Page 31 of Bound By the Duke

When the doors closed behind them, she looked at her new husband. “Do you always return home to this silence?”

His blue eyes flicked to her, unreadable as usual. “It’s quieter this way.”

“That sounds… lonely.”

He didn’t answer.

Before she could say more, a figure appeared in the distance, moving closer to them until she could see it was a little girl.

Immediately, Aurelia’s heart skipped a beat.

Lottie. This must be her.

The girl was smaller than Aurelia had expected, with a slender frame, long brown hair, and sharp blue eyes just like her father’s. While Percival’s were more guarded, hers seemed unsure, cautious.

Lottie came to a halt and gave a polite bow.

Aurelia smiled. “You must be Lottie.” Her voice softened.

The girl gave a small nod.

“I was hoping to meet you.” Aurelia bowed as well, then curtsied most gracefully.

Another nod.

A pause followed, one that was heavy yet not uncomfortable. Lottie’s large eyes were fixed on Aurelia, as though waiting for more questions she could answer with nods.

Aurelia decided to try again, her voice still warm as ever. “Did you help decorate the house for my arrival?”

Lottie shook her head once. “No, ma’am.”

“No?” Aurelia made a noise that sounded more curious than disappointed. “Then I suppose the butler did all the work.”

“I suppose.”

That was the girl’s first full sentence, and Aurelia treated it like a gift.

She smiled wider. “Well, I think you should have. You strike me as someone with excellent taste.”

The girl blinked before a shy smile curved her lips. “Well, I love to paint,” she muttered, fidgeting with her fingers.

“Oh, really? That’s lovely to hear.” A flicker of surprise passed over Aurelia’s face. “I suppose you paint the house?”

“Certainly. And I add more colors.”

Aurelia’s smile faltered at those innocent words.

Whitmore Estate… Lottie must not love its loneliness and gloominess. Aurelia could already see why Percival needed to marry urgently.

“I am sure you will make great paintings.” She smiled. Not one of her rehearsed pleasant smiles, but a genuine one.

They stood facing each other as a brief silence settled between them. Lottie started to fidget with her fingers again. Aurelia knew so little about her, so she wasn’t sure what to say next.

Suddenly, a soft, muffled meow sounded from behind them.

Lottie was the first to look, turning her head instantly to see the creature jumping off Aurelia’s travel trunk. One of the footmen tried to shoo him away, to which the cat hissed, making Aurelia chuckle.

Lottie’s eyes widened as the cat meowed again.