Page 45 of Stealing His Duchess

The wet nurse took all of the duchess’ requests in stride, not even once looking in the least bit exasperated with her.

“They have everything they could need, Your Grace. I am certain if any need should arise, the housekeeper and I will find a way to resolve it. However, nothing will happen because you have gone to great lengths to prepare for anything,” Angelica assured kindly.

Anna sighed deeply, shifting her gaze to the children who were lying side by side in a larger cot that she usually put them to spend some time together. She smiled when she noticed Lucy reach for Timothy’ hand, the boy’s face lighting up when he realized his sister was holding onto him.

They were growing so fast, more so than she felt she was keeping track of, no matter how much she tried to. She could only hope that she did not miss any of their important moments.

“All right then,” Anna exhaled deeply, turning to Angelica. “I leave them in your very capable hands then.”

“I am honored, Your Grace,” the wet nurse bowed. “I assure you; they will be as perfect as you left them.”

Anna nodded, leaning down to leave kisses on the faces of her twins before she said, “I know. I trust that you will continue to support them. And I thank you sincerely for all you have done for us thus far.”

Angelica shook her head slowly, glancing at the children with a small smile.

“The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace. They are delightful to care for.”

“I can only hope they remain that way for a long time. I worry that when they grow older, it might prove difficult to raise them,” Anna sighed, reaching to gently lower Timothy’s fist away from his mouth.

“I am certain that no matter what challenge might come your way, you would inevitably find a solution to it. It is very evident that you love them, and if there is one thing I have learned in my years of service, it is that there is hardly anything as strong as a mother’s love. Your children will grow perfectly fine, because they have your love and support,” Angelia told her sagely.

“Thank you, Angelica. I shall take my leave now,” Anna nodded before shifting her attention to the twins. “Goodbye for now, my loves. I shall be back very soon.”

Lucy reached for her mother, and Anna cooed as she lifted the girl into her arms and pressed gentle kisses to her cheek, beaming with pride as Lucy patted her cheek and babbled.

“Oh no, if I continue like this, I will never leave. Please take her,” Anna gasped, handing her to Angelica and leaning down to press one last kiss to Timothy’ nose. “Goodbye, my little knight.”

Quickly, she left the nursery and headed to her room to grab her cloak before she left the estate.

She had awoken that morning to a letter from a dear friend, requesting that they meet for luncheon in one of the tea shops in town. Anna did not want to keep her acquaintance waiting, but at the same time, she knew she had spent quite a while with the little ones.

Once her cloak was on, she hurried to the entrance of the house – only to bump into Hudson at the top of the stairs. His arms wrapped around her waist instinctively, and he pulled her to his chest, staring at her for a moment before he asked,

“Going somewhere, Your Grace?”

Anna blinked, momentarily mesmerized by the warmth and amusement in his gaze.

“Hudson...” she breathed, blushing as she recalled what had transpired the last time they were this close.

She removed herself from his grasp, clearing her throat as she adjusted her cloak in a bid to give herself something to do while she calmed down.

It had been only two days since the ball and things between them had been... strange. They’d had a few meals together, still had conversations about the children, all the while remaining cordial. However, Anna could not help but notice that there was a significant switch in the way he addressed her.

His tone was much gentler now, and he was far more patient whenever she was speaking or addressing an issue. She did not know what any of that meant, nor did she wish to find out yet.

Perhaps it was all right to simply enjoy what they had for the moment.

“I have an appointment. A luncheon with a friend. And I am running a tad late,” she explained hurriedly.

Hudson regarded her for a moment, then he nodded.

“Well, enjoy your afternoon. I was on my way to the nursery to check on the twins. I assume you have already stopped there to say your farewells?”

It took her a moment to recognize the teasing note in his voice, but the moment she did, she could not help but grin.

“I have, actually. And I have it in good faith that I will be missed while I am away.” She stated with mock pride.

Hudson chuckled and nodded towards the entrance. “You certainly will. Enjoy your afternoon, Duchess.”