Page 21 of An Accidental Bride for the Duke
Yes, there was that little matter about how she had felt immediately when it was over. The voice in the back of her head that told her without hesitation that the next time she might not be so lucky…
Do not worry about that. For now, be glad that you managed to stand up for yourself and remind the duke that you are not his plaything. Surely, that is worth celebrating.
With that in mind, Iris was determined to approach this day differently to how she had the first. This was her home, after all, and it would not do to act as if she was a stranger to these hallways. In fact, taken by a sudden sting of bravery, she decidedonce she finished her breakfast to do what she ought to have that first day.
So it was that Iris soon found herself standing at the entrance to the eastern wing of the manor.
Its entrance opened into a large foyer, a winding set of steps, and several hallways to choose from. She eyed those hallways, thinking that there couldn’t be anythingtooexciting down them. Likely it was just more bedrooms, perhaps some storage space, and a whole lot of nothing…
“Your Grace?” a voice spoke from behind her.
She cried out and jumped, exhaling with relief when she turned to find Mr. Tibbitt standing behind her. “You scared me!”
“I did not mean to,” he said sincerely. “I just wished to see if you wanted anything.”
“No…” She turned back to face the wing. “Just doing some exploring. Nothing to worry yourself with.”
“Oh…” He clicked his tongue. “Forgive me for saying, Your Grace but, well, His Grace does not appreciate trespassers in this wing of the house.”
“Is that what I am?” She cocked an eyebrow at him. “A trespasser.”
His eyes widened. “I did not mean it like that, Your Grace. I simply meant – there is nothing down there worthy of exploring. Surely, with a day like this one, you would be better to be outside.”
She scoffed. “I am sure there will be time for that later. Besides, if His Grace does not want me to venture into this side of the house, he can tell me himself.”
That alone should have been reason enough to turn back and give up on this endeavor. She had no doubt that Mr. Tibbitt would feel compelled to tell Philip where she was, and if Philip truly was that opposed to this wing of the manor being ventured into, he would likely come and tell her off.
A thought which excites me, even though it should not. Baiting him like this… it can only end badly.
That sent a shiver up her spine. Iris told herself it was excitement felt at the chance to stand up to her husband a second time, again proving how strong she was. But she knew that to be only half the reason.
With that in mind, her heart beating quickly, she left Mr. Tibbitt there and started into the eastern wing.
Keeping to the first level, Iris treaded carefully as she followed its length. Just as she expected, the rooms that sprung from the side of the hallway looked to be spare bedrooms, another drawing room, and even a large reading room. She wasn’t thinking that anything exciting would be found on this journey,as it was more about proving that this was her home and she could go anywhere she liked.
But then she came to the end of the hallway and that perception changed dramatically.
The hallway stopped at a set of large double-doors. They were closed and on first glance, she worried they would be locked. Indeed, she could see dust coating the handles. But she reached out and tested the handle, found it unlocked, and pushed the door open. The doors creaked and she winced, certain that even the duke would hear. Not that this stopped her.
With the way open, she waded into the darkness, her eyes widened and her mouth dropping at what she found.
Well, this might have been nice to have been told about.
It was a library. Perhaps not the biggest she had ever seen, but there were still a dozen tall shelves, each piled with hundreds of books. It was built around a large reading area in the center, comfortable looking couches covered in dust. And on the back wall, what she thought to be more shelves, was a gigantic window with thick curtains drawn.
Iris spun on the spot, her eyes sparkling now with wonder. As a little girl, growing up sickly and overly protected by her mother, she had always loved to read. And where the last few years had seen this passion fade on account of her emergence in the social scene, she knew now that it would quickly be rekindled. Having been looking for a way to pass the time and keep herself busy,this library would certainly more than help her with such a thing.
But why would Philip keep this from me? Was it on purpose, or did he just not think about it? Likely, it was for no more reason than he simply does not care…
“What are you doing here?” a dark voice spoke from behind her.
“Oh!” Iris jumped on the spot and her heart leapt through her chest. She spun about to find Philip standing in the doorway, masked in shadow so she couldn’t make out his face. Just the massive size of his frame. “You… you scared me,” she said as she tried to catch her breathing.
“What are you doing here?” he asked again, staying by the doorway.
“I…” She felt panic seize her. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to…”
“Mr. Tibbitt told you that I preferred you stay away from this side of the manor, did he not? Yet, you chose to come anyway.”
