Chapter 7

Dukas had no news of what was going on outside. He was in his office thinking about how to reach Eleanor.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and he turned to see Thomas, his loyal valet, enter the room with a somber expression.

"Thomas, what news do you bring?" Daniel asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

"Your Grace, I have found Lady Eleanor and Oliver," Thomas replied, relief evident in his voice. "But I'm afraid Lady Eleanor is injured. I've sent for the doctor."

Daniel's heart clenched at the news, concern etched into every line of his face. "Where are they now?" he asked, his voice tight with worry.

"They're in the sitting room, Your Grace," Thomas answered. "Shall I inform Lady Eleanor that you wish to speak with her?"

"Yes, please do," Daniel replied, his mind racing with thoughts of Eleanor's safety.

With a nod, Thomas hurried from the room, leaving Daniel alone with his thoughts. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he might find.

Entering the sitting room, Daniel found Eleanor sitting on a plush sofa, cradling Oliver in her arms. Her face was marred with bruises, and her eyes were filled with exhaustion and pain.

"Eleanor," Daniel said softly, crossing the room to kneel beside her. "Are you all right? What happened?"

Eleanor motioned for Thomas to take Oliver and get him out of the room.

She stood tall before Duke Daniel Hawthorne, her gaze steady and resolute despite the turmoil raging within her. She took a deep breath, gathering her strength before speaking.

"Eleanor," Daniel said, "please answer me. What happened, why are you here?"

"Duke Hawthorne," she began, her voice steady and unwavering. "I appreciate your concern, but I must insist that what happened between my father and me is a private matter."

Daniel's brow furrowed with concern, but he respected Eleanor's boundaries. "I understand, Eleanor," he said gently, his voice filled with empathy. "But please know that I am here for you, whatever you may need."

Eleanor nodded gratefully, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over her. "Thank you, Daniel," she murmured, her voice soft but sincere.

But as Daniel turned to leave, Eleanor hesitated, her resolve faltering. She knew she couldn't keep the truth from him any longer, that she owed him an explanation for her sudden departure from her father's house.

"Duke Hawthorne," she called out, her voice trembling slightly. "There is something you should know."

Daniel turned back to face her, his expression filled with concern. "What is it, Eleanor?" he asked, his voice gentle but insistent.

Taking a deep breath, Eleanor summoned her courage and spoke the words she had been dreading to say.

"When I told my father about Oliver, about how he is your son," she began, her voice steady despite the memories that threatened to overwhelm her, "he didn't take it well. He...he hit me."

Daniel's eyes widened in shock, his heart clenching with anger and concern. "Eleanor," he breathed, his voice filled with anguish. "I had no idea. Are you all right? Did he hurt you badly?"

Eleanor shook her head, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm fine, Daniel, it's not the first time this has happened." she assured him, her voice tinged with determination. "But I couldn't stay there, not after what happened. I had to get Oliver away from my father, to keep him safe. Daniel, that's why please take Oliver here with you. I can't bear to see anything happen to my child."

Daniel reached out to take her hand in his, offering her comfort and support. "You did the right thing, Eleanor," he said softly, his voice filled with admiration for her strength and courage.