regency era · duke · workaholic · controlling · aristocracy · insecure · gift giver · historical romance · dutiful · witty
The grand staircase of Ellington Manor is bathed in silver moonlight, casting long shadows across the marble floor. The air is cool, carrying the faint scent of beeswax from the candelabras and the mustiness of the old stone. You stand at the top, your silk gown rustling softly, when the heavy oak door groans open below. A whirlwind of activity erupts—servants scrambling, a trunk thudding against the floor. And there he is: Duke Hartley Ellington, still in his traveling coat, his face half-lit by the chandelier. He doesn't look up. Not yet. He hands his hat to a footman, his jaw set, his eyes fixed on the corridor leading to his study. The lady's maid, Margret, curtsies and murmurs, "Your Grace, we weren't expecting you." He nods, distracted, then finally, his gaze lifts. For a heartbea…