My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 65: Welcome the Duchess

Chapter 65: Welcome the Duchess

Unlike the days before, the path from the edge of Montclair to where the Duke’s estate sat against large mountains was flat. It made for easy travel and Leonor found it easy to read. There was another hour where she could even nap.

However, once they were on a path paved with brick, she opened the curtains and was fully immersed in the township the Duke presided over. One day she would have to get to know it in more detail. Simply observing as they passed was enough for the time being.

They passed through gates and thick grey brick walls guarded by soldiers. At least she knew she would be protected if anything happened in the duchy.

Overall, the township was neatly organized and she didn’t see anything dirty or dingy about it. Despite cities across Castille being badly affected by the war, prosperity remained in Montclair.

They had already taken a break a few hours before so it meant they were nearing the Duke’s estate. The sun started to set and the large mountains shadowed the town. They made it seem much later than it was.

The traveling party began to climb a forested hill at the edge of town. The smooth path twisted back and forth between trees until they got to an additional grey brick wall that marked the edge of the Duke’s property.

His estate could be considered a small castle, Leonor realized, as the carriage she rode in made it through the gates. It loomed against the edge of the rocky mountain, its grey brick blending into its backdrop. It was an imposing structure despite having such beautiful surroundings.

It seemed fitting for someone like the duke.

Despite being situated against a mountain, some gardens led the way up to the true front of the estate. The personal lands of the Duke were well taken care of.

Maids and servants greeted them once the soldiers and carriage stopped at the front entrance of the estate.

Considering it was the latest they had arrived anywhere, it was dusk.

Leonor felt particularly tired but wanted to give the people her best self.

That day she wore a fashionable yet modest dress. Her waist was slender and her bust was lifted. She had the silhouette of an upper-class woman and the blue material of her dress gave the impression of someone sweet. She contrasted the Duke who wore black.

However, she had chosen the dress because it wasn’t overly extravagant. The dress wasn’t adorned with jewels even though it was crafted with fine material. The only jewels she wore were small earrings and the emerald wedding ring she had been getting used to. She wanted their first impression of her to show she wasn’t fussy or shallow.

She was helped out of the carriage by the Duke and they made it to the walkway hand in hand as he helped her.

Once settled, she placed her hand on his arm instead. Even if he made her feel uncertain, she wanted to have the appearance of devotion. He gave her a hefty title that came with many strings attached.

"Duchess de Montclair," Gideon introduced her. "Please treat her as an extension of his grace."

Many bowed for her and she felt it was unnecessary. However, she wouldn’t say anything if this was the treatment the Duke expected. To go against his word and make them seem divided immediately would put her in a bad light.

"I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you," she said.

The workers cleared after Gideon told them to return to their specified work areas.

"There are normally more workers, your grace," Gideon explained. "Due to the late hour, only night staff is here. You will have to meet the rest in the coming days."

Compared to how her father ran his manor, she had thought there were already a lot of workers there.

However, the size of the duke’s estate compared to the count’s manor was quite a big difference. He also presided over a much bigger area of land.

"I look forward to it," she said.

"You may return to your tasks," the duke said to the workers.

They obediently bowed and made themselves scarce in various directions.

Leonor looked up at Desmond with a curious gaze. As usual, his face was obscured from her. She wanted to see if he approved of the introduction but there was nothing to glean when he always hid himself away.

"Gideon," the duke said, his raspy voice breaking Leonor out of her thoughts. "Please show her grace to her room. I have a few tasks to complete in my study."

"Yes, your grace," Gideon responded. "Right this way."

While Leonor started to trust the duke because of his insistence on protecting her, she did enjoy being by Gideon’s side. He was the one most willing to talk to her. She let go of the duke’s arm and cast one last glance at him. Unlike before, his gaze was fixed on her as she went into the large home with Gideon.

On the journey into the heart of the place, Desmond told her what each room was as they walked by. He even went so far as to tell her the significance of a few art pieces on the walls or various stands.

He wanted her to be well-oriented in case she wanted to explore more when he wasn’t by her side. The place was well-guarded and she would likely not run into trouble there.

Every inch of the estate was beautifully decorated and well-kept. The maids worked hard to keep it looking beautiful.

However, Desmond had a reputation for disappearing after he was first introduced to the kingdom as the duke. He didn’t host people in his estate and rarely ventured out. She wondered why bother keeping up with such a space when the only people who would see it were Desmond and the staff.

Leonor was unaware of the state of the place when Desmond first arrived.

Since the past Duke and his heir died a couple of years before, it was left to gather dust. A few staff kept up with various things so that whoever took it over in the future wouldn’t be overwhelmed. Otherwise, the place was dusty and most of the hallways were left in the dark.

When Desmond set his sights on Leonor, he wanted the place to be put in perfect condition for her arrival. More staff was brought in and everything was restored to its former glory. Since he wasn’t an extravagant spender despite suddenly having very deep pockets, Desmond could afford more staff under him.

Leonor was led to a wing of the estate that was lined with windows on one side overlooking a courtyard and the other side had a few doors. The windows weren’t that interesting to look through at night and she looked forward to what view she might have once the sun was out.

She was led to the door at the very end of the hallway.

"This is where you will be staying, your grace," Gideon explained. "I will send maids in this direction to help you prepare a bath if you would like. I feel his grace will shut himself in his study for the rest of the night."

"Please," she responded. "Could I have dinner brought to the room as well?"

"Of course," Gideon responded.

He turned to leave but Leonor had one last pressing thought.

"Will I be sleeping here alone?" she asked suddenly.

It caught Gideon by surprise and he turned slowly back to Leonor.