Page 36 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“May I introduce you to my beloved aunt, Marjorie Westfield?” Adrian's voice was filled with a mixture of pride and affection as he led her further into the room. “Aunt Marjorie, this is Annabelle Ludlow, my wife-to-be.”
Marjorie, a vision of elegance in her silver-haired splendor, turned towards them with a welcoming smile. Her eyes, framed by gentle lines etched with wisdom, sparkled with a warmth that mirrored Adrian's. Annabelle curtsied gracefully, her heart swelling with gratitude for the opportunity to meet the woman who held such significance in Adrian's life.
“Dear Annabelle,” Marjorie's voice was filled with genuine warmth as she extended her hand. “It is a pleasure to finally meet the woman who has captured my nephew's heart. Welcome to Thornwood Manor.”
Annabelle's cheeks flushed with a blush of pleasure as she clasped Marjorie's hand.
“Thank you, Lady Marjorie,” she replied, her voice tinged with sincerity. “I am honoured to be here and to have the chance to meet you.”
Marjorie gave her another kind smile, pulling gently on the hand she held and wrapping Annabelle in a warm, motherly embrace.
“Please, darling,” she said, pulling away to survey Annabelle. “I insist that you call me Marjorie.”
Annabelle felt tears sting her eyes at the woman’s warm welcome.
“As you wish, Marjorie,” she said, giving the older woman a small curtsey. “This is a lovely home.”
Marjorie smiled graciously.
“You are too kind,” she said. “Adrian helps me keep everything in tip-top shape. And I just love decorating. I never grow tired of coming up with new ways to keep the place looking vibrant.”
Annabelle nodded, surveying the bright tapestries and upholstery that complimented the bright wood of the furniture.
“It is wonderful,” she said, shivering with delight at the difference she felt compared to the cold, drab manor which she shared with her cruel uncle.
The butler announced that dinner was to be served, and Adrian smiled down at her.
“Shall we?” he asked, his eyes sparkling.
Annabelle found herself spellbound as she looked at him. She was amazed at how easy it was for her to forget how handsome he was each time she was away from him.
“I am,” she said, following his confident stride as they made their way to the dining hall.
Dinner began with the clinking of silverware on the plates as food was served to each person at the table. Marjorie beamed at Annabelle when the first course was served, raising her wine glass in the air.
“Thank you for coming this evening, dear Annabelle,” she said. “May you and Adrian have all the happiness in the world ahead of you.”
Annabelle returned the toast, trying to suppress her returning nervousness. She wanted them to be happy, as well. But the question of whether there was true love between them, or the affection of two light acquaintances still lingered. Still, she smiled, accepting the toast by joining the other two people in the toast.
“Aunt Marjorie, I shall depart for London tomorrow,” Adrian said. “I wish to procure a special license, so that we can be wed as soon as possible.”
Annabelle had already heard the news. But hearing it again and seeing Marjorie’s face light up made it even more real for her. One month from then, she would be sitting at that same dinner table as Adrian’s wife, the duchess of Thornwood. That knowledge carried with it promise. It also brought fear. She didn’t have a mother or a sister who could help her with wedding plans, let alone plans that would need to be completed so soon. She had Penelope, but her friend would be attending social events and unable to withdraw from some of them on such short notice. What would she do?
Marjorie, sensing the bittersweet undercurrent in the room, reached out with a reassuring smile.
“Worry not, my dear,” she said, her voice gentle but resolute. “While Adrian is away, we shall begin the preparations for your upcoming nuptials. Consider me your ally in this endeavour.”
A wave of relief washed over Annabelle, gratitude welling up within her. The weight of wedding planning had threatened to overwhelm her, but with Marjorie's promise of assistance, a burden seemed to lift from her shoulders. She could already envision the two of them pouring over fabric swatches and discussing flower arrangements, their shared excitement mingling with anticipation.
“Thank you, Marjorie,” she said, flooded with gratitude. “I appreciate that more than you can imagine.”
Marjorie winked at her, glancing knowingly at Adrian.
“I am more than happy to help you, darling,” she said.
The moon cast a gentle glow upon the serene landscape as Annabelle returned home, her heart filled with the remnants of the evening's enchantment. The world around her seemed hushed, as if holding its breath in anticipation of the unknown. As she ascended the stairs to her bedchamber, her thoughts swirled like a tempest, a whirlwind of emotions and possibilities.
Retiring for the night, she found herself surrounded by the familiar comfort of her sanctuary. The candlelight danced upon the walls, casting shadows that mimicked the twists and turns of her racing thoughts. The events of the day played out in her mind, like a vivid tableau, each moment etching itself into the depths of her memory.
