Boredom gnawed at her, making her restless each day. She had no one to speak to, and no connection to the man she had married. A deep sense of dissatisfaction settled within her, and for the first time, Lavinia began to wonder if this would be the rest of her life, waiting for a man who had no intention of being a part of it.
"What's there to do around here?" she asked, turning to Paulina.
Paulina, who had been quietly arranging some linens in a nearby cabinet, paused for a moment before turning to Lavinia. Her expression softened, as if she had anticipated this very question.
"Well, Your Grace..." she began. "as the Duchess of Hargrave, you have several responsibilities, even if it might feel rather isolating at times."
Lavinia walked over to the bed and sat on it. "Tell me."
"First and foremost, the estate itself. The upkeep of the manor and the surrounding lands falls under your purview now. There are tenants who work the farms, and they rely on you for decisions about the land and how it's managed. You will also be expected to oversee the household staff, everything from the housekeeper to the gardeners, as well as any servants that are brought in to help around the estate."
Lavinia nodded, her mind beginning to stir with thoughts of how she could make this place her own. The thought of tending to something tangible, something she could shape and mold, felt like a small relief from the overwhelming void of her days.
"There is also the matter of charity," Paulina continued, her voice steady. "As the duchess, your role involves ensuring that the people in the local community are cared for. This means organizing donations, and assisting those in need."
Paulina took a pause for a moment, then spoke with a practical tone, her hands still folded neatly before her. "If I may, Your Grace, a good place to begin would be with the gardens. Thegrounds have always been quite lovely, but they could benefit from some attention. A proper garden can set the tone for the entire estate, and it's something you could truly take pride in. I've noticed how distant you seem these days, and it might be a good distraction for you."
Lavinia's eyes lit up as Paulina mentioned the gardens. "I've always loved flowers, herbs, and gardens," she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Well, the garden needs a lot of work," Paulina said. "You could redesign parts of it, perhaps create a more structured path, plant new flowers, and even establish a small orchard or herb garden. It would add beauty and function to the estate, and give you something to nurture. People in the village will also notice the improvements, and it may even garner goodwill."
Lavinia rose to her feet, sensing a plan growing in her head. "And the house? Are there any renovations that need to be done? We could do them simultaneously."
"It would take time and effort, but yes," Paulina said and nodded. "Some of the rooms are quite outdated, I'm afraid. The furnishings could use a refreshing, and the decoration feels...impersonal. It's a bit cold in places. You might consider some renovations or alterations to make it feel more comfortable for you. Perhaps new furnishings, or a more personal touch in the decoration."
"Yes!" Lavinia said and clasped her hands together. "Oh, I love the ideas, Paulina. Thank you! To be honest, I have been feelinga bit bored lately. Having something to do around the house will help me a great deal."
Paulina smiled warmly, clearly pleased by Lavinia's enthusiasm. "I'm glad, Your Grace."
"I could plant lavender, rosemary, and perhaps even a rose garden. Oh, and a shaded corner for reading, maybe with a bench or two. It could be lovely, don't you think?"
Paulina chuckled. "I have no doubt it will be beautiful, Your Grace. I'll speak with the gardeners to arrange for tools and any additional help we might need. Perhaps we could visit the village for seeds or new plants as well. Ones you will like."
"Yes, let's do that."
For the first time since the wedding, Lavinia felt a sense of relief. She could concentrate on bringing life into the estate. Since she would be living out the rest of her life there, she could make it her sanctuary and, in the process, carve out a piece of happiness for herself.
Finally.
After what seemed like forever, Lavinia found herself standing in the doorway of the breakfast room, her breath catching at the unexpected sight before her. Andrew was seated at the head ofthe long table, his attention directed on the plate before him. The sight of him in the soft morning light, dressed casually yet impeccably, was both jarring and oddly comforting. She hadn't expected to see him...not after days of silence and avoidance.
For a moment, she hesitated, torn between retreating unnoticed and seizing the opportunity to speak to him. Her fingers gripped the edge of the doorway as she tried to gather her courage. But before she could decide, he turned around and looked at her.
His gaze, steady and searching, caught her off guard. It wasn't cold or dismissive as she had feared. Instead, it held a flicker of curiosity, perhaps even surprise.
"Good morning," he said, his voice breaking the stillness. It was calm, as if nothing unusual had transpired between them in the past week.
"Good morning," she replied, her own voice quiet...almost uncertain.
She took a seat farther down the table, still contemplating whether to leave the dining room all together.
"You're up early," Andrew said.
"I can tell you weren't expecting me," she retorted, surprising even herself.
Andrew's brows rose slightly, but he kept his composure. "Should I apologize for having breakfast in my own home, Lavinia?"
"Maybe not for that," she said, stepping further into the room, her gaze unwavering. "But perhaps for disappearing for days without so much as a word."
