My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 148: Lady Alma

Chapter 148: Lady Alma

There were many nights such as that where Desmond stayed awake longer, begging his body to cool off while Leonor slept soundly beside him.

Despite his uncontrollable desire, he noticed that his bad dreams were starting to lessen since she distracted him as he drifted off to sleep. Even though the distraction brought up a whole new slew of issues, he preferred it rather than the dreams of fire and destruction he was used to.

She was his heaven on Earth.

Leonor often woke up first because Desmond usually fell asleep last.

The first thing she would do was turn around and observe him as he slept. She often reflected on the night she saw what was under his shirt. His body was carved like a marble statue.

Her innocent curiosities felt less innocent as they shared a bed. There wasn’t an inch of him she didn’t want to know more about.

It felt like she wasn’t supposed to feel that way considering all of the purity speeches she was given as a teenager. First, her father then church leaders explained to her that her value would be diminished if she ever offered her body so easily.

The longer they slept in the same bed, the more she validated her thoughts about Desmond. He was her husband and the person she was supposed to feel that way about.

The lack of necessary boundaries made her mind run free. For once, she started reaching towards books in the library with a bit more lewd topics. She was learning as much as she could. That is if Desmond ever approached her about what she felt was building between them.

Before she could satiate her curiosity and desire, Lady Alma Marquette arrived at Montclair Estate and Desmond disappeared into the background.

Knowing how much he hated guests, he greeted her when she arrived but made himself scarce beyond that. Even though Lady Alma was one of the few who didn’t feel vindicated to lay out her opinion on his appearance, he still didn’t enjoy people’s lingering gaze as they formed their opinions of him.

Seeing that the duke was very purposefully occupied, it was on Leonor to entertain the noble and she allowed her to freshen up and rest in her room before she showed her Montclair Estate.

Leonor felt entirely out of her realm when the woman explained pieces of art to her and not the other way around. There were many things in her own home she hadn’t considered the reason for. She took most things at face value and moved along.

As Lady Alma was led to a sitting room, she couldn’t resist commenting on the situation thus far.

"Your grace, your natural curiosity will be admired by many," Lady Alma began. "It’s important that a duchess remains educated. I have read about your lengthy stay in Magia."

"Thank you, my lady," Leonor responded politely. "I believe it’s important to exercise one’s mind and body equally."

Tea was brought to them and the woman observed Leonor’s pristine tea etiquette. She decided there was nothing to be taught in terms of manners and etiquette considering Leonor was raised in a noble house.

"In your opinion, what is it you need me to teach you, your grace?" Lady Alma wondered.

Considering Alma was well-connected in the kingdom, many had been wondering about the new Duchess of Montclair considering she hadn’t made a true debut. She remained hidden in the duke’s estate and surrounding town despite being close to the King.

Based on the interactions in the next couple of weeks, she would decide how much she was willing to indulge the other ladies when they undoubtedly begged her for information.

Leonor knew just as well that someone with such a long-standing social life was there to seek information as much as she was there to teach. The duchess was governing herself in such a way that didn’t reveal too much, though she did need as much help as she could get.

She decided to begin with honesty, though she wouldn’t reveal too much at first.

"If I may be frank with you, my lady, I was never properly educated on how to be a wife, much less the wife of a duke," she admitted. "I was intended as Count von Burien’s heir before his grace requested my hand."

This response piqued Lady Alma’s interest, though her already perfectly straight posture gave away nothing of the thoughts racing through her head. She placed the porcelain teacup down silently and folded her hands in her lap.

"I appreciate your honesty, your grace," Lady Alma said. "Then I suppose it’s important I know what sort of marriage the two of you have. If it’s not what you would like to portray for the public, there are ways we can build a new image."

Leonor’s smile was light and she took a sip of tea before placing hers down as well. The question could make or break her in public but she knew Alma would likely not spread something that came directly from her if she was to say something unsavory about her marriage. It would make Leonor immediately who said such a thing about her. Alma would lose her position as one of the first to make true contact with the duchess.

The young duchess put forth more honesty.

"I love my husband, my lady," Leonor stated firmly. "I want my love for him to extend to the duchy we govern together. I believe it’s important we act as a unified body, though I’m lost on how else to do that other than being loving towards him in public."

The old noblewoman offered a tight-lipped smile as she allowed the duchess’ words to settle in. Duke Desmond de Montclair didn’t have a good reputation outside of his duchy because many couldn’t see the hard work he had put in to restore stability after the war and the loss of the previous duke and duchess so suddenly.

"Then you’ve made my job quite a bit easier than I expected, your grace," she admitted. "I look forward to teaching you everything I can for the next couple of weeks. My niece would be blessed to know that her station was given to someone such as yourself."

"It’s an honor, Lady Alma," Leonor said. "I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

From their first discussions, Leonor was pleased that a sharp woman was directing her. Even though she was an older woman, she was full of useful information.

Even though she knew she couldn’t be entirely honest with the woman, Leonor felt she had someone to rely on who was there for her and only her.