Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 89

In the end, Carl yielded to the pressure of the two women and opened his mouth.

“The rumors are more or less true. The Duke has harbored deep feelings for Miss Brianna for a long time.”

Had it been a matter related to work, he would have kept his lips sealed even under threat of death. But this was a private concern, a mother’s curiosity about her child, and Carl judged that it might be better for the Dowager Duchess to know the truth for the long term.

When Lucius first mentioned marrying Brianna, the Dowager Duchess had expressed no opposition. She had only said that she would respect his wishes if that’s what he wanted.

The Dowager Duchess felt immense gratitude toward Brianna for helping Lucius escape the accusation of murder. She was fully aware that, had it not been for Brianna that day, Lucius might have perished alongside Daniel. It had been a harrowing moment when she nearly lost both her sons at once.

Given her goodwill toward Brianna, knowing the details might enable her to support them more effectively.

Carl shared everything he knew.

“…That’s how the Duke saved Miss Brianna, who was in danger, and in doing so, avoided an assassination attempt. Miss Brianna, unable to bear seeing the Duke falsely accused of murder, revealed the truth about that day herself.”

He then let out a small sigh.

“The two decided to marry to resolve the situation, but the Duke’s proposal was not made out of mere calculation. He proposed because he saw marriage as the only way to keep Miss Brianna by his side. She has no idea about the Duke’s true feelings.”

After Carl finished speaking, Veronica stared blankly ahead. Beside her, the head maid sniffled and wiped away tears.

Veronica murmured softly, “So that’s why Lucius suddenly decided to marry…”

When Lucius had announced his intention to marry Count Kirchner’s daughter, Veronica had thought it was a good match. She knew he didn’t love the Count’s daughter, but Lucius had always been indifferent toward women. She never imagined he would fall deeply in love with anyone. She believed a marriage where at least one person loved the other passionately would be better than a cold, loveless union. Sometimes, warmth could melt the coldest ice.

“I never realized Lucius was struggling with such feelings. And to think he gave up on someone he loved because of Florian… I should have paid more attention to his heart.”

Her words were filled with regret and self-reproach. The head maid nodded as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

“The young master, no, the Duke, has always been like that. He gives up before even trying. I’ve always found that so heartbreaking.”

“And now, the first thing Lucius has ever desired for himself is Brianna…”

Deep in thought, Veronica looked at Carl.

“It doesn’t seem like Brianna would have agreed to this marriage easily. How did Lucius persuade her?”

Carl shook his head. “I’m not aware of the specifics. I only know they had some conversation about it.”

“This is worrying,” Veronica muttered, pressing her fingers to her forehead.

“Why do you say that?” Carl asked.

“Daniel may have seemed careless, but he was actually quite sharp. Lucius, on the other hand, seems sharp but is surprisingly clumsy. Especially when it comes to women. Unlike Daniel, who was too knowledgeable in that area for his own good, Lucius knows nothing. How can I not be worried?”

“Ah…”

“So Lucius loves Brianna, but she doesn’t feel the same way. Is that correct?”

“For now, yes. But as they live together, her feelings may change over time,” Carl answered cautiously, worried that the Dowager Duchess might be upset. After all, no mother would welcome a woman who didn’t love her son.

“Hmm.”

Veronica tapped the armrest of her chair thoughtfully before suddenly clenching her fist and shouting.

“Alright, I’ve decided. From today, I will become Brianna’s mother!”

The sudden declaration left the other two staring at her in shock.

“Pardon?”

“Husbands can always become strangers and leave, but a mother is different. Besides, Brianna held great affection for the late Dowager Countess Linares. I will become that figure for her.”

Veronica stood up and began pacing the room. Then, with a determined voice, she addressed them.

“Even if that stiff fool drives her away with his coldness, I will make sure she hesitates to leave because of me. Watch and see—I’ll make sure she likes me more than Lucius!”

The butler and the head maid exchanged wide-eyed glances. Usually, in such cases, a mother would try to support her son and help the couple find love. Yet here was the Dowager Duchess, declaring her intention to steal her daughter-in-law’s love instead.

“Madam, that’s a bit…”

Carl started to point out how odd her plan was, but he swallowed his words when the head maid jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow.

While Carl doubled over in pain, Veronica entered a new train of thought.

“But I’ve never raised a daughter before, so I’m not sure how to bond with her. What do mothers and daughters usually do together?”

“Madam, I have daughters, so I can guide you,” the head maid quickly offered.

“The biggest difference between sons and daughters is that you can share a deeper emotional connection. I suggest focusing on that…”

As the two began a serious discussion, Carl shook his head. Things were definitely heading in a very strange direction.

***

“She should be in the garden by now. She always goes there after her lessons.”

Lucius remembered what the maid had said earlier as he headed toward the garden. Although Brianna had fully recovered, she hadn’t ventured outside yet. Conscious of people’s stares, she preferred to ease her restlessness by walking in the garden.

“There’s little I need to teach her. She already has impeccable manners and knowledge, more so than most noble ladies.”

Thinking of the tutor’s praise, Lucius smiled. Thanks to the late Dowager Countess Linares, Brianna was already well-prepared to fulfill her role as Duchess.

Her seamless adjustment to life here was undoubtedly a positive sign. When the body is at ease, so is the mind.

Before ordering the jeweler, Lucius intended to meet with Brianna to discuss the design and type of jewelry that would suit her best. A ring seemed like the obvious choice. It would be easy to wear every day, just as his mother’s ring had been for her.

What gemstone should I choose? Perhaps I’ll decide after seeing her. She would suit pearls, diamonds, or even vibrantly colored gemstones.

Through the glass doors leading to the garden, Lucius saw Brianna. She was strolling through the flower-filled garden with a white parasol. Noticing her sun-kissed cheeks, he decided to bring her into the shade for their conversation. He instructed a passing maid to prepare some iced tea before walking toward Brianna.

As he approached, Brianna stopped in her tracks. Unaware of his presence, she fiddled with her fingers, lost in thought. Naturally, his gaze followed her hands and noticed the gold ring on her left finger.

“If possible, please bury this with him.”

He remembered what she had said when she handed him the brooch at Florian’s funeral.

“You went to such trouble to bring it to me… But since it was meant for Florian, I think it belongs to him. Besides, I still have something else from him…”

Back then, she had touched the simple gold ring on her finger, just as she was doing now. He realized she had been wearing the unadorned ring for quite some time.

It must have been a gift from Florian.

Lucius’ expression hardened. At that moment, Brianna turned, sensing his presence.

“Your Grace? When did you…”

She quickly noticed his gaze fixed on her hand. With a sharp inhale, she hid the ring. In her haste to remove it, her parasol and hands became entangled.

The white parasol fell to the ground, and the ring slipped from her finger. The small ring rolled on the ground and stopped right at Lucius’ feet.