Page 26 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
Adrian's world, once dimmed by the limitations of his disability, was now enlivened by the vibrant interactions and the people who graced his life, most notably the captivating Miss Ludlow. Her spirit and warmth radiated like a beacon, penetrating his once secluded existence with a renewed sense of connection and possibility.
The once-distant world that had seemed lost to him was gradually taking shape again, painted with the brushstrokes of friendship, anticipation, and the compelling presence of Miss Ludlow herself. Her laughter and sparkling conversations filled his heart with joy, dispelling the shadows that had threatened to consume him.
As they discussed the upcoming village summer fair, Adrian's anticipation soared. The prospect of exploring the fairgrounds, surrounded by the bustling energy and cheerful ambiance, filled him with a childlike excitement. The fair, once an event he observed from a distance, now beckoned to him with a promise of newfound enchantment.
But it was Miss Ludlow herself who stirred the deepest emotions within him. Her genuine kindness and the sparks of understanding that passed between them awakened a long-dormant desire for companionship and connection. Adrian couldn't help but be captivated by her presence, her every word and gesture leaving an indelible mark on his heart. For the first time since his accident, he had hope.
Chapter Twelve
The quartet walked along, chattering away merrily. However, Annabelle noticed that the Duke of Thornwood said very little. His expression was pleasant enough. But he seemed to be deeply lost in thought. Had encountering Penelope and her detracted him from other plans of his for the day? He didn’t seem angry. In fact, he seemed content. But it wasn’t like him to remain so quiet.
On the other hand, Lord Harrington and Penelope could hardly go a second without speaking. They gushed about their favorite fair activities, many of which they had in common, and they were laughing every minute or so. They seemed to be getting on very well, and it felt as though the four of them had been friends for years.
As the topic of the upcoming village summer fair danced in the air, the Duke turned to Annabelle, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
“Miss Ludlow,” he began, his voice a velvety melody, “I've been meaning to ask you about the books I lent you. Have you had the chance to peruse them?”
A smile blossomed on Annabelle's lips, a mixture of pleasure and mild embarrassment. She lowered her gaze momentarily before meeting Adrian's expectant eyes.
“Oh, I must admit the decision has proven quite difficult,” she confessed. “Each book holds its own allure, and I find myself torn between their captivating tales.”
In truth, Annabelle's inner turmoil extended beyond the choice of literature. Oswald's unsettling presence lingered in her mind, casting a shadow upon her every thought. The way his piercing eyes bore into her, filled with an enigmatic mix of desire and menace, had left her unable to fully immerse herself in the books she held dear. It was a sentiment she could not voice, for fear of tarnishing the idyllic atmosphere of the summer fair preparations.
Whether it was merely for the sake of continuing the conversation, or because he sensed the sudden shift in her mood, the duke furrowed his brow.
“You have not had the chance to read any of them, have you?” he asked. His tone was not accusatory. Rather, he sounded surprised and, if she wasn’t mistaken, a little concerned.
With a small sigh, she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of wistfulness.
“The truth is that while I long to be engrossed in their pages, my uncle has kept me... quite busy.” She bit her lip, silencing herself. Not only was she unwilling to put her burdens on the duke, but she was also uncomfortable speaking about her troubles in the presence of a man she had just met only moments before.
The Duke looked sympathetic, and he gave her a kind smile.
“I understand,” he said. “Sometimes, duty and obligation get in the way of curling up with a good book. Please, take all the time you need. I am in no hurry to get back the books.”
Annabelle felt weak with relief. Just when she thought the duke couldn’t surprise her any more with his warmth and consideration, he proved her wrong.
“I heard there will be a play performed at the fair,” Penelope said, her voice teeming with excitement. “I cannot remember which play, but apparently there will be some poetry reciting in it.”
Both Annabelle and the duke whipped their heads to look at her.
“Is that so?” the Duke asked. “Well, that sounds absolutely delightful.”
Annabelle smiled brightly at her friend.
“It certainly does,” she said. “I wouldn’t mind hearing some good poetry being read.”
From there, the conversation gracefully shifted, transitioning from the upcoming summer fair to the realm of literature and poetry. Annabelle found herself engaged in a spirited discussion about the famous poets of their time, her eyes sparkling with genuine enthusiasm.
The duke touched her gently on the arm, and her heart skipped as she looked at him.
“Who are your favourite poets?” he asked.
Annabelle blushed. She had never met anyone, apart from Penelope, who cared anything for any of her interests. Particularly when it came to literature, and certainly not a gentleman. Men in the ton didn’t care for well-read women. They wanted ladies who sang and danced and played music, and who looked pretty on their arm at social events. She found the duke’s interest in her love for literature refreshing.
“I adore John Milton,” she said shyly. “Especially his poem, Paradise Lost. William Wordsworth is very talented, as well. He and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, I believe it was, published a fantastic collection called Lyrical Ballads.” She paused, biting her lip. “And Shakespeare himself dabbled in poetry a little. I have found his poems to be utterly enthralling.”
The duke laughed heartily, smoothly moving closer to Annabelle.
