Duke of Fyre (Braving the Elements #1)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

T he morning sun streamed through the library windows, casting warm patterns across the polished wood tables where Lydia arranged her London purchases. She adjusted each item carefully, wanting everything to be perfect for Peter. A stack of books here, the box of artist's materials there, each positioned to catch the light just so. It was a small ritual—this careful, deliberate arrangement of gifts—one that grounded her in a familiar comfort, as though the simple act of giving could bridge the distance she sometimes felt in her own life.

As she set a final package aside, she found herself smiling. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind—London had been so full of people and places, of music and chatter, of bright gowns and eager faces—but all of it seemed to fade in comparison to the quiet peace of her manor and the joy of returning to those who truly mattered.

"Your Grace?" Miss Nancy appeared in the doorway, a rare smile tugging at her lips. "Master Peter has not only completed his Latin exercises but done them exceptionally well. He's been quite determined since your return."

"Has he indeed?" Lydia beamed, adding a final touch to her display. "Well then, we must certainly reward such scholarly dedication. Though really, Miss Nancy, surely we can dispense with 'Your Grace' when it's just us?"

The governess's stern features softened. "Perhaps... Lydia. Though His Grace…"

"Is learning to be more flexible about such things," Lydia finished firmly, straightening the little pile of books in front of her. "Aren't you, Mug?"

The little dog, who had been industriously attempting to unwrap one of Peter's packages with his nose, barked enthusiastically. His tail knocked against a carefully arranged box, threatening to topple the entire display.

"Oh, you impossible creature," Lydia laughed, rescuing the packages just in time. "These aren't for you, you know. Though..." She pulled a small paper-wrapped bundle from her pocket. "I might have brought you something from that lovely shop in London."

Mug's eyes lit up at the sight of the beautifully carved wooden ball, perfectly sized for his mouth. He accepted it with grave dignity before immediately rolling onto his back to show off his belly.

"Shameless," Lydia said fondly, watching as Mug wriggled around in delight, too caught up in the excitement of his new toy to mind the overturned boxes. Just as she was about to scoop up the mess, the soft patter of running feet echoed down the hallway.

Peter burst into the room, his golden curls wild and cravat slightly askew in his haste. He skidded to a stop just inside the door, clearly trying to remember his manners despite the excitement bubbling over.

"Welcome home, Your— I mean, Lydia!" His formal greeting dissolved into a joyful cry as he rushed forward, launching himself into her arms. "You're back! Did you really go to a ball? Was it magnificent? Did Father dance? Did you see any pirates in London? Did you bring me—" He stopped himself, cheeks pink. "Not that you had to bring anything, I just..."

Lydia laughed, hugging him tightly, her heart swelling at his enthusiasm. "Breathe, darling," she said softly, holding him close for a long moment. "One question at a time. Though perhaps..." She gestured toward the table. "These might answer some of them?"

Peter's eyes widened at the sight of the carefully arranged packages, his gaze darting from one to the other. "Are those... for me?"

"Well, they're certainly not for Mug," Lydia teased, nudging the little dog aside as he attempted to gnaw on another gift. "He has quite enough treasures buried in the rose garden already. Though speaking of gardens..." She pulled a small packet of seeds from her pocket, holding it out. "I thought these might make a lovely addition to your herb collection."

Peter took the packet gingerly, his fingers tracing the delicate script on the front. "Lavender," he read softly. "Like your perfume!"

"Clever boy," Lydia smiled. "Yes, and it has wonderful medicinal properties too. But that's just the beginning. Go on, open the rest!"

With great care, Peter began unwrapping the first large package. His gasp of delight as he revealed a leather-bound book of adventure stories made Lydia's heart swell.

"Tales of High Adventure on the Seven Seas," he breathed, running his fingers over the gilded lettering. "Oh, Lydia! It's perfect!" He flipped through the pages eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the beautiful illustrations of ships and distant shores. "Look at these ships! They're just like the ones we imagined for our stories!"

"I thought they might inspire some new adventures," Lydia smiled, watching him closely. She knew how much he loved pirates and faraway lands. "Though there's more..."

But Peter was already reaching for the next package, his hands trembling with excitement. When he revealed the set of artist's materials—fine drawing pencils, a box of colored crayons, and a sketchbook with creamy white pages—his face lit up in a way that made Lydia's heart skip a beat.

"These are... these are real artists' materials!" He held the crayons like they were precious gems. "Like proper artists use! I've never... that is..." He swallowed hard, overcome with emotion. "Thank you," he whispered.

Lydia felt the sting of tears in her eyes as she watched him. She knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are a proper artist, Peter. And every proper artist needs the right tools."

Peter looked at her, a quiet awe in his gaze. "You really think so?"

"Of course," she said firmly. "Though..." She pointed toward the remaining packages. "There's a bit more."

Peter's hands trembled with excitement as he picked up the first package, carefully peeling back the paper. His eyes widened, and his lips parted in surprise as he pulled out a small wooden box, its surface etched with intricate patterns. He flipped it open to reveal a collection of glistening chocolate truffles, each one nestled neatly in the velvet-lined box.

"Is that...?" Peter gasped, his voice breathless.

"Go ahead," Lydia encouraged, her eyes twinkling. "You're allowed to open them, you know. They're yours."

Peter picked up one of the truffles, turning it in his fingers as if it were a treasure. He hesitated, then grinned at Lydia. "Orange-filled, just like you promised! Thank you!" Without waiting for further permission, he popped it into his mouth, closing his eyes as the rich flavor burst across his tongue. "Mmm... this is exactly how I imagined it would taste!"

Lydia chuckled at his delight. "I thought you'd appreciate them. Now, what else do we have?"

Peter, already halfway through the truffle, put it down carefully and reached for the next package. The excitement in his movements was almost contagious. He unwrapped the soft paper with quick fingers and gasped aloud when he pulled out a small telescope, its brass casing gleaming in the light.

"It's a telescope!" he exclaimed, his voice rising with joy. "But it's so... so real!"

"Well, of course," Lydia said with a wink. "For proper pirate navigation, of course!"

Peter turned the telescope over in his hands, examining the polished brass and the fine lens that gleamed invitingly. He extended it, eyeing the far wall across the room, as if he could already spot a distant ship on the horizon. "This is amazing, Lydia! I'll be able to see the whole coast with this!"

Lydia smiled, watching him with amusement. "I thought it might help with your pirate adventures. You never know when you might need a good spyglass, do you?"

"No, you don't!" Peter laughed, clearly delighted, before carefully setting it down to open the next package. He pulled out a small wooden box with a rough, worn surface, and his eyes lit up even more as he peeled back the cloth inside to reveal a set of artist's pencils—sharp, well-made, and perfectly suited for his growing talent.

"Oh, these are..." He trailed off, unable to find the right words. "They're real artist's pencils! Not like the ones I've been using at all! Look how fine the tips are!" He reached for a piece of paper, eager to test them out, but then paused, glancing up at Lydia with wide, earnest eyes. "You really got these for me? To draw with?"

Lydia knelt beside him, her smile softening. "Of course I did. You're going to need good tools to create all those great adventures you imagine. Every pirate needs a map, and every artist needs the right materials."

Peter gave a small, almost awestruck nod as he reverently touched the pencils. "I'll draw the best pirates ever with these," he promised, his voice full of determination.

Lydia's heart warmed at the sight of his sincerity. "I have no doubt," she said gently. "Now, let's see what else we've got."

Peter eagerly tore into the next package, his energy infectious. He pulled out a beautifully bound sketchbook, its pages thick and creamy white, perfect for the delicate strokes of the pencils. He gasped, flipping through the pages, his fingers brushing lightly over the smooth paper.

"This is... this is just perfect," he whispered, as though in awe. "The paper feels so nice! It's... it's the kind of book real artists use, isn't it?"

"Exactly," Lydia said, her voice warm with affection. "I thought it might inspire you to fill it with all your grand adventures." She gently placed a hand on his shoulder, watching as he ran his fingers over the blank pages, his eyes alight with excitement.

Peter blinked back a sudden wave of emotion, swallowing hard. "I don't know what to say," he murmured, his voice soft but full of gratitude. "This is the best gift anyone's ever given me."

"Well," Lydia said with a teasing smile, "I had to make sure it was worthy of the best artist I know."

Peter's face broke into a huge grin, and he immediately began flipping through the pages again, eyes shining. "I'll start drawing right now! I'll fill this with pirates, and ships, and maps... and maybe a few treasures." He looked up at her, his expression serious. "Thank you. This means so much."

Lydia's heart skipped a beat as she watched him, overcome with emotion. "You're very welcome, Peter. I'm glad you love it." She caught sight of the small, mischievous gleam in his eye as he reached for the last package, and she couldn't help but smile in return.

Before she could say another word, Peter had already opened it, revealing a small box of intricately designed trinkets. "Oh, these are... perfect! Look, there's a compass, and a small chest, and—" He stopped, holding up a small wooden figure of a pirate, with a grin and a bandana, carved with such care that it almost seemed alive. "A pirate for my collection! This is the best part!"

Lydia laughed, her voice light and filled with affection. "I thought you might like that one. Every pirate needs a trusty figurehead, don't they?"

Peter beamed, his excitement overflowing. "This is going straight into my pirate ship collection. I can't wait to tell Father about all these! He'll think they're brilliant!" He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "Do you think he'd like the telescope too?"

Lydia chuckled softly. "I'm sure he'd appreciate the telescope, though I'm not sure he'd have much use for the pirate figure. Perhaps you should keep that one all to yourself."

Peter nodded earnestly. "You're probably right. But I'll share everything else!" He paused, then added with a mischievous grin, "Though he might have to battle me for the truffles."

Lydia smiled at the familiar sparkle in his eye. "You have a deal, then."

The two of them shared a laugh, surrounded by the spoils of Lydia's thoughtful journey, and for a moment, all the world outside the manor seemed to fade away—replaced by the warmth of family, the joy of giving, and the promise of many more adventures yet to come.

"Did you really get all these just for me?" Peter asked, his voice small with wonder, his eyes wide.

"Of course I did," Lydia replied, pulling him close for another hug. "I missed you terribly, you know. London was quite dull without my favorite pirate."

"Even with all the balls and fancy parties?" Peter asked, looking up at her with an expression full of hope.

"Especially then!" Lydia laughed, her fingers brushing through his curls. "Do you know, not a single person there knew the proper way to spot approaching enemy vessels? Most shocking." She tapped his nose playfully. "I kept thinking how much more fun it would be if you were there to teach them."

Peter giggled, his shoulders shaking with amusement, but then his expression softened. "I missed you too. And Father, though..." He hesitated, as though weighing his words. "Though I suppose he was too busy for missing."

Lydia's smile faltered for just a moment, then she straightened. "I assure you he wasn't," she said firmly. "He asked about you every single day. Didn't he, Miss Nancy?"

The governess nodded, her eyes softening. "Indeed. His Grace was most particular about receiving regular reports of your progress."

Peter brightened a little at that, though still uncertain. "Really?"

"Really," Lydia said with a wink. "Now then, shall we try out those new crayons? I believe that lovely white paper is simply begging for some color."

They moved to the table, spreading out the art supplies. Mug, of course, couldn't resist "helping" by running off with crayons now and then, presenting them to Peter with great ceremony, his fur damp from the frequent drops into water bowls.

"What shall we draw?" Peter asked, already testing colors on a spare sheet of paper.

"Whatever inspires you," Lydia said, leaning over his shoulder to peer at the paper. "Though I did notice you looking particularly thoughtful during our garden adventures last week..."

Peter's face lit up. "Oh! Yes, I had an idea..." His tongue caught between his teeth in concentration as he bent over the paper. "See, I thought... if we had the manor here, and the garden paths leading down... and here, this is where we play pirates..."

Lydia watched in awe as Peter's drawing began to take shape. There was a rawness to it, a wonderful energy, in how he captured the sprawling manor and the neat garden paths. The scene was alive with motion and color, even before Peter had finished.

"Is that... us?" Lydia asked softly, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Peter nodded, his crayon carefully adding more details. "See? There's me, and you with your skirts all swirly, like when you're telling stories. And Father..." He paused, crayon hovering uncertainly. "Though I don't think he'd want to be in a picture about pirates..."

Lydia's heart squeezed at the uncertainty in his voice. "I think," she said carefully, "that your father might surprise you. In fact..." She studied the drawing thoughtfully. "I think he should see this. It's quite remarkable, you know."

Peter's face fell slightly, his shoulders slumping. "Oh, no, I couldn't... Father's too busy for..."

"Nonsense," Lydia said, her tone warm but firm. "He's never too busy for something this important. Come along, darling."

"But..." Peter bit his lip, nervous again.

"What if he doesn't like it?"

"Then clearly the Beast of Fyre needs his eyes examined," Lydia said with a wink, trying to lighten the moment.

Peter giggled despite his nerves. "Alright... if you say so."

Hand in hand, they made their way to Elias's study. Lydia knocked firmly before Peter could lose his nerve.

"Enter," Elias's voice called, distracted but with a note of curiosity.

Lydia squeezed Peter's hand gently as they stepped inside. "Your Grace? We have something to show you."

Elias looked up from his papers, his brow furrowed in mild confusion as he took in their presence. The afternoon sunlight streamed through the study windows, casting a warm glow over his dark hair, streaked with silver at the temples, making his face appear almost timeless despite the tension between his brow.

"I'm rather busy at the moment..." he began, though the words softened when he noticed the paper in Peter's hand.

"This won't take long," Lydia said gently, giving Peter a reassuring nudge forward. "Go on, darling. Show your father what you've made."

Peter shuffled closer to the massive desk, his small figure dwarfed by his father's imposing presence. His voice was small as he spoke. "I... I drew this. For you."

Elias took the paper automatically, his brow furrowing as he studied it, and for a long moment, there was only silence. Peter shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly fighting the urge to flee. Lydia could see the tension in his hands, the way he fidgeted with the fabric of his jacket.

Unable to bear the sight of the boy she was starting to consider as her son so nervous, Lydia moved closer to Elias's desk, leaning down as if to inspect the drawing herself. "We thought you might like to see Peter's artistic progress," she murmured softly, her breath warm against his ear. "Perhaps offer some... paternal encouragement?"

Lydia watched Elias closely, noting the subtle shift in his expression as he looked at the drawing again. His features softened, the lines around his mouth relaxing as his gaze lingered on the carefully drawn manor, the neat garden paths, and, at the center of it all, the three figures—one of them small, one with golden curls, and the third... taller, more imposing.

"This is..." Elias's voice was quieter now, the deep tone filled with something closer to admiration. "Quite remarkable, Peter." His fingers traced the details gently. "You've captured the garden beautifully, and the figures... the detail in the faces. Excellent work, son."

Peter's eyes went wide, his heart pounding with joy. "Really? You truly like it?"

Elias nodded, the smile that spread across his face lighting up his stern features. "Indeed," he said, his voice genuine. "In fact, I think we should have it framed. It would look well here in my study, don't you think? Perhaps above the fireplace, where I can see it while I work?"

Peter looked at him, stunned into silence, before bouncing up and down in a flurry of excitement. "You want to... keep it? Here?"

"Unless you object?" There was a hint of hesitation in Elias's voice, and for a moment, Lydia wondered if he was still unsure of how to express his feelings.

"No! I mean... thank you, Father!" Peter nearly leapt into his father's arms. "I'll draw you another one tomorrow, even better! Maybe with the stables, and..."

"Why don't you go start planning it now?" Lydia suggested gently, watching Elias already eyeing his paperwork. "While everything's fresh in your mind?"

Peter nodded eagerly. "Yes! Thank you, Father! Thank you, Lydia!" He rushed out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the hall.

Once the door closed behind him, Lydia turned to Elias, her gaze soft. "That meant the world to him, you know."

"I'm beginning to understand that," Elias admitted quietly, rising from his desk. His tone was almost self-deprecating. "Though I might have missed the opportunity if someone hadn't whispered instructions in my ear."

"Well," Lydia said with a playful smile, "someone has to remind the Beast of Fyre of his humanity from time to time." Her voice was light, but there was a depth to it. "Peter tries so hard to make you proud. A little praise goes a long way."

Elias's eyes softened as he moved around the desk to stand before her. "I'm learning that," he said, his voice quiet. "Though I wonder... did you make any drawings I should praise as well?"

Lydia blushed, taken off guard by the question. "I... no, I'm afraid not," she managed.

Elias's smile deepened as he stepped closer, his voice low and filled with an unexpected warmth. "No matter," he murmured. "You make quite a lovely picture yourself."

Lydia's breath caught at the intensity in his gaze, the warmth of his proximity stirring something inside her. She opened her mouth to reply but found her words caught in her throat. Before she could formulate anything, Elias returned to his desk, resuming his usual businesslike tone.

"Thank you," he said, the change almost imperceptible. "For helping me understand what Peter needed."

Lydia nodded, unable to meet his gaze for a moment. As she turned to leave, she glanced back at their reflection in the window—her flushed cheeks, his intense eyes following her every movement.

Progress, she reminded herself firmly. They were making progress.

In more ways than one, it seemed.