Chapter 11 #2
“Of course, Your Grace.” The blonde maid helped her dress and then dipped a curtsy and was gone, leaving Cordelia to stand in front of the long mirror in her bedroom, admiring the gown.
It was one of many she’d found in the wardrobe, all new from Nicholas, made of the finest materials, fitting her body perfectly.
She also couldn’t help but admire the room itself.
It was beautiful and soft, with flowered wallpaper and lovely paintings of landscapes on the walls.
The canopy on the bed was a dusty rose, and everywhere she looked, she saw softness and comfort but not gaudiness.
The bathroom too had been made for a woman, but it was not overly ornamental.
It was everything she could have dreamed of in a bedroom, a safe space away from the world.
“Your Grace,” a knock came at the door.
“Do come in, Mrs. Wright.”
The old woman entered, her keys hanging on her chatelaine. She folded her hands and smiled.
“The duchess’s room. It is a beauty, isn’t it? I am so grateful that someone is now going to use it, now that the former duchess can no longer.”
“Nicholas’s mother?”
“Yes,” Mrs. Wright said, a kind look in her eye. “She was such a kind woman, and it broke our hearts when she passed, giving birth to him.”
“Giving birth to Nicholas?” Cordelia asked in horror.
She had not known this. Even Helen had never mentioned it to her, even though they had both known that Nicholas was an orphan.
“Yes. But let us think of lighter things. There is much I wish to show you, Your Grace, and you must ask as many questions as you like. You are to have the running of the household now, and so everything shall be done according to your specifications.”
Cordelia took a breath, following Mrs. Wright from the room, and realizing just what an undertaking the role of a duchess was going to be.
She had been raised as a viscount’s daughter and had learned how to run a household, but she had never thought she would be raised to the level of a duke’s wife.
“You will have to guide me, Mrs. Wright. For you have far more experience than I do in these matters.”
Mrs. Wright chuckled. “I am at your disposal, Your Grace. In anything.” She gave her a sidelong glance. “You are going to be a wonderful duchess. I can feel it.”
Cordelia did not feel it herself, but at least she had one person in the house that had faith in her.
Later that evening, after a long day of learning all the servants’ names and all the rooms of the house, Cordelia thought of dressing for dinner and going down, but she was far too tired. She wanted to get into her bed and sleep for a week, if she could.
Not only that but I can avoid the confusing figure of a husband I now have.
When Anna came to tell her the duke was waiting for her, she asked for a tray to be sent to her room. But once it arrived, she barely ate a bite before falling asleep.
A few days passed, just the same. Cordelia awoke with feverish hope that the children would be even more comfortable in the house. Two out of the three days that passed, she’d found Nicholas at the door to the nursery, looking in but not going in. When he’d see her, he’d turn away to leave.
“Won’t you stay?” she’d ask him, and he’d shake his head.
“They’re looking well, I see. That’s all I need to know. You’ll be just fine on your own.” He’d then, leave with a furrowed brow, and she would enter the room on her own to wake the children up.
They’d spend the day playing games, walking in the garden, and reading. Nicholas would stop in every so often, but he wouldn’t say much before he’d leave again. But most of the time he remained in his study.
After a few evenings of Cordelia continuing to get a tray to her room for the evening meal, Mrs. Wright appeared at her room with a smile.
“His Grace would certainly like you to join him this evening.”
Cordelia felt a little flutter of hope rise within her. She hadn’t pushed him the last few days after what he’d told her, but now perhaps, he was ready?
She nodded. “I will be there then. But first I will see the children.”
“Of course. I will call for Anna.” Mrs. Wright left the room, looking suspiciously pleased.
Once Cordelia was dressed for dinner, she went to see the children.
Jenny already had them in bed, and disappointed, Cordelia went to kneel by each of them.
She stroked Tim’s cheek, grateful to see his chest rising and falling.
At Olivia’s side, she did the same, hopeful that one day, Olivia would take a liking to her.
At least her tears were not so incessant.
“It will only take a bit of time, Your Grace,” Jenny said from where she stood, hands clasped, looking even more exhausted than she had earlier. It was as if she’d known what was in Cordelia’s mind. “The children will grow to love you.”
“They already did love me, or so I thought. We have spent a great deal of time together ever since they were born.”
“Yes, but now things have been so very…difficult for them.”
“Yes, of course. You’re right, Jenny.” Cordelia touched Jenny kindly on the arm. “Are you certain you’re well? You appear very fatigued. More than the usual sort of fatigue that comes with taking care of children,” she added with a smile.
Jenny looked away, suddenly nervous. “I’m very well. It has all just been busy the last week. And the duke was not very happy with us leaving.”
“The Duke of Wexford? No, I’m sure he wasn’t. But we are all safe here now, together. I hope you get your rest. Have you eaten?”
“I am just about to go down, Your Grace, to get my tray.”
“Very good. Enjoy your evening.” Cordelia left, turning once more to glance at the children, and then with a sigh, she dragged herself to the dining room.
At least she now knew her way around, but still, she felt nervous at the thought of seeing the duke again. But she was starving, and she would not let him frighten her away from living the life she wished or from having her dinner.
But as she entered the dining room, he rose, pulling out a chair next to him, and looking just about as dashing as she had ever seen him. He grinned at her, a new sparkle in his eyes.
“Well, wife? Will you come and sit next to me for our first dinner as man and wife?”
Damn it.