Once you return...

Chapter 3

Duke of Caistor's visits became more often and he srarted coming a few times a week. His excuse was purely business related, often unfinished job with Adelaide's father. But they both knew that was a lie, that he came to see her, to exchange a few forbidden looks, to have a few whispers when no one saw, to touch hands when it seemed accidental. Duke's visits were the highlight of her boring, monotone days, he was her light when it got dark, the heatwave in the middle of snow, the brightly shining star on a dark night sky. Her whole face would lit up when Mary said:

"Duke of Caistor is visiting today."

An unavoidable smile appeared on her face, stretching from one ear to another, revealing a beautiful set of teeth. Puffed cheeks now red, spreading that color to her ears, forhead, nose and chin. Eyes squinting, proving the smile is genuine, sparkling happily as she hears the news. But that's just the outside.

And on the inside? Can words even describe what she felt in her arms, legs, stomach, chest, head? At first, weakness in muscles, an inability to move, to talk. Followed by an energy boost, every one of those turned off muscles now came to life, lifting her up. Then, a fire wave. Like a volcano erupting in the middle of her heart and pumping out blood and lava simultaneously, making sure every part of her now warmed up body feels the burn, feels the love coming through.

Love? Was it really love? Was she in love with him? Or was it the idea of him that she was in love with? Physical attraction was undeniable - every part of her was desperate for his eyes on hers, for his hand accidentally touching her, for his manly, deep voice to talk softly in her ear when no one is around. But that was still just the outside part of him, the one he presents in front of his business partner and the business partner's daughter. What he was really like on the inside was yet for her to find out. Which was somewhat harder since they barely had any time alone, without her father interfering with business talk.

When she got ready, her father was already downstairs flooding with ideas like a river after a storm. On William's face she could see a hint of boredom, his eyes were empty watching through her father as he was enthusiastically describing the potential of his idea, gesticulating his arms, making random shapes to visually present whatever he was up to. William nodded in agreement, absently looking around the room, until his eyes met hers.

They locked eyes, a smirk on his face, she glanced at the ground, ashamed, but when she looked back up he was still staring at her, just a few seconds enough for her to melt, while he was completely ignoring her father who was now unaware of anyone or anything.

"You know, Duke of Norwall, you have very interesting ideas. How about we discuss them sometime later, perhaps for dinner or lunch? I'm eager to know more.", said William, trying to get rid of him, while occasionally glancing at Adelaide, letting her know he's about to come over.

"Oh, that sounds lovely indeed. When do you want to come?", said her father, excited about the fact an important person is interested in his work and wants to profoundly discuss it later, unaware the person was actually just avoiding him to spend time with his daughter.

"I'm not yet sure when will the time be right, but I will let you know."

"Excellent.", said the Duke of Norwall, "I'll lead you to the door then."

"Oh, uhm...", the confusion on duke's face was visible, the plan wasn't going as he imagined it, "I actually had another thing going through my mind."

"And that would be?"

"Well", he said, and then leaned over to her father, quitely finishing the rest of his sentence so Adelaide couldn't hear it, conspirationally looking at her, as if he came up with something to ensure them the rest of the day alone. Her father's confused face and worried eyebrows threw him off, but he quickly regained his charm and a smile appeared on him.