My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 149: A New Obstacle Presented

Chapter 149: A New Obstacle Presented

For very good reason, Leonor had always been timid around nobles. Noblemen were to not be trusted while noblewomen were entirely out of her realm.

While she wasn’t privy to all of the gossip in Burien, she heard enough to know that her perspective was unfounded. There was a nasty competitiveness that led people to do dishonorable things.

The longer Alma stayed in Montclair, the more Leonor realized she was in a league of her own. She was who noble women strove to be and it was no wonder she was the center of noble society for many years before she took a step back from public life to live out the rest of her years more peacefully — until the duke summoned her as help for his wife.

Alma crafted ways for Leonor to improve her appearance by not only attending social events and hosting her own but also participating in charitable acts that would benefit the lower classes. The people in Montclair were so willing to work because they felt cared for and would continue to with the right leadership.

The most surprising of these lessons and sessions of advice-giving was that Leonor sat around drinking a lot of tea with Alma. The life of a duchess was something she wasn’t accustomed to in that her interactions were meant to be gentle and serene. She was supposed to speak gently and appropriately in most situations. However, Alma admitted there were certain situations where firmness would be necessary as well so people wouldn’t view her as someone they could walk all over.

When they got later into their lessons, Leonor and Alma started going into Piedmont to browse shops and Leonor could learn more about outfitting a duke’s home considering a bit of the decor was outdated and it was best she stay ahead of trends in Montclair. After all, she would buy supplies from local artisans. It would promote their work while also circulating more money in the duchy. There was much to win in a situation like that.

For Alma’s final few days in Montclair, it was decided they would visit the tea house in the middle of the week when it tended to be more crowded. She would openly appear as the duchess and interact with others as a test.

Before they could make it that far, however, Alma spent the last conversation of theirs satiating her curiosity under the guise of concern for the future of the duchy. It was over dinner and Leonor wasn’t sure what to expect from the moment she started speaking.

"I feel we have gotten to know one another better so that I can express my concerns regarding the stability of the duchy," she began and Leonor leaned forward to express her interest in the woman’s words. "Can we expect an heir in the near future?"

Coinciding with thoughts Leonor had already been battling, she nearly choked at the older woman’s words. She somehow managed to contain herself, though her only slip was uncomfortably pushing a strand of her dark hair away from her face.

She thought it was a fair the handful of seconds it took for her to respond. It was such a personal question, though it was a fair one considering the untimely death of the past duke and duchess.

Leonor thought back to the morning after they were married and Desmond cutting his hand and throwing it on the bed so people would think they slept with one another. That was a secret between the two of them she would take to her grave.

Desmond wanted no room for doubts in their marriage. She only recently learned why he was so firm in laying his claim on her. At that time, she thought he was insane for going about it that way. He was protecting her more than she could have ever realized in that moment.

"Wouldn’t that be God’s decision?" Leonor asked, taking the tension and embarrassment she felt out of her voice. "Though it isn’t for lack of trying. We’ve given ample opportunity to be chosen."

Alma, who made a point of being unaffected by most people, widened her eyes at Leonor’s openness with her. Although it wasn’t without reason. A personal question deserved a personal answer.

"You two are far more affectionate than I could have ever imagined," Lady Alma said. "I hope for your sake and the sake of the duchy that it goes well for the two of you. You both are quite young."

Leonor’s light laugh was rightfully shy. She felt it was an appropriate reaction to her admittance.

"We have our whole lives ahead of us, but I often feel myself rushing," the duchess admitted. "This position makes me feel like I must make serious decisions quickly."

"Please don’t worry yourself too much, your grace," Alma assured her. "You are doing a wonderful job by taking the advice of another. You have good judgment, as does Duke Desmond. I am getting too old to travel but I will always be reachable by letter. I simply implore you get in front of others more often."

Leonor smiled warmly. Alma had been complimentary of her many times and she almost found herself giving in to some of her curiosities more than she ought to, not wanting things to escape that shouldn’t.

Before she could respond verbally, Gideon came into the sitting room saying that their carriage was ready for them.

Both women walked forth next to one another and Leonor offered her arm so the shorter and much older woman wouldn’t hurt herself walking down the stairs at the front of the estate.

However, what Leonor missed was Desmond standing around the corner from the sitting room with his arms crossed and a surprised expression on his face at overhearing Leonor’s words of them being affectionate and trying for an heir.

Just like Leonor, he had his own thoughts about their intimacy or lacktherof. There were issues about him having an heir that hadn’t been addressed because they hadn’t explored that side of their relationship.

Just when he thought they were reaching new points, he realized he still needed more courage to broach a few topics with his wife.

Selfishly, he couldn’t wait for Lady Alma to leave and Leonor to be at his beck and call once more.