The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Chapter 4: The Duke's Burden

🌸Adeline🌿

The gentle sway of the carriage lulled me into quiet reflection as I gazed out at the passing countryside. The rhythm of the wheels on the cobblestones mirrored the rhythm of my thoughts—steady but restless. This was my journey back to the Duke's manor in the capital, but my heart lingered elsewhere, still clutching the warmth of my parents' embrace.

I leaned against the carriage window, my gloved fingers tracing the glass. Adeline Valenhart, Duchess of Wintermere. I couldn't decide if this title fit me or if it would swallow me whole.

The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows over the road, but my thoughts remained elsewhere. My mind kept wandering back to the days I had spent with my parents. Those past few days had been 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 had bustled with life during my visit—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, 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, he had a way of showing his care in unexpected but meaningful ways.

I regretted my first misinterpretation of him. If the man spent his days hiding behind a stern mask, then no one could blame me for thinking poorly of him at first, could they?

Now, as the carriage rolled toward his manor in Veridonia, I reflected on his words. He had mentioned I should pay it a visit, though he hadn't insisted—but after granting me the opportunity to see my parents, I felt as if I owed him this much.

The carriage slowed, 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, imposing, though no longer as intimidating as it had 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 again, standing at the gates of his manor.

I still remembered my first impression of him and my initial visit here.

When I approached the gate, the butler and maids greeted me with quick bows.

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

Had Lucien already anticipated my visit? How could he have known? I hadn't mentioned how long I planned to stay with my parents before coming here.

Hearing them call me "Duchess" still sounded sweet, albeit a bit foreign to my ears. I supposed I hadn't yet fully adjusted to my new title. Marrying a Duke still felt surreal at times.

After their warm welcome, curiosity stirred within me. I realized that, despite my previous visits, I had only ever seen the study. The manor held so much more than that.

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

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