Page 27 of A Tempting Maid for the Beastly Duke
“I know,” Aunt Cora nodded. “Let’s hope that your words got to him.”
Rose frowned. “I somehow doubt that, but yes… let’s hope.”
“Are we going inside with everyone?” Aunt Cora asked.
“Yes,” Rose nodded. “Afterwards, I’ll run to the village, to inquire about someone to repair the duke’s window. I just feel so guilty over his involvement in all of this.”
“You can’t hold yourself responsible for the actions of others,” her aunt reminded her.
“But he is my brother,” Rose urged. “I am his older sister. It is my duty to guiding Henry back onto the right path and I don’t think I am doing a very good job of it.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself, my dear,” her aunt reminded her lovingly. “Henry is growing up, and he is trying to find his own path in life, away from us.”
“I just wish it weren’t with those friends of his,” Rose frowned with a heavy sigh. “They are not a good influence.”
“They are not indeed,” Aunt Cora agreed, locking arms with Rose and together, they headed towards the church. “But if you try to keep him away from them, that will only make matters worse.”
“I know,” Rose agreed. “I have to endure the presence of those boys in Henry’s life, and unfortunately, in ours as well. But I think it is just a matter of time before the duke finds out thatHenry is one of the boys who have been harassing him, and Henry will lose his employment there.”
Aunt Cora didn’t say anything to that. Instead, she patted Rose’s hand gently. “Come now. Let us seek comfort here, if only for the time being. Eventually, our path will be shown to us.”
Chapter 15
William wandered through the manor the day after the latest broken window incident, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished floors. As he moved from room to room, he couldn’t help but notice the subtle yet significant changes that had taken place since Rose had begun working there.
The once oppressive atmosphere had lifted. Curtains, which had long hung heavy and dark over the windows, were now pulled back, allowing streams of sunlight to filter into the rooms. The light revealed a space that had been transformed. Dust, which had collected in thick layers over the years, was gone, replaced by a fresh, clean scent that seemed to permeate every corner of the manor.
Books and knick-knacks that had once been strewn haphazardly across tables and shelves were now neatly arranged, creating an air of order and tidiness. The floors gleamed, and the furniture, which had looked worn and tired, now seemed to have a renewed luster. The walls, once dull and faded, appeared brighter, as if Rose’s touch had breathed new life into them.
He paused in the drawing room, a place that had once felt oppressive and stifling. Now, with the curtains drawn back and the room bathed in natural light, it felt warm and welcoming. He could almost hear the echoes of laughter and conversation that had once filled the space, a stark contrast to the silence that had settled over the manor in recent years.
William realized just how much he had let things go since the tragedies that had befallen his family. The manor, once a symbol of his family's legacy and pride, had become a reflection of his own sorrow and neglect. But now, with Rose’s diligent care, it was beginning to feel like a home again.
He took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of gratitude and guilt. Gratitude for Rose’s efforts in revitalizing the manor, and guilt for allowing it to fall into such disrepair in the first place. He knew he owed her a debt of thanks, not just for her work, but for the quiet determination with which she had approached her duties.
As William stood in the drawing room, quietly reflecting on the transformation, Mr. Hancock appeared in the doorway. “I beg your pardon, Your Grace, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Good morning, Mr. Hancock,” William turned to him with a smile. “You are not interrupting at all. I was just admiring the changes around the manor. It seems… brighter somehow, wouldn’t you agree?”
Mr. Hancock’s eyes flashed across the room, taking in the sunlight streaming through the freshly cleaned windows and the neatly arranged furniture. His face remained impassive, but William detected a flicker of something in the old man’s eyes… perhaps, approval? Although it was difficult to tell with someone as reserved as Mr. Hancock was.
“It does appear different, Your Grace,” Mr. Hancock replied, his tone neutral.
William smiled slightly, knowing that Mr. Hancock had never been one for overt displays of emotion or praise. The steward had served the family for decades, through joy and sorrow, and his loyalty was unquestionable. However, William also knew that Mr. Hancock was wary of newcomers, particularly someone like Rose, whose presence had brought about such a noticeable change.
“I trust the changes are to your liking?” William asked, trying to gauge the man’s true feelings.
Mr. Hancock hesitated for a moment, then he responded. “The manor is certainly looking… refreshed. Miss Rose has been thorough in her duties.:
William nodded, appreciating the effort it took for Mr. Hancock to give even that measured praise. “Indeed, she has. Her hard work has made quite a difference. It’s almost as if the manor is waking up after a long sleep.”
And not only the manor, but he himself. Only, he didn’t say that part aloud. He wisely chose to keep it to himself.
Mr. Hancock’s gaze lingered on the windows, the light reflecting off his spectacles. “I do not doubt her diligence, Your Grace. However, I have always believed that the true character of a home is not in its appearance, but in the steadiness of those who maintain it.”
William understood the underlying message. “Your steadfastness has been the backbone of this household, Mr. Hancock. And it’s because of that foundation that such improvements can be appreciated.”
Hancock inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment. “As you say, Your Grace.”
