Page 15 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“Your Grace, you seem to be in rather good spirits this morning. To what do we owe this pleasant surprise?” Blake inquired with a cheeky grin in his voice, his words infusing the room with warmth and familiarity.
Adrian turned towards Blake, his smile unwavering. His voice, usually commanding, was softer, laced with an uncharacteristic warmth that made the servant blink in surprise.
“Oh, it's nothing that would concern you, Blake. Let's just say... life has its way of presenting delightful surprises.”
Blake chuckled, a light sound that echoed in the room.
“Indeed, Your Grace, indeed,” he said. “I have always said, it's the little things that keep the world spinning.”
As the valet went about helping Adrian into his suit, the duke’s thoughts strayed back to the lively chase in the garden. His heart was lighter, his mood better. In that moment, he resolved to spend more mornings just like this one – taking joy in the small, endearing antics of his loyal companion. After all, even a duke needed moments of simple, unadorned happiness.
Adrian descended the grand staircase, the stately grace of his movements complemented by the sturdy tap of his cane echoing in the silence of the manor. He was met with the familiar scent of freshly brewed tea and warm pastries wafting from the drawing room, a comforting morning melody that welcomed him to the start of a new day.
Marjorie, his beloved aunt, sat at the breakfast table. The room seemed to brighten with her presence.
“Adrian, dear boy, come, join me,” she called, her voice weaving a familiar tapestry of love and comfort.
Sharing meals with Marjorie was often the highlight of Adrian’s days. Their conversations flowed easily, filled with the warmth and affection that only kin could understand. Adrian relished these moments, the taste of the food secondary to the delightful company of his aunt. He found solace in her words, her laughter, her wise counsel.
That morning, his delight for the day ahead seemed to be quite apparent. His aunt, after serving him a hearty plateful of what Adrian could smell was scrambled eggs, fried ham, buttered toasted bread and strawberries and placing it in his hands, patted his arm, the feel of her gaze curious and intense.
“I haven’t seen you smile like that in ages, darling,” she said. “What’s the occasion?”
Adrian, suddenly bashful, shrugged as he took a bite of eggs and ham.
“I am going to meet with Miss Ludlow today,” he said. “I offered to loan her some books from the library here. I do hope that’s all right with you.”
Marjorie laughed musically.
“Oh, of course, my dear,” she said. “I am so glad that you are making a friend.”
Adrian shrugged again, feeling his cheeks grow warm.
“I don’t know if I would call us friends yet, Aunt Marjorie,” he said. “But she is a very sweet woman, just as you said. And we share a love for books.”
His aunt patted his arm gently.
“Well, I am thrilled that you are looking forward to your visit with her,” she said. “Perhaps one day, we can invite her to join us for tea.”
Adrian couldn’t help smiling at the idea. He had only just met the young woman. But he knew that he liked her seemingly genuine nature. And he didn’t need more proof of how much Patches liked her.
“That is a fine idea,” he said.
Following the meal, Adrian felt drawn to the quiet solace of the manor’s extensive library. Guided by a map etched deep within his memory and the steady rhythm of his cane against the marble floor, he navigated the labyrinth of corridors until he stood before the towering shelves of parchment and ink.
Adrian’s eyes lingered over the titles, each one a silent testament to the wealth of knowledge contained within the room. The scent of old books, like a heady perfume of history and wisdom, filled his senses.
With the assistance of a servant, Adrian began the careful selection of volumes. Each book he chose was a treasure, chosen with thought and care. His mind filled with thoughts of Miss Ludlow. The idea of sharing these literary gems with her ignited an ember of joy and anticipation within him. Her delightful company, her sparkling wit and intelligence had captured his attention in a way that few things ever did.
As the servant left, Adrian allowed himself a moment to bask in the quiet tranquility of the library. He leaned on his cane, his heart fluttering like a hummingbird at the thought of his upcoming meeting with Miss Ludlow.
In the quiet solitude of the library, amidst the silent conversation of thousands of books, Adrian felt an unusual tranquility. His heart sang a soft melody, resonating with the thought of sharing the wonders of the written word with Miss Ludlow. It was an anticipation, a joy he had seldom experienced. Life, indeed, was brimming with delightful surprises.
As the cool shade of the manor gave way to the warm glow of the sun-kissed meadow, Adrian embarked on a leisurely walk, Patches prancing ahead with an exuberant stride. The sound of the hound bounding freely, tail wagging fervently, ignited a soft smile on his features.
The rhythm of nature's morning chorus harmonized with his footfalls, a familiar melody wafted towards him on the gentle breeze. The soft hum was a lullaby that teased his senses, coaxing his heart into a swift rhythm. Squinting against the brilliance of the morning sun, he recognized the graceful silhouette in the distance. Miss Ludlow.
His heart fluttered, much like the wings of the butterflies that flitted among the wildflowers surrounding them. He imagined her looking as radiant as the day itself, her aura of quiet elegance rivaling the beauty of the meadow.
