You Think I Won't Talk?-Chapter 51

I didn’t know the exact time it was, but I could tell it was late at night. Meaning it would take a while to get the food prepared.

A long silence prevailed after the Duke spoke, making me a little anxious, not knowing what to talk about now.

’It’s not like I can suggest a topic...’

I did think of using the post-it like notes... but my body was still feeling weary and I didn’t want Marianne’s Father to worry anymore by making it obvious. So Even though the constant silence was starting to make me uncomfortable, I abstained from asking for them, to break it.

’Ugh, I hate this silence...’

To help myself from the awkward sensation, I began searching with my eyes for something to distract my thoughts within the walls that made up our bedroom.

Not much was of real interest. The pretty furniture was already familiar enough to not amuse me like the first days living here, and there wasn’t anything more in this bedroom that could now pick my interest like before. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

Scanning for a second time, my eyes went to my lying body.

Seeing that my clothes had been changed from the homey dress I was using when I met with the Duke to drink tea...

’...I guess it was to be expected...’

I felt a little apprehensive about having someone change my clothes while I was unconscious but... They can’t actually let me rot in the same sweaty clothes for who knows how long...

Now the attire was a nightgown that had a thicker fabric than the ones I started to use lately.

’It’s a bit too warm... But at least I don’t stink.’

Assuming it was out of prevention to not let my body get cold from the lack of movement, my eyes rolled in the direction of the hand, held by Marianne’s father.

Only my thumb was visible. The rest of my hand was hidden under the Duke’s palms.

It was quite interesting to see. I kept looking mesmerized at them... And took notice of every unknown detail of such a foreign view.

To think his hands were bigger and heavier than mine... And yet... Their weight wasn’t suffocating in the least; on the contrary, they felt nice and warm... His palm skin, as it stroked the back of my hand, felt smooth but firm. The back of his hand was similar to mine in colour, but veins were apparent and wrinkles had started to enhance their depth and path.

His age and also his experience was honourably portrayed in those hands.

They weren’t the hands of an old man. But they were hands that gave me an admirable impression. All in all, they looked elegant and strong.

’... The hands of a Father...’

I guess my stare was too intense because not too much time passed before Marianne’s father started a new conversation.

"Right... everyone has been waiting on you. Your mother and your siblings have been asking about your health often... Paul was very shocked... he came to see you every time he had free time today."

I closed my eyes after hearing that information.

’... Now... why would you ruin my mood like that... Sir.’

Hearing Paul’s name was already displeasing.

So, hearing he came often, in just one day, was incredibly unsettling.

In my head, I begged that we weren’t left alone when he came. Only the thought of it sent shivers down my spine and made my empty stomach twist in disgust.

"He... he insisted that he could take care of you and told me to rest, but....... I felt uneasy leaving your side."

I opened my eyes to look at him. The eyelids opened slowly, even though I wanted to see him quickly.

His gaze was now on me. During the time I had my eyes closed, his eyes turned from the far door to me.

A resigned expression inhabited his face, but... his always loving gaze while looking at Marianne was clearly more vivid.

’Oh... So he never left my side...’

"... I ought to apologise later. He was fairly upset about it...Though I know he was worried about both of us... I kept seeing stubborn."

"..."

’... Don’t apologise, Sir... You did very well... very, extremely well...’

The ignorance of the Duke pained me. However, the concerns about Paul’s visits were quickly drowned. Now I could only feel shy, guilty and happy.

Shy because of his never-ending display of warmth.

Guilty for robbing his peace of mind by getting "sick".

And happy... because that warmth was directed at us, as well as the reason behind his concerns, only born out of his love for us too. Knowing that he stayed with me this whole time... without rest... Even though he did so thinking that only Marianne received such care... I still received some of it...

’Having a father... Is quite nice.’

After experiencing these moments, I decided to enjoy this feeling... within the limits I’ve placed.

This way, I can live happily and carefree...

"Ah... maybe... do you want to see your brother?"

’What?! No! Why ruin the mood! Again!!!’

I shook my head like crazy... well at least I wanted to.

My head said a graceful "No" instead of an honest "Fu** NO".

’Tsk... So frustrating...’

"...Oh... Yes, that’s right. It is quite late now, he must be sleeping by now."

I blinked as a reply, feigning that, what he inferred of my "No", was what I meant by rejecting his suggestion. Consequently, he added.

"I guess he will have to wait until tomorrow... oh dear... should I tell him you woke up around this time...? He will get mad that I didn’t wake him up to tell him..."

’Hey, why–, no, HOW could he get mad~’

"... Should we tell him that you woke in the morning? He gets very difficult to deal with if he is in a bad mood... He is quite calm about everything, but he becomes very sensitive when his sisters are involved... sigh..."

’Uhm... Yeah... "sensitive"...’

Knock knock

"It is I, Your Grace."

"...Come in."

’Nice timing Paige!’

I was starting to get worried... if something went wrong in the train of thought the Duke was going...

’Red Flag.’

Paige opened the door, pushing it skillfully with her side while carrying a wooden tray with the food destined to fill my belly.

A familiar aroma was coming from the small teapot. It was the same scent of that herbal tea I had the second day at the Palace.

’That was a good one... it made me feel even better after reading the Duke’s little letter at the time.’

Seeing that she came with a tray and not a service car, I inferred I was to eat in bed.

I sat up slowly holding tightly the hand of the Duke to help myself get into a seating position.

"Careful, sweety."

He supported my back with his other hand as I sat up, which was greatly appreciated because the more seated I was, the weaker I felt.

Paige quickly left the tray somewhere and rushed to my side to help arrange the pillows that were to support my new position.

I wasn’t feeling as bad as it looked. I was just slower than usual... which is really, very, slow. Even a sloth would be faster than my current speed.

If I put myself in their shoes... yeah, it is concerning. I can’t deny it.

But. As a mostly healthy human... it is kinda annoying to see them fret over little things.

It is still nice, though...

’Hmm... I keep being indecisive.... that time of the month is coming. These mood swings... are not a good forecast...’

"Are you comfortable? Do you need another pillow?"

I shook my head in response to the question Marianne’s father asked, interrupting my thoughts.

’... I will have to ask... how to deal with it later...’

Paige went back to get the tray and placed it in my lap carefully. The tea was yet to be served, and so, Paige went for the teapot. Intercepting Paige’s intention to pour the infusion, the Duke said as she closed the distance.

"It’s alright, I will do it."

"Ah... Yes, my Lord."

Bowing courteously, she stepped back after handing the pretty porcelain to Marianne’s father and stood at a distance. Paige always did this, it was like she would wait for either to receive a new order or retire the finished meal.

She was now showing a composed expression, totally different to the one she had when she left, but her eyes still had a red shade surrounding them.

I felt bad for her, she rubbed her eyes while crying, so right now they must be stinging quite a lot.

I cried too and didn’t rub them at all but I still felt them burning a bit. I sent a sorry look to her inwardly.

To keep working in that state... must really suck.

"Go on, dear. Eat slowly and as much as you can, do not strain yourself, understood?"

I turned to the duke as he said these words and nodded in agreement to his warning.

The herbal tea was already served when my gaze came back to the tray.

On it, I saw the food they had prepared, carefully arranged, and, thinking it would be a boring looking meal, I was fascinated by the sight.

Indeed, the plates were healthy and not abundant, considering the circumstances. But they looked so appetizing I could have started drooling if my real expressions surfaced.

Bite-size French omelettes, toasted breadsticks accompanied with slices of grilled chicken and a soup that seemed to be made of pumpkin... were the plates prepared for me.

Naturally, the presentation was a big factor to consider when I say it looked appetising. However, one condition I had at the moment made the light food seem extremely delicious.

My starving stomach.

Once my eyes fell on the food, I knew.

’If I don’t start eating soon, my stomach will growl like a beast’s.’

When I was about to lift my right hand to grab the silverware... I realised that my hand had been freed of the Duke’s hold, without my knowledge.

’Oh...’

I felt a tiny bit dejected by it, and as I was thinking it was a shame he let go...

Groooowl~!

...a loud noise resounded in the room.