Page 33 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
He realized with sudden clarity that the words rang true. Miss Ludlow had, in fact, accepted the proposal, fully aware of his lack of sight. And she was depending on him to fulfill the promises he had made her the day before. He left the study, making his way to the waiting carriage. There was no time to waste, not while Miss Ludlow’s future was at stake.
The carriage ride to Annabelle's residence felt interminable, each hoofbeat echoing the weight of Adrian's decision. His heart, a pendulum swinging between hope and trepidation, seemed to match the rhythm of the horse-drawn carriage. As they approached the grand estate, he straightened his coat, summoning his courage to face the imminent challenge.
The imposing doors swung open, revealing a stoic butler who regarded Adrian with a discerning gaze. Adrian's limited sight did not hinder him from sensing the disdain that emanated from the man, and he silently attributed it to his own disability. Steeling himself, he met the butler's gaze with unwavering determination.
“Your Grace, please follow me,” he said. “Mr. Ludlow is in his study,” the butler intoned with measured formality, his voice as cool as the marble columns that lined the entrance hall.
Adrian followed the butler's lead, his cane tapping gently against the polished floor, guiding him towards the heart of the house. Oswald's study, a bastion of power and influence, lay beyond the intricately carved doors that loomed before them.
As Adrian stepped into the study, his senses heightened. He detected the faint scent of aged leather and the acrid undertone of cigar smoke. But it was Oswald's presence that permeated the room, a subtle tension coiling in the air. Adrian's heart pounded, his grip on the cane tightening.
Oswald Ludlow, a man clearly well-versed in the art of manipulation, greeted Adrian with a façade of surprise that thinly veiled his true intentions, acting as though their altercation in the meadow had never occurred. His gaze pierced through Adrian, and it took every ounce of Adrian's self-control not to let his unease show.
“Your Grace,” he drawled, his voice dripping with feigned curiosity. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit? Pray, do enlighten me.”
Adrian stood tall, his voice resolute and unwavering.
“I have come to make my intentions clear, sir,” he said. “I wish to ask for Miss Annabelle's hand in marriage.”
The room seemed to hold its breath as Adrian's words hung in the air, the gravity of his declaration enveloping them both. Adrian could sense the wheels of Oswald's mind spinning, considering the implications of such a union. The prospect of his ward, an heiress, marrying a Duke was too tempting for Oswald to dismiss outright.
A sly aura crept into the air as Oswald smacked his lips.
“I will assume that you are unaware than an offer has already been made for her hand,” he said snidely. “An offer which I readily accepted.”
Adrian tightened his jaw, an unexpected surge of jealousy running through him at the thought of Miss Ludlow marrying anyone else.
“Well, I believe that I can offer more than any other suitor who might have asked for her hand,” he said. “I have vast wealth, and the title of duke. I would ask for no dowry, and I would see to any financial needs of Miss Ludlow and her family.”
There was a long silence, and Adrian knew that the cruel man was weighing his words.
“Your Grace, while your proposal comes as a surprise, I cannot deny the allure it presents,” he said. “Annabelle's future, intertwined with that of such a high noble title, is a tempting prospect indeed. But how can I be sure of your vast wealth? And how do I know that you will fulfill your part of the bargain once you have married my dear Annabelle? I am, of course, concerned for her welfare most of all.”
Adrian saw through Oswald's facade, his mind sharp despite the clouded vision that plagued him. He recognized the man’s tactics, his attempts to manipulate the situation to his advantage. But Adrian would not be swayed by such artifice.
“I’ve no doubt that my reputation precedes me,” he said firmly. “As such, one would know what fortune lies within my family. My dukedom is a strong one, and my business ventures are quite prosperous. Not only do I have the fortune which I inherited from my father, but also my income is steady and impressive.”
Oswald Ludlow sniffed.
“Your reputation precedes you, indeed, Your Grace,” he said, his words drawn out with a cold edge. “And thus, you might know that I am aware of a certain… disability. One which, in time, might force you out of work.”
Adrian bristled at the implication, and he forced himself to remain calm.
“I assure you that my fortune is such that I could provide for several generations, even if I were to retire tomorrow,” he said confidently. “And my title would ensure that Miss Ludlow would be afforded all the respect of my title as duchess, and that she would inherit my fortune, in the event that I became unable to handle affairs on my own.”
This silenced the shady gentleman, and Adrian could feel the weight of his consideration. The air in the room thickened, and Adrian hoped he had sufficiently convinced the man to grant his blessing to marry his niece. It felt like an eternity before he finally spoke again.
“You make a very tempting offer,” he said. “Indeed, better than the previous one.” He paused, sighing. “Very well. I accept your offer. But if you do not make good on every word you have spoken here today, I will come for your fortune personally.”
Adrian felt weak with relief, but he managed to keep his cool.
“I would expect no less,” he said.
Mr. Ludlow huffed, and Adrian presumed he had nodded.
“When will this wedding take place, then?” he asked.
Adrian hadn’t had an answer for that question until that moment. But suddenly, he did.
