Page 55 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“Annabelle,” he called gently, his voice echoing softly in the quiet room. His heart pounded fiercely in his chest, a stark contrast to his calm exterior.
She looked up, surprise flashing across her face, quickly replaced by a wave of relief.
“Adrian,” she breathed, her voice barely more than a whisper. “I didn’t… I didn’t see you come in.”
He offered her a small, reassuring smile, hoping it might bring her some semblance of comfort.
“I am here for you, Annabelle,” he said. He extended his hand, palm up, a silent vow to protect and stand by her side through whatever tumultuous events life might bring their way.
Chapter Twenty-six
Annabelle’s heart raced as she tried to make sense of the swirling tempest of thoughts that threatened to consume her. Every revelation about Oswald’s dealings with Lord Spencer was like a shard of ice, stabbing into her very soul. How could someone she once held dear be involved in such nefarious schemes?
As if sensing her distress, a gentle hand clasped her elbow. She glanced up to see Adrian, his eyes filled with concern. “Annabelle,” he murmured, “may I have a word with you?”
She allowed herself to be guided into the manor’s parlor, a room that always evoked memories of laughter, dances, and simpler times. But tonight, the dim glow of the candelabras seemed to cast shadows filled with secrets and whispers.
With each step, Annabelle could feel the weight of the revelation pressing down on her. She barely noticed when Adrian softly closed the doors behind them, ensuring their privacy.
“Annabelle,” he began, his voice gentle yet determined. “Please, tell me what troubles you.”
Annabelle bit her lip nervously. She didn’t know what, if anything, Adrian had heard before he had approached her in the parlor. But she didn’t want to keep secrets from Adrian either way. So, she told him what had transpired with Oswald earlier that day. Adrian nodded, listening, but he didn’t look terribly surprised. And when she was finished, he put his arm around her shoulders, holding her gently.
“I know that the recent happenings have been trying for you, especially given Oswald’s involvement,” he said. “I want you to know that I am here for you.”
She looked down, fingers twisting the delicate fabric of her dress.
“Adrian, how could he?” she asked, sounding like a plaintive child. “How could he enter into such a covert deal with Lord Spencer? And for what?”
He held her closer, cupping her face gently and compelling her to meet his gaze.
“I do not know the depths of Oswald’s intentions,” he said. “But I promise you, I will protect you from any fallout.”
Adrian’s eyes, deep pools of unwavering determination, served as her anchor amidst the stormy seas of deception surrounding her. His very presence was a rock, solid and unyielding, amidst the chaos of the past few days.
She leaned into his touch, her voice faltering. She thought about what she had heard at the dance, the whispers of the strangeness of her betrothal to Adrian, combined with what she knew must be known, at least amongst a few ton members, about her former arrangement to Lord Spencer.
“Adrian, what if the truth tarnishes our family name? What if—”
“Annabelle,” he whispered, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. The warmth in his voice enveloped her like a comforting shawl. “You have nothing to fear. Not while I’m here.”
She took a deep, steadying breath, drawing strength from his unwavering support.
“Thank you, Adrian,” she whispered, her eyes locking onto his. “In this overwhelming fog of despair, you remain my one beacon of hope.”
Adrian’s lips quirked in a small smile, his hand still cradling her face.
“Always, Annabelle. Always,” he said.
And in that moment, the treacherous world outside faded away. All that mattered was the bond between them, one that could weather any storm.
Taking her hand gently, Adrian’s fingers grazed the back of her palm.
“Annabelle, tomorrow, how about an escape from these confining worries?” he asked.
Annabelle looked up at him, tilting her head.
“An escape?” she echoed, her curiosity piqued.
