Page 52 of Wedded to the Deviant Duke

Charlotte immediately snatched the card out from her friend’s hand, though Thalia was a touch more hesitant. “You’re inviting me as well, Madeline? Are you sure? I’m not certain you’ve heard what happened yesterday.”

Madeline nodded curtly, surprising Thalia with mid-interruption. “It’s like I said before, my Lady. You are deserving of respect.”

Thalia’s smile warmed, wanting nothing more than to embrace Madeline there and then. Instead, she cleared her throat lightly, tucking her invitation between the seam of her light jacket. “Well, at least I’ll be able to attend someone’s Seasonal event while I’m here.” She eyed Charlotte teasingly, her replying with a mocking scowl.

“Between Gabriel’s fathering and your mothering, it feels as if I never lost my parents to begin with.” Charlotte said, then turned to Madeline, putting on her brightest grin. “Madeline, dear, would you mind terribly hosting us for the afternoon? Gabriel has barred us from returning home.”

“Only for a few hours,” Thalia clarified. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

“Oh, not at all!” Madeline insisted, gesturing out the parlor doors. “I was already prepared for Louise visiting. Please, follow me; you’re excused for now,” she added to the lingering maid. “Take a moment to the kitchen and relax.”

As the maid nodded, Madeline led the pair inside, and Thalia took the time to truly take in the manor’s decor. The stained wood walls and clean flooring was pleasant enough, though the real beauty came from the assortment of potted ivy and floral arrangements that appeared to be trying to escape from their vases.

It reminded her of an enchanted cottage from a children’s book, complete with an assortment of books and glimmering crystals and other natural oddities.

“Your decoration is so lovely, Madeline,” Thalia crooned.

“Oh.” Madeline paused, allowing Thalia a chance to catch up as she adjusted her spectacles. “Thank you so much. You’re one of few who thinks so.”

“Some unsavory individuals find Madeline’s taste too ‘country’ for ‘the finery of London society’,” Charlotte groaned. “But I think it’s straight out of a fairytale.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Thalia grinned. “It feels like we’ve stepped into an entirely different world.”

A red flush crossed Madeline’s face, and she nervously twirled a strand of hair hanging over her shoulder. “That’s very kind of you to say. Father allows me to decorate as I please…I had hoped to create a haven of sorts, from the persistent gaze of higher society. I’m glad you find it so effective.”

It truly was. Thalia found herself taking mental notes as they walked; surely, such universal decorations could easily be obtained once she was back at the rookery.

And the drawing room they ended up in looked positively otherworldly, heavy with the earthy scent of potting dirt and a fresh breeze that occasionally blew in through the window.

A few books had been abandoned alongside the window’s reading seat, bookmarked with dozens of pressed flowers no doubt created by Madeline herself. Then there were a pair of settees surrounding a glass coffee table, cushions covered in a number of small, half-stitched dresses and freshly started embroidery pieces.

“I apologize for the mess. My maid offers to remove those every day but–” Madeline said.

“Don’t fret, Madeline.” Charlotte laughed. “We’re the ones who surprised you.” She skipped towards one of the settees, carefully handing a white-linen nightgown decorated in tiny asters and morning glories. “Gosh, you’re absolutely talented; look how adorable this is, Thalia!”

“It looks professionally made,” Thalia beamed.

Madeline blushed wildly, fiddling with her glasses once more. “That’s very kind of you to say. I’m not sure if it’s as good as the others, though.”

“Others?” Thalia inquired.

“She’s making one for every month in autumn and winter,” Charlotte explained. “That’s when Louise is supposedly delivering.”

“Gracious, Madeline!” Thalia marveled. “That’s six gowns in such a short time! And you mentioned ‘others’—you’ve finished some already?”

Madeline nodded sheepishly.

“Well, I would be honored if you’d let us help,” Thalia said.

Charlotte gasped, clapping her hands together excitedly. “Ooh, yes!” I haven’t made anything for the baby yet; this is the perfect chance! Thalia and I could embroider the flowers while you sew!”

“I would think the actual sewing part would be more time-consuming,” Thalia chided teasingly, finally joining the pair at last. “Feel free to direct us, Madeline. We’re your unexpected guests, so the least we can do is be of use.”

Charlotte made a slight face, but Madeline looked more than thrilled by her offer. “Actually, I could use help with tidying up August’s florals—and, Thalia, if you truly don’t mind, I’ve only cut the shape out for October.”

“I’ll handle the florals!” Charlotte cried out, immediately scanning the couches before snatching up another linen dress embroidered with colorful poppies. A few did seem to be missing their petals and stems, and the designs were small and detailed. Thalia was somewhat relieved to be handling construction.

The trio eventually fell into a peaceful rhythm, with Madeline occasionally giving creative direction. Charlotte had immediately fallen into her own little world, embroidering up a storm with a look of absolute concentration.

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