A Duke's Lesson in Love

Chapter 22 - Resume

In the cocoon of Nicholas' private quarters, time seemed to lovingly stetch and contract with an elusive magic. The world beyond those walls held no sway, and Eleanor found herself enveloped in intimacy and quietude.

They began the day with a leisurely breakfast, the Duke insisting on serving her with his own hands. The simple act of breaking bread together took on a profound significance as they exchanged stories, their conversation overflowed with laughter and the gentle teasing that had become an intrinsic part of their rapport.

As the morning sun climbed higher in the sky, they moved to a small sitting area adorned with plush cushions and draped in warm fabrics. They read aloud to each other, creating a symphony of words that resonated with shared emotions and unspoken sentiments. The texts ranged from poetry to prose, each passage a reflection of their evolving connection.

In the afternoon, they found themselves engrossed in a game of chess. Nicholas' competitive spirit shone brightly, blinding but entertaining Eleanor. Each move was accompanied by gentle banter, their playful exchanges punctuated by stolen glances and knowing smiles.

With the fading light of the day, they retreated to the window seat, gazing out at the gardens below. The air was suffused with a sense of contentment, the quietude of their surroundings mirroring the peach they found each other's company.

As the evening drew near, the Duke surprised Eleanor with a feast of her favourite foods. Candles flickered in the dim light, casting a warm glow over the table. Their fingers brushed as they reached for shared dishes, and Eleanor felt her heart swell with a mixture of gratitude and affection.

After dinner, they sat side by side on a plush sofa, the flames of the fireplace casting dancing shadows on the walls. The Duke's hand found Eleanor's, his touch a reassuring anchor amidst the whirlwind of emotions developed within Eleanor.

"Thank you for this," Eleanor whispered, her voice carrying a depth of emotion that words could not fully convey.

Nicholas turned to her, his eyes tender and sincere. "Eleanor, every moment with you is a gift – one that I cherish deeply."

Their gazes locked, and in that silent exchange, a world of unspoken promises unfurled between them. As the day gave way to night, they found themselves nestled together on the sofa, their bodies drawn close in a shared embrace. The Duke's arm encircled Eleanor, his touch a refuge amidst the uncertainties of the world beyond their haven.

And as the hours slipped away, Eleanor's eyelids grew heavy, her mind adrift in a sea of contentment and belonging. In the embrace of Nicholas' arms, she found solace, a haven of love.

***

The first rays of morning sun gently filtered through Eleanor's window. As her eyes fluttered open, she found herself nestled in her own bed, the warmth of the Duke's arm disappeared ever so harshly. Nicholas' must've taken her back to her room, the events of the previous day felt like the fragments of a beautiful dream, and Eleanor couldn't help but smile as she lingered in that hazy realm between sleep and wakefulness.

With a sigh, Eleanor rose from her bed and dressed for the day. She entered the classroom, expecting to find the usual bustle of activity and the curious faces of her charges. But the room was eerily quiet, the empty chairs standing in silent testament to the absence of her pupils. A twinge of unease fluttered in her chest as she made her way to the girl's quarters. She pushed the door open, and found Elizabeth sitting by her sister Mary's bedside, her face etched with worry.

"Miss Campbell," Elizabeth whispered, her voice tinged with sadness. "Mary is unwell."

Eleanor's heart sank as she approached the bedside, her eyes falling upon Mary's pale form. The girl lay still, her brow furrowed with the lines of discomfort. Eleanor placed a gentle hand on Mary's forehead, her touch confirming the presence of fever.

Just then, the Duke of Arden and the Dowager Duchess entered the room, their expressions a mirror of concern. The Duke's usually composed demeanour was etched with worry lines, and the Dowager's features were a mixture of apprehension and maternal concern.

"We have sent for a doctor." The Duke's soft voice, heavy with worry.

"It seems to be a fever, but we shall wait for the doctor's assessment." The Dowager's voice was strained as she kept her gaze on the pale girl.

As the moments passed, Eleanor sat with the girls, offering what comfort she could amidst the uncertainty that hung in the air. Mary's fevered sleep continued, the room hushed with the weight of concern.

In the midst of it all, Eleanor noticed the Duke's distant demeanour, his gaze avoiding hers. A pang of confusion and hurt settled in her chest, but she knew that their current situation demanded her full attention.

After a while, the Duke and the Dowager Duchess left the girls' quatres to confer with the doctor. Eleanor sat by Mary's bedside, her hand resting gently on the girl's forehead, offering what solace she could.

Elizabeth, her eyes brimming with worry, tugged at Eleanor's sleeve. "Miss Campbell, can we carry on with our lesson, I wish to hear you play."

Eleanor offered a small smile, her heart aching for the young girl's concerns. "Of course, Elizabeth," she said softly, rising from her seat.

Together, they made their way to the classroom, where the pianoforte stood waiting. Eleanor sat down at the instrument, her fingers tracing the keys with a mixture of resolve and emotion. As the music flowed, its gentle cadence filling the room, Eleanor found herself drawn into the melody.

And as the music enveloped them, Eleanor couldn't shake the sense of unease that hung in the air – the illness that had befallen young Mary and the Duke's distant demeanour.

The classroom was infuse with soft hues of afternoon light as Eleanor concluded the piano lesson, her fingers lingering on the keys for a moment longer. Elizabeth had now ventured outside to play, seeking solace in the embrace of the outdoors, away from the heaviness that had settled within the girl's quarters.

In the midst of her thoughts, the door creaked open, and Josie entered, her presence a comforting balm amidst the worry that hung in the air.

"Eleanor," Josie said softly, her voice carrying a mx of sympathy and concern.

Eleanor turned, her expression a reflection of the turmoil that churned within her. "Josie," she greeted.

Josie approached, her eyes filled with empathy. "I've just heard what the Doctor said to the Duke." She began, "It's grave. Mary is showing signs of tuberculosis."

Tuberculosis was a cruel and unforgiving ailment, one that carried a sense of foreboding and fear.

Josie's gaze held Eleanor's. "The Duke is devastated," she whispered. "He's doing all he can to ensure Mary receives the best care possible."

"Has the Dowager Duchess been informed?" Eleanor asked, her voice edged with apprehension.

Josie nodded solemnly. "Yes, she's been apprised of the situation."

Eleanor's gaze drifted to the window, the world beyond a blur as her thoughts turned inward. She felt a potent mixture of sorrow, frustration, and determination. Mary was young should, briming with potential, and the spectre of tuberculosis cast a shadow over her future.

"We must offer our support to Mary and the Duke," Eleanor said softly, her resolve hardening. "And we must reman vigilant in our care for the children."

As the day continued to unfold, the weight of uncertainty and sorrow still hung in the air, but amidst it all, there was a steadfast commitment to providing solace, support, and care to those who needed it most. 

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Thanks for reading, please comment or vote.

Also is the flow of the chapters okay, as I just realised I'm not following my plan and just writing whatever that I see is suitable for right now.  And thank you sooo much for 500 reads!!!!!!!