Chapter 22

The days leading up to Daniel and Eleanor's wedding were a whirlwind of activity, filled with endless preparations and last-minute details. The Duke's manor was abuzz with excitement as servants scurried about, putting the final touches on the grand affair.

In the midst of it all, Daniel and Eleanor found themselves feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. They stole rare moments alone together, seeking solace in each other's arms amidst the chaos.

As they sat together in the quiet sanctuary of Eleanor's chambers, the weight of the impending nuptials hung heavy in the air.

"I never imagined planning a wedding would be this exhausting," Eleanor sighed, her shoulders slumping with fatigue.

Daniel nodded in agreement, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I feel like we've barely had a moment to ourselves," he admitted, his voice weary.

Eleanor reached out to gently squeeze his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. "It will all be worth it in the end," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "Once we're married, we'll finally have the chance to relax and enjoy each other's company without all this stress."

Daniel smiled back at her, grateful for her unwavering support. "You're right," he said, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. "As long as I have you by my side, I can face anything."

Their tender moment was interrupted by a knock on the door, and Sarah poked her head inside. "I hate to interrupt, but the seamstress needs your final approval on the alterations to your wedding gown, Eleanor," she said apologetically.

Eleanor sighed, reluctantly rising from her seat. "Duty calls," she said with a resigned smile, turning to Daniel. "I'll be back before you know it."

Daniel watched her go with a pang of longing, wishing they could steal away together for just a few moments longer. But he knew that there were still countless tasks to be done before the wedding, and he couldn't afford to shirk his responsibilities.

As he headed off to attend to his own duties, Daniel couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. Despite the exhaustion and the stress, he knew that their wedding day would be a celebration of their love—a love that had weathered countless trials and tribulations, and emerged stronger than ever.

And as he looked forward to the future, he knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, he and Eleanor would face them together, hand in hand.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Duke's manor, Eleanor and Daniel found themselves in the quiet serenity of the gardens, taking a moment of respite from the flurry of wedding preparations.

"It's hard to believe that tomorrow we'll be husband and wife," Eleanor said, her voice soft with emotion as she gazed up at the star-filled sky.

Daniel wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they strolled along the winding path. "I've dreamed of this moment for so long," he admitted, his eyes reflecting the love and longing in his heart. "And now that it's finally here, I can hardly believe it."

Eleanor leaned into his embrace, her heart swelling with love for the man who had captured her heart so completely. "I never imagined that I would find someone as kind, caring, and devoted as you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Daniel pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his heart overflowing with love for the woman who had changed his life in ways he never thought possible. "You are my everything, Eleanor," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

Their peaceful moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching, and they turned to see Sarah walking towards them, a soft smile on her lips.

"I hope I'm not intruding," Sarah said, her gaze warm and understanding. "I just wanted to wish you both a lifetime of happiness together."

Eleanor smiled gratefully at her, feeling a surge of affection for the kind-hearted woman who had become like family to them both. "Thank you, Sarah," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Your support means more to us than you'll ever know."

Sarah returned Eleanor's smile before turning her attention to Daniel. "I must say, Lord Daniel, you are a very lucky man to have found such a remarkable woman to share your life with," she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth.

Daniel's heart swelled with pride as he looked at Eleanor, knowing that she was the truest and most precious gift he had ever received. "I am indeed," he agreed, his voice filled with love and adoration.

As they stood together beneath the starry sky, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens and the warmth of each other's love, Eleanor and Daniel knew that their wedding day would be the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—one filled with joy, laughter, and boundless love. And as they looked forward to the future, they knew that with each other by their side, they could conquer anything that came their way.