And it was just as Hawthorne Estate appeared on the horizon that Helena knew what she had to do. It was a small thing, but it would rebalance the power in this marriage and give her the appearance of the control she so desperately needed.
“There it is…” He was looking out the window, smiling to see his home rising from the surrounding meadows. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Helena exhaled derisively when she saw the manor, despite having to admit that it was rather stunning. Built ofwhite marble and stone, square-shaped and sprawling, thick colonnades acting as archways, and green vines wrapping around the walls as if they were a natural part of the structure, it was as opulent as it was grandiose, as it was enchanting.
The grounds, too, were just as beautiful. A large stone wall surrounded the estate, while a huge gate made of gold stood open and inviting. The carriage moved through the gate and down the winding drive, on both sides of which were verdant fields of grass and bountiful hedges, as well as thick trees and colorful flowerbeds, and a babbling fountain of white marble at the drive’s very center.
It is like something out of a fairytale.
Helena’s mouth hung open, and she found that she did not care.
So enraptured was she by her new home that she almost forgot what she planned to do and say. And it wasn’t until the Duke was throwing open the carriage door and climbing out that she came back to herself.
“Shall we?” he said with a confident smile that was all white shining teeth. “Perhaps a tour?”
She snorted. “I did not think you were the type.”
“I am not,” he agreed, standing back so she was forced to climb out of the carriage by herself. “But one of the servants will happily show you around. I will see to it.”
He then turned and strode toward the front door.
“Wait!” she cried after him, forced to hoist up the skirt of her dress and give chase. “Before we do, there is something we must discuss.”
He turned to her. “Is there, now?”
“There is.”
She came to a halt before him, dropped her skirt, and stood tall and confident. There was no doubt that he held all the power here, and he thought of her as little more than a tool to be used.
It was time that changed.
“I have been thinking?—”
“Must we do this now?” he cut her off. “My backside is aching, and I would love nothing more than a bath.”
“Yes, now.” She looked right at him, unflinching.
“As you say,” he sighed. “What is it you wish to speak of?”
“I wish to speak of what is expected in this marriage.”
“You do?” He frowned. “Have we not spoken of this already?”
“We have spoken about what you expect,” she clarified. “This concerns me and what I want.”
The Duke’s frown turned into a smirk, curiosity flickering behind his blue eyes. “Well, this should be interesting.”
“I will not be a pawn to be used as you see fit,” she said rightly. “To be rolled out like a red carpet whenever you decide you have something to prove to the ton. As you promised me, this is a marriage of convenience, and I expect it to be treated as one.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that while I am under your roof, I will be free to do as I please. My writing, for example, I do not intend to stop, nor do I expect you to try and stop me.”
She put her hands on her hips and widened both eyes at him.
“I would not dream of it.”
She nodded once. “I will also be free to see my friends when I wish, as I will be free to go where I please and do as I want. I will not be a prisoner in this manor.”
