Page 39 of His Darling Duchess
"Here, let me show you how it's done," Cook said, guiding Aurelia's hands to pipe delicate lines of icing to make a lace-edged skirt on a gingerbread woman’s gown. They worked side by side, the silence between them punctuated only by the soft rumble of Cook's voice as he shared his baking secrets.
"Thank you, Cook," Aurelia whispered as they placed the final tray of biscuits into the oven. "This has been a welcome reprieve."
"Anytime, Your Grace," Cook replied, patting her hand gently. "Sometimes, we all need a little distraction. You are always welcome in my kitchen… no matter if Mrs. Henley thinks it beneath the dignity of a duchess."
As the hours slipped by, Aurelia found herself growing more at ease in the company of her staff, their shared labor drawing them together. Despite the absence of Rhys and the nagging worry that gnawed at the edges of her thoughts, Aurelia discovered a sense of belonging within the walls of the estate, a feeling she had not experienced in many years.
"Your Grace," said Mrs. Henley as they admired their handiwork in the drawing room later that evening, "I believe this is the finest Christmas we have seen at the estate."
"Indeed," agreed Aurelia, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “You, and all the staff, have worked very hard to make it so. Thank you. I sincerely appreciate your efforts.”
She had certainly found distraction from her thoughts and a measure of comfort working with her staff today. She just wished Rhys could be here to share in the warmth and beauty they had made.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow upon the snow-laden grounds of Lansdown estate. The scent of pine and cinnamon wafted through the air as Aurelia stood at the window, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. She had been hoping desperately for Rhys's return even though she knew it was near-impossible for days yet. Now the day was drawing to a close, and there was no sign of him.
"Miss Aurelia," called a familiar voice, breaking her reverie. "Your parents and sisters have arrived."
"Thank you, Mrs. Henley," Aurelia replied, her heart sinking at the thought of facing them alone. She descended the grand staircase, her elegant gown rustling softly against the polished wooden steps.
"Darling girl!" exclaimed Lady Lymsey, embracing her daughter warmly. "We were so terribly worried when we heard that Stowe had gone to track down Grantleigh. We simply could not bear the thought of you spending Christmas unaccompanied."
"Indeed," her father said, his furrowed brow betraying his concern. "It is most distressing to find you without your husband, my dear child."
"Your presence brings me great comfort, Mama, Papa," murmured Aurelia, clinging to their reassurances like a lifeline. "I am grateful for your company during this trying time." She forced a smile before turning to her sisters and holding out her arms. “Welcome to Stowe Park, my darlings. How do you like my new home?”
“It’s spectacular!” Viola cried, as Ophelia gazed about with wide eyes. “And your Christmas decorations are the most beautiful I have ever seen! Please tell me there is gingerbread?”
Aurelia laughed, feeling her sorrows lift a little. “As much gingerbread as you can eat. I promise. I helped make it myself.”
Together, they spent Christmas Eve gathered around the hearth, sharing stories and laughter while the flames danced merrily in the grate. Yet despite the warmth that filled the room, a chill settled deep within Aurelia's bones as she glanced out into the cold starry night, wondering where Rhys was. Was he warm and safe, with a full belly and good company? She had liked Lord Lansdown, but even the camaraderie of a trusted friend could not compare to having loving family around you. She wanted to share with Rhys what her family had done their best to bring to her on what would otherwise have been a lonely Christmas; wanted him to know that joy.
The following day dawned bright and clear, the sun's radiant beams shimmering upon the snow-laden landscape. Aurelia awoke with a heavy heart, wondering how in the space of just a few short days the presence of Rhys could have become so utterly essential to her happiness and well-being.
"Aurelia," said Lady Lymsey gently, as they gathered around the festively adorned table for Christmas Day breakfast and she looked at her daughter’s long face, "try to find some solace in our company, my dear. We are here to support you in your time of need."
"Your comfort is most appreciated, Mama," replied Aurelia, valiantly attempting to push aside her melancholy. “I am trulyglad to be with you all, I promise… I only wish Stowe was here to rejoice in your company as I do.”
“He is doing what must be done, my dear,” Lord Lymsey, who had missed not a few Christmases and birthdays in his time, said portentously.
“Men always say that, but women know when tasks are best delegated to others,” Lady Lymsey sniped back. “And a man who abandons his bride just days after their marriage had best have good reason!”
“He does have good reason, Mama,” Aurelia defended Rhys. “I am glad he has gone - it was necessary. I just miss him.”
“Well.” Her mother put her arm around Aurelia comfortingly. “I am certainly glad to see affection growing between you. It sets my heart at ease, that we did the right thing in marrying you to him. God willing, he will be home soon and you can set all of this behind you.”
“Yes,” Aurelia agreed, pasting a determined smile on her face as her sisters entered the room. “And in the meantime, the staff at Stowe Park have been hard at work preparing the most marvellous feasts for us to enjoy today, so let us do them full justice and celebrate Christmas together!”
Viola laughed and clapped her hands with glee; Ophelia came running to embrace Aurelia, and her smile became joyous at the sight of her sisters’ happiness. She smiled and laughed, partaking in the customary merriment and doing her best not to allow the melancholy to overtake her, but her spirit remained dampened, an ever-present ache shadowing her every step.
When night fell, and the final notes of carols faded into silence, Aurelia retreated once more to her lonely chamber. The weight of her longing pressed heavily upon her, suffocating her like a thick shroud. Lying alone in her vast, cold bed, she thought of the last time she had seen Rhys, when he had come to her chamber before dawn, the morning after Lord Lansdown had brought them news of Grantleigh.
“I must go,” Rhys had said quietly, sitting on the edge of the bed when he saw she was awake. “I wanted only to look on you before I left, but since you are awake… I will bid you farewell.” He took her hand in his and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.
Aurelia fought valiantly to suppress tears. “You still owe me a proper kiss,” she said, her voice shaking.
Rhys chuckled softly. “So I do.” He leaned in, his breath hot on her skin, and captured her lips in a searing kiss. It was brief, but it left Aurelia breathless and wanting more.
“Come back to me,” she whispered, pressing her forehead against his. “Please.”
