Page 27 of Wedded to the Sinful Duke

She walked up to her and took her by the hand. “Frances,” she replied, “it is so lovely to meet you. Please, come. I need help getting out of this tangle of lace and buttons.”

Frances chuckled sweetly with a nod. “Yes, let’s find something more comfortable for you to wear, Your Grace. You must be tired from the day’s events.”

Ciara nodded gratefully. “Yes, that would be lovely. Thank you, Frances.”

Frances moved with practiced efficiency, her hands deft and gentle as she began to undo the intricate buttons and laces of Ciara’s wedding gown. As the heavy fabric fell away, Ciara felt a sense of relief, the weight of the dress a symbol of the day’s pressures. She was immediately offered a robe which she wrapped around herself, allowing the cool silk to envelop her.

Meanwhile, Frances moved to the wardrobe and selected a soft, flowing gown in a pale lavender hue which suited Ciara’s complexion perfectly. “This should make you much more comfortable, Your Grace.”

Ciara smiled as she slipped into the new gown, feeling the soft fabric against her skin. “It is perfect, Frances. Thank you.”

Frances adjusted Ciara’s gown, ensuring it fit just right, then began to brush out Ciara’s hair with gentle strokes. “You have such beautiful auburn hair, Your Grace,” she remarked, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

“Thank you, Frances,” Ciara replied with a smile of her own. “It is kind of you to say so.”

“Do you find everything to your liking?” Frances asked as she started to form Ciara’s hair into a simple chignon that she would wear for the rest of the day.

There was still the matter of her being introduced to all the servants and the housekeeper giving her a grand tour of the vast estate.

“Yes, everything is quite lovely,” Ciara said then couldn’t resist adding, “Although it is all a bit overwhelming.”

Frances glanced at Ciara’s reflection in the looking glass. “I understand, Your Grace. It can be quite a change. But you will find your place here soon enough.”

“I am wondering about that,” Ciara sighed heavily. “About that and the sort of man I married.”

She knew that she shouldn’t have opened up about anything, not that early, but she was weighed down by an enormous amount of sorrow and guilt for the situation she found herself in. Frances’ sympathetic demeanor made her hopeful that perhaps, she had found a kind soul to confide in.

“Well, His Grace… I have to admit we were all a bit shocked to find out that he was getting married,” Frances stated a littleclumsily, as if a part of her didn’t want to be so open but another part thought she owed her mistress complete sincerity.

“Why?” Ciara asked. “Isn’t every young man supposed to get married at some point?”

“Yes, yes, of course,” Frances confirmed, “but judging from His Grace’s past behavior…”

Ciara frowned. “Has he done something inappropriate?”

“Oh, no, no,” Frances hastily shook her head. “Despite his reputation, he is a fair and just man.”

Ciara couldn’t believe that. “Are you certain we are talking about the same man?” she asked, intrigued by the girl’s insinuation. “The Duke of Silverbrook? My husband?” She still couldn’t believe those words, almost as if she were talking about someone else, someone who wanted to get married and got their wish which certainly wasn’t her.

“Indeed, Your Grace.” Frances finished setting Ciara’s hair. “Just the other day, he assisted Mrs. Cook with her young son who had taken ill unexpectedly. His Grace personally arranged for the physician to visit and ensured the boy received the best care. Mrs. Cook has been instructed not to mention it to a living soul, but of course, we all know it. It’s just that word of it does not leave the confines of this estate.”

“So, you are saying that there is a kind heart beneath his roguish exterior?” Ciara felt a warmth spread through her chest at this revelation although the talon of doubt still had her by the throat. Her husband’s reputation was undeniable. Everyone knew of it.

“Yes, but His Grace is adamant we keep that a secret,” Frances explained.

“A secret?” Ciara was surprised. She couldn’t understand why someone would do a good deed and then want to keep it a secret. It didn’t make sense. “But why?”

Frances shrugged without any clarification. “We do not question his instructions.”

“I see,” Ciara nodded, even more confused, wondering what sort of a man she had married.

She was once again reminded of the old adage that one was never to judge a book by its cover. Perhaps there was more to her husband than met the eye. Still, that didn’t mean that all of his transgressions were to be forgiven and forgotten.

“His Grace cares deeply for those in his household,” Frances added, and Ciara could hear the tone of loyalty and sincerity in the girl’s voice. “I am certain that you will come to see it yourself in due time.”

Ciara smiled, feeling a strange and unexpected sense of comfort and against all common sense, hope. “Thank you, Frances, for revealing that.”

“As I said, you will see it for yourself soon,” she repeated. “As for myself, I am honored to serve you and His Grace equally.”

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