Page 35 of Trapped with the Forbidden Duke
“I sat at your bedside, making sure that you took another breath and then another. I have long stopped sitting vigil, but that fear does not ever go away, and I cannot tell you that as honestly as I perhaps need to. We have lost enough people, Brother. Do not let me lose you, too.”
Her voice cracked over the last couple of words, and she blinked back the tears.
“I am incredibly furious with you for putting me through this fear, and I wish you would speak to me. I wish to speak with my brother when he is not incoherent with laudanum, instead of brushing it all off.”
With resignation in her heart, Edwina retreated to her bedroom.
“Something smells incredible.” Isabel stepped out of her room and met Edwina in the hallway. Her eyes were wide with wonder as she began to follow the scent. “Heavens, I have not smelled a full-cooked breakfast in this house in quite some time!”
Her glee seeped into Edwina, despite the restless night she had.
But as soon as they got to the main hall, Edwina’s steps faltered. The frames on the walls were new, and the gilded mirror just past the breakfast room was also new.
The scent of fresh paint was potent, and her attention was drawn to the workers on the ladders, their brushes gliding easily over the walls. None of them paid any mind to her, clearly focused on carrying out their employer’s orders.
Edwina could not help but continue to the breakfast room, only to find a new dining table laden with a breakfast big enough to feed a family much bigger than hers.
Unfamiliar chairs gleamed in the morning light, expensively crafted, and her stomach flipped. Around her, new furniture and trinkets decorated the room. And at the head of the breakfast table was a duke who knew how to use his authority.
He cocked his head at her, his auburn hair brushing his shoulders. “Good morning, Lady Edwina.”
His low voice was indication enough that he knew exactly what he had done for her and how stunned she was. He was not being arrogant about it, only smirking as if he knew he had done exactly what he wanted.
“I… What on Earth…” Edwina trailed off, at a loss for words.
Montgomery Manor hadn’t looked so drenched in splendor for a long time. The windows had new curtains, and the candles on the table were polished to a shine, alongside new utensils.
“I took the liberty of having some furniture from one of my larger properties brought in,” the Duke told her, never once looking away from her.
He was so casual about such a huge gesture, and Edwina couldn’t explain it, but it made her stomach flutter.
“And before you worry, it is not only the breakfast room and hallway that has been renovated. I have already tasked more servants with repainting the parlor and drawing room, and refurnishing those rooms.”
“Heavens,” Edwina whispered, dizzy with incredulity.
“This is most generous, Your Grace,” Isabel said, beaming. “I do wonder if this mirror shall make me look thinner, finally! The other one wasmostunflattering.”
“I do not think the mirror shall change your reflection, Aunt Isabel,” Edwina commented, biting back a laugh. “Your Grace, I… I find myself at a loss for words.”
“I plan to have you and your aunt fitted for new gowns, should you require them.”
Edwina’s pulse spiked. “Your Grace, this is too much. This is…” She shook her head, overwhelmed. “I swear that we shall find a way to pay you back.”
“Now, do not sound so ungrateful, dear,” Isabel interjected loudly, reaching out her hand so she could pinch Edwina.
Edwina yelped and turned her focus to her aunt, glaring at her.
“I amsureyou will be most happy with a new gown, especially with the upcoming social events,” Isabel argued, flashing her a warning look. “Now, how about I ask which modiste we shall visit? Mrs. Hatworth is rather admirable, but Miss Giselle knows my preferences most excellently. Heavens, let me take a look at the hallway again! Your Grace, did you mention that the parlor will be repainted? I must oversee it all!”
She bustled away, chattering happily, not even needing someone to hear her ramblings, and Edwina was left hovering before the breakfast table.
The Duke’s gaze flicked to the spread and then back to her. “Will you join me, or will you simply stand there, gaping?”
“I am overwhelmed.”
“I can see that. So do sit before I tell you the next part of what I have done.”
Edwina was not sure she could handle much more. The weight of the truth as to why they needed such help was heavy. The Duke had done all of this for them, and she could not even properly explain why they were in such desperate times.
