Lucia sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the delicate embroidery of the bedsheets. The morning conversation with Duke Alexander still echoed in her mind.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
...
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
A marriage.
She had agreed, but the weight of it pressed down on her. Was this truly the only way?
Her fingers instinctively reached for the pendant around her neck. If her father had left behind something important, she needed to find out what it was. And if the Duke was willing to help her uncover the truth… then she would have to trust him.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Come in.
Marian entered, carrying a neatly folded set of elegant gowns.
Marian / Maid
Milady, these were delivered for you. The Duke insisted you have proper attire.
Lucia blinked, surprised by his consideration.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
He… picked them out?
Marian smiled.
Marian / Maid
Not exactly. The butler selected them under his orders.
Lucia ran her fingers over the fine fabric, then glanced at Marian.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
You’ve been working here for a long time, haven’t you?
Marian nodded.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Tell me… what kind of man is the Duke?
Marian hesitated for a moment before setting the clothes down.
Marian / Maid
Duke Alexander is a formidable man—sharp, disciplined, and fiercely loyal to those he trusts. He is respected by his peers and feared by his enemies.
Lucia bit her lip.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Feared?
Marian chuckled.
Marian / Maid
Only by those who deserve it.
Lucia’s gaze lowered to the dress in her lap.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
And his family?
Marian’s expression softened.
Marian / Maid
The Duke rarely speaks of them. But if you wish to know more, the butler has served his family for decades. He would know best.
Lucia nodded, filing that information away.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Thank you, Marian. You’ve been very kind to me.
Marian smiled warmly.
Marian / Maid
It is my duty, milady.
As the maid left, Lucia held the gown against her, staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
The Duke remained a mystery, but she was determined to understand the man who had tied his fate to hers.
Comments