Chapter 2 - THE HAND THAT HURT HER
Nobody answered.
Nicholas looked from Lucy’s wrist to Vivienne’s lowered hand.
“Lucy,” he said gently, “did someone grab you?”
The little girl nodded.
“Did it hurt?”
Another nod.
Vivienne laughed nervously.
“Oh, Nicholas, please. She was reaching for the antique serving tray. I stopped her before she broke something.”
Lucy whispered, “I wasn’t.”
Nicholas looked up.
Vivienne’s smile disappeared.
“Explain,” he said.
“It was a misunderstanding.”
“Then explain the misunderstanding.”
Maria finally spoke.
“Miss Hart told us to pack.”
Nicholas turned toward her.
“Why?”
“Lucy took a cookie from the kitchen.”
“One cookie?”
Maria nodded.
“Miss Hart said children didn’t belong in the mansion.”
Vivienne crossed her arms.
“I am trying to maintain standards.”
Nicholas looked at the suitcase.
“Did you order them out?”
“Yes. And I was perfectly entitled to—”
“No.”
Vivienne stopped.
Nicholas stood.
“You are a guest in this house.”
“I am your future wife.”
“Not if this is how you treat people when you think I’m absent.”
The words landed heavily.
Vivienne stared.
“You cannot seriously be choosing a maid over me.”
Nicholas looked at Lucy.
The child had retreated against Maria’s legs.
“I am choosing not to marry someone who frightens a three-year-old.”
He turned to Arthur.
“Arrange a car for Miss Hart.”
Vivienne went pale.
“Nicholas—”
“The engagement is over.”
She removed her ring and dropped it onto the marble floor.
“You’ll regret humiliating me.”
Nicholas did not raise his voice.
“Perhaps. But Lucy will not be punished for eating a cookie.”
Vivienne left.
Only after the front door closed did Lucy release the breath she had been holding.
Nicholas crouched again.
“You’re not leaving tonight.”
Lucy looked toward Maria.
“Mama too?”
Nicholas felt something tighten in his throat.
“Your mother too.”
Lucy hesitated.
“Can I have the other half?”
Nicholas blinked.
“Of the cookie?”
She nodded.
“For Mama.”
He looked toward the kitchen.
“Arthur?”
The old butler straightened.
“Yes, sir?”
May you like
“Bring the entire plate.”
For the first time that evening, Arthur smiled.
