Page 55 of An Unwanted Spinster for the Duke

“It is,” Marianne responded with a smile. “Let’s have a look.”

Inside the little shop, Daphne was immediately drawn to the rows of bookshelves, her fingers grazing the spines as if she could taste the stories hidden within.

Marianne inhaled deeply, catching the faint, comforting scent of ink and aged paper—a fragrance that seemed to whisper promises of adventure.

Wilhelmina deftly reached for a leather-bound volume perched high on the top shelf, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of discovery.

To her surprise, Marianne saw the Duke examine a few titles, his features soft, no doubt imagining how they would fit among the vast collection in his library.

Only Victoria remained unmoved, her arms crossed and her nose slightly wrinkled as if the entire bookstore were beneath her.

Marianne watched quietly from the doorway as Daphne stepped forward, her eyes wide with curiosity.

The shopkeeper, a kindly older man with spectacles perched on his nose, smiled warmly at the young girl.

“A lady of twelve with such a fondness for reading,” he said. “What sort of stories do you enjoy, little miss?”

Daphne’s face lit up. “I love fairytales. Something likeOne Thousand and One Nights, orTheTales of Mother Goose. Stories full of wonder and adventure!”

The shopkeeper nodded approvingly. “Ah, a fine choice.One Thousand and One Nightsis a classic, full of magic and mystery. We have a beautifully bound edition just in.”

Nearby, Wilhelmina stood with a small frown, leafing through a few heavier tomes. She held up a volume titledAn Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nationsby Adam Smith, then a pamphlet titledReflections on the Revolution in Franceby Edmund Burke.

“I prefer something more… enlightening,” she chimed in, her tone crisp. “Perhaps some political philosophy or history. These works by Mr. Smith and Mr. Burke offer much food for thought.”

The shopkeeper nodded again, clearly impressed. “You have the mind of a scholar, my lady. Such books are not often requested by young ladies, but you seem quite learned.”

Wilhelmina allowed herself a small smile. “My father permits me one book a season, though I confess choosing is difficult.”

Daphne tugged gently on Wilhelmina’s sleeve. “I can’t decide betweenOne Thousand and One NightsandMother Goose. Both sound wonderful.”

Wilhelmina glanced at her with a teasing smile. “Your choice is far easier than mine, little one.”

Victoria, standing a little apart, crossed her arms and cast a dismissive glance at the books. “Why is this taking you so long? Novels and fairytales are distractions.”

Dominic, who had been quietly observing them, stepped closer. “Why limit yourselves to one? You may have both.”

Daphne’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Your Grace!”

Before Dominic could react, she threw her arms around him in a sudden, earnest hug.

He froze, caught off guard.

Almost immediately, Daphne pulled back, her cheeks flushed. “Oh! I’m sorry, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Wilhelmina stepped forward then, offering a small smile. “Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with a grateful nod.

Dominic gave a brief nod, regaining his composure. He turned to the shopkeeper. “We’ll take these,” he said, placing a few coins on the counter.

The shopkeeper’s eyes twinkled with approval as he carefully wrapped the books.

Marianne watched the exchange, feeling a new layer of respect and something softer blooming within her for her husband.

They left the bookshop soon after.

Daphne soon forgot about her embarrassment, skipping happily with her purchases tucked against her chest.

Not too far from the bookshop, Victoria’s eyes finally caught something that she liked: a small stall selling trinkets.