Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Cordelia stood before the full-length mirror in her bedchambers, gazing at her reflection. She was still a little surprised that this was happening; it had been such a whirlwind that she was not quite adjusted …

But she also knew that this was what she needed to do. She had to take on this new life for her family. Not just for Felicity but for her parents as well.

Julian had promised they would always be cared for, and that was all she wanted. It helped her racing heart to calm down just a little to know that her family would be fine.

Her wedding gown, a simple yet elegant creation of ivory silk, flowed gracefully around her, but while Cordelia might have looked like a bride, she did not feel like one.

Maybe she had never been one of those girls who spent their whole lives daydreaming about this day, but she had certainly never expected it to feel this way.

Thank goodness Julian had requested a small, intimate affair. Cordelia was not sure she would be able to contain her nerves if it were a grand and elaborate affair with all eyes of the ton upon her.

As she adjusted her veil, a knock on the door shattered her thoughts. Felicity entered, her eyes shining with excitement and a hint of sadness. "You look beautiful, Cordelia," she said, her voice full of emotion. "Like the perfect bride."

"Thank you, Felicity," Cordelia replied, her own feelings full of anticipation and uncertainty. "I hope so. This day … it all feels a little strange."

Felicity took her hands, squeezing them gently. "I know. I understand that this might be a little strange for you, and I see why you are doing this, but I do truly hope that it all works out well for you."

Cordelia nodded, drawing strength from her sister's encouragement. "Yes, I am sure it will," she said, more to convince herself than anyone else.

She took a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in her stomach. Today marked the beginning of a new chapter, and she was determined to face it with courage and grace. If only for her family's sake.

They needed strength from her now more than ever.

Cordelia smoothed her dress one last time and gave Felicity a final hug before heading to the door. Her parents were waiting downstairs, pride and concern reflected on their faces.

As she descended the grand staircase, she saw them standing at the bottom, her father's arm around her mother's shoulders, both looking up at her with eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"Cordelia, you look stunning," her mother said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I cannot believe my little girl is getting married."

Her father, usually so stoic, had a softness in his eyes that Cordelia rarely saw. "You have grown into such a remarkable woman, Cordelia. Julian is a fortunate man. I hope he understands what a wonderful person you are."

"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother. I hope to make you both proud," Cordelia replied, trying to keep her emotions in check. "I am sure today will be wonderful."

Her mother stepped forward, adjusting a stray curl from Cordelia's updo. "You already have, my dear. You already have."

The sound of carriage wheels crunching on the gravel outside signalled it was time. Cordelia's heart pounded as she walked towards the front door, her family following closely behind.

The carriage stood waiting, the driver giving a respectful nod as he opened the door for her. Cordelia took one last look at her home, taking in every detail. She knew this might be one of the last times she would see it, as her life was about to change forever.

I am doing this for them, she reminded herself as burning hot tears formed behind her eyes. I am doing this for those I love.

Eventually, with a false confidence, she stepped into the carriage, the soft cushions enveloping her as she settled into the seat, ready for the strangest moment of her life.

The journey to the church seemed both interminably long and fleetingly short. Every bump and jostle of the carriage made her more aware of the reality of what she was about to do.

Everyone around her chatted, trying to keep the atmosphere light, but all Cordelia could do was watch the world pass her by so she could steady her nerves as much as she could.

The carriage came to a halt, and the driver opened the door, offering his hand to help her down. Cordelia took a deep breath and stepped out, the cool air hitting her face and bringing clarity.

It was time.

She was going to have to do this now.

Cordelia took the driver's hand, her legs feeling unsteady as she stepped down from the carriage. The church stood before her, a beautiful yet solemn reminder of the commitment she was about to make.

Her father appeared beside her, offering his arm with a reassuring smile. "Shall we, my dear?"

Cordelia nodded, taking his arm and feeling a bit of her nervousness ease away. Together, they walked towards the entrance, each step bringing her closer to Julian and a future she did not yet know.

The church's heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing the interior bathed in soft candlelight. The pews were unoccupied, only there to be taken by Felicity and her mother as there were no other guests. The music, a gentle melody from the organ, filled the air and created an ambiance of serenity and solemnity.

At the end of the aisle stood Julian, his eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. He looked handsome in his suit, his demeanour calm and composed, yet there was a softness in his gaze that spoke volumes. At least, from what she could see with his hair in the way.

But she knew what that hair was covering now, so she understood all too well why it hung over his eyes.

As she walked down the aisle, she caught her sister's eye. Felicity grinned happily, but Cordelia could see the tears there. As much as she was pleased that Felicity could marry her true love, she would obviously miss her sister when she left to move to Yorkshire.

When she finally reached Julian, her father placed her hand in his, a symbolic gesture that felt profound and binding. Julian's touch was warm and steady, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of emotions cascading through her like a storm.

"Are you ready?" Julian whispered, his voice barely audible.

Cordelia nodded, her voice catching in her throat. "Yes, I am."

The officiant began the ceremony, his words a blur as Cordelia focused on Julian. She could see the sincerity in his eyes as they exchanged vows. He was strong and unwavering as he promised to cherish and support her through all life's challenges.

When it was her turn, Cordelia found her voice, speaking from the heart and vowing to stand by him to build a life together.

Again, she felt like she was playing a role, and none of this was real. It was all so very surreal.

When the officiant declared them husband and wife, there was no grand applause, no shower of petals, just a quiet acknowledgement of the moment's significance. Julian lifted her veil, and Cordelia felt the full impact of their bond for the first time. His kiss was gentle, almost hesitant, but it spoke volumes of his commitment and care.

After the ceremony, they moved to a cosy room in the church where a modest wedding breakfast had been prepared. The intimate setting was perfect, with just her parents, Felicity, and Julian. They all sat around the table, the atmosphere filled with joy and the bittersweet acknowledgement of the changes to come.

Felicity fidgeted with her napkin, her usual cheerful demeanour slightly subdued. Cordelia reached across the table, placing her hand over her sister's. "Felicity, are you all right?"

Felicity's eyes met hers, the unshed tears glistening. "I am fine, Cordelia. Just ... thinking about how different everything will be with you gone."

Cordelia squeezed her sister's hand reassuringly. "I know, Felicity. It is a big change for all of us. But we will see one another whenever we can, and I will write all the time."

"I know … it is just hard."

Cordelia's throat felt tight with emotion. She did not need anyone to remind her how much this was all going to change. It was hard enough for her to hold herself together.

She embraced Felicity hard, trying not to succumb to the emotion herself.

Yes, my life is going to change, she reminded herself, but I am doing it for my family, and that is all that matters.

***

Cordelia woke on the third morning of her married life to the soft light filtering through the heavy drapes of Julian's town house. The room, elegantly furnished, a testament to the duke's wealth and refined taste, was still something that she was trying to get used to.

She lay there for a moment, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings and again trying to adjust to the reality of her new status as the Duchess of Whitestone.

She did not think that was something she could ever get used to.

She was never supposed to be a duchess.

Life was so strange.

Everything had been odd since she had got married. It was nothing like she expected it to be.

The ceremony itself had obviously been quiet and small, but the last few days had been virtually silent.

Julian had shown no inclination to consummate their marriage. Not at all.

Much as Cordelia was relieved to have her own bedchambers, she was still a little confused. It had always been something that she assumed would happen on the wedding night, but now …

Well, now she was considering the possibility that it might never happen.

If this were to be nothing more than a marriage of convenience … well, she would have to get used to that.

Cordelia lay there for a few more moments, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. The past few days had been full of anticipation and uncertainty, and she was still trying to find her footing in this new life. Just as she was contemplating getting out of bed, there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," she called, sitting up and pulling her robe around her.

Mr Blake entered the room with a respectful bow. "Good morning, Your Grace," he greeted her formally. "I hope you slept well."

"Good morning, Mr Blake. Yes, thank you," Cordelia replied, managing a small smile. "Is there something I should be aware of?"

Mr Blake cleared his throat, his demeanour as composed as ever. "Yes, Your Grace. I wanted to inform you that you will be travelling to Yorkshire today. The duke has arranged everything, and the carriage will be ready within the hour. Additionally, your family has been informed and will be arriving shortly to bid you farewell."

Cordelia's eyes widened, a surge of emotion catching her off guard. "Today?" she echoed with surprise and apprehension. "So soon?"

She always knew this was coming, but since Julian had not suggested movements over the last few days, she assumed she would have more time.

"Yes, Your Grace. The duke thought it best to make the journey sooner rather than later," Mr Blake explained. "He wishes to ensure you are settled comfortably at Whitestone Hall."

Cordelia nodded, trying to process the information. "Thank you, Mr Blake. I appreciate you letting me know."

Mr Blake bowed again. "Of course, Your Grace. If you need any assistance with your preparations, please do not hesitate to ask."

As he left the room, Cordelia felt emotions wash over her. The reality of leaving London, leaving her family, hit her with full force. She had known this day would come, but the suddenness of it all made her heart race.

What on earth would her life look like from here on out?

***

Cordelia stood in her room, looking at the trunks neatly packed and ready for the journey to Whitestone Hall. The reality of her departure hit her with a wave of emotion, and she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

This was happening now, and she needed to get used to it.

She also did not have time to get caught up in these feelings, because she could hear her sister, thundering towards her room.

She brushed away a stray tear as the door burst open.

"I cannot believe you are leaving today, Cordelia," Felicity whispered as she flung her arms around her. "It feels like everything is changing so quickly."

Cordelia held her sister close, tears welling in her own eyes. "I know, Felicity. It feels like only yesterday we were playing in the garden and dreaming of our futures. But remember, this is a new beginning for both of us."

Felicity pulled back slightly, her gaze searching Cordelia's face. "Promise me you will write often. I want to hear all about your new life, and I need to know you are happy."

"I promise," Cordelia said, her voice firm despite the lump in her throat. "I will write to you as often as I can. And I want you to promise me something in return."

"Anything," Felicity said, her eyes wide with concern.

"I want you to have the happiest of relations with Baron Robert. Do not let anything hold you back from pursuing your own happiness. You deserve it, Felicity."

Felicity nodded, her expression determined. "I will, Cordelia. And I will think of you every day, wishing you all the happiness in the world."

Cordelia smiled through her tears, grateful for her sister's unwavering support. They held each other for a few moments longer, cherishing the bond that had always been a source of strength for them both.

By the time they headed downstairs to see their parents, Cordelia was sure that everyone would be able to tell she had been weeping.

"Cordelia, my dear, we are so proud of you," her mother declared instantly. "You are stepping into a new role and life, and we have every confidence that you will shine as the Duchess of Whitestone."

Cordelia embraced her mother, drawing strength from her words. "Thank you, Mother. I will do my best to honour our family and make you proud."

Lord Henry joined them, his usual composure replaced by a rare display of emotion. "Take care, Cordelia."

"I will, Father," she said, her voice steady. "And thank you for everything."

With the final goodbyes said, Cordelia made her way to the front of the house, where the duke's opulent stagecoach awaited.

The black lacquered carriage emblazoned with the Whitestone crest gleamed in the sunlight. Julian stood by the carriage, his expression composed but his eyes revealing a hint of concern.

Cordelia approached Julian, her heart beating faster with anticipation and anxiety. His presence, as always, was imposing yet strangely comforting in ways that she could not explain. She never quite knew what to feel around him.

He offered her his hand, helping her into the carriage with a gentlemanly grace she was beginning to associate with him.

"Are you ready, Duchess?" Julian asked, his voice low and steady.

Cordelia nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yes, I am."

The carriage door closed with a soft click, and they were on their way to Whitestone Hall. As the wheels began to turn, Cordelia settled into her seat, glancing at Julian, who sat across from her. His gaze was fixed out the window, his expression unreadable.

She needed to connect with him and try to build more of a bond.

"Your Grace," she began, her voice tentative, "tell me about Whitestone Hall. I would love to learn more about where I am going to live. Is it magnificent?"

He turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers for a brief moment before he replied, "It is."

Cordelia waited for more, but when none came, she pressed on. "What is your favourite part of the estate?"

"The gardens," he answered curtly.

She sighed inwardly, trying to think of another way to break through his reserve. "Do you spend much time there?"

"Yes."

Cordelia felt a flicker of frustration. However, she reminded herself that this was new for both of them. Perhaps he needed time to adjust, just as she did. Determined to keep the conversation going, she asked, "What kind of flowers do you grow in the gardens?"

Julian's eyes softened slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Roses. My mother's favourite."

Encouraged by his brief openness, Cordelia smiled. "Roses are lovely. I look forward to seeing them."

Silence fell between them again, but it felt less oppressive this time. Cordelia turned her gaze to the passing scenery, letting the rhythmic motion of the carriage and the gentle sound of hooves against the road soothe her nerves.

The journey stretched on, the landscape gradually shifting from the bustling town to the serene countryside. Cordelia occasionally stole glances at Julian, who remained lost in his thoughts. Determined not to let the silence deter her, she tried once more.

"Do you have a favourite memory of Whitestone Hall?" she asked softly.

Julian's eyes flickered with an emotion she couldn't quite place. "Yes," he said, after a moment. "My childhood. It was a happy time."

Cordelia nodded, sensing that this was as much as he was willing to share for now. She decided to let the conversation rest, hoping that Julian would open up more in time.