Page 79 of The Duchess’ Little Miracle

He was the happiest he had ever been in his entire life. Months ago, his work had been his only refuge, an endless cycle of ledgers, files, and estate management that he used to numb the silence of his existence. Now, work had lost its hold on him entirely.

His true refuge was Seraphina.

He found himself lingering in bed every morning, wrapped in the warmth of the sheets, simply talking with her for hours while the sun filtered through the curtains. He never wanted to get up. The endless demands of his duchy could wait, spending those sacred hours wrapped around his wife was the only thing that mattered.

William pushed open the doors of the library and stepped inside. Lady Byron stood near one of the tall bookcases, running a finger along the spines.

“Your Grace,” she murmured, hearing his footsteps. “You have a lovely manor. It is quite magnificent, much larger than I had anticipated.”

William paused, his brow furrowing slightly. “You have never been here before?”

Given her past connection with his late father, he had assumed she had set foot in the house at least once.

“No,” Lady Byron replied smoothly, turning to face him. “This is my very first time visiting.”

“Fascinating,” William admitted, crossing his arms over his chest. “Does that mean the only place my father ever met you was at the cottage?”

“Yes,” she said placing both hands behind her. “That cottage was the only place he ever allowed us to exist. I suppose I should have realized much earlier that he was never going to take me seriously, keeping me hidden away in a small dwelling where society could never see us.”

William’s expression sobered. He lowered his head, not wanting to continue the line of conversation so as not to upset her any further.

“I have not forgotten what you did, Lady Byron,” William said, changing the subject. “I haven’t forgotten how you frightened my wife. I understand how Seraphina was able to forgive you. She possesses a heart far kinder than mine, but I do not like the idea of what you put her through. Even if it is not my place to grant forgiveness on her behalf, I am not sure I can simply let it pass.”

He took a small breath, looking at her directly. “However... I am bound to admit one thing. I am grateful those letters brought us together. If you had not sent them, Seraphina would never have broken into my study, and I would never have met her. For that outcome alone, I am profoundly glad.”

Lady Byron turned her head, her sharp stare fixing upon him with an intensely strange, calculating gaze.

William frowned slightly beneath her scrutiny. “What is it? What are you thinking?”

“Seraphina is not coming back to live with me in the countryside, is she?” Lady Byron asked plainly.

William did not offer a verbal response. He simply met her gaze, giving her a knowing look.

Lady Byron let out a resigned sigh. “I figured as much the moment I received her letter inviting me here. A blind man could have seen that what existed between the two of you was far from a mere arrangement. When she looked at you... it was the way I once looked at your father. I know that look all too well, and you were far too defensive of her that day in my drawing room. It did not take much to put two and two together.”

“Are you upset about it?” William asked directly.

“I do not get upset over such things these days,” Lady Byron replied. “Though I will admit... I do not particularly care for the fact that one of my girls has married a Carlton.”

William raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

“It is nothing personal against you,” she said softly. “I do not know you well enough to judge your character. It is simply the memory attached to the name.”

“I am not my father, Viscountess,” he said.

“I can tell,” she answered. “If Seraphina is happy, that is truly all that matters to me. I trust her completely, and I know she will keep in touch. Receiving her invitation proved to me that the door will always be open for me to visit whenever I wish. Perhaps it is time I face my own fears and re-enter society a bit more, now that my girls have paved the way.”

William felt a knot of tension uncoil in his chest. “I am glad you see it that way. Seraphina was remarkably nervous to tell you.”

“I would expect nothing less from her,” Lady Byron said, her tone softening. “Out of all three of my girls, Seraphina is the one who cares most deeply about what I think and feel.”

William nodded in understanding. “So, what will you do now? Will you return to the countryside, or stay with us for a while? You are welcome to remain as long as you like.”

“No.” Lady Byron shook her head. “I will stay only a few days. Seraphina is still a newlywed, and I shall give her the space to enjoy her new family life. I intend to go stay with Leonora at Lord Sterling’s estate. His health is deteriorating quickly,” Lady Byron explained. “Euphemia, his niece, is with child, so she cannot make the travel to see him as often, and Leonora is the only one in that big house, watching over him. I wish to be there to assist, and I want to spend time with Leonora as well. She is the last of my girls who remains unmarried, and we need our time as a family. Besides... she is getting closer and closer to the truth.”

William’s brows drew together in confusion. “The truth? What truth?”

Lady Byron titled her head. “You will know in due time, Your Grace. Or you may simply ask your wife.”