The world they created was idyllic. Not a soul would believe that there wasn't love between the two masters of the Montclair Estate.
However, in their relationship, there was no intimacy and nothing beyond the friendship Desmond promised when he swore to never touch Leonor.
As autumn arrived and the duke became busier, it became easier for both of them to ignore this part of their relationship. They wouldn't have awkward lingering moments where Leonor sought affection he felt he couldn't give her.
Before cold weather befell them, Desmond was gone for many days in a row. His absence was felt so dearly by Leonor. It made her realize just how much she had been relying on him for the past months since they were married.
