Page 36 of The Duke I Wished For
Daffodil chased after her, leaving the gallery behind for another wide, wood-paneled hallway.
Yes, she was definitely overwhelmed by the sheer grandness of this old manor, but then again, she’d been constantly overwhelmed for months now, ever since she’d said yes to Blake’s proposal.
But this was different.
“There’s another wing?” she breathed in disbelief as Clarissa tugged on her hand and dragged her up a winding staircase. They paused on a balcony overlooking a ballroom.
The opulent room below seemed to spin as Daffodil took a deep, steadying breath.
She was the lady of this manor. She blinked and gave her head a little shake. It had been difficult enough to reconcile to the fact that she was now a duchess. And then, for a few days after the wedding, she’d learned to adjust to living in Blake’s large London townhome.
And now…this.
“See my room next!” Clarissa shouted. The girl’s eyes were wide with excitement as she’d led Daffodil on this merry adventure through the behemoth of a manor.
Daffodil crouched down until she was at Clarissa’s level. “Don’t you think we ought to wait for your father? I’m sure he’d love to be on this tour.”
Clarissa nodded, her grin growing wide as they heard Blake’s low voice calling for them from the floor below.
“Where’s my favorite daughter?” His booming voice was teasing as he entered the ballroom.
Clearly he knew exactly where they were.
“And has anyone seen my darling bride?” he called loudly in their direction.
Clarissa giggled.
“Let’s go down and surprise him,” Daffodil said in a loud whisper that echoed off the vaulted ceiling and made Blake chuckle below.
“Yes, Mama. Let’s!” Clarissa slid her hand into Daffodil’s, and Daffodil’s whole chest warmed in a way she wasn’t sure she’d ever get used to.
There was so much love in her life these days. And perhaps, even more than her new status and homes, that was the most overwhelming part of it all. Between Blake, who made certain she always knew just how much she was cherished, and Clarissa, who’d so trustingly and willingly claimed her as her new mother…
Daffodil swallowed hard.
She wasn’t sure what she’d done to deserve all this love, but she found herself praying that her sister and her friends found the same joy that she had.
Hand in hand, Daffodil rushed down the stairs with a happily chattering Clarissa. When they reached the bottom, Daffodil and Clarissa paused, taking in the chaotic scene as servants scurried to and fro to unload the carriage containing Daffodil’s trunks.
Blake and Clarissa’s belongings had been delivered before their arrival, and Blake stood in the center of the bustle, giving instructions and answering questions.
Daffodil’s breath caught and a silly smile tugged at her lips as she watched her new husband. He made a fine leader. Always patient and respectful of others. Never abusing his power like some might in his position.
It was one of many qualities she adored about him.
He glanced over just then and caught her watching. His face split with a grin that made her heart flutter. “There they are,” he said. “My beautiful ladies.”
“I’m no lady,” Clarissa protested loudly. “I’m only a girl.”
“Right you are, love,” Blake said as he scooped her up into his arms. “Now tell me, where did you two run off to just now?”
Clarissa rambled on about all she’d shown Daffodil as Blake wrapped his free arm around his wife’s waist and escorted them both out of the chaotic entry and toward the back of the manor.
Blake cast Daffodil a conspiratorial smile when Clarissa trailed off. “Sounds like your mother had a lot to see.”
Daffodil laughed. “I have all the time in the world to explore. And there’s no better way to see my new home than with such an enthusiastic tour guide.”
Blake chuckled even as he steered her past the house, heading straight toward a back entrance.
