Page 15 of The Blind Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Two days had passed since he’d spent the day in the corridor on the floor in front of his wife’s door. No, she hadn’t opened the door, but she was letting him in little by little whether she realized it or not. That meant he would continue to try, because he was convinced they were making headway.

Over the course of those past two days, he and Annette had discussed a wide variety of topics, and each time said subjects became too emotional, she ordered him away.

Was it because she didn’t wish for him to see her like that, or did she not feel comfortable giving away pieces of herself while feeling said emotions?

He didn’t know but he intended to discover that.

“You are wool gathering again, Your Grace.”

“So I am.” With an offered grin, he turned toward the sound of his valet’s voice. “Choose something casual today, Collins. I am not going out.”

“You intend to sit in the corridor again.” It wasn’t a question.

“I do.”

“Why? Clearly, the duchess doesn’t wish to be married to you, and she certainly doesn’t want anything to do with the life you’ve given her.” Annoyance sounded in Collins’s voice. “You are wasting your time.”

“Not at all.” As he submitted himself to the process of being dressed for the day, Allan thought about his wife.

Every day that went by, he felt the connection between them strengthen.

Though fear and grief still held her captive, with every new conversation, some of the hold on her slipped.

“In fact, I am quite certain the time I’m investing in my wife will be worth it in the end.

” He didn’t know how, but he honestly believed Annette would come ’round.

“I admire your persistence.” Collins tied the laces at Allan’s back to hold the waistcoat in place. “If this had happened to me, I don’t know what I would do.”

“Understandable.” He nodded then submitted to his valet’s artistry when it came to tying a knot with the length of silk for his cravat.

“However, if my duchess is in peril—real or imagined—I am going to stand by her side and help her through… or rather sit, as the case may be.” He shrugged.

“Also, I am courting her as we go along. Once she feels comfortable with me, much of this work will ensure that we’ll be close enough to move forward in the marriage. ”

His valet’s hands stilled on the cravat. “Do you have feelings for Her Grace so early?”

“Not in the usual way.” Each time he thought of Annette, he couldn’t help but grin.

“She is intriguing and compassionate. And she is quite vulnerable. Those qualities are something I understand and appreciate. I’ll wager she just hasn’t had the opportunity to talk with anyone about the grief she’s let herself be held captive by.

Or perhaps she doesn’t know there’s a way forward.

Regardless, I’m not giving up on her; she is my wife and my responsibility. ”

And some day, she would be his love. He could feel that certainty deep in his bones. It was worth fighting for. Finally, he understood how his friends felt when they’d fallen for their wives and when that very relationship was in danger.

“Heady stuff, my friend,” he told the valet, who’d moved away, presumably to retrieve a jacket.

“I never thought you were a romantic.” A grin sounded in the valet’s voice. “But I can see how you might hold out for such a thing. You have been alone far too long; your staff has thought this for years.” He tapped Allan’s shoulder.

“Over those years, I never thought this would be my path.” He shoved his arms into the jacket. “What have you chosen today?”

“Jacket in charcoal gray; waistcoat of silver-striped silk. The color will make your eyes appear a deeper blue.” Collins brushed at the shoulders of the jacket.

“The quickest way to make an impact on your wife is through the eyes. You are one of the only people I know who doesn’t hide their emotions.

Whether it’s because it doesn’t matter now that you don’t have your sight or because you don’t believe in such, those eyes are windows into your soul.

If you want to win her, show her who you are. ”

“And in the process, you believe she will do the same for me?”

“Perhaps.” Collins left his side as Allan did up the buttons on his jacket. “With this level of commitment you have already displayed, how could she not fall for you?”

He snorted. “Oh, let me count the ways.”

“Do shut up, Your Grace. I am quite serious.” Amusement threaded through the valet’s voice.

“Keep doing what you’re doing. Employ your cat.

Send her more flowers. Add French chocolates.

If charm and romantic gifts are what helped her first husband win her heart, then do that for her as well.

If all that fails, recite her poetry. Surely you’ve had to have memorized some over the years. ”

“This is true.” Then he frowned. “And if she still doesn’t emerge?”

“Well, we will think of something else.”

Allan nodded. “Why do you care?”

“Because you deserve to usher in a time of good things. And besides, tomorrow is your birthday.” Collins patted his shoulder. “Do you want me to visit a few shops for you? Bring back flowers, chocolate, perhaps a bottle of perfume?”

“That would be perfect. Thank you. There are coins in the top drawer of the desk in my study. I’ll surprise Annette with some of those things later today.”

“I know. And Your Grace?”

“Hmm?”

“When Her Grace finally does come out of her rooms? Play the pianoforte for her. That never fails to tug at heartstrings.”

“Thank you, Collins. I appreciate it.”

Allan was true to his word. He sat in the corridor through breakfast, luncheon, as well as teatime with his wife on the other side of the door.

Though they discussed seemingly everything under the sun, she still didn’t emerge from her self-exile, but things were improving because she let the maid in and out, and she also consented to Romeo going in to explore.

Allan allowed it because there was no better companion than a cat, and perhaps the feline’s charm and purrs would work their magic on her, give her enough of a confidence boost to realize this new life might be the protective cocoon she craved.

When the evening hours came ’round, he once more took his dinner on a tray at Annette’s door. She’d accepted hers as well… along with another flower posey and a tiny trinket box containing two exquisite chocolate French bonbons.

“Thank you for the flowers, Peregrine. I truly do adore them.” That gratitude not only sounded in her voice, but he felt it through the wooden panel.

“If you say the word, I will make certain you have a fresh bouquet every day of your life.” In fact, he would give her anything she desired if she would only trust him, know that he was in earnest, and that he would keep her safe.

“You are far too lovely for your own good, I think.”

“Meaning?”

“Did it ever once occur to you that I might prove too broken to be your duchess?” The words, pitched in a low voice, were almost lost to him. “Perhaps it’s best that you put me into a carriage and send me away to your country estate where I won’t be so afraid of everything.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that. Essex is a wonderful place that boasts views of both the sea and the forest. Are you frightened of either of those things?

” His intent was to tease her, for he adored hearing her laughter.

“And Masterson Hall has recently been renovated with modern amenities, or so I’ve been told by both my solicitor and my estate manager.

Sadly, I haven’t visited in a few years. ”

“Do you wish to?”

He shrugged even though she couldn’t see the gesture. “I would like to, yes. I’ve spent loads of coin to make the estate the best that it can be, and easier for me to navigate, yet it felt a waste to do all of that if I were determined to ignore the responsibilities to my title.”

“You should go.”

“Only if you accompany me.” On that he wouldn’t change his mind. Would this be the turning point in their relationship?

What sounded like a long-suffering sigh issued from her. “How will I know which type of person I am—a sea lover or a forest lover?”

Clever girl. He couldn’t help his grin as he nodded, pausing with a forkful of chicken halfway to his mouth. “That is entirely your choice, Annette, but if you never leave your room, how will you ever discover your truths, or what might set your soul on fire?”

“Stop that!” Silverware clattered against china. “Romeo, that is not for you. Stop!”

Allan knocked at her door. “Are you all right?”

“Yes. Your cat stole half my chicken.”

He chuckled. “Well, Romeo does have an appetite, and chicken is his greatest weakness. Shall I ring for more?”

“No, thank you. I’m mostly finished.” Silence brewed between them for a long time. Then she finally broke it. “If I leave this room, disaster might befall me.”

This felt as if it was the pinnacle of the divide keeping them apart.

He must go gently. “This is quite true, and I won’t lie to you about that.

” Never did he want her to think he wasn’t fair.

“And I won’t say that it’s a falsehood either.

However, if you never leave the room, you won’t experience any of the joy life has to offer.

Since I’m rather biased about the breathtaking scenery of my property—remembered though it is from twenty years ago—I do know of what I speak. I also know you would like it there.”

“It’s so frightening. Not the prospect of seeing your property, but of leaving somewhere that is safe. For us both.”

He gave his plate to a footman who’d come up to check on him. Resting his forehead against the door, Allan nodded. “It is frightening. This is also not a lie, and I have felt that way many times in my life, especially since going blind.”