Page 57 of His Scarred Duchess
Adeline met her maid’s eyes in the mirror. “Even with…” She gestured vaguely to her scars.
“They don’t take away from your beauty, Your Grace,” Hannah said firmly. “They’re part of who you are. And if I may be so bold, I think His Grace agrees.”
Adeline’s breath caught. “What makes you say that?”
Hannah smiled softly as she resumed styling her hair. “Just the way he looks at you, Your Grace. When he thinks no one’s watching. It’s… well, it’s quite romantic, really.”
Adeline felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Hannah’s words. Could it be true? Did Edmund really see her the way he’d claimed to last night?
“There,” Hannah said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. “All finished. Which gown would you like to wear today, Your Grace?”
As Adeline considered her options, she found herself wondering which dress Edmund might like to see her in.
“The blue one, I think,” she decided. “With the lace trim.”
While Hannah helped her dress, Adeline’s mind wandered back to the previous night. The passion in Edmund’s eyes, the reverence in his touch. For the first time since their wedding, she allowed herself to hope that perhaps whatever this is between them could become something more.
“You look lovely, Your Grace,” Hannah remarked as she finished lacing up the gown.
Adeline studied her reflection once more. The woman in the mirror looked confident, almost radiant. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Thank you, Hannah.”
She made her way to the small dining room, her heart fluttering with anticipation. As she entered, she found Edmund already seated, his riding clothes exchanged for more formal attire.He rose immediately upon seeing her, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Good morning, Adeline,” he said, his voice low and intimate. “I trust you slept well?”
“Very well, thank you,” she replied, feeling a blush rise to her cheeks as memories of the previous night flooded her mind. “And you? I hope your ride was invigorating.”
Edmund’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he pulled out her chair. “Indeed, it was, though not nearly as invigorating as last night’s activities.”
As Adeline sat down, his hand brushed against hers, sending a thrill through her. She looked up to find his gaze fixed on her, intense and warm.
“You look beautiful this morning,” he murmured, his fingers lingering on hers for a moment before he returned to his seat.
“Thank you,” Adeline replied, slightly breathless. “I’m glad you approve of my… attire.”
Edmund’s lips quirked in a small smile. “I assure you, my dear, I approve most heartily.”
As the footmen served their breakfast, Adeline found herself marveling at the easy intimacy that had sprung up between them.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Edmund said as he buttered a piece of toast, “but I’ve arranged a tour of the estate for us this afternoon. I thought you might like to see more of Holbrook.”
Adeline’s eyes lit up. “That sounds wonderful. I’d love to learn more about the estate. In fact, I was hoping we might discuss some of the agricultural innovations you’ve introduced. I heard talk of your crop rotation system.”
Edmund looked pleased. “I recall you said you were interested in agriculture.”
“I find all aspects of estate management fascinating,” Adeline admitted. “Though I fear my knowledge is largely theoretical. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”
The double meaning of her words hung in the air between them, and Edmund’s eyes darkened slightly.
“It would be my pleasure,” he said, his voice husky. “I’m always eager to… share my knowledge.”
As Edmund launched into an explanation of his four-field system, Adeline found herself captivated not just by the information, but by the passion with which he spoke. She asked intelligent questions, delighting in the way his eyes lit up as he elaborated on various points.
“You’re quite knowledgeable,” Edmund remarked, looking impressed.
Adeline smiled, reaching for the jam. As she did so, her hand brushed against his once more. This time, neither of them pulled away.
“There’s a great deal you have yet to learn about me, Your Grace,” she said softly. “I hope you’ll find me… full of surprises.”
