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Belle didn’t know what to say to that.
The Duke went on, “Also, we will be having a guest join us for dinner tonight. So, you need to be in attendance.”
She was still reeling in shock, so much so that she could only manage to say, “All right.”
Belle looked at her mother, who offered her a soft smile. Belle smiled back. She couldn’t believe that her father had taken the time out of his day to have a dress prepared for her birthday. She suddenly wanted to ask her mother if he truly had anything to do with it, but she doubted he would assume responsibility for something like that when he hadn’t cared much about it before.
The Duke of Auldwood didn’t eat at all. The Duchess ate very little. Belle ate nearly everything that was put before her, her appetite returning with full force. The rest of breakfast passed in relative silence, with only a few words said between her and her mother. Whenever the Duke was present, the Duchess barely said anything, so Belle had her confusing, all-consuming thoughts to entertain her.
Her father left first, off to his office to do what Belle assumed was his favorite thing in the world to do: running his textile company. She believed it might be the only thing he truly cared about.
But perhaps I am wrong.
She couldn’t help the thought as she went to the gardens, needing some fresh air. Her mother had claimed to be tired and had already retreated to her bedchambers, leaving Belle alone once again.
“Have you seen it, Hannah?” she asked her lady’s maid who’d chosen to sit next to her. Belle hadn’t bothered to point out how happy she was that she did. It was clear that Hannah was growing more and more comfortable with her.
“The dress, My lady? I have and it’s beautiful.”
“Ah, so you knew about this as well, have you?” Belle couldn’t help the smile that crept over her face. “Did Father plan to surprise me with it? I didn’t know he could be so…cunning.”’
“He got it perfectly right as well, My Lady. The color will look lovely against your skin.”
“Two compliments in a day, Hannah? This is the best birthday I’ve had so far.”
Hannah smiled. “The Duchess has also prepared a gift for you. It is in your bedchambers.”
“Now that is what I expected. Mother is normally the one who prepares my gifts. Not Father.”
Hannah shrugged. “Perhaps this age is special.”
“Yes,” Belle hummed, staring out at the flowers before her. “Perhaps.”
