Page 66 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
He squeezed her hands reassuringly.
“There will be challenges, darling,” he said. “But if this is your heart’s desire, then I am by your side.”
She leaned her forehead against his, a sense of peace washing over her.
“Thank you, Adrian,” she said. “This home has seen generations of our family grow and flourish. Now, it will see countless children embark on journeys of their own.”
And so, amidst the chaos of revelations and familial betrayals, Annabelle’s heart found its purpose. Her ancestral home, once a symbol of power and prestige, was set to become a beacon of hope for the future.
The grandeur of the mansion underwent a striking transformation over the following months. Rooms once filled with ornate furniture and relics of the past were now brightened with rows of desks, chalkboards, and shelves laden with books. Every dawn brought the melody of hammers and saws, and every dusk saw Annabelle and Adrian reviewing the day’s progress.
Adrian had been her pillar, his support unwavering. Whenever Annabelle felt overwhelmed by the enormity of her vision, he was there, soothing her worries with gentle words and ensuring that every need was met. From acquiring the best tutors to ordering an array of children’s books, Adrian fulfilled her every request with a grace and efficiency that left Annabelle in awe.
One evening, as they sat in the newly christened library, pouring over lesson plans, Annabelle gazed up at Adrian.
“How did I ever get so lucky to have you by my side?” she asked. Her voice was soft, tinged with wonder.
He chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead.
“I believe it was destiny, as Aunt Marjorie once told us,” he said. “And besides, how could I resist aiding such a noble cause?”
Just as their worlds seemed to be aligning perfectly, there came an unexpected knock. The door opened to reveal Henry, and he was smiling slyly.
Adrian stood swiftly, curiosity evident in his eyes.
“Henry?” he asked. “What brings you here at this hour? And to the school, of all places?”
Henry smiled slowly, his gaze flitting to Annabelle.
“I come bearing news,” he began, taking a deep breath. “The butler told me that the two of you were here, and I decided that this can’t wait. It’s Lord Spencer. He’s been arrested.”
Annabelle gasped.
“Arrested? Whatever for?”
Henry snorted.
“He assaulted a man in the village tavern, believing him to have information about Oswald’s whereabouts,” he said. “The man wasn’t hurt, of course. He filed a formal accusation, nonetheless. And from what I understand, he was wanted for a couple of other things. The odds are excellent that he will be put away for quite some time.”
Adrian chuckled, putting his arm around Annabelle.
“Well, I suppose that removes that trouble from our lives,” he said.
Annabelle breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t often that she thought of Lord Spencer or her uncle. But when they did plague her thoughts, they left a dark cloud of dread in their wake.
“If only Uncle could be found,” she said. “I would feel much better knowing that neither of them could create trouble for the school.”
Adrian held her close, kissing her softly on the top of her head.
“I assure you that no one will do any such thing,” he said. “I will not stand for it.”
Annabelle smiled up at her husband, thinking again about how fortunate she was to have him.
“I love you, darling,” she said.
Adrian stooped to kiss her lips.
“I love you more,” he said.
