Page 29 of Healing the Duke's Desires
The door opened quickly, revealing the face of his butler Mr. Stirling, who was able to recognize his master’s state immediately. His eyes reflected a depth of understanding that went beyond mere words.
“Your Grace, I apologize for the intrusion,” Mr. Stirling said, but the moment his voice filled the chamber, Alexander couldn’t help but feel soothed by the man’s presence. “I simply wished to ask if there is anything I could do for you, as I could not help but notice that something is distressing you greatly.”
Alexander turned to face the butler, feeling a mix of vulnerability and turmoil. The weight of his guilt and conflicting emotions seemed to hang in the air between them, unspoken yet palpable.
“I don’t know how you always do it, Stirling,” Alexander said.
“Do what, Your Grace?” Mr. Stirling seemed caught off guard by this question but remained standing upright, his gaze unwavering.
“See when something is wrong,” Alexander explained. “When something is troubling me—even when it is, like now, just a momentary lapse, a foolish indulgence.”
Mr. Stirling seemed to think about it for a moment, then his gaze held a steady compassion as he moved closer to Alexander. “If you will permit me to point out, were it merely a foolish indulgence, it would not bother Your Grace so much.”
Alexander didn’t say anything to this. How on earth did Mr. Stirling always know exactly what was happening, without knowing all the details? He turned to Amelia’s portrait once again, the woman whose memory he held dear and whose absence still left an ache that had yet to heal properly.
“Your Grace loved her so deeply,” Mr. Stirling said softly, his words carrying the weight of years of service, loyalty, and understanding. “It was felt in the air around you two. But sometimes, people leave without wanting to. Those of us left behind have to… pick up the pieces somehow and learn to be happy again.”
Alexander sighed heavily, turning to face Mr. Stirling. “I honestly don’t know if I can be happy again.”
“Why not?” Mr. Stirling wondered.
“Because it feels like betrayal,” Alexander confessed, the words like poison on his tongue.
“Lady Amelia would never see you moving on as betrayal.” Mr. Stirling had finally said the words Alexander needed to hear. “Knowing her kind nature, I believe she would want nothing more than to see you happy and able to find love again.”
Alexander felt his shoulders sag, as if the heaviest of burdens had just been placed on them and he was finding it increasingly difficult to keep his balance. “I… I’m not sure if I can do that. Opening myself up to another woman in such a way, letting down the walls around my heart… The guilt, the fear of betraying her memory… it’s just overwhelming.”
Mr. Stirling placed a reassuring hand on Alexander’s shoulder, his touch a source of comfort amidst the storm of emotions.
“Your Grace, I’ve known you for a long time, and I’ve seen the depths of your heart. Lady Amelia’s love was a treasure, and her memory will always hold a special place within you. But you have a life ahead of you, and you deserve happiness as well.”
Alexander’s voice quivered as he spoke, his vulnerability laid bare. “How can I move forward, Stirling? How can I reconcile the past with the possibility of a new beginning?”
Mr. Stirling’s eyes held a wisdom that seemed to transcend time. “You need not rush, Your Grace. Take some time to reflect on your feelings. Consider what you truly desire and what your heart yearns for. Remember, whatever decision you make should be one that leads to your happiness—just as Lady Amelia would have wanted.”
A single stray tear ran down Alexander’s cheek, his emotions completely overwhelming him at this point. He looked at Mr. Stirling, gratitude and anguish warring within him. “You are the voice of reason in all my storms, Stirling. Your words… they mean more to me than you could ever know.”
Mr. Stirling returned Alexander’s smile. “Trust in your heart. There, you will find the answers you seek.”
They locked gazes for a small eternity, until Mr. Stirling realized that this was his cue to leave. “If you don’t need me for anything else…”
“You’ve already done more than you could imagine, Stirling.” Alexander nodded. “Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure, Your Grace.” Mr. Stirling bowed gracefully and left the library, closing the door silently behind him.
Alexander was left to grapple with his racing thoughts and emotions. The portrait of Amelia seemed to watch over him, a silent reminder of the love he had lost and the possibility of a new chapter waiting to be written. Emily might be this new chapter, one that would bring within itself newfound joy and happiness.
And as he gazed upon her image, Alexander knew he had a journey ahead—one of introspection, healing, and ultimately, a choice that would shape his destiny and honor the memory of the past.
Chapter 17
The next day brought a sense of renewed anticipation for Emily. The day of a highly anticipated poetry reading at a prestigious library had finally arrived, and Emily exchanged her daydreams for the company of her sister and Henry. The trio found themselves in the very heart of the city, gazing at the library’s imposing façade, a symphony of pure architectural marvels that blended classical elegance with just the right touch of opulence.
As they entered the hallowed halls, a sense of reverence enveloped Emily’s senses. Just like Sarah, she had passed by this library many a time before, but she had never actually stepped foot inside. Tall, arched doorways opened into a vast chamber, its ceiling adorned with intricate frescoes depicting scenes from mythology and literature.
Emily was happy to see she could recognize most of them. The walls, decorated with ornate carvings and gilded accents, whispered tales of a bygone era, where knowledge was cherished as a treasure beyond measure.
“My goodness,” Emily gasped to herself, but both Sarah and Henry heard her, sharing in her awe. “This place is utterly breathtaking.”
