Free Velvet & steel by Sylvie F. Sommerfield

his.
    "I am afraid it is colder than she believes. It is time to go back and find her something warm to eat." She saw the disappointment in Cerise's eyes, and regretted the necessity of ending their play. "I am afraid it is very difficult for me to manage the child and ride. The ride out was too dangerous. Would you take her in front of you for the ride back?"
    He would have crushed the child by his refusal, and Lynette knew he would not do that. "Yes, lift her up to me."
    Lynette was so pleased she could have sung, and Cerise was sure her little heart was going to burst with the pleasures this day had brought. Lynette lifted the child, and Royce nestled her comfortably before him, tucking his warm cloak about her. She felt as if she were so high above the ground she could fly, and the strong arm that supported her was... her father's!
    Lynette mounted, and the three rode back to the manor in silence. When they arrived, Royce dismounted, bringing Cerise with him with an easy move. He stood her on her feet, and looked at Lynette.
    "Take Cerise in and see she is warmed. See to yourself as well, demoiselle. See that the child has a warm meal, then join us for your meal."
    They were back to "the child" again, Lynette thought furiously. Royce was not unaware of her fury, either: it was vividly displayed in her smoldering eyes and pink cheeks.
    Lynette took care of Cerise's needs, then walked down the stairs to join the group of hungry men at the table. She was dismayed to see Oriel there, too. Would Royce make it clear to all that Oriel was his daughter's guardian?
    Oriel gazed at Lynette with a feral gleam of satisfaction in her eyes. Her look promised as much punishment as was in her power to mete out. Lynette was frightened that Cerise would suffer most of her ire.
    "I have made several decisions today," Royce announced. "One concerns you, Lady Oriel."
    Lynette clenched her hands in her lap. She was not going to let this pass without a battle. Cerise was beginning to trust her, and Lynette felt her trust was not easily gained anymore. She glanced at Oriel only once; she could not bear the look of satisfaction in her eyes.
    "Within two weeks, the Lady Lynette and I will be wed. I think it is time the lady began to consider her duties to me, and eventually to this hall." Lynette's cheeks grew pinker. Did he think she would shirk her duties? Was he subtly insulting her? "I think that it is also time she begin her duties as mother to Cerise... my daughter. From this time hence, the child will be in your care, Lady Lynette. Lady Oriel, do not think this is a slight to you. You have done what has been demanded of you with no hesitation. But I believe, if the child is to make this place her home and Lady Lynette her mother, they should spend their days in each other's company."
    Lynette smiled at Royce with gratitude in her eyes. She would thank him at the first opportunity, and continue to bring as much happiness to Cerise as she could.
    But her euphoria was short-lived, for when they were leaving the table, Royce put out a hand to stop her.
    "It is clear the child is developing some fondness for you. I am pleased that it is so. Your father tells me that you are well educated. I would be grateful if you were to educate her to the best of your ability."
    "You need not have asked me to do that. I had intended to do my best by the child. Thank you, Royce."
    "For what?"
    "For believing me," Lynette said softly.
    "Do not thank me too soon, demoiselle. It is still my wish that you keep her from under my feet ... in your chambers if possible. Do you understand?"
    "Yes." Lynette held his gaze with hers. "But there is another thing you must take into consideration."
    "Oh?"
    "We will wed. I know that is an established fact. But what will you do when we are man and wife? Cerise is going to be part of my life, and so she will become part of yours with your will or not. I will not teach her to care for me and then shut her from my life as if she