While my consciousness begins to drift away from the grand estate and slip back toward the quiet boundaries of my original world, the rest of the Valerius mansion is far from asleep.
Before telling what happens next, let's talk about how this magnificent estate is laid out. On the ground floor (or the first floor, depending on whether you follow British or American naming conventions), the layout is dominated by the heads of the household. That level houses the Duke's sprawling personal bedchamber, a separate private room for the Duchess, and an elegant sitting room where the Duchess routinely hosts her social circle and visiting high-society ladies. Though the Duke and Duchess have their own separate master bedrooms, they occasionally share quarters in one another's rooms. That same floor also contains the Duke's heavily guarded private study, alongside a formal reception room specifically designated for the Duke to host political guests and visiting nobles.
Up the grand staircase lies the second floor, the very level where Eleanor and Orlando's rooms are located. Stepping off the stairs immediately brings you to an airy, open sitting area furnished with plush sofas, low tables, and a gorgeous, wide-arched window framing a pristine view of the massive estate garden. Situated right next to this common seating space is Orlando's room, which connects directly to his private study. Just down the corridor sits the estate's sprawling library, packed floor-to-ceiling with historical records, ancient texts, and study materials. Further down toward the far end of the wing is Eleanor's spacious bedchamber, accompanied by her own private sitting room. Beyond that, a final set of stairs leads up to the upper-level terrace and the expansive rooftop overlooking the grounds.
At this very moment, in the quiet dark night, activity hums in the heart of the ground floor.
Inside the Duke's private study, the room is dimly lit by a pair of heavy brass oil lamps and candels. Stacks of official documents, tax ledgers, and territorial reports cover the dark mahogany desk where the Duke sits, his brow furrowed as he reviews a parchment detailing trade tariffs from the northern provinces.
Knock, knock.
A sharp, double rap echoes against the heavy oak door.
Without looking up from his paperwork, the Duke dips his quill into the inkwell and speaks in a low, authoritative voice. "Come in."
The heavy door clicks open, and heavy footsteps pad across the thick Persian rug. "Father, it's me," Orlando's voice murmurs.
The Duke continues scanning the lines of text, his quill scratching steadily against the paper. "What is it, Orlando? If this is about the eastern grain shipment, I already signed off on.."
"No, Father, it's not about the shipments," Orlando interrupts, his voice carrying an unusual weight. "Are you busy? Can we talk now?"
The Duke finally pauses, lifting his head and resting his chin on his hands, narrowing his sharp, piercing eyes at his son. "I am always busy, Orlando. But I can manage a few minutes. What could possibly warrant interrupting me at this hour? Spill it out. Make it quick."
Orlando takes a slow, deep breath, his jaw tightening as he prepares to drop a bombshell.
Well..." Orlando starts, shifting his weight uneasily as he stands before the desk. "I don't think Arthur is a suitable match for Eleanor anymore. In fact, I genuinely believe she deserves a much better person."
The Duke's eyebrows knit together into a sharp, deep frown. He sets his quill down completely, fixing his son with an intense, skeptical gaze.
"What are you talking about?" the Duke demands, his voice low and commanding. "Is this absurd notion your personal opinion, or did Eleanor mention something?"
"It's just an observation of mine, Father," Orlando replies quickly, holding his ground. "I don't think Eleanor is happy about marrying Arthur. You have to realize that her entire personality has changed lately. She isn't like the spoiled, impulsive girl she was before. Her temperament and character are completely different now. And honestly? I get the strong feeling she wants to choose someone better. Or... perhaps we should consider postponing this marriage altogether. We could help her find someone she actually deserves, someone she could truly care for. Not a crown-chasing sycophant like Arthur. You know I've never liked him." He wispers the last part so that his father doesn't hear that.
The Duke lets out a long, heavy sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he leans back in his heavy leather chair.
"I know very well that you despise Arthur, Orlando," the Duke mutters, staring thoughtfully at the ceiling. "And I share your misgivings about the boy. But are you entirely certain this is what Eleanor wants? As I recall, she fell head over heels for him and wept and begged us for days just to secure that engagement. What on earth has changed now?"
"I can't fully describe it, Father, but I just know," Orlando insists, his tone earnest. "I get the distinct impression she has no desire to marry Arthur anymore. She seems to want to stay with us, right here in the family. And it's not like we lack the means to support her. We have the power, the influence, and the wealth. Keeping her here with us for as long as she wishes isn't impossible. In fact, we should make it happen."
The Duke pauses, a faint, wry smile touching the corners of his lips as he looks at his fiercely protective son.
"You're right about that," the Duke concedes, crossing his arms. "We certainly have enough wealth to feed and house our own daughter for a lifetime. It's no burden at all. If she genuinely wants out, I am willing to look into a solution. Tell me, do you happen to have a plan in mind?"
"Yes, I do," Orlando says promptly.
"Well then?" The Duke raises an eyebrow, gesturing impatiently. "Spill it out. Don't stand there making me guess."
"So what is the master plan flashing through Orlando's mind right now? Why is he so utterly convinced that Eleanor wants out of her engagement, and when on earth did her fiercely critical, distant older brother turn into such a fiercely protective ally? Let's unravel these questions and dive deeper into the secrets of the Valerius estate as the next chapter unfolds..."