Coveting the Duke

The Bookstore Encounter

It had been a week since Elena settled into her new home in the capital. Frank had done his best to transform the old cottage into a livable haven for her and Catherine. The once dusty rooms had become a beautifully furnished country retreat.

Elena's attic bedroom now reflected her personality. Her daybed was pushed against the window, allowing her to gaze out at the newly landscaped backyard garden. Her bookshelves were filled with volumes she had brought from Valtara, and her grandfather's old piano—the only surviving relic of the dusty attic—stood as the focal point of the room.

In the first few days, Elena spent her time exploring the neighborhood. Curious neighbors were eager to meet the new occupants of the long-uninhabited cottage. She found an old bicycle in the small greenhouse, which Donovan, the servant of Lady Timothy, diligently repaired and returned to her.

Catherine spent most of her time in the garden, conversing with Bethany, one of the servants who had come with them from Valtara. Bethany, having become a servant of the viscountess after her marriage, had watched Elena grow up and was now a close confidant to Catherine. Consequently, she decided to follow the Sinclairs to the capital.

With two months left before Elena was to begin her studies at Ashwood Academy, she was already feeling confined by the cottage. Having explored most of their neighborhood, she now longed to venture further into the city on her bicycle.

Elena was well aware of her family's financial situation. While they would be fine for now, she wanted to find a part-time job. Growing up, she had often helped her father or assisted shopkeepers at the seaside in Valtara—a testament to her free spirit and unconventional upbringing.

As she pedaled through the winding streets, warm sunlight danced across her face, making her feel alive. She left behind the charming suburban villas with their tidy gardens and leafy trees, entering the grandeur of the city center.

Majestic stone buildings, adorned with ornate facades and gleaming gas lamps, seemed to stretch up to the sky, their windows glinting like diamonds in the morning light. The sound of horseshoes clinking on cobblestones, the calls of street vendors, and the chug of steam-powered carriages filled the air.

Elena's gaze drifted over the opulent shops and cafés, their elegant signs creaking in the gentle breeze. She passed a milliner's with a display of colorful feathers and silks, and a patisserie whose freshly baked croissants tempted her with their delightful aroma. The air was thick with the scents of coal smoke, horse dung, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers in the nearby park.

As she rode, her awareness of her unconventional attire and solo journey grew. Her dark hair was tucked beneath a simple straw hat, and she wore a practical yet stylish riding costume, complete with a tailored jacket and divided skirt. Her gloves were tucked into her pocket, and she grasped the handlebars with a confidence that belied the curious glances from passersby. Women of her social class didn't ride bicycles alone, especially not through the city's main thoroughfares.

Despite her initial awe, Elena's thoughts turned to the stark contrasts between this polished world and the rugged coastline she called home. Valtara's salty breeze, the cries of seagulls, and the rough-hewn cliffs felt like a lifetime away from this refined, aristocratic landscape. A pang of homesickness tugged at her heart, but she pushed it aside, eager to explore this new realm.

Dismounting her bicycle outside a bookstore, she smoothed her skirts and took a deep breath. The sign above the door read "Frowde's Fine Books" in elegant gold lettering. A sense of pride and defiance swelled within her; in this unfamiliar city, she was already breaking the rules. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.