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“I have tried everything, Frederick,” he said, his voice low, the words a confession of his deepest vulnerability. “Nothing works. Nothing ever does.”

Nothing can protect me from the demons trying to end my life in my dreams…

“This is different,” Frederick insisted, his voice filled with conviction, his words carrying a promise. “A herbal remedy from a… reliable source.”

“Reliable source?” Sampson raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in his voice. “What, some back-alley apothecary?”

“It is not important where it comes from,” Frederick replied, his voice firm, working to dismiss Sampson’s doubts. “What matters is that it works. Send me a man, and I will have it delivered.”

“I do not believe it will work, because they never do. You know that, Frederick,” Sampson said. “But very well. I will send a footman over to retrieve it.”

Hoping was a fool’s game, but deep down, there was a flicker of desperation that made him willing to try anything.

He had been plagued by nightmares for as long as he could remember, haunted by shadows and a tight grip around his neck that would always tighten each time he tried to breathe. It had been so many years of taking so many remedies, doing all sorts of exercises—all for a good night’s rest.

It seemed as though there was no cure for his condition, but still, he was willing to try whatever came his way.

The carriage wheels crunched the gravel drive, signaling Sampson’s return to Rosehall.

He disembarked after it had rolled to a stop at the front of the manor, the cool evening air a welcome contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the gentlemen’s club. It felt good to be back home, away from the curious eyes that either feared or envied him.

Although his business was remarkably successful, it tended to wear him out more often than not.

His footsteps echoed as he strode through the grand entrance, silence and the scent of beeswax and polished wood welcoming him.

He understood why Catherine might find it disconcerting to live in a house so quiet you could hear your own thoughts, but he preferred it this way.

It was far better than the atmosphere he had endured as a child.

Momentarily, he considered going straight to his chambers, but he needed to make sure his affairs were in order at home.

“Oswald,” he called, his voice reverberating through the stillness.

The butler materialized from the shadows like a phantom, his movements as silent and efficient as ever.

“Your Grace,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “Welcome home.”

“Thank you, Oswald,” Sampson replied, handing him his coat and gloves as they both kept walking in the direction of his study. “I trust all was well in my absence?”

“Indeed, Your Grace,” Mr. Oswald confirmed, his voice confident and steady. “The estate’s affairs are in order. The staff have been diligent in their duties, and there have been no issues, both within the manor and on the property.”

“Excellent,” Sampson said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.

He enjoyed order and efficiency, only ever at peace when he was confident that his estate was being run smoothly. It was a reflection of his control, his mastery over his domain.

“And how fares the Duchess?” he asked as he sat behind his desk.

Mr. Oswald paused, a subtle shift in his expression. “The Duchess has been… remarkable.”

Sampson raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Remarkable? In what way?”

“She has taken to her duties with… surprising zeal,” Mr. Oswald explained, choosing his words carefully. “She has been diligently attending to the household accounts, overseeing the staff, and even intends to plan a social gathering in the coming weeks.”

“A social gathering?” Sampson chuckled lowly. “That’s unexpected. I wouldn’t have pegged her as the social type.”

“It appears we were all mistaken, Your Grace,” Mr. Oswald said, a hint of admiration in his voice. “She is a natural leader, and has a quiet authority that has surprised even Mrs. Starling. Although she still has much to learn, according to Mrs. Starling.”

Sampson’s lips curled into a genuine smile. “Mrs. Starling is impressed? That is indeed remarkable.”