‘‘Why Charles, that is one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. I shall take it as a great compliment. Thank you. But why do you say it?’ He sidled up to her and slipped a warm little hand into hers. ‘Cos I love you,’ he said, his eyes serious and oh so like his father’s. ‘And because we have never had a Christmas tree before. I like it.’ Isabelle smiled and gave him a hug. ‘It is a new idea that I heard about. It sounded such fun and soon I will put some small gifts beneath it that we may open on Christmas Day.’ ‘Will there be one for me?’ ‘But of course. ‘Sadly that will not be the case.’ Isabelle spun round at the sound of Guy’s voice, jumping up nervously and straightening her gown as she did so. ‘Oh, Your Grace. I did not hear you there.’ He sauntered into the room, a frown marring his brow. ‘Why are you not with Nanny Peters, Charles? Should you not be learning your reading?’ ‘I suggested he stay down here with me this afternoon,’ Isabelle said quickly. ‘He was not feeling particularly well this morning and I thought it would do him no harm having some time away from the nursery. He has been helping me to decorate the tree. Do you like it, Your Grace?’ Guy’s frown deepened. He was beginning to get mightily fed up with being called Your Grace the whole time, recognising it for what it was … a method of keeping him at arm’s distance.
What do You think about Desperate Measures (Regency Undone)?
