers particularly. I enjoy walking the gardens, and I think Rebecca would at the least like feeding the ducks there.”
“It sounds lovely,” she said, folding her hands into her lap.
Beckett nodded. It made sense for them to clarify where they stood at the beginning of their acquaintance. “As I’m frequently reminded, I have a title and properties. The best way to ensure Rebecca’s continued comfort is by passing both along to someone within her immediate family.”
“A son for you, which would mean a brother for her.”
“Yes.”
Iris looked at Rebecca for a long moment. “Good. I hope she never has to experience her life being upended at the whim of some male relation with whom she’s barely acquainted.”
“As do I.” He shifted. “I don’t think it’s too bold to say that you and I, Iris, know what is most important in the world. And that is ensuring our children live safe, comfortable, happy lives. I’ve done my bit for love, and frankly, it was a disaster. This isn’t about me, or romance. If Lady Pauline proves to be a good mother and a good partner, I will be satisfied with that.”
Somewhat to his surprise, she nodded. “That’s commendable, Beckett. I found a small cottage in Shropshire where I mean to take in boarders. That will give us a steady income, and me theability to place Edmund in a position where he will have choices and a degree of freedom to pursue what he enjoys.”
A difficult task for a female, alone, and one with no property and little means. He absolutely understood her reasoning, though. “If anyone could manage that, it would be you.”
“Oh!Oh!Is it about horses?”
“Becks! Stop wasting ques—”
“Yes,” he said, interrupting Edmund’s protest and thankful he didn’t have to imagine with what object Iris would hit him if he should offer assistance after three days of… reacquaintance.
Rebecca squealed again, bouncing on the barouche’s seat.“Am I getting a pony?”
“Yes.”
She hurled herself across the barouche and slammed into his chest, hugging him. “I knew it! Thank you! Thank you!”
Over her head, Beckett watched Edmund sit back, a slightly pinched smile on his face. A moment later, the boy nodded. “That’s wonderful, Becks,” he said. “Might I help you care for it?”
What a remarkable lad. “Of course you may,” he answered, because Rebecca was too busy making his cravat soggy with her happy tears, “though I’m not certain you’ll have time to do that.”
The boy met his gaze. “I won’t?” he asked, his expression falling just a bit more.
“I reckon you’ll be occupied with your own pony. It’ll be lodging with us, but I will expect you—both of you—to participate in your animals’ care.”
“Wait a moment.” Edmund sat up rail straight. “I—I—am getting a pony?” He gestured at himself. “We’ll each have a pony?”
Iris nodded. “Lord Hentrose and I discussed it. And in return I expect you to keep up with your studies and stop hiding from Mr. Fredericks. Is that clear?”
A tear ran down his cheek, and with a grimace he wiped itaway. “Yes, Mama. Thank you, Lord Hentrose. I…” He stuck out his right hand. “Thank you.”
Beckett shook it. “You’re quite welcome, Edmund. And I’ll be happy to have someone else practicing alongside Rebecca, so thankyou.”
“Oh, you’re welcome, my lord.” A grin nearly split the boy’s face. “Very welcome.”
CHAPTER SIX
“She’s going to be Dandelion, or Princess,” Rebecca said, holding the large brush in her small hands and running it down the red-brown mane of the new chestnut pony standing beside her in its stall.
“I like those.” Edmund, in the next stall over, watched as Lord Hentrose’s head groom demonstrated brushing down his gray pony’s withers. “With the direction of the hair,” he muttered, taking the brush from Mr. Parsley and mimicking the groom’s actions.
“You’re a natural, lad,” the groom said, grinning. “Well done.”
“Is yours going to stay Storm Cloud?” Rebecca asked, going up on her toes to peer over the dividing wall.
