Page 58 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
“My darling Veronica,” Judith sighed, embracing her daughter.
She squeezed Veronica tightly, their cheeks pressing together.
“Mama,” Veronica said, smiling brightly as they pulled back. “It is so good to see you. It has been too long.”
“I had hoped His Grace would invite me to Westley Manor, so I could see your new home, but it is no matter,” Judith laughed awkwardly.
Veronica paused as her mother walked into the morning room so they could sit down together.
“We are… in the midst of some redecoration,” she said.
It was not entirely a lie, and it was a good reason as to why there had been no invitation. She could not very admit her husband was socially-repellent, cold man, who did not care for Veronica at all, and that was why he did not entertain guests. Least of all her mother.
“Oh?” Judith’s face brightened as they sat down. “That is wonderful! How is it going?”
“Very well,” she answered. “I feel more settled into my role as lady of the house by doing it. Heavens above, Mama, you should have seen the decor in the manor! It was downright garish. You would have near fainted.”
Judith covered her mouth as she laughed. “It sounds as though you have quite the task on your hands.”
“I do indeed.” Veronica nodded. She could not admit that the task itself was not the décor, but the man who lived in the manor itself. Her gaze went around the room. “It is strange how this place still feels like home. I ought to think of Westley Manor as my home, and I do, in a way, but this is where I grew up.”
Her mother reached out to place a hand over hers. “And it always shall be. For you and for Robert when he returns.”
Veronica winced, recalling her argument with the Duke the day before after discovering he had been searching for her brother and did not tell her. And all to reduce her false hope? She did not believe that. He had admitted afterwards it was only his money he cared about.
“What is wrong, dearest?” Judith asked.
“Nothing,” she replied quickly. She did not want to tell her mother about the investigation. She trulywouldgive her mama false hope, and Judith was not as strong as she appeared. “I merely miss Grantham House.”
“And what of your mama?” Judith teased.
“Of course I miss you mama,” Veronica laughed. “I miss you terribly. There is always gossip abuzz, and the village of Westley is positively beautiful. Although we are not able to entertain guests, I would still love for you to visit the village with me.”
“Can I truly not visit you, darling?”
“I am afraid not. At least, for now.”
I do not wish for my mama to be subjected to His Grace’s mood swings.
“Well, if I cannot visit, you must tell me about your life there! You make a beautiful duchess, and those ruby earrings look stunning on you.”
“My life…” Veronica hesitated.Is lonely.“… is perfect. I have taken to my title well, as you have taught me. There is a housekeeper, Mrs. Nelson, who speaks with me often, and I have befriended some gardeners. I have plans to have a sunroom setup, but it shall be outdoors. So I would like parasols, a table to dine upon, and some furniture suitable for the outdoors.”
Judith’s proud, beaming smile was exactly what she hoped for.
“And what of the Duke?”
Veronica paused. “The Duke… Yes, well, he is quite well. He attends to his work and visits the village. He has been sorting his affairs from the late Duke, so he has had many meetings with tenants. I am redecorating his study, too.”
“You misunderstand me,” her mother said gently. “I mean to ask what of youandhim.”
Veronica knew that all along, but she had been stalling. She could not let her mother know that it was less than ideal, their marriage.
“We break our fast together,” she said carefully. It was not a lie if it had happened at least once. “And we dine together when he is not working.” Not quite a lie again. “And we visit the village together, so I am able to meet the villagers.”
“And he takes care of you?” Her mama pressed.
“Yes,” she lied.In a way.
