The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

23) Investigations

Annabelle's POV

The days after the wedding were filled with nights of passion and days of romantic excursions. Yet that soon started to ware off as the true meaning of work begun. It's now two months later and although the nights of passion remain, the romantic excursions seem to have faded into the past.

Colin started his position as Duke of York, and I, well I've become well accustomed to watching him do a great job. After all a lady was not born to work. I must admit I am struggling to adjust to our new roles together. I am so used to being in control and making decisions. Having that now done by someone else, it's hard. I feel like I've lost all control of my city, I wouldn't trust any one other that Colin, however, I miss him and I miss feeling important.

I had hoped Colin would be accompanying me today but he has business to attend in the heart of the city, apparently our MP's are causing chaos and it is for Colin to keep an unbiased opinion whilst attempting to keep the peace. He should be back in an hour or so. Hopefully we will at least have dinner together tonight.

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I am currently walking through our enclosed gardens thinking about how nice it would be to just go back to London. To abandon our duties and live like we once did. My mind wondered as I grabbed the leaves that hung from the willow trees, reminding me how I once danced under these very leaves as a child, singing and prancing around. One day I hope to see my very own children doing the same.

I smiled to myself as I continued to walk further into the trees. The fresh air really doing my sanity favours. I came to a stop as I neared the edge of the garden, the smell that swarmed my senses - truly foul. My eyes blinked rapidly as a surge of flies stormed the area that the odour was coming from.

Reluctantly I stepped forward unveiling a sight for sore eyes. Immediately a wave of nausea overcoming my body, I fell to the floor.

A rush of my castle guards came to me, one scooping me up in his arms and carrying me back towards the castle doors.

I blacked out.

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Colin's POV

"Please gentleman, have some respect. We know our people need improvements, the money can be found without increasing tax of such an ungodly amount." I plead to the MP's of our city.

I notice my carriage driver making his way towards my position of the circular table. He bent down to my ear,

"Forgive my interruption, but it appears the Duchess has had a fright at the castle and has come down with sickness." His words were full of worry and regret.

I burrowed my eyebrows, pursed my lips before standing and excusing myself.

Earning some eye rolls from the men of parliament. I struggle to understand how my wife managed to get these men to listen to her, I assume they all swooned over her. Neglecting the thought of parliament I concentrated on what had caused Annabelle so much distress.

Geoffrey accompanied me in the carriage back to the castle.

"Well do tell me Geoffrey." I insisted.

"The Duchess decided upon a walk in the gardens, you know the place she loves just by the willow trees, well upon her walk she came across a body, your Grace. A male body, in pieces on the ground. It knocked her sick and she blacked out."

"What do you mean a male body in pieces? A murder? In our gardens. Who an earth would do such a thing and dump a body in our gardens? Has he been identified?" I flooded Geoffrey with questions.

"I don't know sir, I believe the authorities have been called upon and they are looking into it now. However, I must warn you sir the castle is swarmed with local newspapers, all greedy for answers as to why the police are all over your house. They will want a comment or statement from you but don't feel pressured straight away. They can wait. Right now I believe you wife requires you."

As I took in his words all I could do was nod in response. The poor man who's body has been decapitated, my poor wife for finding him and poor me - what an earth am I to tell the press.

The castle was coming into view and as predicted the grounds were full of journalists, making the path to the gates almost impossible to get to. We managed, barely. I swung the carriage door open just before it stopped and ran up to our chambers.

My wife's tear stained face as she lay on the bed, cuddled in quilts and surrounded by tissues. I want over to her and lifted the quilt slightly, sliding in beside her and held her in my arms.

"It's okay, I'm here." I gently kissed her forehead.

"Colin, that poor man." She sobbed, turning her head into my chest.

I gulped at the thought of her delicate eyes resting upon such gore.

"We will get to the bottom of this, I suggest you stay out the gardens for now and just rest." I spoke softly.

"Colin, I'm going to be sick again." Her eyes looked at me with worry.

I quickly grabbed the pot from by her bed and placed it beneath her chin. Moving her hair from beside her face, my hand went to her lower back. Maybe she is sick from the sight or maybe she is ill.

"Maybe I should get a doctor Annabelle." I offered as I pressed the bell for the made to come and retrieve her pot.

"I'm fine Colin, I just cant get the image of him out my head." She turned slightly laying her head on the pillow.

"Okay, well-" I was interrupted by the Miss Michaelson requesting my presence for the police update.

"I'm coming too." I heard Annabelle say as she stood up from our bed.

And I knew better than to argue with her.

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Hey everyone,

I'm sorry it's been so long, I never imagined the story would get so much attention! I can't thank you all enough for that. I appreciate every single one of you so much :)

Who's excited for season 2?

All the best,

K x