The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”The tailoring is quite precise,” Eilika remarked, examining the fit of the uniform on Roman. ”Do not unbutton your shirt, darling. You must remain dressed for your upcoming classes, as there is still some time before the morning bell rings,” she instructed gently.

”Yes, Mama.”

The attendant stepped forward to assist Roman with his necktie, which bore the embroidered emblem of the academy. After securing the knot, she lightly brushed his hair to the side and offered him an encouraging smile.

”Mama, do I look presentable?” Roman asked, his curious gaze shifting to Eilika, who was currently inspecting the quality of the academy’s athletic attire.

”Yes, you look exceptionally handsome,” Eilika replied, looking up from the garments. ”Now, have you expressed your gratitude to the attendants for providing you with such fine clothing?”

”Thank you for helping me out,” Roman said, keeping his both hands to the front and bowing his head slightly.

The two ladies smiled and waved at them after handing a bag with school dresses to Eilika. As they walked out of the store, Eilika saw Harriet was conversing with Maurice. But seeing them they both straightened up and looked in their direction.

”Uncle Maurice, see my new dress!” Roman said with a big smile.

”Now, you truly look like an academy student. Your dream has finally come true, Roman,” Maurice stated, a warm smile breaking across his stern face. ”Your instructional sets have already been acquired.”

He stepped forward, gesturing to a sturdy, dark tan leather satchel that hung from his shoulder. Inside, the stack of three textbooks and three matching notebooks were kept.

”Miss Walwin was kind enough to guide me through the dispensary to select the proper editions, even though it wasn’t strictly her duty,” Maurice added, giving a respectful nod toward Harriet.

”Thank you for overseeing the materials, Maurice, and for carrying his satchel,” Eilika said, offering both of them a grateful smile as she adjusted the collar of Roman’s new uniform.

Maurice handed the leather satchel to her, and Eilika carefully adjusted the strap across Roman’s shoulder, ensuring the weight was evenly distributed for his small frame.

”The morning bell is about to ring,” Harriet noted, consulting the pocket watch held in her hand.

”Roman, go along with your teacher now,” Eilika instructed gently, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

He nodded obediently and stepped forward to follow Harriet down the corridor. Before turning the corner, he glanced back over his shoulder to wave at Eilika and Maurice, offering them one last innocent smile before disappearing into the classroom wing.

”I truly hope he adjusts well and makes new friends. Given his cheerful disposition, I am certain he will manage it with ease,” Eilika murmured, watching the empty hallway.

”I agree entirely,” Maurice acknowledged respectfully. ”Miss Walwin seems to recognize you, Your Grace,” he added as they began to walk back toward the main foyer.

”What?” Eilika stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening slightly in surprise.

”She mentioned that the Duchess used to frequent the local pottery classes in the city,” Maurice stated evenly.

”Ah, yes, that was nearly a year ago,” Eilika replied. She glanced sideways at the stoic guard, a teasing glint returning to her eyes. ”So that is what you two were discussing so intently. For a moment, I mistakenly assumed the two of you had taken a personal interest in one another,” she added with a slight smile.

Maurice chuckled softly at the implication and shook his head.

”Why would I display such a random interest in a lady?” Maurice asked, his tone perfectly professional yet mildly amused.

”And why shouldn’t you? You are a grown man,” Eilika countered, her curiosity thoroughly piqued. ”Tell me truly, Maurice, have you never harbored a fondness for anyone in your life?”

”I have,” Maurice answered quietly, his gaze fixed on the corridor ahead. ”However, she is already wed to another man. In fact, she has two children of her own now.”

”What?” Eilika exclaimed, halting completely in her tracks out of shock.

”I delayed far too long in declaring my feelings,” Maurice muttered with a faint sigh. ”But reflecting upon it now, I doubt I could have spared the necessary time to devote to a wife. The same holds true for any other courtship I might attempt.”

”Why must you view the matter so severely?” Eilika questioned, looking at him with genuine concern. ”Your duties are vital, certainly, but you are not required to remain at the Duke’s side every hour of the day.”

”For the present time, it remains a necessity, Your Grace,” Maurice stated, his tone firm yet respectful.

”But you must consider your own future as well, Maurice. Do not close your heart to the possibility of falling in love,” Eilika urged, offering him a warm, encouraging smile.

”I shall keep your words in mind, Your Grace.”

They arrived back at the administrative wing just as the heavy oak doors of the office swung open. Both the Duke and the headmistress stepped out into the corridor, their conversation drawing to a natural close.

”Roman has successfully settled into his classroom,” Eilika announced as she approached. ”He proceeded to the lesson wing alongside Miss Walwin.”

”That is excellent news. The institutional fees and endowments have been settled on my end as well,” Damian replied. ”We shall return later this afternoon once Roman’s daily classes have concluded.”

He then turned fully toward Lady Amelia, inclining his head respectfully. ”Thank you for your exceptional hospitality and guidance today, Lady Amelia.”

”It was an honor, Your Grace,” the headmistress replied with a formal bow.

”We shall take our leave now,” Damian concluded, extending his arm to Eilika as they prepared to depart.

Lady Amelia bowed along with her assistant and watched them go.

Maurice opened the car’s backseat’s door and the two climbed in.

”I’ll show you my workplace today. Then, in the afternoon we will come together to pick up Roman,” Damian explained to her.

”Okay.” Eilika agreed, feeling excited to go to the administration center.