She offered a reassuring smile, gently waving off his worry. “Truly, there’s no need. I’m fine, thanks to Winterborne.”
“That fine animal has earned himself a dozen sugar cubes!” Harlow let out a breath, shaking his head in admiration. “My lord, the Duke and Duchess of Dorman arrived an hour ago. They are settling in. I will inform them that you are back and that they can join you in your study for lunch,” the wiry man said before hurrying down the hall.
As Bella walked through the mansion, she took in the décor with a more discerning eye, considering the changes Lady Dorman might have in mind. At the very least, the walls would need a fresh coat of paint. The curtains and other window treatments had faded over time, their once-rich fabrics now dulled by age.
She had no intention of imposing her opinions on the duchess, but she couldn’t help hoping she might offer a suggestion or two—if invited.
Entering the study, Bella blinked in surprise. It was clear the room had already undergone refurbishment, though it still retained its masculine elegance.
Rich navy velvet curtains framed the windows on either side of the grand fireplace, lending the space a sense of depthand refinement. But it was the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, spanning three walls, that truly caught her eye.
Constructed from birchwood stained to a warm honey hue, they added a welcoming richness to the study without the heaviness of darker woods like oak or mahogany. The shelves were neatly arranged, their contents carefully curated, and rolling ladders secured to the frame ensured easy access, even to the volumes nearest the top.
The effect was both stately and inviting—a space designed for both intellectual pursuits and quiet contemplation.
A plush burgundy Aubusson carpet stretched across the floor, its intricate pattern woven with hints of blue and light gray, seamlessly complementing the room’s décor.
The furnishings, crafted from a pale-toned wood—likely oak—coordinated beautifully, though they lacked the usual, yellow-tinted stain often seen in such pieces. Instead, the lighter finish lent the room an airy yet distinctly masculine feel, balancing warmth with understated elegance.
Before she could say anything, the door opened, and the duke and duchess entered.
“Lucas and Harriett, welcome,” William greeted them warmly. “Let me introduce you to Lady Bella Connolly. She lives with her grandmothers and her uncle on the adjoining estate.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Connolly,” the duchess said, extending a hand and covering Bella’s with the other.
“You must call me Bella.”
“And you must call me Harriett.” The duchess was a beautiful, petite blonde with sparkling green eyes and an engaging smile.
“And you must call me Lucas,” the duke said, his voice as welcoming as his wife’s. Taking her hand, he covered it gently with his other, mirroring Harriett’s gesture. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Connolly. I can certainly see why William hasbeen reluctant to return to London,” the tall, broad-shouldered duke added, his warm brown eyes twinkling with amusement in his handsome face.
“William, did you do this on your own?” Harriett asked, gesturing around the room.
Noting the twinkle in the duchess’s eyes, Bella couldn’t help but like her immediately.
“I’ll admit I had some help,” William said with a small smile. “My housekeeper, Mrs. Aberdeen, was particularly instrumental in transforming this room.”
“We had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Aberdeen when we arrived,” Harriett said. A shadow seemed to pass over her face, a brief glimpse of something distant and painful. “I only wish she had been here when I was.”
Bella didn’t miss the flicker of unspoken sorrow in the older woman’s expression. She had heard whispers of the previous viscount—the man Harriett had once been married to—and the cruel isolation he had imposed upon his young wife.
The duke must have sensed it too. Without hesitation, he stepped closer, wrapping a reassuring arm around his wife’s waist, a silent but unmistakable gesture of comfort and protection.
“Except for the cook, Mrs. Bradberry, and the two young grooms in the stables, everyone else is new,” William said. “I dismissed all the staff who made your life here miserable.” His voice was gentle but firm. “It took time, but Harlow and Mrs. Aberdeen have seen to every necessary replacement. I hope you’ll find your visit far more pleasant than your previous time here.”
Harriett exhaled, a hint of surprise flickering across her face. “I never expected you to do that but thank you. I know now that my former husband was the one who shaped their behavior.Still…” She let out a slow breath, her shoulders easing. “It is nice to know they are no longer here.”
She glanced around the room again, then smiled. “I mean it—your housekeeper has done a wonderful job. I’m beginning to wonder if you even need my help at all.”
“Of course I do,” William said with a grin. “Mrs. Aberdeen has an entire household to manage.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Besides, she was quite adamant that one room was enough. I suspect I may have driven her to distraction with my tendency to keep changing my mind.”
“The colors she chose are perfect—light, bright, and airy. I love it.” She turned to Bella. “Would you like to work with me? We could do it together—it will be great fun. And it would be lovely to have another woman’s perspective.”
Bella felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I don’t know… Perhaps we can take it one room at a time and see how it goes. William may not appreciate my taste.”
William chuckled as he leaned toward her slightly. “I can assure you, Bella, I will appreciate anything you choose. I have seen your influence throughout your home. I have yet to see anything that isn’t elegant and lovely.”
She glanced at him, her heart giving a tiny, unexpected flutter. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his lingering smile making it clear—he meant every word.
