Chapter 10

"Congratulations, Miss. I was truly surprised when I received the letter informing me of your marriage. So, is it really all right for you to return so soon? What about the Duke? Could it be that you’ve already had a fight…?"

After the warm embrace, Opal laughed, trying to hold back her tears at Marcia’s usual chatter.

"Really, how rude! The Duke was too busy to come with me, but there was something very important I had to confirm. Besides, I was supposed to return after the season ended, but I ended up getting married, so I wanted to properly say goodbye to everyone. I really wanted to come with the Duke—my husband—but perhaps next time. There have been so many things happening, and it’s been quite hectic."

As she slowly entered the manor, Opal, who was lying through her teeth, felt disgusted with herself. But she knew it was necessary to avoid worrying everyone. Still, not all of it was a lie.

"Is Trevor here now?"

"Yes. Would you like to see him later?"

"No, I think I’ll skip it for today. It’s important, so I want him to rest well and meet me when he has time tomorrow. Could you check Trevor’s schedule for tomorrow?"

"Of course."

Opal asked the butler, Orton, and then headed to her old room. The room was always kept ready for her use, and Opal exhaled deeply, feeling as if she could breathe again after several months.

"Welcome back, Miss! Oh, Duchess?"

"Stop it, Naja. Just call me as you always have."

Naja, the maid who had just come out of the washroom, beamed at the sight of Opal. Naja, who was often scolded by Marcia for being too informal, was still beloved by everyone. Opal was one of those who adored her, and Marcia often scolded Opal for spoiling her. Feeling the weight lift from her body, Opal sat down on the chaise lounge.

"You must be tired, Miss. I’ll prepare the bath right away, so please wait a moment."

"Thank you, Naja."

Naja must have started preparing the bath as soon as she heard Opal was back. Her thoughtfulness was so comforting that Opal almost forgot her fatigue. However, Naja’s next words made her flinch.

"Oh, everyone is so happy that you’ve come back, even if it’s just for a while. I am too! When I heard you married the Duke, I was utterly shocked. I thought there must be something behind this sudden marriage."

"Huh?"

"Because, unlike me, you’re so smart and cautious. For you to get married so suddenly, it must have been something really special. Was the Duke incredibly handsome?"

"Um, yes. That’s right."

"What’s he like? The Duke, I mean."

"Well… I first met him three years ago, and we danced once. The Duke doesn’t enjoy socializing much and rarely attends social events, so I was quite excited."

"Oh my!"

"And then, recently… we met again… and before I knew it, we were married."

"Oh my! How passionate!"

Naja, still standing in the doorway, raised her voice, and Opal carefully answered without lying. Naja seemed to have drawn her own conclusions and was excited. Feeling guilty, Opal worried about how to answer the next, more probing question when Marcia entered with a bucket of hot water.

"Of course, Naja, you’re making Miss uncomfortable with your chatter, aren’t you?"

"Huh? But I want to know about Miss’s love story."

"Love story? You mean a banana story?"

"No, no! Marcia doesn’t understand the feelings of a young woman."

"Enough, now hurry and bring the water!"

"Yes, ma’am."

Despite being scolded by Marcia, Naja left the room with a light step. Opal chuckled at their usual banter, feeling at home.

"I’m sorry for coming back without notice, Marcia. I’ve caused everyone so much trouble."

"What are you talking about, Miss? You can always come back whenever you want, even without notice. This is still your home, even after your marriage."

"Oh, this is Father’s home."

"Ah, that’s right."

The Earl hadn’t returned to the estate for years, and they laughed about it as a joke. Then, Marcia, as if remembering something, tapped the empty bucket.

"Oh, right. Orton said that Trevor will be in his study all afternoon tomorrow."

"Is that so? Thank you, Marcia. Then, perhaps I’ll have tea in the study tomorrow."

"Of course. I’ll prepare it and bring it to the study."

"Yes, please do."

While discussing the next day’s plans, Naja and another maid appeared with the bucket, and the bathtub was soon filled. Opal took a bath and then had a light dinner, taking her time to relax. She hadn’t realized how grateful she was for the treatment she had always taken for granted. She thought about how fortunate she had been and whether it was really all right to leave Hubert.

(It feels like I’m running away…)

Opal, who was usually competitive, was starting to feel frustrated. Running away without a fight was something a coward would do.

(And besides, it’s just not right. Why do I have to be treated like such a nuisance? Even the medical expenses for that angel are being paid from my dowry?)

While it was unfortunate that he had an incurable disease, his attitude was unacceptable. She didn’t expect him to grovel in gratitude, but a little respect would be nice. The Duke’s family must understand the situation, given the comments about buying the Duke with money. Still, their attitude seemed to be following the Duke’s lead.

(Just because I’m not happy with it doesn’t mean I’m the only one who feels that way!)

Opal couldn’t help but thump the cushion several times. Her anger subsided a bit, and she took deep breaths to calm herself. She must have been quite stressed from being confined to the attic. She decided to go horseback riding in the morning and went to bed early.

(Well, Father was right. A husband is sweet.)

Sighing, Opal wrapped herself in the fluffy feather bed and closed her eyes. She must have been very tired, as she fell asleep almost immediately, without another thought.