The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 3: The Duke's Burden

The gentle sway of the carriage lulled me into quiet reflection as I gazed out at the passing countryside. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows over the road, but my thoughts were elsewhere. My mind keeps reminding me of when I visited my parents. The past few days had been nothing short of a blessing.

I could still see my mother's smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she saw me standing at their main door. She had rushed forward, arms wide, pulling me into the warmest embrace, while my father stood just behind her, his stoic facade crumbling as he grinned with unmistakable pride.

"It's been a while, my dear Adeline," my mother had said, her voice thick with emotion as she stroked my hair.

Even the servants had gathered, beaming as they welcomed me home. It was as if nothing had changed between us, despite the new title I carried. The manor bustled with life in those days, meals filled with laughter, walks in the garden with my mother, and long talks with my father by the hearth. It was a happiness that seemed to stretch endlessly, a kind of joy I hadn't realized how much I missed.

For all of this, I couldn't thank the duke enough. The thought of his generosity brought a smile to my lips. For all his cool reserve, the duke had a way of showing his care in unexpected but deeply meaningful ways. 

I regret my first misinterpretation of him. If that man is hiding behind a stern mask all day, then nobody will hold it against me if I think that way, is there?

I am on my way to his manor now, here in Veridonia. He did mention I should visit, though he didn't insist—but after he allowed me to see my parents, I feel as if I owe him this much.

The carriage began to slow, and as I glanced out the window, I saw the familiar stone walls of the Duke's estate coming into view. The manor rose before me, grand and imposing, yet no longer as intimidating as it once seemed.

As the carriage came to a stop, I straightened my posture, smoothing down my dress as a mixture of anticipation and nostalgia swirled within me. It had been four days since I arrived in the capital, and now here I was, standing at the gates of his manor once more. 

I still recall my first impression of him and my first visit here.

As I approach the gate, the butler and maids are quick to greet me, bowing politely.

"Greetings to the Duchess. We have been expecting your arrival, Your Grace," they say in unison.

Has Lucien already anticipated my visit? How could he have known? I never mentioned how long I planned to stay with my parents before coming here.

The sound of them calling me "Duchess" is still sweet and a bit foreign to my ears. I suppose I've yet to fully adjust to my new title, marrying a Duke still feels so surreal at times.

After their warm welcome, a thought occurs to me. I have only ever seen the study room, guided there on my previous visits. The manor holds so much more, and curiosity stirs within me.

"Would it be possible to have a tour of the manor?" I ask, smiling politely. "I realize I've only seen a small part of it before."

The butler, standing tall and formal, dips his head slightly. "Of course, Your Grace. It would be our pleasure to show you around."

At his gesture, the maids step forward, ready to assist. One of them, a young woman with kind eyes, leads the way with a quiet grace, while the butler explains the layout as we walk.

The grand corridors stretch endlessly, filled with tapestries, chandeliers, and portraits of his ancestors.

Even though I will never remember their names and faces, oh well.