The Duke's Reluctant Bride

Mayor Alfred Belling descended the grand staircase of Wycliffe Manor, his booted feet soft against the plush crimson runner. The morning meeting with the Duke had gone better than he'd dared to hope. Though Nathaniel Wycliffe could make even a grown man stammer with a single glance, the mayor always considered it a personal victory to leave the study intact, ego only mildly bruised.

He tugged at his waistcoat to smooth the wrinkles, his jowled face flushed with a mixture of relief and satisfaction.

As he reached the landing, a burst of youthful laughter drew his attention.

In the sunlit hall, there, seated together near the tall windows, were Juliana Wycliffe and the new Duchess, Lady Evelyn. Juliana's dark curls framed her cheerful face as she animatedly gestured mid-story, while Evelyn listened with polite amusement, a cup of tea in her hand.

The mayor approached with a broad smile, adjusting his coat as he cleared his throat lightly. "Ah... Lady Juliana!" he said warmly, doffing his hat. "And Your Grace." He bowed deeply to Evelyn. "It is a delight to see you both this fine morning."

Evelyn rose slightly from her seat, her manners impeccable. "Mayor Belling. A pleasure."

Evelyn smiled with polite grace, rising from her seat. She wore a pale lavender morning dress with pearl buttons down the bodice, her dark hair pinned in a soft updo with just a few curled tendrils escaping near her cheek. The emerald necklace still adorned her neck, a quiet but unmistakable statement.

"You honor us, sir," Evelyn said gently.

"My lady," he said with a touch of awe, "Forgive my boldness but Wycliffe is truly fortunate to have such a gracious duchess. You're even lovelier in daylight than the townspeople have whispered. And l must say, no whisper does you justice."

"You are very kind, sir."

Evelyn flushed lightly, unsure whether to be pleased or embarrassed. Juliana grinned and elbowed her playfully.

"Careful, Mayor," Juliana teased. "Flattery may win you an invitation to tea."

The old man chuckled. "My apologies, Lady Juliana. I simply call it as I see it."

"You're such a charmer, Mr. Belling. No wonder my friend Lucille always said you were the best father." Her eyes twinkled. "Speaking of which.... how is Lucille? I haven't seen her in ages."

The mayor's face softened. "Ah, yes. Lucille's currently in London. Visiting her cousins and likely shopping for fripperies she doesn't need." He chuckled. "But she'll be returning in a few days, just in time for the harvest festival."

Juliana clapped her hands. "Oh, good! She better not miss it. Last year she drank too much elderberry wine and tried to sing a sailor's tune on stage."

"Indeed," the mayor groaned. "Her poor mother nearly fainted."

They all laughed.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries and promising to send word when Lucille returned, the mayor took his leave, bowing again as he made his exit through the wide double doors.

As the doors shut behind him, Evelyn turned toward Juliana with a curious expression. "Harvest festival?"

Juliana's eyes lit up. "Oh, it's the event of the year here. The whole town turns out. Music, dancing, feasting, it's wonderful." She twirled on her heel and waved for Evelyn to follow. "Come, walk with me. I'll tell you everything."

They strolled through the long corridor toward the gallery, their slippers making soft echoes on the marble floor.

"This region's soil is ideal for growing grapes," Juliana explained as they walked. "The Wycliffe estate is the biggest vineyard in the county. Every autumn, after the harvest, the townspeople throw a festival in the square. There are wine tastings, games, even a torchlit parade."

Evelyn blinked in surprise. "And the nobility attend?"

"Well," Juliana said, looping her arm through Evelyn's, "not always. But my brother used to, when we were children. He stopped after…" She trailed off briefly. "Well, it's been years. But if he does attend this time and you come with him, the people will love you."

Evelyn's brows lifted. "That depends on whether your brother even invites me."

Juliana nudged her gently. "You're his wife, Evelyn. And he's not blind."

The Duchess smiled faintly, her fingers brushing the emerald at her neck.

Maybe he wasn't.