News
Storytelling

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

Chapter 11

Theme:
Font Size:
24px
Kit brightened. "We are in print!"Evelyn closed her eyes.Pippa said, "Do they spell our names?"Milo said, "Did they draw the suitcase?"Rowan took the paper from Clarabel. The article was half-wrong and twice as loud as necessary. It called Evelyn mysterious, it called the children possible claimants, it called Clarabel abandoned.Clarabel read over his shoulder. "'Abandoned'? I was standing indoors with tea."Rowan looked at Evelyn. Her face had gone pale. This was what she feared—not his recognition, but the world's teeth.He set down the paper. "I will issue a statement."Evelyn stiffened. "No, Evelyn. No statement names them without my consent.""Agreed." That stopped her.He continued: "No statement names them. It will say the wedding was suspended by mutual agreement. Lady Clarabel remains under my protection and friendship. Any speculation about guests in my chapel will be treated as impertinence."Clarabel lifted a brow. "'Protection and friendship'? Would you prefer 'formidable independence'?""Yes."He nodded. "Lady Clarabel remains under her own formidable independence."Clarabel smiled. "Better."Evelyn looked at him. "And us?""Nothing without you."Pippa said, "You should say we were brave."Milo said, "And wet."Kit said, "And hungry."Clarabel said, "Bravery, weather, and breakfast shall remain private."Pippa considered her. "You are useful.""I collect that compliment."By noon, Rowan had three tasks: protect Clarabel's reputation, protect Evelyn's children, and confront Cedric's written confession, which arrived smelling of resentment. Also, learn who feared thunder before Clarabel asked again and exposed him as inadequate.He began with practicalities. A suite was prepared near the family nursery, not inside it. Evelyn chose the rooms: Pippa inspected locks, Milo inspected window seats, Kit inspected biscuit access. Rowan sent for a solicitor who specialized in legitimacy, guardianship, and scandals that wished to become orderly.He also sent for Dr. Penrose because Evelyn looked too tired when she thought no one watched. This proved to be a mistake—not because Evelyn objected to doctors, but because she objected to being managed.She met Rowan in the corridor outside the nursery. "Did you send for a physician?""Yes.""For whom?""You."Her eyes cooled. "Did I request one?""No.""Did I faint?""No.""Did I announce a desire to be inspected like luggage damaged in travel?"
PREV NEXT

News in the same category

“Daddy, Don’t Marry Her!” — Three Triplets Crashed the Duke’s Wedding, and He Recognized Them

30 Part