The air at Eckhart Manor was filled with the excitement of wedding preparations. The grand estate was abuzz with activity, its corridors lined with fluttering servants and the heady fragrance of freshly cut flowers. Vases overflowed with vibrant blooms: roses, peonies, and lilies. In the heart of the preparations was Jane, who moved through the estate with a blend of anticipation and nervous energy. Her handmaid, Rosie, was at her side, making decisions about the floral arrangements with thoughtful considerations.
"Tulips or roses?" Rosie asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she held up two delicate options.
Jane considered for a moment, a smile playing at her lips. "Hmm, which do you prefer, Rosie?"
"Roses," Rosie replied without hesitation.
"Roses, then," Jane confirmed, her gaze settling on the elegant blooms that would adorn the wedding.
Madame Roseanne, the renowned dressmaker, had taken on the honour of crafting Jane's wedding gown. She had spoken of the dress with such enthusiasm that Jane could hardly wait to see the final product. The fittings were a process, each session bringing the gown closer to completion.
The gown was to be a marvel of fashion: a delicate confection of ivory silk with a high empire waist, its bodice adorned with lace and pearl embellishments. The skirt, billowing with layers of tulle and satin, would cascade elegantly to the floor, completing the picture of a fairytale bride.
During the fittings, Jane admired herself in the mirror, watching as the dress transformed her reflection into that of a bride. Yet, amid the beauty of the gown, Jane's mind was preoccupied with more troubling thoughts.
She was particularly anxious about the wedding night, an experience she had only read about in books. The passionate scenes depicted in the books made her blush and fidget. The reality of those moments, however, remained uncertain.
Without a mother to guide her through such intimate concerns, Jane had turned to the housekeeper for advice. Her comforting words had done little to fully assuage her worries, but they provided some solace.
"You need not worry, my dear," she had said kindly. "The duke is a kind and gentle man. I am certain he'll treat you well."
Jane had nodded to her words, though her heart was still uneasy. Her interactions with the duke had been limited, and while he had always acted with the utmost respect and decorum, their courtship had been restrained and formal.
Every day, Edward sent Jane fresh flowers, their colours brightening, and filling the manor with a sweet fragrance. They shared afternoon teas in the drawing room, where the conversation was polite but not deeply personal. Their picnics in the garden were equally formal, chaperoned by a watchful eye, yet Jane treasured these moments. Each time Edward visited, she looked forward to his rare but genuine smiles, which she found incredibly captivating.
On the final day of their courtship, Edward had presented Jane with a diamond ring and a necklace. The gift was exquisite. As he took Jane's left hand to slip the ring onto her finger, the soft brush of his fingers against her skin and neck when he placed the necklace sent an unexpected shiver through her.
Jane's thoughts turned to the wedding itself. The prospect of reuniting with the Millers, her other family, filled her with joy. They had accepted her invitation with enthusiasm, and Jane eagerly anticipated their presence at the wedding. The thought of seeing them after such a long time was a bright spot in her otherwise anxious mind.
As the days drew closer to the wedding, Jane was caught between excitement and trepidation. The preparations at Eckhart Manor continued in full swing, each detail meticulously arranged to ensure a perfect celebration. The prospect of her life changing forever was both thrilling and daunting, but amidst the flurry of activity, Jane hoped for the best, her heart a mixture of hope and nervous anticipation.
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Of love and deceit
Historical FictionA damaged duke. A misunderstood duchess. A marriage forged in the fires of obligation. Jane Miller's world shatters with the discovery of a devastating secret. Forced to leave behind the family she once cherished, burdened by her father's insurmount...
