Chapter L
The house larpet, Lam Harkett, was stationed at the front gates of the cuant residence. He immediately perked up when he saw Christopher returning.
He hurried forward with excitement, exclaiming, “Mr. Christopher, you’re back! Mr. Duncan has been waiting for you in the living room!”
As his gare landed on the two young women standing behind Christopher, Liam gave them both a quick once–over. Both were dressed neatly, One had a gentle demeanor while the other ended a brighter, more striking presence,
They seemed like well–mannered young women, but Liam remembered the details from Vaughn’s will, which mentioned one of the girls being raised in the
According to Vaughn’s words, he had always felt guilty for leaving his daughter in a nital home, where she spent her days doing farm work instead of attending school. He had asked for understanding if she caused any trouble after being brought to Orkney.
Liam’s eyes flicked back and forth between the two before settling on Ruby. He approached her and said, “You must be Rebecca Barton, Vaughn Barton’s daughter. Mr. Duncan mentioned he wants to help you make up for the schooling you missed. Please consider this your home now.”
Ruby’s expression darkened instantly as she thought, “How could he mistake me for Rebecca? Do I look like some country bumpkin? My outfit cost a hundred bucks!
Before Baby could correct him, Rebecca spoke up softly, “Sir, I’m Rebecca.”
Liam looked surprised. “You’re Rebecca?”
Today, Rebecca wore a plaid shirt and jeans. Her long, jet–black hair cascaded down her back. She looked radiant and confident–nothing like someone raised on a dona
“Yes, I’m Vaughn’s daughter,” she confirmed with a polite nod.
Liam turned to Ruby. “And you must be Peter Lynch’s daughter?”
Ruby’s eyes flashed with irritation, but she forced a sweet smile. “Yes, I’m Ruby.”
Liam chuckled sheepishly. “Ah, my memory must be falling me in my old age! Please, come inside.”
Christopher led the way into the grand living room,
Duncan, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, stood waiting. Despite his graying hair and advancing years, his posture remained strong and commanding, exuding an air of authority.
“Chris, you brought the girls back!” Duncan said warmly.
Liam, worried Duncan might confuse the women as well, quickly stepped forward. “Mr. Duncan, this is Rebecca Barton and Ruby Lynch.”
The wormen greeted him in unison, “Hello, Mr. Duncan,”
Duncan gave them a once–over “From now on, you’re both my goddaughters. This house is your home, so make yourselves comfortable. If you need anything, just let me know.”
His expression softened as he looked at Rebecca, his vorce tinged with emotion. “Rebecca, Vaughn’s sacrifice was heartbreaking. On behalf of the unit, i apologize for your loss. But always remember–your father was a hero who served his country with honor.”
Rebecca nodded, her voice steady. “Thank you, Mr. Duncan. I’ll carry on my father’s legacy,”
Hearing this, Christopher cast her a sidelong glance. He could not help but recall her argument with her cousin back at Barton Fields. Back then, she claimed she had come to Oukney just to win him over and climb the social ladder.
And yet, here she was, acting so innocent and respectful now
Ruby sensed the shift in attention and quickly spoke up. “Mr. Duncan, my father survived, but he was left permanently disabled and can no longer serve. I’d like to do my part to honor him as well+
Duncan gave her a land smile. “You’re both good kids. I’m glad to have you here. I’m sure you’ve already met the one who brought you here. This is my Christopher I also have two other sons, but they’re not home right now. I’ll introduce you when they’re back.”
y eldest
Christopher, standing off to the side, looked indifferent. “Dad, I’ve brought them over as promised. I need to get back to my unit, there’s work waiting for me.!! Duncan Trowned. “What’s the rush? Stay for a couple of days. You’re almost 30–it’s time to start thinking about settling down. Richard’s daughter is in Orlowy right now, Our families are considering a indage alliance. You should meet her while you’re here.”
Christopher’s expression hardened. “I’m not interested in arranged dates. You can forget about it.”
“Chris
Duncan stopped himself, glancing briefly at Rebecca and Ruby. He did not want to argue in front of the women on their first day in the house He asked pointedly, “What’s your plan, then? Or have you forgotten what’s coming up in six months?”
Christopher with visible trustration. He had always been proud of his beloved son’s stellar performance in the unit and his unwavering dedication
erving the country
at nearly 10 years old, Chestopher remained unmarried Thuncan could not understand why he had no interest in settling down, starting a family, and to an on–base family housing like so many others in the unit had done.
What pozzled Duncan even more was Christopher’s complete disinterest in women. He could not help but wonder if something was wrong with him.
Not wanting to discuss sensitive matters with Rebecca and Ruby present, Duncan sighed and waved his hand dismissively. “Rebecca, Ruby, I’ve had your rooms. purpated. Go ahead and unpack things
“Tought, we have a nice dinner to welcome you. While living here in Orkney, I want you to be happy. And it you ever feel upset about anything, don’t keep it to
pemselves. Do you understand?
“Thankyou, Mr Duncan,” the women replied in unESOT
The maids led the women upstairs. Reberra was given a south–facing room, while Ruby’s larger room faced north. Though the arrangements were neatly equal, Ruby’s room seemed more spacious.
Rebecca did not cate
(not care much about such details, viewing 1 place as nothing more than a place to stay. However, she could not help but notice how Huby kept sneaking glances into her room as they passed by
Once inside her mom, Rebecca set down her modest bag, she barely brought anything from her rural home–just a few hand–me–down clothes that had once belonged to her cousin, Layla Barton
Marge had always been too frugal to buy her anything new, leaving her with wom–out outfits that had faded from repeated washing. If it were not for Rebecca’s striking looks, she might have appeared downright shabby.
