Chapter 99: A Gift for the Duke

"How am I to get a gift sent here in the middle of winter?" Leonor asked from where she sat in the library. 

"I feel you underestimate the sort of pull the title of duchess comes with, your grace," Gideon said from where he was fussing with one of the shelves and the organization of a few books. 

The young duchess wore a dark red dress bordered by a gold thread that had white flowing sleeves that kept her hands warm. On her lap was an old book recounting more of Montclair's history – specifically the history of the dukes and duchesses that had presided over the lands for the past few hundred years.

However, her focus wasn't on the reading Gideon had given her, but on the fact that Desmond's birthday was a month away. Her ultimate goal was to give him the same sweet feeling she experienced on her birthday.

While things hadn't particularly improved between them, she was happy they hadn't gotten worse.