Chereads / Grenville: Mabel & The Duke / Chapter 10 - Chapter 9: In The Duke's Absence (Part 2)

Chapter 10 - Chapter 9: In The Duke's Absence (Part 2)

As Alexander ventured deeper into the village, a sense of anticipation mingled with the cool evening air. He followed the winding paths, guided by the memory of Mabel's laughter and the warmth of her presence. The village seemed to come alive with subtle magic, casting a spell that drew him closer to the heart of the community.

As he approached a quaint little cottage adorned with blooming flowers, Alexander's keen eyes spotted a familiar figure through the window – Mabel, seated at a rustic wooden table, engaged in conversation with an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to Auntie Agatha. Determination welled within him as he approached the door.

The gentle chime of a bell announced his entrance as he stepped into the cosy room. Mabel looked up, surprise and delight lighting up her eyes as she recognized the familiar face.

"Sir, you found me," she exclaimed, a genuine smile gracing her lips.

Alexander returned her smile, feeling a sense of warmth and familiarity. "I couldn't stay away, Miss Mabel. Your laughter lingered in my thoughts, and I found myself drawn back to you."

The older woman, whom Alexander assumed to be Mabel's auntie, regarded him with a knowing twinkle in her eyes. "Well, well, it seems fate has a way of bringing kindred spirits together. I'm Auntie Agatha, and you must be the young man who's captured my niece's heart."

Alexander blushed slightly but maintained his composure. "I'm Alexander, and meeting Mabel has been the highlight of my days."

Mabel gestured for Alexander to join them at the table, and they soon found themselves engaged in a lively conversation. The warmth and hospitality of Mabel's home enveloped Alexander, making him feel like a welcomed guest in a place where hearts were open and genuine connections were valued.

As they shared stories and laughter, Alexander felt a growing connection with Mabel, as if their souls were dancing to a harmonious melody. He couldn't help but be captivated by her simplicity, her genuine spirit that stood in stark contrast to the complexities of his world.

After a while, Auntie Agatha excused herself, leaving Mabel and Alexander alone in the cosy cottage. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow, creating an intimate atmosphere that allowed them to share more personal moments.

"Tell me more about yourself, Alexander," Mabel encouraged, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity.

As Alexander hesitated for a moment, his mind racing as he contemplated how much to reveal, Mabel's gaze remained fixed on him, her curiosity evident in the gentle curve of her lips and the spark in her eyes. He knew that his true station might not be well-received in this humble setting, but the allure of Mabel's acceptance and the desire to maintain the connection urged him to proceed.

"I... I come from a family of moderate means," he began, careful to downplay his noble lineage. "We live in a modest estate on the outskirts of a nearby town. My days are often filled with... with the mundane tasks of managing our land and affairs."

Mabel nodded, her expression filled with empathy. "It sounds like a peaceful life, though perhaps not without its challenges."

Alexander offered a faint smile, relieved that Mabel seemed to accept his simplified version of the truth. "Yes, there are challenges, but meeting you has been a welcome reprieve from the ordinary."

At his words, a soft blush crept into Mabel's cheeks, a subtle yet telling reaction to his sentiment. She lowered her gaze for a moment, a shy smile playing at the corners of her lips before meeting his gaze once more. "You flatter me, Alexander. I'm glad to have brought a bit of brightness into your days."

"I'm just a man, Miss Mabel," he began, his voice soft yet earnest. "A man who seeks simplicity and genuine connections in a world filled with complexities and expectations. I long for experiences that transcend social boundaries and allow me to be myself."

Mabel nodded, her eyes reflecting understanding. "There's a certain freedom in simplicity, isn't there? I've always believed that it's the little moments in life that matter the most."

Alexander couldn't help but be drawn to Mabel's outlook on life, her genuine spirit resonating with his desire for authenticity. As the evening unfolded, he found himself opening up to her in ways he never thought possible, sharing more of himself than he had ever shared with anyone else.

In turn, Mabel shared tales of her upbringing in the village, her dreams, and the strong sense of community that bound the people together. Alexander found himself enchanted by the vivid imagery she painted with her words, a world so different from his own yet strangely alluring.

As the evening unfolded, it became evident that the connection between Alexander and Mabel was deepening. There was a shared understanding that surpassed social boundaries, a recognition of kindred spirits who had found each other against the odds.

As the night grew darker, Alexander knew he couldn't linger forever. Reluctantly, he rose from his seat, a sense of longing in his eyes.

"I must bid you farewell for now, Miss Mabel," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I hope to see you again soon. Perhaps, under the old oak tree where we first met?"

Mabel's eyes sparkled with agreement. "I would like that very much, Alexander. Until then."

"Until then!" Alexander thinks and with a lingering glance, Alexander leaves Mabel's cottage, his heart brimming with newfound joy. Little did he know that the bond forged in that cosy room would set the stage for an extraordinary journey, one that would challenge societal norms and redefine the course of their lives.

As Alexander made his way back to the grand estate, his mind was filled with thoughts of Mabel and the enchanting evening they had shared. The streets of the village were quiet now, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, and Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him.

Upon his return to the estate, Alexander was greeted by the sight of the imposing mansion, its grandeur illuminated against the night sky. He couldn't shake the feeling of longing that tugged at his heart, yearning to be back in Mabel's presence.

Inside, the atmosphere was bustling with activity as servants moved about, attending to their duties. Alexander's thoughts, however, remained fixated on Mabel, her laughter echoing in his mind like a melodic refrain.

As he made his way through the corridors, Alexander's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his mother's voice calling out to him from the drawing room.

"Alexander, is that you?" The duchess's voice rang out, tinged with relief.

Alexander entered the drawing room to find his mother sitting by the fireplace, her expression a mix of concern and relief. Evelyn sat nearby, her gaze curious as she looked up at her brother.

"Mother, Evelyn," Alexander greeted them with a warm smile, though he couldn't hide the lingering distraction in his eyes.

The duchess rose from her seat, her eyes searching Alexander's face with a mother's scrutiny. "Where have you been, Alexander? We were worried when you didn't return."

Alexander hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain his absence without revealing the true reason for his late return. "I apologize, Mother. I lost track of time."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, a hint of scepticism in her voice. "Exploring the village or exploring someone, Alexander?"

Alexander shot a warning to his sister, and the duchess gave Alexander a knowing look, though she chose not to press the issue further. "Well, you're back now, and that's what matters. Your father wanted to speak with you about some urgent matters. Call him back."

Alexander nodded, grateful for the reprieve, though he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt for keeping his family in the dark about his true whereabouts. With a brief farewell to his mother and sister, he made his way to his father's chamber, where he returned his father's call.

"Alexander, I've been trying to reach you," the Duke of Hawthorne's stern voice echoed through the speaker. "There are important matters we need to discuss. Where have you been?"

Feeling the weight of responsibility press upon him, Alexander carefully chose his words. "I apologize, Father. I was taking a stroll in the gardens, lost in thought. I didn't realize you were trying to reach me."

The duke's voice softened slightly, a hint of impatience lingering. "Well, we can't afford distractions at a time like this. I expect you to be more attentive to your responsibilities. There are crucial decisions to be made, and I need your input."

"I understand, Father. I'll be more diligent," Alexander assured, glancing out of the study window as if searching for answers in the moonlit night.

"See that you are. We cannot afford any lapses in our focus, especially now," the duke stressed. "Your mother and I will expect a detailed report on the matters we discussed when I return."

As the call ended, Alexander sighed, the weight of his noble obligations settling heavily upon his shoulders. He couldn't deny the allure of the life he had just experienced in the village with Mabel, but the reality of his duties demanded his attention.

After Mabel and her auntie chatted for a bit longer, Mabel excused herself, mentioning that she needed to freshen up. With a warm smile, Auntie Agatha bid her niece farewell, her eyes twinkling with fondness as she watched Mabel disappear up the stairs.

Alone in her room, Mabel let out a contented sigh as the warm water cascaded over her skin, washing away the remnants of the day. Thoughts of Alexander lingered in her mind, his presence still palpable in the cosy cottage. She couldn't help but replay their conversation in her head, savouring each moment they had shared.

As she stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a fluffy towel, Mabel felt a renewed sense of hope stirring within her. There was something about Alexander that felt different, something that ignited a spark of excitement she hadn't felt in a long time. She couldn't wait to see him again, to unravel the mysteries that lay hidden behind his captivating gaze.

After dressing in a simple yet elegant attire, Mabel descended the stairs, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Auntie Agatha was seated by the fireplace, a book in hand, but she looked up with a knowing smile as Mabel entered the room.

"Feeling refreshed, my dear?" Auntie Agatha asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Mabel nodded, unable to contain the smile that graced her lips. "Yes, Auntie. Thank you for understanding."

Auntie Agatha waved off her gratitude with a gentle chuckle. "Of course, my dear. Love has a way of making time stand still, doesn't it?"

Mabel blushed at her aunt's words, but she couldn't deny the truth in them. Love was a curious thing, she mused, one that had the power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

With a final hug, Mabel bid her auntie goodnight and made her way to her bedroom. As she slipped beneath the covers, her thoughts drifted back to Alexander and the unexpected turn of events that had brought him into her life. She couldn't deny the flutter of excitement in her chest at the prospect of seeing him again, and as he suggested, maybe taking him to flower picking.