Page 2 of His Scarred Duchess
Adeline took a deep breath, composing herself before opening the door. “Isabella! There you are. I thought you were out with Lady Seline Whitmore this afternoon.”
Isabella bounced into the room, her golden curls bouncing with each step. Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement but dimmed as she noticed Adeline’s somber expression.
“Adeline? What’s wrong?”
Adeline took a deep breath, steeling herself for the conversation ahead. “Isabella, I need to tell you something. Father has decided… I’m to go live with our great-aunt Agatha in Scotland.”
Isabella’s eyes widened in shock. “Scotland? But why? For how long?”
“Indefinitely,” Adeline replied softly. “Father believes it’s best for the family, especially with your debut approaching.”
Tears welled up in Isabella’s eyes. “But that’s not fair! How can he send you away like this? We must do something—talk to Grandmama, or?—”
Adeline shook her head, reaching out to take her sister’s hands. “It’s already decided, Bella. And truly, it’s for the best. This way, you’ll have every chance at a successful Season without my… presence complicating matters.”
“I don’t care about my Season!” Isabella protested. “I care about you, about us being together. How can you be so calm about this?”
Adeline managed a small smile. “Because I have to be. And because I know you’ll be fine without me. You’re strong, Bella—stronger than you know.”
Isabella dabbed at her eyes with a delicate handkerchief, her head bowed for a moment.
When she looked up again, her lips still trembled, but there was a faint shift in her expression, a glimmer that hinted at something more beneath her sorrow.
Adeline’s gaze softened, though she remained cautious. “Bella?” she asked gently, her tone probing.
Isabella gave a slight shake of her head, composing herself. “I cannot fathom how Father could be so… resolute,” she said, her voice measured. “It feels… unjust, does it not?”
Adeline sighed, taking her sister’s hand. “It is his way. We mustn’t dwell on what cannot be undone.”
Isabella’s eyes flickered briefly, though her smile remained demure. “Of course,” she murmured. “I only wish things were different, that you didn’t have to leave.”
Adeline watched her sister closely, noticing the slight curve of her lips, the way her gaze grew thoughtful. Almost… distracted. She knew that look meant her little sister was up to no good.
“Isabella,” she said quietly, “promise me you won’t do anything rash.”
Isabella’s smile was fleeting but there, hidden behind a composed expression.
“Rash? Me?” she asked, her voice soft with a touch of amusement. “No, Adeline, I shan’t do anything… rash.”
Adeline frowned, not entirely convinced, but before she could press further, Isabella turned, her expression calm once more.
“You needn’t worry about me,” she said lightly, though something unreadable flashed in her eyes. “We shall see what the coming days bring.” With that, she gave a small nod and moved gracefully towards the door, pausing only for a moment before adding, “I think I shall go for a walk in the garden. Some fresh air always clears the head.”
Adeline watched her go, her unease deepening as the door closed behind her.
A few days later, Adeline sat with Isabella in the carriage as it rattled through the darkened streets. The soft glow of lanterns outside barely illuminated the interior, casting flickering shadows over their faces.
Adeline glanced out the window, expecting the familiar sight of their grandmother’s townhouse, but as the carriage slowed to a halt, she gasped.
“This isn’t Grandmother’s,” she noted, her voice sharp with confusion. “Where are we?”
Isabella bit her lip, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “I thought we could have one last adventure together before you leave.”
Adeline’s eyes widened. “What?” She shook her head, instantly on edge. “No, Isabella. Absolutely not. It’s far too risky. We can’t go running about unchaperoned—it will ruin us both!”
Isabella’s smile faltered, but she quickly straightened her shoulders. “Adeline, you’re leaving in a matter of weeks. Do you really want to go without one last night of excitement? One last chance to live a little before you’re shipped off to Scotland?”
Adeline crossed her arms, her heart pounding. “No. This is reckless and dangerous. We cannot just?—”
