Chapter 113 - Hundred And Thirteen
The grand, black-lacquered carriage of the Duke of Elinburgh pulled smoothly into the courtyard of the family mansion. The moment it came to a stop, the large front doors of the estate opened, and a line of servants hurried out to greet them.
A footman pulled down the carriage step and opened the door. The servants at the Carson mansion, well-trained and efficient, took Eric’s coat and Delia’s hat the moment they stepped inside the cool, marble-floored entrance hall.
"Welcome home, Your Grace. Welcome, Your Grace, the Duchess," they said in a chorus of respectful, welcoming voices.
"Thank you," Eric and Delia replied, the newness of being addressed as a pair still a pleasant surprise. Delia put her hand on Eric’s arm, a familiar, comfortable gesture now, as he led them towards the main drawing room.
Immediately, Duchess Lyra, who has been waiting for the sound of their arrival, stood up from her seat by the window. Her face was alight with a pure, motherly joy. She opened her hands wide, a clear invitation for a hug, as she approached them.
Seeing his mother’s open arms, Eric naturally opened his own, a warm, happy smile on his face as he prepared to receive her embrace. "It is good to be home, Mother," he began.
But Lyra walked right past him.
She went straight to Delia and enveloped her in a tight, warm hug. Eric’s arms were left outstretched, holding nothing but empty air. He froze for a moment, a look of complete surprise on his face.
Lyra broke the hug and held Delia at arm’s length, her hands on Delia’s shoulders as she fussed over her, gently arranging a piece of her hair that had come loose.
"Come in, come in, my dear. You must be tired from your journey. Let’s eat," she said, touching Delia’s cheek and giving her a warm, loving smile.