The Duke's Passion

When the breakfast ended, Fabian gave me a thorough tour around the mansion. From the great hall, we headed towards the closest room, which Fabian called the buttery.

Then each led to another. From the kitchen, pantry, larder, and cellar. Fabian toured every corner of the mansion.

He showed me even the lavatories and bathrooms; empty guest rooms, solar, and a boudoir where I could spend some time alone!

It almost felt exhausting just touring around, but the excitement within me was overflowing. I've never stepped inside a proper home. Every thing was new to me and it was amusing how the halls, quarters, and rooms had different purposes.

"This is a cabinet or a study, My Lady. Usually, it is used by Lord Samael, but he granted us permission to be off used by her ladyship." Fabian beckoned.

As I stepped inside the cabinet, the scent of old wood wafted my nose, albeit smelled strangely pleasant. I looked around, amazed at the shelves filled with books.

It was furnished with works of arts hanging on the wall; a table and chairs in the middle, inks and pens, piles of books and materials on the table's surface.

"In here, you'll be tutored ethics, politics, social studies, etiquette, and everything a duchess must know." Fabian informed.

I walked around, Fabian's voice fading into the background. My hands caressed the polished edge of the table. 

Then I walked towards the bookshelves. I could not help but smile as my fingers trailed the books as I walked.

A great sense of ardor enveloped my heart. This room instantly became my favorite; by its pleasant incensed scent mixed with dried paint, its aesthetic, and the power of knowledge inked into million words.

I loved it.

"But before we proceed to all our lessons, I have a question which I hope it may not offend you, My Lady." 

"Hmm?" I halted as I slowly faced Fabian.

As soon as our gaze met, Fabian's eyes flickered inexplicably before it immediately returned to normal.

He cleared his throat, "Do you know how to read and write? I don't intend to offend you, My Lady. Please don't misunderstand."

Fabian bowed his head slightly, expressing his honesty. I just smiled, trying to contain my overflowing excitement.

"If not, I have to teach you how to write and read before we proceed on our planned lessons."

Fabian sounded as if he wasn't surprised and already knew the answer. I couldn't blame him.

I'm a peasant who was more or less lucky to be chosen by the duke. To blend in in the upper echelon and not bring shame to tarnish the duke's name, I have to be educated.

The thought was mind-exhausting, but I love the fact I would get the chance to learn more than I was born to.

"I already had a lesson plan I wrote last night on ways I could teach you how to read and…"

"I can, Sir Fabian." Before he could finish, I smiled and replied in a low tone.

A glint of surprised flickered across Fabian's eyes. His brows furrowed.

"My Father had a few books which he read every night. I wanted to write one, so he taught me how to read words and write them."

I explained. My eyes softened at the beautiful memories I cherished dearly.

"Your father?" He asked. I nodded.

"My father told me he doesn't have wealth to leave me. Teaching me how to read, write, and count was the only inheritance he left me with, in which I would forever be grateful for."

"And your father was a farmer?" asked Fabian and again, I nodded as a response.

Momentarily, Fabian remained silent as his lips parted, but no words came out. He then nodded.

"I see. Then, that's good if you already know the basics, My Lady. Shall we begin our lesson?" 

"Yes!" I instantly replied out of excitement.

Fabian smiled, and he assisted me to sit. 

We spent a long time in the study, Fabian taught me the basics of each subject. I listened to his every word carefully, not missing even the smallest detail.

Still, I had difficulty understanding everything. Hence, our slow progress.

Fortunately, Fabian was a patient and a brilliant teacher. I didn't even notice the sunset was approaching until Fabian lighted the candelabra around.

"It is almost time for supper, My Lady. We can continue tomorrow." Fabian informed.

But I was glued to writing notes. I was still struggling, holding a pen and writing decently. 

Fabian said my writing was readable, barely. But I would get the hang of it with consistent use. That's why he made me take notes.

"My Lady?"

"Yes?" I replied, but still had my focus on writing the conclusion of today's lesson.

"It is…" Fabian trailed off, which didn't intrigue me a bit.

After a moment, Fabian spoke again as he laid a book on the table. His action finally caught my attention as I slowly looked up.

"This is a book written by a renowned poet which I would personally recommend. You may take it back to your bed chambers for you to read tonight, if you please."

My eyes twinkled, staring at Fabian's kind smile. What a kind soul I wanted to cry!

I already had that request at the back of my head the first time I stepped into this room. But Fabian's initiative moved me beyond words.

"I can?" I tried to suppress my enthusiasm but failed, miserably.

"Certainly. All the books in this cabinet are here to serve the duke. And now, the future duchess." Fabian explained. I bit my lip to stop myself from grinning.

"Thank you." I expressed, nodding. And then I finished my writing before putting back the pen and inkwell back to its rightful place.

After that, I picked up the book Fabian recommended me and followed him to the dining hall. When we arrived, Samael was already drinking wine.

As soon as I saw him, I hurriedly skipped in his direction. My happiness for today's lesson was too much for me to bottle up.

I needed to share it with someone. And unconsciously, that someone… the duke was the first person that came into my mind.

"My Lord!" I called out energetically.

Samael furrowed his brows as he drew his head back. "My Lord? Where is that funny 'milord?"

His eyes scrutinizing me, flickering with a mix of surprised and a rare curiosity.

"Sir Fabian is a great tutor, My Lord." I praised.

Fabian told me I've been addressing the duke wrong. It was understandable, as I was a peasant. However, if I wanted to sound educated and proper, Fabian corrected my wrong habit.

"Tsk," Yet, Samael snapped his tongue as he glanced at Fabian.

"You are rather energetic than I assumed you'd be like after Fabian's terrible teaching!" Samael sassed, arching his brow while carefully twirling the wineglass in his hand.

"Mister Fabian is not terrible, My Lord. He even lent me a book to read tonight." With a proud grin, I raised the book with both my hands for him to see.

"Her Ladyship had surpassed my expectations. She's a quick-learner, my Lord." Fabian chimed in as a faint chuckles followed.

"Oh?" Samael raised his brows, just staring at me before he glanced at the book's cover.

It was clear he didn't enjoy his day as much as I did. However, since mine was great, I wanted to share this small milestone in my life with him.

After a beat, Samael let out a brief chuckle before he rose from his seat. Walking towards me, I pursed my smiling lips.

Usually, I would instinctively take a step back whenever he approached me. But this time, deep down, I was seeking for something else.

"Did you have fun?" Samael asked, and I instantly nodded.

"Good." Pleased, Samael nodded. His hand reached out to me and patted my head.

"You made me proud, Lil." He said with a subtle smile.

Upon hearing his compliment, I could not help but grin like a kid getting an acknowledgment. Yet, instead of my shying away, Samael's cheek suddenly bore the colors of the rose.