All Chapters of Her Duchess: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

Clare followed the maids to the northern garden. Next to a small pond surrounded by the blooming rhododendron and azalea bushes, a white table and chairs were set up under a shady olive tree. Yellow-winged butterflies whizzed about in merriment where Violet sat, sipping her morning tea. The Duchess wasn't in her usual business attire. She had on a plain oversized white blouse with a few buttons undone and the sleeves were rolled up to her elbows neatly. Her flowing golden hair was set in a high ponytail, which stunningly revealed her chiseled features even more. Clare was slightly taken aback

It took at least three days for Shirley to finalize the dinner menu and wine list for Violet's banquet. It wasn't any different from any other event in the past. Averbury Castle had always had important people coming over when the twelfth Duke was alive. But this time it was quite a special case. Violet didn't tell the secretary specifically that it had to be a statement, yet judging from the guest list, Shirley knew what the dinner ought to be and what to be mindful of, for instance, seating arrangement. She did not expect to see a certain name that had been forbidden to be spoken of coming back to the castle.  

The smell of chlorine clogged her senses. Everything around Clare was a blur of limbs and bubbles. But she managed to kick her feet to push herself back to the surface. The water stung her eyes, and she let out a cough. Clare swam to the edge of the pool and hoisted herself up. She wiped the water off her face. This was such a ridiculous thing to happen when all she wanted was some peace and quiet. Violet had to come and make everything difficult for her.  But it was then that she realized that she was alone, and Violet was nowhere in sight. Clare's thoughs stopped. She then looked back

The smell of chlorine clogged her senses. Everything around Clare was a blur of limbs and bubbles. But she managed to kick her feet to push herself back to the surface. The water stung her eyes, and she let out a cough. Clare swam to the edge of the pool and hoisted herself up. She wiped the water off her face. This was such a ridiculous thing to happen when all she wanted was some peace and quiet. Violet had to come and make everything difficult for her.  But it was then that she realized that she was alone, and Violet was nowhere in sight. Clare's thoughs stopped. She then looked back

Violet considered bailing on the plan to the island that her peers proposed. Going on a trip together and pretending to be a lovey-dovey couple with Clare, not to mention seeing her ex, would be testing her sanity. The thought of it alone exhausted her.  It'd been two days since Violet was made to stay in bed, and Clare had come with her meals like clockwork. Although Clare didn't try to force-feed her anymore, she still hang around the room, reading her books and wouldn't leave until the Duchess finished her food. With great disdain, Violet thought she had seen enough of that woman.&nbs