Page 22 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
Edith smiled warmly, glad to see her happy and excited.
Tilly’s chambers were simple, with a bed, a dresser, and a window that overlooked the gardens. Tilly gasped and all but jumped onto the plush bed.
“It’s not made of straw!” she giggled into the bedding.
The housekeeper looked at Edith with a raised eyebrow.
Edith shook her head, knowing now wasn’t the time to divulge Tilly’s history. She was then led to her chambers, which were slightly more well-appointed than Tilly’s.
A mahogany desk complete with stationery was tucked into one corner, along with a plush bed, a dresser, and a chair by the fireplace. The pale blue walls made the room feel larger than it was.
Edith’s eyes were drawn to the gardens. The large windows revealed the expansive paths and neat rows of bushes and flowers. Just beyond the gardens, she could see a field marking the start of the duchy.
“I see what His Grace meant,” she murmured as she took in the small homes in need of repair.
She turned to leave the room when something caught her eye. A door.
“Where does this lead?” she asked the housekeeper.
“Ah, that leads to His Grace’s chambers,” she explained with a smile.
Edith nodded and looked at the door for a moment, wondering if her husband would ever knock on it, or even open it. But she knew he never would.
The sun slowly made its way across the sky, and before long, the dinner hour had arrived. Edith changed into a suitable green silk evening dress and collected Tilly from her chambers.
The pair walked into the dining room and took their seats at the large mahogany table. Edith glanced at the head of the table, but Laurence’s chair sat empty.
“Will His Grace be joining us?” she asked the housekeeper.
“I’m afraid His Grace is out on business and will not be able to dine with you tonight. You may start without him,” she replied.
Edith held back a sigh and turned to look at Tilly.
The little girl’s eyes had dropped to the space in front of her where her food would soon be. It wasn’t an expectant or happy look.
“I’m sure His Grace is just busy with work,” Edith offered, reaching over to gently pat Tilly’s hand.
“Will he always be busy with work?”
Edith hesitated. There was no clever way to answer Tilly’s question, considering the Duke could well be busy for the entirety of their marriage.
“I should hope not,” she replied. “But if he is, then we can make the most of it.”
Tilly nodded, still looking down at her plate.
“Maybe we can use the time to find more foods you like?” Edith suggested. “There will be things available here we couldn’t get in town.”
Tilly slumped into her seat even further.
Edith bit her bottom lip, uncertain how to help the girl. She glanced at the housekeeper, who looked just as lost.
Shifting her gaze to the windows, she took in the estate’s sprawling gardens, wider and freer than any street in town or room in the workhouse.
It is worth a try.
“Would you like to explore the gardens tomorrow, Tilly?” Edith asked.
Tilly looked up and offered a small smile. Edith noticed that her shoulders relaxed, though her disappointment lingered.
