The Duke of Garwood and His Bride

CHAPTER 8. WAKING UP IN THE EAST

The ride dragged for three long days. Finally, Bowham Castle appeared like a tiny speck in the distance. Adrienne peered through the carriage window as the setting sun cast a venomous red streak through the clouds, giving the castle an eerie sense of foreboding. The magnificent castle sat aloft on a hill, moatless, just like Durham Castle. Its curtain walls and towers spoke of power. As their carriage came nearer, she could clearly observe the mighty fortifications. Its barbicans were built strategically. The towers stood menacingly even from afar. She could not contain the excitement of discovering every nook and cranny of that indomitable fortress. There was nothing romantic about the castle but she could feel the greatness and fortitude it emanated.

Rayne was relieved as their carriage made its final turn toward the hill where Bowham Castle stood majestically. He had sent Sir Hubbard ahead to prepare the castle for their imminent arrival. Everything must be in order now for their arrival. He also felt agitated to know what had transpired during his absence. He also felt apprehensive of his wife’s presence in Garwood. He feared for her safety but he also wondered what role she would play in his household and his estate. He had watched her peer through the window as they approached the castle. Her eyes gleamed with unfathomable meaning. Had she disguised her intentions to make him fully unaware? Could she be one of those controlling women he had the misfortune of meeting? Could she also be one of those conniving, vain or scheming women? Only the days ahead could answer him.

The portcullis hoisted up as their party approached the first gate. Another gate opened when they came past the portcullis. The men on horseback and the carriages rolled into the inner bailey. The men started dismounting and footmen and groomsmen came rushing to aid the duke and his party. Servants lit the torches to give the inner bailey a day-like luminescence.

Rayne did not wait for a footman to open the carriage for him. He breathed a sigh of contentment after finally arriving home. He looked at his wife and Rose and smiled at the two women. He helped each of them alight their carriage. He reached for his wife’s cloak and draped it over her shoulders to ward off the cool night breeze.

“Welcome to Bowham, ladies.” he said to them. He reached for his wife's hand and placed it around his arm.

“Thank you, Your Grace. Please, let it be Adrienne.” she replied.

“Then let it be Rayne too, Adrienne.” he answered and smiled. “Let’s get you ladies inside. The wind is quite gusty at night. You might catch a chill.” he cautioned.

“I love the wind, Rayne. Your home is beautiful like Durham. Only this one is much bigger.”

“Yes. I see many similarities.” he agreed.

Adrienne closed her eyes, “I love the sound of the crashing waves, Rayne. It made me feel closer to my very own home.”

Rayne breathed in her innocence when she closed her eyes. “I will take you for a walk by the shore one day. But the following days I will be very busy catching up on my absence.”

Looking up to him, Adrienne gave him a reassuring smile, “I understand, Rayne. Let me know if I could be of any help.”

“Thank you, Adrienne. I’ll keep that in mind. Now let’s get you inside. It’s really getting chilly.” Rayne led his wife inside and gestured for Rose to come abreast. He dismissed the servants and footmen bustling around to assist them. Instead he ordered them to tend to the men who travelled with them and take care of their needs and luggages.

Adrienne felt the curious stare the entire household was casting her. Even when they greeted and welcomed her, they seemed wary and in awe. Instead of feeling awkward, she carried herself more regally and graced their greeting with a graceful smile.

“Your Grace,” Miller suddenly appeared out of the corner wall, “I have already instructed the servants to assist your entourage. They have been led into the great hall awaiting your presence.”

“Thank you, Miller.” Rayne said. “We will be there. Please prepare the two rooms ready for my wife and for her cousin Lady Rose.”

Miller gawked at Rayne and his wife. His question was written all over his face. Rayne could not help but laugh at him. Even Adrienne and Rose could not restrain chuckling at the funny expression on the old butler’s face. Rayne smiled at his wife and gestured for her to humor the old man.

“Yes, Miller. I need a separate room from His Grace.” she said, her smile still pasted on her lips. “I still feel awkwardly shy over our marriage.”

Miller closed his gaping mouth at the realization and recovered from his blunder. “I apologize, my lady.”

“It’s alright, Miller.” she said understandingly.

“Is it alright with you, my lady, if the room is adjacent to his lordship’s?” he asked, remembering the room next to the duke’s was unoccupied and was large enough for her. It was also the very room that the former duchess had occupied. The room itself also adjoined the room to the duke's.

“That would be great, Miller.” Adrienne answered. “Please also have Lady Rose’s room close by.”

“I will see it done, my lady.”

“Since I will be living here, Miller, please do call me Adrienne and my cousin Rose.”

“But that is improper, my lady!” the butler exclaimed.

“We will all be living together in this beautiful abode, Miller. It would make me feel much better if I were to be called by my name. It feels so much more like we’re family.” Adrienne explained.

“It would be dreadful to try so, my lady.” Miller gasped, his hand clutching his chest.

“You will have the entire night to practice, Miller.” Adrienne added teasingly. “Now, Rayne, I believe we are expected somewhere. Please lead the way, Your Grace.”

“Your Grace, may I excuse myself from joining you and Adrienne in the Great Hall? I would like to oversee the handling of our luggages.”

“Are you sure, Lady Rose?”

“She doesn’t like large crowds, Rayne.” Adrienne cut in.

“Alright. Miller, see to the lady’s needs.”

“I will, Your Grace.” Miller bowed as the couple went on their way.

Rayne led his wife toward the Great Hall where his commanders and the few soldiers from Durham awaited them. Adrienne admired the antiques and statues they passed by along the hallways. Even the paintings were the brainchild of many renowned artists. Along the sidelines were silent shiny sentinels standing with quiet acquiescence. The carpets on the floors were thick and soft under their feet.

Rayne steered her gently around one more corner toward the great hall until the large oak doors revealed them into the Great Hall where a large crowd suddenly hushed upon their entrance.

Adrienne allowed her husband to guide her into the Great Hall and took their places at the dais. Rayne gave her a bemused smile, conveying to her that she should feel at ease. Adrienne nodded with a smile, though deep inside she needed no encouragement. She could face any crowd with confidence.

"Gentlemen," Rayne turned to address his men and the Durham soldiers. "Allow me to introduce to you, my wife, Lady Adrienne Langley. Daughter of the Baron of Hemsworth." He introduced proudly. Adrienne watched the strange faces in front of her. Though most of them pasted a genuine smile as they murmured their greetings, there were curious and wary glances that did not escape her scrutiny.

"Welcome to Bowham, Lady Adrienne." One burly man in front stepped forward to bow to her. "I am Maximus Blanchard. I am His Grace's head commander."

"Thank you, Max." Adrienne said, "Is it alright if I call you, Max?" Adrienne asked, flashing him with a winsome smile.

“Yes, my lady.” Max agreed, his smile was warm and cordial.

“And I’d like to be called Adrienne. I don't really like all the formalities.” She said nonchalantly. Rayne looked at her with a frown. She smiled up at him, “No one in Durham calls me my Lady. Unless there are strangers in the castle.” she explained. “I intend to be the same when I’m in Garwood. We are all family here."

“If that pleases you, my Adrienne.” Rayne concurred.

Adrienne jolted at his possessive endearment. She tried to shake away the uneasiness she felt and gave him a brief reply. “It will. Very well.”

Rayne helped his wife settle into the room prepared for her by the servants. Although much was still needed to improve the room to suit his duchess. He felt happy when Adrienne waved away his worries of not being able to give her the properly decorated bedchamber. The room was the way it was left after the former duchess passed away. It was just regularly cleaned and maintained. He did not see the need to change it. He never saw marriage coming. Not to him at all. But he resolved to make amends to suit the bedchamber to his own duchess. He even apologized for being unable to give her a grand welcome ball. But to his amazement, she even thanked him for not being able to do so. She expressed her strong aversion over the inane celebrations. Instead, she had asked him to focus on capturing their enemies and bring peace to the people of Garwood Estate.

**********

Adrienne stirred from her slumber. Even in her sleep she could sense someone was staring at her. She stretched out her arms and slowly opened her eyes. She almost got blinded by the bright sunlight when the heavy curtains suddenly swung open.

“Rise and shine, Duchess.” Rose said playfully and stood leaning by the window.

Adrienne squinted her eyes and grimaced. “You spoiled my dream.”

“The sun has already been ablaze for ages." Rose remarked. "Your dear husband had been an early riser."

"He is?" She asked, intrigued, and gave her cousin a side-long glance.

"He has been up and about the estate long before the sun ascended." Rose disclosed. "I saw him tiptoed out of his bedchamber and headed to the stables and rode off.

"Was he alone when he rode off?" Adrienne wondered.

"He was." Rose replied noncommittally.

Adrienne nodded. "And how about you? You're early as well." She asked, her eyebrows arching meaningfully.

Rose strode toward her cousin and whispered, "I couldn't sleep much so I explored the entire castle while everyone sleeps." She answered light-heartedly, her eyes shining with some secret only the two of them understood.

"You went without me?" She protested with a pout.

"I got bored." Rose shrugged. "Everyone seemed to be sleeping except for the guards on post.

"Let me guess. None of them saw you sneaking and sniffing around the castle."

Rose only gave her a wink and a soft chuckle. "Get off the bed now and join me for breakfast. I saw the servants waltzing into the dining hall with steaming treats that made my stomach grumble!"

Adrienne threw the covers aside and got off the bed. She pulled the bell rope inside her room. Moments passed and her maids entered the room to help her wash and dress. Rose waited patiently on the damask couch until her cousin emerged from her large closet wearing a light yellow day dress.

"Looks like we'll be seeing each other often in this kind of outfit." Rose muttered, shaking her head.

"Just until his lordship allows us to visit the villages. We'll be able to comfortably wear our humble attire."

"Do you think he would let us ride around the villages when he knows the dangers that lurk in his estates? He seemed quite protective and overly concerned for our safety."

"I will have to talk him into doing so." Adrienne surveyed her reflection from the mirror and was satisfied with the simplicity of her look. Turning around, she faced her cousin and asked her to join her downstairs for their breakfast. When they ventured outside, two men, guards to be exact, kept following them. Adrienne stopped walking and faced the two men.

"What seemed to be the matter, gentlemen?" She asked with arms akimbo. The two men averted their gazes from the duchess.

"The duke ordered us to keep you escorted, my lady." One of the guards answered bashfully.

"Well, I don't think there's anything that could happen to us inside the castle. You're dismissed for the time being. I will just summon you if I need to go outside.

“We apologize, my lady, but it is his lordship’s strict orders not to let you out of our sight. We cannot be complacent even when inside the castle.” the same guard answered her. Adrienne sighed defeatedly. She had no choice for the moment but to allow the duke to make all the decisions.

“Very well. If that would put his mind at ease.” Adrienne said and turned her heels around and headed into the dining hall. The kitchen staff froze from their chores when she entered. She halted her step and watched everyone's expression as they all regarded her warily. Questions and amazements were written all over their faces. Some of them seemed clueless on how to regard her.

Adrienne smiled and relieved them of their befuddlement.

" Well, this is quite a surprise." She said jovially.

"We apologize, my lady. We were indeed surprised." One of the servants bowed her head apologetically.

"It's alright. Please, I do not mean to get in your way." Adrienne prompted them to go on their way.

“Please have a seat, my lady.” another servant came up to her and led her to her seat by the dining table. Another servant also assisted Rose. Adrienne and Rose exchanged glances as the servants around them seemed to walk on eggshells around them as each one carried the food into the dining hall.

Adrienne held the servant’s hand when she placed a freshly baked bread in front of her.

She could feel her stiffen under her touch. “What is your name?” Adrienne asked.

“Abigail, my lady.” the servant replied softly.

Adrienne smiled at her and patted her hand gently. “Thank you for the food. I’m Adrienne and she is my cousin Rose.” she added.

“Yes, my lady, we know. The butler told us to prepare your breakfast. He said you are His Grace’s wife.”

“Please call me Adrienne. Yes, the duke and I have been married in haste.” Adrienne said with a wink.

“We are glad to know His Grace had been married to a beautiful woman. We apologize for our misdemeanor.” Abigail said.

“You all probably did not expect the duke would bring home a wife. I myself still find it hard to believe.” she continued with a cynical laugh.

“Please do not take it the wrong way, my lady, if we have been clueless around you. But we are in fact very happy that this castle finally has its new Duchess.”

“Thank you. I hope we will all get along just fine.” Adrienne said wishfully. “I would like to know each and everyone of you.So I will be visiting often, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes you are welcome anytime, my lady.”

“It’s Adrienne. I preferred to be called Adrienne.” she reiterated.

“But…” the servant and those who were with her stared at Adrienne as if she had grown some horns and snout. “But it is improper, my lady!” Abigail gasped and held her hand to her chest.

“Not if I allowed it, Abigail.” Adrienne explained. “I never actually liked the fancy titles, so please call me Adrienne and my cousin too.”

“The duke might get displeased, my lady.”

“I assure you, he wouldn’t.” Adrienne coaxed.

“We will try then, my lady.”

“You can try now, Abigail.”

“Y-yes...A-A-Adrienne.” Abigail stuttered.

“See, it’s so easy.” Adrienne grinned and turned her attention to the variety of food being served. She favored each of the servants with a winsome smile. “Why is there so much…” Before she could finish her question, the doors burst open, revealing a panting and sweating duke. His blonde locks disheveled, his white shirt had a button or two opened. Adrienne and Rose rose to their feet and greeted the duke.

“My apologies for coming in late, ladies.” he panted a response and stalked toward the head of the table.

“Please do not fret, Your Grace. We know how you were catching up on your absence.” Adrienne waved away his worry.

“Thank you, my sweet.” Rayne regarded her tenderly and reached for her hand and helped her back to her seat. “I would have wanted to be here when you wake up but I was stuck in the farmers’ village.”

“Rest assured, my lord. I am no longer a little child.”

“Still, I would have preferred to be here when you wake up. I know you still feel strange waking up in a different castle and unfamiliar faces.”

Adrienne smiled inwardly. She would have said she felt none of those at all. She had been used to waking up in strange places and unfamiliar faces. But she chose to hold herself back. “That’s very kind of you, my lord.” she said instead.

Rayne returned her smile, “I’ll take you ladies for a tour around the castle after we break our fast.” he declared.

Adrienne and Rose exchanged glances and forced a smile upon their lips. The idea would have been nice but she and Rose had some other plans.

“That would be lovely, Your Grace.” Adrienne said behind her teeth.

“It is indeed lovely, Your Grace.” Rose joined in. “But I must decline, Your Grace.” she revealed and Adrienne shot her with a feral glare. “I will let the two of you have this opportunity to get to know each other.” she added, c*****g an eyebrow at Adrienne, who was continually shooting daggers at her.

Rayne grinned at Rose, “Perhaps you are quite right, Lady Rose.” he said, “I might use this time to spend a day with my wife, whilst I have the time. I appreciate your foresight, my lady.”

“Please call me Rose, Your Grace.” Rose prompted. She had always been awkward with the title, knowing she wasn’t one.

“And I am Rayne.” he said after taking a mouthful of the sliced fresh fruits on his plate. He also glanced at his wife and winked at her.

Rayne studied his wife while they eat. She was so comfortable with everyone serving them. She was so generous with expressing her gratitude to the servers even if it was their job to do so. She kept praising them and encouraging them when they call her by her name, expressing how she loved to hear her birth name from the people around them. She even sent. one of the maids to thanks the cook for the sumptuous meal prepared for them. Such an adorable trait, he realized.

***********

Rayne took his wife for a leisurely walk inside the entire castle. He told her the tales behind some of the rooms and the people who once lived or were still living in the castle. The house help and his butler were generous enough to disclose the castle's tales of happy and sad memories. Adrienne listened intently to his stories and paid close attention to the details he was giving her about the passages, the secret passages and the different rooms. He also told her to be wary of everyone and always look after herself whenever he was not around. Despite appointing a personal guard for her, he still could not shake the feeling of fear that someone was watching him and danger could pounce at him or worse at his unsuspecting wife.

“I understand your fears, Rayne, but I have survived many battles worse than what Garwood Estate suffered. Durham was once besieged by my father’s arch-nemesis. The entire castle was fully infiltrated. We were taken, bound and beaten. It was a nightmare Durham will never forget.” she narrated while she and her husband rested on a stairwell to catch their breath.

“Your father and your brothers are excellent warriors. There was no doubt they could outlast their enemies.” Rayne muttered. “I do not even have half your father’s skill in fighting. Bringing you here aroused so much fear in me. I am afraid of leaving you behind. I am afraid that I can not keep you safe."

“You have my father’s men to watch your back. My uncle Aengus is on his way too. He will give you the upperhand you most need. He would track down your enemies and bring them upon your feet for judgment.” she said confidently.

“I am grateful, Adrienne, for your father’s generosity and for your sacrifice to bring this alliance to Garwood.”

Adrienne smiled at him and asked him to resume exploring the castle. She felt quite awkward being regarded tenderly by this handsome devil.

As Rayne had promised, he spent the entire day with her. They have explored the castle from the inside during the entire morning. He had also introduced her to their entire staff. Come the afternoon, he took her to explore the castle grounds, the vast courtyard, the curtain wall and the inner wall, the towers and battlements. He also allowed her to see the training grounds of their soldiers and their barracks and the armory.

“I’m glad our soldiers have a comfortable place.” she noted after seeing the barracks with comfortable beds, comforters and a hearth to chase the chill during winter.

“It’s the least I could give them for doing so much to keep Garwood safe.” Rayne uttered as they moved along the bed bunks of each soldier.

“It is how we treat our soldiers too, Rayne.” Adrienne said, “We can never repay their loyalty and sacrifices but we can at least give them a little comfort.”

“I hope we can end this struggle soon. I wanted everyone to have a quiet and happy life, even for my soldiers. I would prefer them to be with their families too, instead of rallying to places where there is no guarantee of them ever making it out alive.” he croaked, his voice trembling with pain as he watched the men outside sparring with one another. "Do you know how difficult it is for me to lose even 1 of my soldiers? It felt as though I have died myself. But worst is, it breaks my heart that they could no longer be with their loved ones."

Adrienne watched her husband carefully and studied his expression. There was a sad and painful way he looked at his soldiers. The pain of losing them left a deep hollow in his heart. His hands fisted on his sides. His obvious desire to end all of the turmoil in his beloved land burned aflame in his eyes.