My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 215: Her Mentor

Chapter 215: Her Mentor

It was obvious to Leonor that the room they were permitted to use was supposed to be someone of the count’s family, but it was closer to the heart of his expansive home and likely much easier to heat since winter was so quickly approaching. Normally nobles liked to give their guests more privacy.

It was nonetheless nice with an attached bathroom and gorgeous windows. It even had light cream-colored bedding that felt like clouds once she and Desmond settled in for the night.

She cuddled up at her husband’s side, heavily using him as a pillow, and pleased with the day they had and the discussions that ensued. Despite Desmond’s warnings that Christopher was a womanizer, she found his loud and boastful nature amusing.

However, Christopher was only the surface of what Leonor wanted to do while she was in Villaluc. The meeting with Alma was already planned and the moment they arrived, a note had been sent to the old woman’s country home.

She was supposed to begin traveling in the morning so she and Leonor could reconnect. It was up in the air whether or not she would stay at the count’s home as well when considering her stubborn nature and preference for her home over anywhere else.

Since Lady Alma would be traveling, Leonor woke up and could focus on her appearance with Beth at her side. She opted for a navy blue floral dress with gold stitching embroidered on the ends and borders of her underskirts. A white long-sleeved chemise puffed out at the neckline and arms, but the wide neck of the top made it so she could wear jewelry that her husband bought for her.

Of course, she chose a piece that wasn’t overly extravagant. She knew that Lady Alma was someone who would pay attention to this detail. The woman had spoken of Leonor’s modesty and admired it. Even when they were amongst noble women at the teahouse, Leonor didn’t wear anything overly extravagant or decorated. She wanted to present herself as low maintenance and not materialistic. It wouldn’t be good to change so drastically in a few months.

With Desmond still hovering around as he got ready for the day himself, Leonor turned to him when Beth was no longer in the room.

"How do I look?" she asked. "Is it too much or too little?"

"You look perfectly suitable for the hefty title you carry while also remaining humble and not materialistic," he responded, speaking words that she had said a million times before. "I’m sure that’s what the former countess would think. I personally think that you look beautiful. I could devour you at this moment if you would let me."

He spoke from the perspective of a husband silently rejected by a tired wife who fell asleep within minutes of her head hitting the pillow the night before.

She smiled at him sweetly, knowing this very well.

"You’ve been so patient, I feel I ought to reward you," she admitted. "Soon enough, we’ll be able to do whatever we want as winter settles in and the short days will feel long as we have no responsibility except for each other."

She helped him button the outer coat he wore underneath his cloak and when it was fastened, she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"You look handsome," she said. "I would follow you to the ends of the earth even if you weren’t my husband."

She grinned at him.

His clothing often reflected his experience in the military with a certain cut and the medals he wore to show himself off among many. Even if he wore nothing so fabulous and rags, she was certain she would still follow him to the ends of the earth but it was just because he was him.

Desmond was careful to kiss his wife’s forehead as she paid him compliments in return for the one he had given her before.

"If I could beg heaven to have snow fall early, I certainly would," he admitted. "I wish I knew that you wouldn’t reject me last winter when we sat on a couch apart from one another for months on end," he admitted. "What we could have done..."

She knew his train of thought had gotten off course again and she grasped the sides of his face suddenly, planting a kiss on his lips.

"I ought to get out of this room," she said. "I’m afraid you’ll actually do something to me to ruin all the work Beth put in this morning."

He grinned at her and she knew she was right.

She separated herself from him so that she could escape unscathed. She needed to make the best impression on Alma. She couldn’t act like something had changed between her and her husband considering she lied through her teeth the last time that they had been fervently trying for an heir for Montclair.

After breakfast by Desmond’s side who kept smirking at her after the interaction they had, a carriage was ready for the duchess and she was finally able to go see Alma who had requested they meet at a tea house much calmer than that of Piedmont but overlooking the beautiful lake.

Even though the day was particularly cold as autumn began to slow and frost started to appear in the mornings, as the carriage went on, Leonor couldn’t keep herself from opening one of the curtains and experiencing the dazzling sight of a lake with heavy mist sitting on top of its greenish blue water.

On the side closest to Villaluc, sloping fields and pathways led down to the water, but the other side was covered in evergreen trees. You couldn’t see where the mouth of the expansive lake started due to it being nestled against trees.

One day she truly hoped she and Desmond could sail it. Maps in Montclair said this place led to the ocean which was why it was such a popular destination. In only a couple of days worth of travel, you would find yourself in an estuary leading to the ocean.

Having the curtain open made Leonor’s face cold but she was admiring the beautiful surroundings through the small township then towards the southern edge of town that overlooked the lake. She had chosen not to take Beth with her, knowing that Alma would speak more freely if it was just the two of them.

They pulled up to a large building made of exposed wooden beams and plaster between each that was a stark white against the green and gold environment around them.

Since they had gotten closer to the lake, it was a bit windier and even colder than when they were at the count’s home.

A guard opened the door.

"Your grace, it’s quite cold," he said, offering his hand. "We will make haste going inside where a fire is waiting for you and the former countess."

She trusted each and every one of Desmond’s men and found no issue pulling up her hood and then reaching for the hand offered as he helped her to the ground. With another guard at her side who would stay towards the front of the building to ensure that no one would bother the duke’s wife, she walked into the building as quickly as she could.

Luckily, it was still before midday, and upon entering, there were few inside to pay attention to the duchess’ arrival. She had purposefully made this trip a secret considering it would draw a lot of attention if it was something official.

In reality, she had enough of socializing in Oues and Montville. To have a slower visit would be nice, especially for an older woman like Lady Alma who had her fair share of loud social events she likely attended before her husband passed and she gave the count title to their eldest son who was more than ready for the responsibility.

The duchess was brought to a private table in one of the nooks in the place where there was a large window that boasted a wonderful view of the lake. The fireplace had a crackling fire smelling of pine that compensated for the coldness the window certainly created, but the beautiful view was enough justification.

Inside sat Lady Alma who began to get up hearing that the duchess was entering.

"Please don’t stand on my behalf, my lady," Leonor told the older woman. "It is you I should be standing for considering you went all this way to visit me. I even said I should travel halfway to see you but this tea house is beloved by you from my understanding."

"Your grace," Alma greeted her warmly. "It’s so wonderful to see you in my area of Montclair. I hope that my son treated you well."

"The residence is beautiful," Leonor said. "You must come from a family of hunters."

Alma gestured for Leonor to join her at the table and the duchess took her place across from her. Already, there was tea on the table.

The host returned, asking if he could pour the duchess tea, but she politely declined.

Instead, she insisted on showing off her perfect pouring etiquette for Alma.

With a perfectly silent spout and not a drop wasted, Leonor smirked proudly at her practiced actions.

"Off to a good start, your grace," Alma said. "I look forward to hearing what you have been up to."

Leonor gave the other woman a pleased smile. Even the words she could say wouldn’t be enough to cover what she had been up to.