Chapter 73

In the heavy silence, the carriage eventually stopped in front of the Ducal mansion. Not at the entrance but in front of the main gate.

The rain, which had started with a few drops, began to pour down heavily. In the unusual weather, Eugene, who had been silent, tried to stop Harriet as she opened the carriage door.

“Since it’s raining, it would be better to bring the carriage to the entrance hall.”

“It’s fine. It’s just a short walk.”

“Then at least take my coat.”

“Really, it’s fine.”

Harriet repeatedly declined and eventually got off the carriage without any assistance. Knowing she would refuse help to the end, Eugene hesitated but sat back down. Harriet, who had started to walk away, turned around after only a few steps.

Thinking she had changed her mind, Eugene was about to tell the coachman to go further in when Harriet’s next words stopped him.

“Mr. Eugene.”

Harriet, who had raised her head and called to Eugene through the carriage window, softly apologized.

“I’m sorry. And thank you.”

“……”

With an indescribable expression, Eugene nodded in response. Harriet, smiling faintly, bowed and turned back.

* * *

It took some time to reach the entrance, walking along the well-maintained path past the main gate, likely due to the rain.

When Harriet returned, soaked to the skin, the first person to be shocked was the butler.

“Madam! What on earth happened!”

“Butler…”

Though she looked like a drowned rat, her mind was clearer than ever. The butler, aghast, greeted her with a pale face.

“If you had taken an attendant… If you had informed us in advance, this wouldn’t have happened… No, it’s my fault.”

“……”

“Prepare a warm bath immediately and bring some tea to drink!”

At the butler’s command, the maids moved swiftly and approached Harriet. Before being assisted by the maid to go upstairs to the bathroom, Harriet paused.

“Where is he?”

“Your Grace has not returned yet.”

“Is that so?”

Where could he have gone after leaving the restaurant? 

She thought he would have returned right away. Harriet, her mind not working well due to the cold, pondered the unexpected situation.

“Shall we search for him?”

“No, it’s fine.”

She declined the cautious butler’s offer and, with the maid’s support, ascended the stairs.

She regained her senses somewhat after taking a warm bath and washing up. Only then did she realize how reckless her actions had been.

Riding alone on a horse while pregnant, and then walking in the rain.

Her heart chilled belatedly, but fortunately, she didn’t feel any pain or discomfort in her belly.

“Thank goodness…….”

Caressing her belly, Harriet staggered and plopped down on the couch. Simple refreshments were prepared, as if ready in advance.

Harriet picked up a biscuit and bit into it. Finding the taste savory, she reached for another when the bedroom door suddenly opened, and an uninvited guest appeared.

“Coco.”

It was her husband, Lennox Diorne, who looked as impeccable as when she had seen him at the restaurant. Approaching with concern in his eyes, he examined her complexion.

“I heard you came back soaked in rain. Why did you do that? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I’m not sick.”

Harriet shook her head and removed his hand from her face.

“More importantly, I have something to tell you.”

“Something to tell me?”

Harriet took a deep breath inwardly. Even her breathing shouldn’t tremble. She mustn’t look suspicious…

After hesitating several times, she finally spoke her lines calmly.

“I think I need to go on a business trip abroad soon.”

“…A business trip?”

Lennox furrowed his brow at the unexpected words.

“Yes. I have to go for a few days, unfortunately.”

She expected he wouldn’t react favorably. Harriet smiled softly and stroked Lennox’s hair.

“Do you really have to go?”

“I have no choice. I don’t want to leave your side either, but it’s something I have to do myself.”

Lennox, who was about to persuade her with a calm answer, closed his mouth. After confessing their feelings and becoming a couple in the true sense, they shared many things they hadn’t before, but they still respected each other’s domains regarding business. For Harriet, the department store business was more than just the company she ran. It was a precious place where she was recognized for her managerial skills as a woman and a grateful job that allowed her to stand tall in society.

“When are you leaving, and when will you return?”

His serious face swallowed the words suggesting they find another way. Harriet, surprised by his unexpectedly compliant nod, answered with her eyes widened.

“I think it will take at least a week, even if I keep it short.”

“Are you going by ship?”

“Yes, in two days.”

Nodding, Harriet quietly buried her head in Lennox’s chest.

His embrace was still warm and comforting. If she didn’t know about the incident three years ago and to the men she had dated since, she would want to settle down in this warmth. If she stayed and became his wife, giving birth to a child, he would surely hold their child in this embrace and love them. The child would probably be happy because Lennox was kind to his family.

Despite the bitterness, she still loved him. His unwavering devotion for 15 years, his gentle attitude, and his extraordinarily kind and soft eyes and voice.

However.

Harriet closed her eyes tightly and opened them, steeling her resolve. She recalled Lennox’s demeanor at the restaurant. His face was chillingly cold, emotionless, and indifferent.

“Please persuade him to confess his wrongs to me and ask for forgiveness.”

“Persuade him?”

“Yes. It may be difficult at first, but if he does, maybe… I might be able to forgive him gradually.”

What she wanted from Lennox through Eugene was none other than honesty.

However, the last opportunity she offered, clinging to a sliver of hope, had already been wasted.

Only one thing remained.

Separation.

But it would not be easy. Even now, Lennox was slightly letting his guard down, but if he realized her intentions even a little, he would surely not remain still.

Even with the smallest spark of suspicion, he might secretly attach attendants or spies to follow her without anyone knowing.

Recalling the story of the late Duke, who never let go until the moment his wife died, sent a chill down her spine.

“…Coco?”

While she was frozen in fright, Lennox, noticing something different from usual, called her gently.

Harriet, coming to her senses belatedly, moved away from him.

“What are you thinking about? You’re not answering my question.”

“Sorry. What did you say? I was spacing out for a moment and didn’t hear you.”

“I asked if your schedule is free tomorrow and the day after. Since we won’t see each other for a week, let’s go on a date.”

Lennox, smiling smoothly, tucked Harriet’s side hair behind her ear and caressed her cheek. Harriet blinked momentarily in the warmth of his kindness and secretly bit the inside of her mouth.

“…Alright.”

It would take time to prepare the ship and pack. She could refuse, but she didn’t want to. Most things could be secretly entrusted to Yvonne, and perhaps those two days would be the last time she spent with him.

The last time the child in her belly could feel their father.

[To be continued in Volume 3]