Read secret affair with the duke's fiancée

Srak

The library was silent, save for the rhythmic scrape of paper against paper as I turned the pages of my book. Each finished sentence was marked by that lonely sound.

Knock

The heavy wooden doors, carved with the intricate crest of the estate, creaked on their hinges. Footsteps followed, echoing sharply against the floor with every advancing stride.

Thud

The man tapped on my desk with a hurried, impatient rhythm. When I finally looked up, he placed a worn brown envelope on the surface. It was sealed with a wax stamp bearing the Dominique family crest.

I let out a short sigh, closing my book and turning my attention to the delivery.

"What is this?" I asked, lifting the envelope to eye level.

Rather than answering me, the man offered a cryptic deflection. "Perhaps you should ask the author yourself" he said flatly.

Having finished his task, he turned and left.

As the heavy door clicked shut, my mind struggled to grasp his meaning. 'Ask the author?' 'Did he think I could simply understand based on a symbolic gesture?'

I sighed again and dropped the envelope back onto the desk. Leaning back into my chair, I stared at the thing. “Damn it"

I pulled open the small drawer beneath my desk, rummaging through the collection of pens, ink pots, and letter openers. I retrieved a small blade and carefully slit the top of the envelope, making sure not to damage whatever important contents might be inside.

There were roughly sixteen lines of text. My eyes scanned down to the signature at the bottom. As the words registered, my brow furrowed, and my eyes widened in disbelief.

I shoved the letter back into its casing and stood. I moved quickly toward the exit, the brown envelope gripped tightly in my right hand.

In the hallways, heads turned. People watched me with inquisitive, confused stares. My hurried pace clearly telegraphed that I had discovered something urgent.

When I reached the Duke's quarters, the guards stepped forward to intercept me.

"What is your business here?" one asked.

"Lord Eric is not to be disturbed"

He moved to block me, his body shielding the door handle.

"Tell him it is about the letter of recommendation" I said firmly.

The guards exchanged a whispered look. One of them disappeared inside, returning a few minutes later to grant me entry. I stepped through, and the door slammed shut behind me.

I took a moment to steady my breathing and calm my racing heart. The faint scent of lavender drifted through the room. In the silence, the only sound was the clink of a teacup being set down. That sound drew my gaze across the room.

Clack

"What are you doing standing there? Sit down" eric gestured to the seat across from him.

"Your timing is perfect. I needed a tea companion to break up the monotony of my work"

"You have no idea how exhausting it is to be a Duke" he grumbled, beginning a relentless stream of complaints.

"There are so many problems to manage. It is nearly impossible for a man to find a moment of peace to enjoy a simple cup of tea"

I sighed and sat down. A servant appeared immediately, pouring warm tea into my cup and placing a tray of biscuits on the table. While Eric continued his tirade, I lifted my cup and took a slow sip. The flavor was a complex blend of sweetness and bitterness that lingered on my tongue.

"Hey, Harrie. Are you even listening?"

I gave a shallow nod and set the cup back on the table.

"I want to get straight to the point"

I slid the worn brown envelope across the table.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"It is a letter" he replied curtly.

"I know it is a letter. I mean, what is the meaning of the contents?" My voice rose slightly, though I fought to keep my temper in check.

Looking confused, Eric opened the envelope and skimmed the lines. "It looks right to me. Nothing is wrong" he said, sliding the paper back toward me.

"Those are my wishes, Harrie. I intend to send you to the Winston family as a tutor. You are to prepare my fiancée for her role as the future Duchess of the Dominique family"

My eyes widened. "So it is true? Since when? Why am I only hearing about this now?"

My barrage of questions only made Eric chuckle. He picked up his ceramic cup and sipped the last of his cooling tea.

Clack

"I haven't announced it officially yet, but I will be proposing to her in person very soon" Eric’s gaze turned intense. The atmosphere in the room grew cold. I felt a sudden psychological weight settle over me as his dark eyes seemed to peer into my very soul.

"And if you are wondering when this started, it hasn't been long. Yesterday, in fact" Eric smirked and stood up.

He walked over to his desk and opened the bottom drawer. He pulled out a piece of white, weathered paper and handed it to me. He returned to his seat, but my jaw tightened as I read what was written there.

The document didn't say much, but the formal agreement and the family seal at the bottom explained everything. I steadied my breath and placed the paper back on the table. "So that is how it is. When do you plan to send me there?"

I took a final sip of my tea. Eric paused to think for a moment, and his answer nearly made me choke. "Tomorrow"

I stared at him, stunned. "Tomorrow? You must be joking. I couldn't possibly finish my outstanding work that quickly. You know how much you have piled on my desk"

"It would take at least two weeks to finish. Ten days, if I rushed" Eric seemed to consider this, nodding slowly.

"You don't need to worry about that. Henry will handle the rest. Use what time you have left to pack or perhaps enjoy these rooms. You might find yourself missing them once you arrive”

He offered a thin smile, then stood to signal a servant to clear the table. He moved back to his desk and resumed his work, ignoring me. I watched him for a long moment before standing and picking up the brown envelope.

Just as I reached the door, Eric spoke again. His voice stopped my hand just inches from the handle. "There is one more thing I want to ask of you. I hope you will agree to do it"

I paused, eventually nodding my consent.

"You know that I do not know her well" Eric said. "I have not even had the chance to see her face. So, Harrie, I want you to help me get to know her"

"Will you do that for me?"