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Something inside Lydia snapped. She rose to her feet, drawing herself up to her full height. "That is quite enough."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I said, that is enough." Lydia's voice was steel wrapped in silk. "You may be my mother, but I am the Duchess of Fyre, and I will not tolerate such disrespect in my own home."

"Disrespect?" The Viscountess sputtered. "I am merely expressing natural concern for your situation! After all, what good is a duchess who can't even fulfill her basic duties?"

"My 'situation' is none of your concern," Lydia said coldly. "Nor are my duties to my husband or this household. If you cannot maintain basic courtesy, perhaps it would be better if you shortened your visit."

Her father stood abruptly. "Now see here, Lydia…"

"No, Father. You see here." Lydia met his gaze steadily. "I am no longer the disappointing daughter you can berate at will. I am mistress of this house, and I will be treated with respect – both by you and by Mother. Is that understood?"

A tense silence fell. Lydia could feel her heart pounding but kept her chin lifted, her gaze unwavering. Finally, her father dropped his eyes .

"Perhaps," he said stiffly, "we should retire to prepare for dinner."

As her parents swept from the room, Lydia's sisters clustered around her.

"That was magnificent!" Jane breathed. "I've never seen anyone stand up to them like that!"

"Are you alright?" Marian asked more practically, noting how Lydia's hands trembled slightly.

"I'm fine," Lydia managed a smile. "Though perhaps you could ask Mrs. Winters to bring some tea? I find I need a moment to..."

"Of course," Diana squeezed her hand. "We'll give you some time alone."

Once her sisters had gone, Lydia sank onto the settee, her carefully maintained composure crumbling. Her mother always had a way of reawakening every doubt that dared exist in her mind.

She was failing in her most basic duty. For all her progress with Peter, all the small victories with Elias, she still hadn't fulfilled the primary purpose of their marriage. What if her mother wasright? What if Elias did find her lacking? How could she hope for a real marriage when she couldn't even...

"Stop that," she told herself firmly, rising to pace the room. "You're being ridiculous. Elias isn't like that. He's..."

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Enter," she called, quickly composing her features.

Mrs. Winters appeared with the tea tray, her kind face concerned. "Your sisters mentioned you might need this, Your Grace. Shall I pour?"

"Yes, thank you." Lydia sank back onto the settee, accepting a cup with trembling fingers. "Mrs. Winters? May I ask you something?"

"Of course, Your Grace."

"Do you think... that is..." Lydia took a steadying breath. "Am I doing well? As a duchess, I mean?"

The housekeeper's face softened with understanding. "Better than well, if you ask me. This house hasn't felt so alive in years. Young Master Peter is flourishing, the staff actually smile at their work, and His Grace..." She paused meaningfully. "Well, let's just say we've all noticed the changes in him too."

"But is it enough?" Lydia whispered, more to herself than the housekeeper.

"Enough for whom?" Mrs. Winters asked shrewdly. "Your parents? Society? Or yourself?"

The question caught Lydia off guard. Who was she trying to please? Her parents, who had never been satisfied with anything she did? Society, with its endless expectations and judgments? Or her own heart, which wanted something far simpler and yet infinitely more complex?

"I don't know anymore," she admitted.

"Then perhaps that's where you should start." Mrs. Winters patted her hand gently. "Establish what it is that you want, Your Grace. The rest will follow."

As the housekeeper left, Lydia sipped her tea thoughtfully. What did she want? Peter's happiness, certainly. Elias's love, if she was honest with herself. A real family, a true marriage, children of their own someday...

Rising, she moved to the window, watching as her sisters strolled through the garden below. They looked so carefree, laughing together in the afternoon sun. She would help them find their happiness, she resolved. Diana would be safe from unwanted suitors, Marian would have her chance with Mr. Harrison, and Jane... well, Jane would probably find her own adventure, as she always did.