Chapter 53 - A Duchess's Generosity, A Butler's Game

"This way, Your Grace. The Duke arranged this room specially for you," Alistair said, leading me down yet another ornate hallway of Thorne Estate.

My feet ached from all the walking we'd done today. After last night's dinner—where I'd sat alone at that massive table feeling smaller by the minute—Alaric had finally emerged from his study with apologies about urgent business matters. He'd been distant but kind, explaining nothing about the mysterious letter. Now he was away again on some errand, and Alistair had taken it upon himself to show me the rest of my "surprises."

"Another room?" I asked. "We've already toured half the estate."

Alistair's eyes crinkled with amusement. "This one is special, Your Grace. The Duke was most particular about it."

He stopped before a set of double doors and produced an ornate key. With a theatrical flourish that seemed uncharacteristic of the usually stoic butler, he unlocked the doors and pushed them open.

"Your art studio, Your Grace."