"Father, I don't want to play with him."
A little Delia, no older than five, held tightly to her father's hand as they came down the grand staircase of the Ellington manor. Duke Julian Carson had come for a visit, bringing his young son, little Eric, with him.
Baron Henry looked down at his daughter, a gentle, reassuring smile on his face. "Now, now, Delia. Eric is a good boy. I am sure you two will become the very best of friends."
Delia just pouted, her small lip pushed out in a clear sign of her displeasure. They got to the last step of the stairs just as the Duke and his son entered the main hall.
"Your Grace," Henry greeted, bowing his head respectfully. Little Delia, remembering her manners, dipped into a small, perfect curtsy.
Duke Julian, a tall, handsome man with a kind face, smiled warmly. "It is fine, Henry. No need for such formality between old friends."
