~Chapter 33~
That afternoon, the Duke went out, and the Dowager Duchess left for a charity bazaar, so Elin was left alone in the mansion.
The weather was warm, and she finally had some time to relax by herself, so she went out to the terrace.
She was peacefully writing letters to Isabella in Castia and her friend Tania when Jeffrey approached with a silver tray.
“I’ve brought tea and some snacks, my lady.”
Even though he could have sent a maid, Jeffrey always brought and served the tea himself. It made Elin feel warm inside.
He didn’t talk much or act overly polite, yet his sincerity could be felt in his calm, controlled movements.
“Thank you.”
When Elin smiled, Jeffrey bowed politely and turned to leave.
“Ah! Jeffrey.”
She suddenly called him back.
“Yes, my lady. Do you need anything else?”
Elin put down her pen and asked curiously,
“I heard the name Jeanne this morning. Do you know who she is?”
Jeffrey raised one eyebrow slightly.
“I do. She has a long connection with the Linderto family.”
“A long connection?”
“She was originally Lady Melisa’s maid. When the former Duke and the Dowager Duchess married, she came with her.”
That meant she was someone very trusted.
“After the young master was born, she served him closely, almost like a nanny. She is one of the few people who watched him grow up.”
“Then… she’s like family.”
Elin nodded.
“She must want to meet you as well, my lady.”
It seemed Jeffrey had already heard about their upcoming trip.
Elin smiled softly and nodded, and Jeffrey left again.
She twirled the pen between her fingers, deep in thought.
‘A honeymoon…’
If this were a real marriage, how exciting it would be.
Spending sweet and happy time alone with someone you love.
Then she remembered how Dominic reacted earlier.
Her expression dimmed.
He didn’t even want to go.
Her eyes showed a hint of sadness.
A few days later, the day finally came for Dominic and Elin to leave.
“You made a good decision. A person can’t live only by working.”
Higgins smiled slyly as he handed Dominic the last signed document.
“Don’t worry about things here. I’ll handle most matters myself.”
He looked unusually cheerful.
Dominic glanced at him coldly.
“If you hate being with me that much, should I find you another position?”
“Come on, Your Grace. It’s not like that. I just think this is a good chance for both of you to spend some time together and rest—”
Knock, knock.
Before he could finish, Jeffrey entered.
“Everything is ready outside.”
Dominic stood up.
“Inform me immediately if anything happens.”
“Yes, of course. Please don’t worry and have a good trip.”
After working until the very last moment, Dominic finally left his study and went downstairs.
Elin was sitting on the sofa, waiting for him.
She wore a green outfit with a shawl and a wide straw hat decorated with flowers.
She looked like she was going on a picnic.
Her round eyes showed both nervousness and excitement.
She kept looking at the stairs while the servants carried luggage.
When she finally saw him, she quickly looked away awkwardly.
“I’ll take care of the mansion, so you two enjoy your time. And don’t forget to send my regards to Jeanne.”
Melisa came to see them off.
She looked relieved as if she was glad to send her son away, which annoyed Dominic slightly.
Feeling like they were being pushed out, the couple got into the carriage.
“We’ll be back soon.”
Elin greeted from the window.
Melisa leaned closer and whispered,
“I put a travel gift in your bag.”
Then she winked.
Elin only smiled and sat back.
The carriage began to move, and the mansion slowly faded away.
She looked out the window and saw everyone still waving.
Inside the carriage, it felt awkward being alone together.
Elin didn’t have the courage to face him directly, so she kept looking outside.
As they left the busy capital, peaceful countryside scenery appeared.
Gradually, she relaxed and began to enjoy the view.
Her hat moved gently in the wind, and the ribbons fluttered.
Dominic watched her.
“It seems you’ve grown closer to my mother.”
Elin turned to him.
“Yes… I think so.”
She smiled softly, though she wasn’t fully certain.
She played with her dress nervously.
Dominic remembered Jeffrey’s words—
That she was gentle on the outside but strong inside.
But seeing her still nervous in front of him made him doubt that.
“I lose track of time when I’m with her. Did you hear the story about how she got that sculpture?”
Dominic’s expression stiffened.
He had heard that story hundreds of times.
Yet somehow, she found it fascinating.
“You and my mother seem to share interests. I never cared for those things.”
He thought about the many sculptures in the house.
To him, they were no different from stones.
“But the story behind them makes them special.”
Elin’s eyes shone.
It seemed she and Melisa got along very well.
“I’m glad you get along. Otherwise, it would’ve been unbearable.”
Elin was slightly surprised by his cold tone.
“Wouldn’t you prefer a mother who lives freely, makes friends, and enjoys life, instead of one who only nags at home?”
Dominic gave a faint laugh.
She didn’t know.
Because of that “free life,” he had often been left alone.
Whenever he needed his mother, she wasn’t there.
Even his father, who fulfilled his duties, had died alone one day—
while his wife was abroad.
Dominic answered coldly,
“It’s easy to live generously when you spend someone else’s money.”
Elin was shocked.
She didn’t expect him to think that way.
But she couldn’t stay silent.
“The Dowager Duchess participates in charity, raises funds through exhibitions, and helps people. Don’t you think she helped build the family’s reputation?”
Her voice carried a hint of criticism.
Dominic let out a small scoff.
“While she enjoys that life, her son is called a heartless man obsessed with money.”
Elin didn’t back down.
She didn’t want to accept his arrogant words.
“I heard her dowry alone could buy half the capital. Didn’t the family business grow because of that?”
Dominic looked at her.
Usually, she couldn’t even meet his eyes—
But now, she stood her ground and challenged him.
Seeing that, he decided to stop talking about his mother entirely.
