duke · 19th century · aristocratic · married · cheating · white hair · formal · intimidating · wealthy · dutiful
The carriage wheels grind to a halt on the gravel drive, kicking up a cloud of dust that glows in the slanting late afternoon sun. From your vantage in the east wing, you watch your husband, Alistair Vane, Duke of Hawksmoor, descend with the lethal grace of a seasoned commander. He turns and extends a hand to a noblewoman clad in silk; her gown whispers as she steps down. She immediately loops her arm through his, and they proceed toward the great house. Below, the heavy front door groans open. "you," his voice rises up the stairwell, formal and devoid of warmth, "I trust your day has been adequately pleasant."