Beth gazed out at the garden, where the tulips were in full, radiant bloom. The garden was a picture of springtime: the sun bathed the lush green lawn in a warm, golden light, while the tulips stood tall in vibrant clusters. Their petals, rich in reds, pinks, and yellows, swayed gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of the flowers, mingling with the fresh scent of damp earth.Beth leaned closer, her fingers brushing against the soft petals. She closed her eyes for a moment, savouring the sweet aroma. It was a serene scene, but it did little to lift the heaviness in her heart.
“Lovely, isn’t it?” Her husband’s voice broke the silence, and Beth started slightly, turning to find him standing behind her. A smile touched her lips as she met his gaze.
“I miss her,” she said softly, her voice tinged with sadness. Her eyes began to glisten with tears as she looked at him, feeling the weight of her emotions.
James gave her a tender smile, his own eyes reflecting the shared sorrow.
“We all do,” he replied gently, taking her arm and leading her back toward the house. “I have something to discuss with the family.”
They made their way to the parlour, where James settled into a settee and adjusted his cravat, signalling that he was about to address something important. Beth watched him with a worried expression as he ordered tea to be brought up.
“Is everything alright, my dear?” She asked, her brows furrowing in concern.
Just then, Emily burst into the room, her bonnet in hand and her cheeks flushed from the heat of the day.
“The weather is dreadful!” she exclaimed, fanning herself vigorously.
Her mother, sipping her tea, nodded in agreement.
“I daresay, we’ll be approaching winter soon,” Beth commented, trying to distract herself from the unease in the room.
Emily, still catching her breath, announced, “I’ll go prepare for dinner.”
She turned to her mother with a warm smile. “I’ll see you soon, Mama.”
James cleared his throat loudly, drawing everyone’s attention back to him. Emily glanced at him, her expression shifting to one of concern as she noticed his solemn countenance.
“You look a bit pale, Papa,” Emily noted, her voice laced with worry.
“My dear,” James began, his gaze shifting between his family members, “there’s something I need to say.”
Emily bit her lower lip, her mind racing with anxious thoughts. She dreaded the idea of bad news.
“We’re leaving for London,” James declared, his voice cutting through the tension.
Emily’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Is there a season going on there, Papa?” she asked, her lips pursed in confusion.
James’s face remained grim.
“I mean relocating there permanently,” he clarified.
A range of emotions flickered across Beth’s and Emily’s faces. Beth’s eyes widened in shock, while Emily’s jaw dropped, struggling to process the unexpected news.
“Surely, James, this could have been discussed earlier,” Beth said, her voice stern and disbelieving.
“I apologise,” James replied, his tone apologetic. “We’ve had too many troubles on our plates.”
“And I am selling the cottage,” he continued. “We’ll be leaving for London after the ball.”
Emily’s heart sank.
“In three days, Papa?” Her voice wavered.
“I’m so sorry, my dear,” James said, his voice softening. “Our work with the Hadleys is done, and we need a fresh start.”
“Do we really have to go?” Emily asked, her voice trembling as she fought back tears. Beth looked at her daughter with sympathy.
“Go on, my dear,” she urged gently.
Emily wiped away a tear, gathered her skirts, and left the parlour, determined to write to Jane about the sudden change. Beth sighed deeply, her gaze filled with sorrow as she looked at her husband.
“How could you, James?” she asked quietly before leaving the room in search of a place where she could find some peace.
Yup! I’m so backkk😂😂. So, who missed me?😂. This chapter is a sneak peek to what’s coming and yeah, it’s really short. I’d be rounding up my exams soon so I’ll try to complete the book. I missed y’all 🥺
Don't forget to vote and comment 😊🥺
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Of love and deceit
RandomA damaged duke. A misunderstood duchess. A marriage forged in the fires of obligation. When Jane Hadley weds the enigmatic Duke of Heartland, neither of them could foresee the shadows that their union would cast. Bound by duty rather than desire, th...