In both the count’s and marquis’s estates, the other wives ruled the household, and no one ever concerned themselves with Cornelia’s well-being.
Her previous husbands had been kind men, but they had left domestic matters to their wives, never realizing how Cornelia was being treated.
And she, too, had never once complained.
Her husbands had all been elderly men, on the verge of death.
Each day might have been their last—how could she burden them with petty conflicts among their wives?
There was never a right time to speak up.
“I am capable of handling most things on my own, but until I become familiar with the household, I would appreciate having attendants. Thank you.”
Respecting the customs of the ducal family, Cornelia accepted his offer without hesitation.
“Then, let’s go. I will introduce you to my father.”
And so, Cornelia was led to meet the man who would become her third husband.
◇
The Duke was in the worst condition of any of her previous husbands.
Though he was said to be fifty-nine—by far the youngest of the three—he looked as frail as a man in his seventies, lying weakly in bed.
“Do not trouble yourself, Iris. Just leave me be.”
These were the first words he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Don’t say such things, Father. Please spend your remaining days with this new wife, Cornelia, and live more peacefully.”
“How foolish. I will not remarry. Amanda is my only wife.”
Amanda—that must have been the name of the wife he lost last year.
“Forget about me, Iris. You should be thinking about finding a wife of your own.”
To Cornelia’s surprise, Iris was still unmarried.
For an heir of noble birth, early marriage was expected to secure an heir.
“I spent too many years traveling abroad and missed my chance. But don’t worry about me. Once my current business endeavor succeeds, I will marry properly.”
It seemed he had been too preoccupied with his ventures to find a wife.
At the mention of “business,” Cornelia immediately thought of her father.
She couldn’t help but wonder—was this refined ducal heir also burdened with debts?
She had always been suspicious of men who pursued new enterprises.
“What is it?”
Iris caught her watching him and asked.
“It’s nothing. You seem to be very busy with work… so please, leave the rest to me.”
Her father had always been consumed with business matters—struggling to manage debts, constantly frustrated by financial troubles.
She wanted nothing to do with such people.
“Very well… I’ll leave it to you. If you need anything, inform the head steward.”
“Understood.”
Iris left the room, looking slightly uneasy.
As soon as he was gone, the duke spoke in a calm, refined voice.
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