Page 11 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

The miles slipped past under a heavy sky. As dusk crept in, the carriage turned onto a long drive bordered by towering oaks.

Ahead, Aldermere Hall came into view, its honey-colored stone catching the last faint light of the setting sun.

Despite the knot tightening in her chest, Selina could not help but admire it. The house was grand, but not gaudy, a testament to old wealth and careful taste. Three stories of tall windows faced the sweeping circular drive, framed by gardens trimmed with the precision of a jeweler’s hand.

When the carriage rolled to a halt, the Duke spoke again. “Welcome to Aldermere, Your Grace.”

Your Grace.Her new title. Selina suppressed a hysterical laugh. Yesterday, she had been a desperate widow on the verge of a modest match. Today, she was a duchess.

A line of servants waited on the front steps. Their faces showed varying degrees of curiosity as Rowan helped her down from the carriage. He led her forward to introduce her.

“Mrs. Wilson, our housekeeper,” he said, indicating a plump, motherly woman who curtseyed deeply.

“Welcome, Your Grace,” Mrs. Wilson said, her warm smile seeming genuinely pleased.

One by one, Selina was introduced to the butler, Mr. Simmons, followed by the cook, Mrs. Tibbs. Next was the head footman, James, and several other members of the household staff. They all regarded her with hopeful expressions that made her uncomfortable.

What did they expect of her?

The Duke pointed to a young woman who approached with a shy bow. “This is Agnes. She’ll be your lady’s maid.”

Selina finally regained her voice. “I’m pleased to meet you all.”

Mrs. Wilson gave her an enthusiastic smile. “If you’d follow me, Your Grace, I’ll show you your chambers.”

Selina followed Mrs. Wilson into the house. A grand entrance hall led to a spacious foyer, which featured a curved staircase. The walls of the room displayed the Duke’s ancestors, whose serious expressions and motionless eyes seemed to follow her every step.

Mrs. Wilson guided her up the staircase then down a long, carpeted hallway until they reached a set of double doors.

“These are the Duchess’s chambers, Your Grace,” the housekeeper said as she pushed the doors open. “They were freshly redecorated for your arrival.”

Selina stepped inside and paused. The rooms were more beautiful than she had expected.

Soft blue wallpaper warmed the space, setting off the cream-colored furnishings. A four-poster bed stood against one wall, its hangings pulled back to reveal fine linens. Tall windows overlooked rolling parkland, the fading light casting long shadows across the floor. A smaller door stood open, leading to a dressing room, and beyond that, she caught a glimpse of a private bathing chamber.

Agnes had followed them and was already unpacking Selina’s modest trunks. The sight of her few possessions being arranged in this grand space highlighted the strangeness of her situation.

“Is everything to your liking, Your Grace?” Mrs. Wilson asked.

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Wilson,” Selina replied automatically. “It’s beautiful.”

Mrs. Wilson smiled. “His Grace was very particular about the renovations. These chambers haven’t been used since the late Duchess, but His Grace insisted they be made ready for your arrival last year and then…”

Selina moved to the window and looked out at the darkening grounds, unsure of what to respond. The estate stretched beyond her line of sight with rolling hills and carefully tended gardens fading into woodland.

All of it now technically hers, as Duchess of Aldermere.

Security at last. No more counting pennies, no more worrying about next quarter’s allowance. No more living in borrowed homes or rented rooms.

And yet, she had never felt more trapped.

“Will there be anything else, Your Grace?” Mrs. Wilson asked, interrupting her thoughts.

Selina turned from the window. “What time is dinner served?”

“Eight o’clock, Your Grace. But if you prefer to dine earlier or later, that can be arranged.”

“I think I would like to dine in my chambers tonight,” Selina said. “The journey was tiring.”

---