BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 26 ~ 2
In the days following Damien's departure, extra editions of the newspaper were distributed throughout the kingdom. The front pages reported that, after his seclusion in Thisse, the Duke had finally made his move and entered Swane, swiftly and effectively quelling the rebellion.
The papers also highlighted the fact that he had largely managed to avoid violent repression and skillfully negotiated an agreement with the citizen representatives. He had proposed an innovative system that retained the monarchy while including a certain number of citizen representatives in the parliament. These representatives were well aware of the Duke's history of associating with the middle class, who had been looked down upon despite their wealth due to their lack of noble titles, and his marriage to a woman from a humble noble family.
They recognized that the Duke of Thisse was the only man capable of effecting change in Swanton.
With Johannes's whereabouts still a mystery, Damien was the only individual who could claim descent from the royal family. Even in regions where nobles still supported Johannes in principle, the fact that Damien could muster substantial military forces provided a sense of security.
"A problem that persisted for years was resolved in less than a fortnight after His Grace departed for Swane," the kitchen assistant remarked.
"Indeed," replied Missus Dutton.
"What will happen when his lordship ascends the throne?
Should we all prepare to relocate to the royal palace in Swane?"
Missus Dutton sliced the sandwiches into neat squares.
"Your immediate task is to deliver these sandwiches to her ladyship before they go stale."
"I can handle that, Missus Dutton," a voice offered.
Upon seeing Marguerite, Missus Dutton gave a nod of approval. "Thank you, Marguerite. I've filled them generously with blueberry jam and cheese, her ladyship's favorite."
"Thank you."
"How is she faring?" Missus Dutton inquired.
Marguerite looked uncomfortable as she admitted, "There hasn't been a significant improvement.
Missus Dutton heaved a tired sigh, taking a long sip from her glass of lemon water. Word of the Duchess's request for a divorce had already spread like wildfire through Castle Birch. The Duke had, of course, refused, and he had strictly prohibited her from leaving the castle grounds. Upon hearing these instruc-tions, some of the servants had found themselves at a loss, avoiding eye contact as they struggled to hide their bewilderment.
"Marguerite, if anyone comprehends the depth of his lordship's affection for his wife, it ought to be you," Missus Dutton said. Since Eliza's departure, she was the most experienced member of the castle's staff.
"Some men tend to make a mess of their expressions of love, yet in all my years of service at this castle, l've never once sent such a large amount of butter, sugar, strawberries, and cream to his lordship's chambers. It is clear that they love each other very much."
Marguerite offered a nod in response as she accepted the tray. "I shall be on my way, lest her ladyship is kept waiting."
"Marguerite," Missus Dutton interjected, wiping her hands on her apron. "Would you ask Paul when the food supplies are expected to arrive? They were due two days ago. Were nearly out of flour, and the castle is on the verge of famine." Marguerite paused in her tracks. "They are expected to arrive this afternoon. It seems the rail strike has disrupted the scheduling in Thisse."
Leaving a grumbling Missus Dutton behind, Marguerite quickly exited through the castle's back door. She dashed toward the modest cottage behind the castle, taking care so the biting wind would not dry the sandwiches. Resolute not to leave, Chloe had isolated herself in this cottage, her room full of items that had been intended for the baby. Marguerite couldn't help but marvel that Chloes pent-up grief had not erupted sooner.
