Adelaide stirred awake, enveloped in the warmth of Luca's embrace. The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on their intertwined bodies. Memories of the previous night washed over her—passionate, intense, and filled with a love that seemed to deepen with every touch. She allowed herself a moment to savor the tranquility before carefully slipping out of bed, not wanting to disturb Luca.
She moved gracefully across the room, her bare feet barely making a sound on the wooden floor. Choosing a simple morning gown from her wardrobe, she dressed quickly and quietly. With a final glance at Luca's sleeping form, she made her way to the kitchen, deciding to surprise everyone by preparing breakfast herself.
The kitchen was bustling with the early morning activities of the servants. When Adelaide entered, a hush fell over the room. The head cook, Mrs. Potts, was the first to find her voice.
"Your Grace, you shouldn't trouble yourself with such tasks," she said, wringing her hands in her apron.
Adelaide smiled warmly. "Nonsense, Mrs. Potts. I feel like cooking this morning. Please, let me."
Reluctantly, the servants stepped aside, watching in amazement as the duchess rolled up her sleeves and set to work. Adelaide enjoyed the feel of the ingredients in her hands, the familiar motions of whisking eggs and kneading dough bringing a sense of normalcy and peace. She could hear the servants whispering and giggling amongst themselves, their surprise evident.
As she worked, her thoughts drifted back to the previous night. The intensity of their lovemaking had left her breathless, and the memory brought a flush to her cheeks. She was so lost in her reverie that she didn't notice Luca enter the kitchen until she felt his hands grip her waist from behind.
"Luca!" she gasped, half laughing, half scolding. He turned her around and kissed her deeply, right in front of the assembled servants. Their laughter and gossip filled the room as Adelaide melted into his embrace.
"You surprised me, Sweet," Luca murmured against her lips. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to do something special," Adelaide replied, resting her forehead against his. "Is that so wrong?"
"Not at all," he said with a smile."
Their tender moment was interrupted by a loud knock at the door. The butler, Stan, excused himself to answer it. He returned a few moments later, looking slightly perplexed.
"Your Grace," he addressed Adelaide, "there's a young woman at the door. She claims to be in desperate need of employment."
Adelaide shared a curious glance with Luca before following Stan to the entrance. There, standing in the doorway, was a young woman dressed in tattered clothes. Her face was smudged with dirt, and her eyes were wide with desperation.
"Please, Your Grace," she began, her voice trembling. "My name is Tina, and I desperately need a job. I've nowhere else to go. Please, may I see the duchess?"
Adelaide's heart went out to the girl. Despite her appearance, there was something about her that tugged at Adelaide's sense of compassion. She turned to Stan.
"Show her to the waiting room. I'll be there shortly," she instructed.
As Tina was led away, Adelaide returned to the kitchen to find Luca.
"I'll be back soon," she told him. "I just need to see what this is about."
Luca nodded, though his eyes were filled with concern. "Be careful, Sweet."
Adelaide made her way to the waiting room, where she found Tina sitting on the edge of a chair, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She looked up as Adelaide entered, her eyes filled with hope and fear.
"My dear, what's the matter?" Adelaide asked, sitting beside her.
"I'm an orphan, Your Grace," Tina explained, wiping her eyes with a grubby handkerchief. "I've been traveling for weeks, looking for work. Please, may I work here?"
Adelaide frowned, concerned but also wary. "I must speak to my husband before I can hire anyone. Where are you from?"
Tina hesitated but then lied smoothly, "I'm from a village far away, Your Grace. I've been traveling for weeks."
Adelaide nodded and called Clara. "Make sure Tina is comfortable until the Duke finishes his work in the study."
As Clara led Tina away, Adelaide's mind wandered. Jenna, one of their trusted maids, had gone missing recently. Tina's sudden appearance felt suspicious, but Adelaide brushed it off, deciding to focus on the immediate matter.
Retiring to her room, Adelaide found Andrea ready to assist her with her bath. The warm water and scented oils helped to relax her, though her thoughts kept circling back to Jenna's disappearance and Tina's arrival. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
"Andrea," she said, as the maid helped her into the bath, "have you heard anything about Jenna?"
Andrea shook her head. "No, Your Grace. It's as if she vanished into thin air."
Adelaide sighed, sinking deeper into the water. "I can't help but worry. And now this Tina... it all feels connected somehow."
"Do you think there's cause for concern, Your Grace?" Andrea asked, her brow furrowed with worry.
"I'm not sure," Adelaide admitted. "But I'll keep a close eye on Tina. There's something about her that doesn't quite add up."
After her bath, she dressed in a comfortable yet elegant gown. She lay on her bed, exhaustion pulling her into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, in a guest room, Alexandra, still in her "Tina" disguise, wrote a letter to her brother, informing him of her successful entry into the manor. After sealing the letter, she reapplied her fake makeup disguise, ensuring her ruse remained intact.
She glanced around the luxurious room, a sly smile playing on her lips as she settled in, ready to put her plan into motion.
Unbeknownst to Adelaide and Luca, Alexandra had a hidden agenda, and her arrival at the manor was just the beginning. She intended to uncover secrets, exploit weaknesses, and achieve her ultimate goal—no matter the cost. As she lay back on the plush bed, she felt a thrill of anticipation. The game had begun, and she was ready to play.
The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow through the windows of the Sinclair estate. Viscount Edward Sinclair sat in his study, deep in thought. The room was filled with the scent of old books and polished wood, a comforting reminder of his family's long history. His mind, however, was preoccupied with recent troubling events—Adelaide's wedding and Jenna's mysterious disappearance.
As he pondered these matters, the door creaked open, and his wife, Anne, stepped in. Her presence instantly lifted his spirits. At forty-one, she still carried herself with the grace and beauty that had first captivated him years ago. More recently, her growing belly had become a symbol of hope and renewal in their lives.
"Edward," she said softly, crossing the room to him. "You've been in here all afternoon. Is everything alright?"
He stood and embraced her, resting his chin on her head. "It's Adelaide. She spoke with the Duke about Jenna's disappearance, and it's clear she's deeply troubled. There's also a letter she found—it's suspicious and has left her uneasy."
Annabelle's brows furrowed with concern. "A letter? What did it say?"
Edward led her to a nearby settee, where they both sat down. "The letter was cryptic, filled with vague threats and hints that Jenna's disappearance was no accident. It mentioned debts and secrets, but didn't specify much more. The Duke and Adelaide are both worried, and so am I."
Anne sighed, pulling back to look into his eyes. "I'll talk to her, Edward. She needs reassurance and support, especially now. She's handling so much already with her new marriage."
He nodded, grateful for her steady presence. As he glanced down at her swollen belly, a tender smile spread across his face. "And how is our son faring today?" he asked, placing a gentle hand on her stomach.
Annabella's eyes sparkled with joy. "He's quite active today. I think he's eager to meet his father."
Edward's heart swelled with love and gratitude. Despite the whispers and raised eyebrows among their peers about Annabelle's pregnancy at her age, he couldn't care less. She was a blessing to him, a source of strength and love. Many had suggested he take a younger wife, but the thought was abhorrent to him. He loved Anne too deeply to even consider it.
"Let them talk," he said firmly. "We know our love, and that's all that matters. You've given me everything, Anne. I owe you more than I can ever repay."
Tears glistened in Annabel's eyes as she smiled up at him. "And you've given me a life full of love, Edward. We're in this together."
Determined to show her just how much she meant to him, Edward scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal style. Anne laughed, a sound that filled him with warmth and joy. He carried her up the grand staircase, both of them reveling in the intimacy of the moment.
When they reached their bedroom, he gently laid her on the bed and joined her, wrapping her in his arms. The worries of the day melted away as they held each other close, whispering promises of love and devotion.
"Adelaide has already done so much for us," Edward murmured. "She saved us from financial ruin. I need to be a better father and husband, for her and for you."
"You already are, my love," Anne replied, stroking his cheek. "And together, we can face whatever comes our way."
As the night deepened, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts beating in sync. Despite the challenges they faced, Edward was resolved to be a better father and husband. His daughter's bravery in saving him from bankruptcy had inspired him to change, to be the man his family deserved.
And as he slept, he dreamt of a future where his family was safe, happy, and together—a future he was determined to make a reality.