Page 18 of Claiming his Cursed Duchess

She met his gaze, her eyes filled with a quiet defiance. “Of course, Your Grace,” she replied, her voice sweet but firm.

Adam nodded curtly, then turned and walked away.

A maid approached, her demeanor formal and distant. “Welcome, Your Grace,” she said, her voice stiff.

Rosaline returned the greeting with a polite nod, her eyes flashing with intelligence. “Thank you,” she replied, her voice warm. “I am Rosaline.”

“I am Mary, Your Grace,” the maid said, her gaze fixed on the floor. “I mostly help in the kitchens.”

Rosaline smiled slightly, if tightly. “Mary, is it? Is something the matter? You seem…uncomfortable.”

She tugged her gloves up, checking that they hid as much of her scarred arms as possible.

Mary flinched. “I…I merely wish to serve you well, Your Grace.”

Rosaline studied her for a moment, then sighed.

Now is not the time to force myself upon the frightened staff,she mused.They must grow used to me in their own time, and warm to me by my own kindness.

Mary was young, perhaps in her early twenties like Rosaline herself, with a nervous tremor in her hands.

“I am sure you will,” Rosaline said gently.

“As you wish, Your Grace.”

Rosaline nodded. “Now, if you could show me my rooms, please.”

The maid led Rosaline through the labyrinthine corridors, each turn revealing another hidden corner of the manor. Rosaline’s keen eyes took in every detail, committing it to memory.

Along the way, Rosaline made small talk with Mary. Mary, initially hesitant, gradually warmed to Rosaline’s friendly approach.

Finally, they reached her room, a spacious chamber with high ceilings and large windows. The decor was elegant but cold, reflecting the austere nature of the man who owned it.

“It is…grand,” she said to Mary, trying to sound impressed.

Mary nodded. “His Grace prefers simplicity.”

Rosaline raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

Rosaline smiled. “I’d like to brush up on my skills with the piano.”

Mary’s eyes widened slightly. “You…you play, Your Grace?”

“A little,” Rosaline replied, a playful twinkle in her eye. “Not for a long time. Perhaps you can find me some books of songs lyingabout? I’m sure I’m far from the first to want to improve my skills in this estate.”

Mary’s face brightened. “But of course, Your Grace.”

Rosaline smiled. “Excellent. Now, let us unpack.” Finally, they reached her room, a spacious chamber with high ceilings and large windows.

A stark contrast to my vibrant spirit,she thought, a mischievous glint in her eye.

As she sat on the edge of the bed, she couldn’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation.

She glanced at the mirror, her reflection staring back at her. A small, satisfied smile curved her lips.

The duke may be a formidable opponent, but I won’t go down without a fight,she vowed.

Later that evening, Rosaline was summoned to the dining room, where the duke was already seated at the head of the table.