Page 2 of The Brooding Duke's Fateful Letter
The atmosphere made every guest want to smile. The looks of adoration shared between the two couples made all who greeted them swoon. The warm weather meant the guests could dance outside under the stars. Married couples could be seen holding hands again, reminded how falling in love had felt.
They arrived in attire that boasted how much they were willing to spend to stand out. The men wore suits made from the finest cotton and silks, while the women seemed to compete regarding who could dress in the most opulent gowns, and have the most outlandish hair styles.
“Where on earth did she find that!”
“Must be lovely to have such style.” Murmurs of both compliments and judgments could be heard among the guests.
Those who favored themselves to be almost royalty would arrive last, and many a time late.
Inside, groups of people stood together sipping on the best wines in the duke 's collection and comparing fortunes.
“Well it was only going for a few thousand. How could I not? It suits my hunting room rather well,” one lord scoffed.
“If you must have it then why ever not?” his wife said with a laugh. The rest of the group joined in, humoring her. The duke listened with half an ear, and sighed. It was always the same.
Tonight was a night where the magic of love was celebrated. Every guest had a smile on their face as they bragged of newly acquired land or paintings. All were having a jubilant time, all except the very man who had arranged the dinner.
Henry VI, The Duke of Devonshire looked the very definition of melancholy. Although the perfect host, the duke was not as deeply in conversation as his guests. He was seated as he always was and had by now convinced himself that he was content that way.
Henry was the host, and a duke, and yet he was the only person in the room who didn’t have a partner. He had no idea what all these people had that he did not. Though being surrounded by all the company helped him feel more part of life, he was always struck with even worse loneliness than before.
“I do really appreciate this Your Grace!” said James Smith to the duke, one of the brothers who had asked his beloved to be his bride.
“Not at all James. You found love. It should be celebrated.” Henry meant it.
“Thank you, Your Grace. For this and for… well keeping things quiet about...”
“You are a gentleman James, and I have known you for years as such. I don’t see any reason your reputation should be tarnished. Least of all if you take up your responsibility as any decent man should.”
James nodded and excused himself to join his brother. The bell chimed on the large wooden clock and everyone fell quiet. They all moved into the dining hall after the clock had chimed seven times and the kitchen staff had opened the doors that led from the entertainment area into the dining hall.
Henry sighed. I wanted to make it to the dining hall before everyone. As usual I let conversation distract me.
He chastised himself for not paying close attention to his surroundings. He deeply disliked being the center of attention.
He did make it before most, at least, saving himself from being a full spectacle.
I swear they all love coming here and having me as entertainment, the duke thought as his guests watched him expectantly.
He stayed seated as the other guests entered the dining hall.
I would stand to greet them, if only every single one of them didn’t believe I were incapable of doing so. At least not without the aid of several servants.
If only they knew…
Henry caught sight of his reflection in the large mirror that almost covered one side of the wall. He looked tired even to his own eyes. His dark hair was well groomed but a few loose hairs at his temple made him look slightly deranged.
Once the guests were all seated, the soup was brought out. The duke stared at the offending liquid as it was placed before him. The unnatural yellow paste did not have much of a smell to it, and the duke took a small spoonful to taste, confirming its blandness. He glanced around at the other guests who started eating after him. He would have admired their convincing murmurs if their fakery didn’t test his temper.
“Rather good, isn’t it?” Louisa said softly. Seated directly to his right, his sister was one of the few people he was glad to see there tonight. The dim lights from a table behind them made her light blonde hair glow.
It may also be due to the fact that she’s expecting. Delightful news that I will get to at least have a niece or nephew that I can see grow into an adult. The duke lost himself in melancholy thought again.
“Hmmm, yes, delightful.” He said lifting the spoon to his lips but barely eating any. Her gloved hand flew to her mouth to conceal a giggle. He smiled at her with the first genuine smile he had all evening. She beamed up at him with the same warm brown eyes that he had. A keepsake from their father who passed only three years prior.
A finer duke than the one I make, he thought bitterly.
“Are you free tomorrow? There’s something I wish to discuss with you.” Louisa said, interrupting his musings.
