“I am their father and protector. I should have intervened on their behalf.”
“It’s difficult to know what behaviors are age appropriate when you’re not trained in the care of children.”
“Miss Rawlins, is that an attempt to cut me some slack, as you Americans say?”
Her teeth flashed white when she smiled. “It’s just the truth. Most fathers work and only see their children in the evening. It’s the primary caregiver who knows them and can make a judgment about whether or not they’re trying to pull a fast one.”
“Not my children,” he said wryly.
“Of course not,” she agreed. “It’s a parent’s job to think their children are perfect and work twenty-four/ seven to make it so. It will take me some time to get to know them. To interpret what they know and what they’re capable of understanding. I don’t believe it’s right to hold them accountable for something if they can’t comprehend what’s expected of them.”
“They will be held to standards beyond those of the average child.”
“But they are still children,” she protested.
“Royal children. Hana and Nuri will have many more pressures just because of who they are. More will be expected of them because of their high-born status.”
“Too much pressure will crush them if they’re not prepared.”
“It is your job to make certain that doesn’t happen,” he said.
“And I will do my best. But they will also need the influence and guidance of someone who’s been where they are and knows how it feels.”
“Someone like their father?”
“Yes,” she agreed. “And their uncles. And aunt. Johara really has a way with children, an instinctive understanding and empathy.”
“As do you.” He slipped his hands into the pockets of his slacks. Her sensible approach and protectiveness toward his children pleased him.
“Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I was wondering why—”
“Yes?”
“They say curiosity killed the cat. But I can’t help wondering what happened to the other nannies. Why five in a year?”
“It is wise to know the blunders of those who have gone before in order to avoid the same mistakes.”
“I’ll make new ones,” she teased.
“Let us hope they are not beheading offenses.”
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