A stylish carriage with four horses made its well-kept body gleam proudly.
The horses were also ready for departure, flicking their glossy manes as they cheerfully munched on fodder.
The stableman, who had been feeding them, opened the carriage door.
“Duchess. Please.”
Feeling a tickling, awkward sensation at the title of Duchess, I stepped inside the vehicle.
From now on, I am heading to the Grandir Duchy’s estate.
Lawrence’s mother lives at the country house on the estate. She is a real duchess, unlike a fake “duchess” like me.
Since becoming a widow, my mother-in-law has lived in seclusion on the estate and did not even attend our wedding ceremony.
It cannot be helped. It was a sudden marriage, after all, and above all else, my mother-in-law’s grief must be that deep.
Generally, a period of mourning is considered to be about a year, but aristocratic women who have lost their husbands often remain in mourning for a much longer period. Depending on the person, some cases even involve stopping all social activities afterward and completely retiring from high society.
In fact, my mother-in-law did not return to the royal capital even when the social season arrived.
That is why I decided to take this opportunity to visit the estate myself and express my gratitude for permitting our marriage.
“—Sarah.”
Just before the door closed, a refreshing voice called out to stop me.
When I looked back, there was Lawrence, his well-proportioned, tall frame wrapped in travel clothes.
“Lord Lawrence?”
I had heard he was buried in work and could not possibly accompany us, so I doubted my eyes.
“Are you coming too, Lord Lawrence?”
“Yes, I managed to clear away my work. You would be uneasy traveling all by yourself, wouldn’t you?”
I nodded honestly.
To tell the truth, I was uneasy. Although I wish to greet my mother-in-law, I have zero confidence that she will like me.
I knew very well that Lawrence was busy, so I thought I should not say things like being lonely, but feeling Lawrence care for me without me even saying a word made my heart warm with comfort.
“You don’t need to worry. I’m sure my mother will like you, too.”
To untangle my worries, Lawrence smiled cheerfully.
“I hope so…”
I had expected us to sit facing each other, but Lawrence sat down right next to me.
“The country house has a rose garden lovingly tended to by the gardeners. I want you to see that garden at the height of its bloom, too.”
“I am looking forward to it.”
The coachman pulled the reins. The horses started walking in step, and the wheels, engraved with the Ashford family crest at the center hub, began to turn.
Tempted to sleep by the swaying of the carriage, I swallowed a yawn.
“Sarah. You should sleep peacefully along the way. You’re sleep-deprived, aren’t you?”
Told as if he saw right through me, my cheeks flared up hot.
——That’s because last night was intense, too…!
Though Lawrence looks calm, I am about to boil over with embarrassment. I am too embarrassed to look him straight in the face.
“Aren’t you tired yourself, Lord Lawrence?”
——Um… I won’t say what about, but the amount of physical exertion, or…
Even though he is busy with work during the day, why does he never seem to run out of stamina at night, either…?
“I am fine. Just watching Sarah’s sleeping face heals me.”
I feel like I have no chance of winning against a top-tier smile.
Yielding to his words, I closed my eyes.
“…Yes.”
I intended to sleep leaning against the seat, but my shoulders were embraced and I was pulled close.
“Sleep well, Sarah.”
Whispered sweetly right by my ear, my heart beat like an alarm bell.
Just from Lawrence’s hands touching me, my body temperature rose steadily. Simply being pressed close like this makes me feel like I am melting away.
“…”
Suddenly, a wave of anxiety brushed past my heart.
We are intertwining our bodies almost every night, but… what does Lawrence intend to do if a child is born?
Will only the child be taken away? Will I be told I am no longer needed and chased out of the duchy family?
No, Lawrence is not that kind of person.
——Perhaps, I held my breath.
Perhaps, I might be cherished forever.
I wanted to believe in Lawrence’s gentle gaze. I did not want to doubt the words where he told me he loved me.
Because I have already fallen in love.
I know it does not suit me, but I cannot take my eyes off Lawrence.
I know we are not a match, but I cannot stop myself from being drawn to him.
“…………”
If I convey these feelings, will I become a burden to him, I worried.
If I tell him I love him… will it bind Lawrence down?
“Sarah?”
Noticing my gaze looking up at him, Lawrence slightly relaxed his cheeks with a chuckle.
“My wife is cute.”
Told without any bashfulness, my cheeks flushed.
“…!”
When I turned away my face, which was surely red, his handsome chin drew close.
The very moment our lips were about to touch—
Before I could even think the carriage had stopped suddenly, a horse’s whinny that pierced the ears echoed all around.