Page 6 of Once Upon a Devilish Duke

“They do not want to come out here.”

“No, I mean surely she is old enough to go to London and be educated there? All the best dance tutors are there too.”

“I’m afraid that her father has forbidden her from going to London.”

Rose sat back in her chair. “Forbidden her?”

“It is a short but horrid story. I did not tell you about it for it is an embarrassment to our family.”

“Oh,” Rose said, flummoxed by what Max could have done to deserve such a punishment. “What did she do?”

“It is not what she did, but who she is. She is Victoria’s daughter. Unfortunately, Edward does not want to have anything to do with the child that Victoria died to give birth to.”

“Well, that does not seem fair.”

“Oh, it isn’t, and we have tried to get him to reconsider many times, but he is stubborn and will not back down on his decision.”

“I would not have thought that of Edward. He was always the one who organized all the fun.”

“He is much changed, unfortunately.”

Rose looked towards the door through which Max had disappeared. Not having the love of a parent was a tragedy. She herself had such a wonderful and loving relationship with her father, especially after her mother passed away. “Poor Max. At least she has you and the rest of the family.”

“We do our best, but as she has gotten older, she is starting to question why her father is never around.”

“Does he not even write?”

“Not a word. She is very much like him, if only he could get over the fact that her mother was…difficult, but she is not. Max is slow to anger, kind and gentle, and as you saw, eager to get to know people and learn new things.” Marianne dabbed at her eyes with the napkin. “If only he could see her in her own right. She draws, plays music, and is a delightful dancer. It breaks my heart.”

Rose stood and went to her friend, taking her into her embrace. “He is the one who is missing out. Thankfully, she has you. She could not have a better role model than her aunt Marianne.”

Her friend gave her a watery smile. “That is kind of you to say.”

“Marianne, you know me. I do not say things I do not mean.”

“I am so glad you are here,” Marianne said, dabbing at the last of her tears.

“I would be happy to help with Maxine. Do some activities with her. It may be the diversion I need. Besides, we are kindred spirits apparently.”

Marianne laughed. “You must have impressed her a great deal.”

“I’m not sure how she came to this conclusion so quickly when we met for ten minutes this morning while I was still in bed.”

Marianne gasped. “She did not!”

“She did, but really it was lovely. I am just worried that when she finds out I am not some mythical goddess from one of her books, she may be disappointed in me.”

“You have never disappointed me, so I cannot see why you would.”

“Now who is being kind?” Rose held her hand out to her friend. “Come, give me a tour, as there have been many improvements since I was last here at Ashtonvale.”

The months went by, busy with picnics, trips into the meadows to pick flowers, and then art lessons. Max was a quick study and soon surpassed Rose’s skill, as she had a keen eye for color and scale. They read books under giant oaks and poetry recited on horseback, and slowly Rose felt like she might just be able to survive the overwhelming grief of losing her father. Max had become dear to her, a shadow that followed her around everywhere, eager to know everything. Her questions were often exhausting, but Marianne would normally come to her rescue and allow Rose to rest.

“Rose! Rose!”

The sound of Max’s voice radiated through the whole house, the excitement evident.

“My goodness, breathe, child, breathe.”