Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 86

When Brianna had recovered to some extent, flowers began to arrive at her room.

“These are from the Duke. He hopes you can find some solace in these flowers since you’re not yet able to go out.”

The maid from the Duke’s household handed Brianna a large bouquet as she sat on her bed. The hydrangeas overflowed, filling her arms completely.

“Did you know? The meaning of hydrangeas is sincerity and a truthful heart. Both the flowers and their meaning are so lovely, aren’t they?”

Listening to the maid’s cheerful chatter, Brianna examined the pink blossoms, with their countless layered petals. They were indeed beautiful, just as the maid had said. It was also the first time she had ever received such a grand bouquet.

“They really are beautiful,” she replied with genuine admiration, to which the maid responded with a radiant smile.

“The Duke has a lot of work right now and may not be able to visit for a while. He asked that you focus on resting and eating well without any worries in the meantime.”

The maid left after saying she would arrange the flowers in a vase once Brianna had admired them enough. Just as when she had previously visited the Duke’s estate, the maids remained kind to Brianna, always smiling warmly, speaking to her gently, and taking care of her attentively.

After the maid left, Brianna, now alone on the bed, fiddled with the delicate petals and brought them close to her nose. A rich, sweet fragrance filled the air.

There was no need to go to such lengths… He’s already such a busy man.

While Brianna rested in bed, Lucius had been inundated with responsibilities. From organizing his brother’s funeral to undergoing the formal ceremony to receive his title, and beginning his duties as the Duke of Carlisle, he hardly had a moment to breathe.

Yet, amidst his hectic schedule, he often visited Brianna. Though she was frequently under the influence of medicine, she could faintly sense his presence by her side.

Once, at a time when she couldn’t discern whether it was day or night, she woke to find him sitting by her bedside. In the tranquil silence, Brianna blinked groggily and gazed at him. As always, his steady eyes met hers. For a long time, they looked at each other, until Brianna parted her lips to speak. But before she could utter a word, he reached out and gently closed her eyelids.

He told her not to worry or think about anything right now and to rest well.

Come to think of it, it had been a very long time since she had been this ill. Since her parents’ passing, Brianna had not spent more than a day in bed. Perhaps, deep down, she had known instinctively—that there would be no one to care for her even if she fell ill. So, in order to protect herself, she had no choice but to stay healthy.

The flower deliveries did not stop at a single occasion but continued for several days. Each day, a different type of flower would arrive. One day it was peonies; another day, she found her arms full of lilies. The accumulation of flowers turned her room into a miniature garden. As the flowers piled up to the point where there was barely room to walk, Brianna began to seriously consider asking the Duke to stop sending them. Just as she was mulling it over, a maid approached her.

“The Duke wishes to meet with you this afternoon, if you’re feeling well enough.”

Her fever had long since subsided. Over the past few days, her only activities had been eating and sleeping, and she was much improved.

In fact, she had already planned to ask him for some time tomorrow. Now that she was well, she couldn’t keep staying here like this indefinitely.

Without much thought, Brianna nodded. “I’ll meet him.”

Before meeting Lucius, the maids helped Brianna prepare. Although she intended only to tidy herself up enough to be presentable, the maids were quite thorough. They brought out a luxurious indoor chemise dress.

“The Duke sent this dress for you.”

Brianna inhaled sharply at the sight of the dress’s exquisite silk fabric. Though the design was relatively simple, it was still far beyond what someone of her humble status could ever afford.

“This is…”

“Oh, if it’s not to your liking, we can bring another dress…”

Seeing the maid’s evident fluster, Brianna quickly shook her head.

“No, it’s not that. I like it. I’ll wear it.”

After donning the dress, the maids began brushing her hair. They were careful not to take too long, mindful of her recovering condition. They chose a hairstyle that was both pretty and comfortable. Her thick brown hair was braided into a single plait that draped over one shoulder.

“You should wear a shawl. It’s summer, but your body is still recovering.”

With a warm shawl draped over her arms, Brianna was ready. Following the maid’s lead, she headed to the drawing room where Lucius awaited her.

When she entered the room she had once visited, Lucius was standing by the window with his back to her. Hearing the door open, he turned around slowly.

“Welcome, Brianna.”

Sunlight streamed through the large glass windows, and the curtains swayed gently in the breeze coming through a slightly open window. Backlit by the bright light and moving curtains, Lucius exuded an undeniable presence, as though he had been the master of this house all along. Brianna found herself lowering her lashes without realizing it.

For some reason, it felt as if she was seeing a new side of Lucius that she had never known before.

“…Thank you for inviting me, Your Grace,” she said, bowing respectfully.

The Duke. Yes, he was now the Duke of Carlisle. He had always been beyond her reach, but now he was an even more distant figure, someone she could never dare to approach.

In terms of formal hierarchy, he ranked just below the king and crown prince. In terms of actual power, everyone knew he was effectively the most influential person in the country. Even a child passing by on the street would be aware of this.

Lucius let out a soft sigh at her formal bow, then approached her. He stopped in front of her and took in her appearance carefully.

Brianna wore a cream-colored chemise dress with a lavender ribbon tied just below the chest. The pale tone of the dress complemented her fair complexion beautifully. The shawl, adorned with small blue embroidered flowers, harmonized perfectly with her outfit. She looked even better than he had imagined.

“The dress suits you well.”

While she would undoubtedly shine in a grand ball gown, her current simple and comfortable attire was no less stunning.

Lucius realized how pleased he was with the situation. Seeing her wearing a dress he had sent, staying in his home, and now coming to him—it all felt immensely satisfying.

Perhaps that’s why he had been so angry that day.

The day he had chased after Brianna, finding her in a coach surrounded by strangers, he had been filled with both relief and fury. He couldn’t bear seeing her mixed with random people. More than anything, this cruel woman had tried to leave him without so much as a proper goodbye. And she could do it again at any moment.

That could never happen.

Instead of asking her to step out of the coach, Lucius had pulled her out himself. Only after bringing her into his own carriage did he finally feel a sense of relief and clarity. That’s when he retrieved her bag, which contained the precious watch she treasured.

It might have been fortunate that Brianna had collapsed and lost consciousness in the carriage that day. If she had been fully aware, he might have revealed the depths of his feelings and desperation right then and there, dragging everything out of her. She would likely have looked at him as if he were insane and done everything she could to avoid him.

“Thank you. But this dress feels far too extravagant for me…”

Unlike the satisfied Lucius, Brianna looked visibly flustered. Smiling, Lucius took her hand. No matter how overwhelmed she felt, he had no intention of stepping back.

Following his lead, Brianna sat down on the sofa. Shortly after, the servants brought tea and light refreshments.

“How are you feeling?” Lucius asked.

Brianna nodded. “Thanks to you, I’m fully recovered.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“I’m sorry for imposing on you again. I owe you so much, especially after what happened before with my injury…”

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to the seat beside Lucius. Her teal eyes grew unfocused. Lucius realized that the last time Brianna had been here, Daniel had been sitting in that very spot. Now, she was recalling the late Duke.

“…I’m sorry. If it weren’t for me, the previous Duke…”

Her voice trembled with guilt.

“If not for me, such a tragic event wouldn’t have happened…”

Lucius spoke to her calmly, “It wasn’t your fault. In fact, because I came to you that day, I survived. They intended to kill both me and my brother at the same time.”

“But…”

“I’ll say it again: my brother’s death had nothing to do with you. However, there are many issues stemming from it that need to be resolved. For that, I need your cooperation.”

Brianna looked up at him, meeting his gaze. Then Lucius spoke the words he had prepared.

“Brianna, will you marry me?”