Chapter Twenty-Nine

76 3 54
                                    

The relationship between Edward and Jane had evolved over the months. What had begun as a union of necessity had blossomed into a genuine companionship. Their days were now filled with moments of shared conversation and mutual interest. They took delight in their meals together, often laughing over the day's events or discussing various topics of interest.

Their walks through the estate's grounds had become cherished rituals, and Jane found herself increasingly enamoured with her husband. Although she still harboured doubts about his feelings, the marriage, surprisingly, had turned out to be less burdensome than she initially feared.

One afternoon, seeking to break the monotony, Jane sat at the pianoforte. The polished keys beckoned her, and she allowed her fingers to glide over them, producing a soft, enchanting melody that filled the room. The music wrapped around her like a warm embrace, offering solace from the ennui that had begun to settle in.

Jane closed her eyes, letting the notes transport her to a place of comfort. After the music faded, she turned to her embroidery-a pastime that always provided her with a sense of calm and purpose. Jane had also broached the subject of managing some of the dukedom's affairs with Edward. Although he had been noncommittal, promising only to consider her request, Jane awaited his decision with hopeful anticipation.

"Rosie, fetch my cloak, please," Jane called to her lady's maid, her voice filled with a note of excitement. "We shall be visiting the tenants today."

"Yes, Your Grace," Rosie replied with a curtsy, her eagerness evident as she hurried to fulfil the request.

As Jane prepared to leave, Mrs. Anne appeared in the drawing room. She quirked an eyebrow in confusion upon seeing Jane's dress.

"Are you heading out, Your Grace?"

"Nothing of concern, Mrs. Anne," Jane assured her with a warm smile. "I'm merely visiting our tenants. I shall return before dinner."

"Very well then," Mrs. Anne responded, her gaze affectionate. "Have a pleasant outing."

Stepping outside, Jane felt the crisp air of late afternoon brush against her cheeks. The estate's serenity was a stark contrast to the bustling village she was about to visit. As she approached the village, she was greeted by familiar sights-the simple homes of her tenants, the lively chatter of children playing, and the distant clamour of horses' hooves on cobblestone.

Her first stop was the home of Mr. Walter, an elderly farmer who had always shown great respect for the duchess.

"Hello, Mr. Walter. How is the harvest?"

"We are doing our utmost, Your Grace," Mr. Walter replied, removing his cap and bowing respectfully. "However, the yields have been decreasing year on year."

Jane's brow furrowed in concern. "What seems to be the problem?"

"Well, if you could speak to His Grace about providing additional assistance and better tools, it could greatly improve our situation," Mr. Walter suggested, his voice tinged with hope.

Jane nodded thoughtfully. "I shall discuss this with the Duke and see what can be done."

After bidding Mr. Walter farewell, Jane and Rosie made their way back to the estate as the day's light began to wane. Upon returning to the estate, Jane changed into a comfortable gown for dinner, though her thoughts lingered on the day's visit. She decided to visit Edward's study to remind him of the tenants' concerns and her request to be involved in managing some of the dukedom's affairs.

Entering the study, Jane was immediately struck by its imposing yet inviting atmosphere. The room, dominated by a grand mahogany desk and lined with shelves of books, exuded an air of solemnity and intellectual rigour. The faint scent of sandalwood and soap lingered in the air-a signature of Edward's presence.

The desk was cluttered with estate accounts and correspondence, testifying to Edward's precise nature. Jane wandered through the study, her gaze lingering on the various volumes on history, politics, and ancient civilizations. She felt a strange sense of intimacy as she explored the room, a glimpse into the private world of her husband.

Her eyes fell upon a leather-bound book nestled among the papers. It was a diary-Edward's diary. Curiosity heightened, Jane hesitated, knowing the breach of privacy that reading someone's personal diary entailed. Yet, the allure of uncovering the inner thoughts of the man she was growing to love proved too powerful to resist.

She carefully opened the diary and began to read. As she turned the pages, Jane was struck by the rawness of Edward's emotions. The entries revealed a painful history-a childhood overshadowed by his father's cruelty and neglect, and the profound loneliness he had endured after his mother's death.

Jane's heart ached with sympathy. She had never experienced such profound parental neglect, having been fortunate enough to receive love from the Millers, but the depth of Edward's suffering was obvious in every word.

Her heart ached for him, and a deep sense of sorrow and empathy enveloped her. This knowledge of his past illuminated the reasons behind his coldness and emotional distance. It was a revelation that made her admire him even more, understanding the layers of pain he had buried beneath his stoic exterior.

Suddenly, Edward's voice shattered the stillness of the room. "What are you doing here?"

Jane's heart skipped a beat as she turned, her face flushed with guilt and surprise.

"I was-" Her voice faltered, the weight of her actions pressing down on her.

"Is that my diary?" Edward's voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of her holding the book. "Were you reading it?"

Jane felt a wave of fear and remorse. "I apologise, truly. My curiosity got the better of me."

Edward's face contorted with a mixture of anger and hurt. A muscle in his jaw twitched uncontrollably as he struggled to contain his emotions. Without another word, he turned on his heel and fled the room.

The door slammed behind him, its echo resonating through the empty study. Jane stood frozen, the diary still clutched in her trembling hands. The room, now felt oppressive and suffocating. Her mind swirled with conflicting emotions-regret for her breach of privacy, concern for Edward's reaction, and a deep, aching empathy for the pain she had uncovered. As she carefully placed the diary back on the desk, Jane's thoughts raced.

The serene routine of her day had been shattered by the unexpected discovery of Edward's hidden pain. The path forward now seemed fraught with uncertainty and the painful realisation of the emotional wounds Edward carried. She knew she had crossed a boundary, but the depth of his suffering had also opened her heart to him in ways she had not anticipated.

Uh oh, what have you done Jane?
Let's hope Edward eventually forgives you.
Oh this isn't looking good at all.

Vote, comment, and share, my dearest readers.

Of love and deceit Where stories live. Discover now