After a while, the wedding ceremony began. Eleanor sat alone among the guests. There were some people who recognized her and stared or murmured, but it didn’t bother her as much as she thought.
Was it because quite a long time had passed since then? Surely it was because her body and mind were not as exhausted as they were then. Perhaps the days spent in Wembury also helped.
‘…No, it’s definitely not just because of that.’
Eleanor felt that the words Daryl had given her before the wedding, saying [You don’t have to attend the ceremony], were quite empowering.
[Miss Townsend’s attendance at this wedding will undoubtedly attract considerable attention. It’s an uncomfortable situation for anyone, and Miss Townsend is even more sensitive to such things. You don’t need to endure a hard time because of Layla.]
The fact that he was worried and considerate of her was more comforting than she had expected.
‘If he had cared about me this much… no, even half as much before.’
Then the panic attack itself might not have happened. Because she had been left alone all the time at the wedding reception back then…
Eleanor let out a bitter laugh without realizing it.
She was definitely grateful to Daryl, but somehow she was resenting him again, which was funny. This kind of double-mindedness will definitely continue to occur. As long as she interacts with Daryl, maybe for a lifetime. But this feeling didn’t feel as painful as before. If she feels upset, she can complain to Daryl like last time. She was really upset then. Then Daryl will definitely bow his head in confusion and apologize. In this way, she can gradually relieve her dark feelings. Then someday… the day will come when she really doesn’t feel anything when she thinks about the past.
Then the band started playing, and the bride’s entrance began. When she turned around, she saw Layla, wearing a veil, entering with Daryl’s hand. Both of them were tall and beautiful, so they made a very fitting and plausible picture. Daryl had a blank expression with his eyes slightly downcast.
‘I wish he would smile a little…’
Because he’s not a warm person in general, she was worried that others might suspect he was angry. Even though it’s his only sister’s wedding.
Then Daryl’s gaze met Eleanor’s.
Then, like a raindrop falling on dry land, a ripple spread across his face. The corners of his mouth rose slightly, and a tender light filled his eyes. It seemed that Eleanor was not the only one who witnessed that moment.
As evidence, a small ripple occurred among the female guests. Without realizing it, Eleanor averted her gaze from Daryl. She turned forward and sat down in dismay. For some reason, her heart was beating faster.
‘What’s going on, why again…’
While Eleanor was slightly bowing her head, the bride arrived in front of the groom and the ceremony began.
Daryl had finished his role and was sitting in the front row of the audience. Eleanor found herself looking at his back as if drawn to it.
****
“Have you seen Miss Townsend?”
He stopped a passing servant and asked, to which the servant replied, “No, I haven’t seen her,” bowing his head apologetically.
“If you see her, notify me immediately, or pass the message through the butler. Immediately.”
“Understood, sir.”
Daryl looked around with narrowed eyes. After the wedding ceremony, he had been looking for Eleanor all along. Eleanor was not seen at the reception hall, nor in the room prepared for her. According to the gatekeeper, it didn’t seem like she had returned home yet.
As Daryl hurried his steps, he heard Herbert’s voice from behind.
“Master.”
“Did you find Miss Townsend?”
“No, we haven’t found her yet. But the bride and groom will be entering the reception hall soon. It would be best if you also returned…”
Daryl turned his body again without listening to Herbert’s words to the end.
“Master!”
Herbert raised his voice in surprise.
“This is a place where even His Highness the Crown Prince has come. It’s not good for the Master to leave your seat…”
“I’ve already greeted His Highness the Crown Prince, so it doesn’t matter.”
At Daryl’s words, Herbert frowned as if frustrated.
“What could possibly happen here? We’ve currently sent someone to search, so don’t worry too much, and let’s go back to the reception hall for now.”
Despite repeated dissuasion, Daryl didn’t even pretend to listen. Herbert had no choice but to click his tongue as he watched Daryl’s retreating back.
****
At that moment, Eleanor was in the central garden of the Duke’s mansion. It was okay to watch the ceremony, but it was indeed awkward to be alone at the reception. She planned to spend some time here, greet the bride and groom when they came out again, and then go home.
This garden path was part of the course where Eleanor used to take a walk every day when she stayed at the Duke’s mansion. Of course, if she had to choose her favorite place, it would be the library in the northern garden, but she was reluctant to go there as a guest. It was also true that it was far from here.
It was when Eleanor was looking at the flowers of late summer.
“Miss Townsend.”
When she turned around, Daryl was standing there.
“Duke.”
Eleanor opened her eyes wide in surprise.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were at the reception.”
“…Rather, I want to ask. Why are you alone in such a place? It’s dangerous.”
“Huh? Dangerous? It’s inside the Duke’s mansion. What could be dangerous…”
Looking closely, Daryl was breathing shallowly. His neatly combed hair was slightly disheveled.
“Did you run here? Were you looking for me…?”
“Didn’t I tell Miss Townsend about the rest area. Why aren’t you there and…”
Daryl spoke in a heated voice and then abruptly closed his mouth. He shook his head slightly with a squint.
“…No, no. It’s your freedom to be anywhere. You might have wanted to take a walk in the garden… It’s my fault for taking my eyes off you. I’m sorry for worrying you.”
“……”
Eleanor looked at Daryl with a puzzled expression.
After clenching his hands lightly, Daryl took a step towards Eleanor.
“Can I stay with you?”
“Huh? Oh… Yes. But, are you sure it’s okay to be here? You should be entertaining guests at the reception…”
“Why would people be surprised if I do something at my sister’s wedding that I didn’t do at my own wedding?”
At Daryl’s words, Eleanor’s eyes widened. Then, a defeated look crossed Daryl’s face.
“…Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to remind you of that time. I was wrong then. Leaving you alone in a place where you didn’t know anyone…”
“No, that’s not it… Did you just make a joke?”
“…Was it bad?”
“No, it’s just…I’m surprised.”
“I know I’m a boring man…but I can at least make a joke.”
At Daryl’s awkward words, Eleanor let out a small laugh.
“It seems so.”
When Eleanor laughed, a faint smile also appeared on Daryl’s lips. Like what she saw at the wedding earlier, it was a very warm look.
When she met that gaze, she felt her heart flutter again. Eleanor quickly averted her gaze from him.
“Let’s go back to the reception hall now. I’ve had enough of a walk…”
“If it’s because of me, you don’t have to. Stay as long as you want…”
“No. It’s about time for Miss Layla and Viscount Sheppard to come out. I want to go and say hello.”
At Eleanor’s words, Daryl nodded with a reluctant look.
“I understand.”
****
Eleanor returned to the reception hall with Daryl. Contrary to expectations, Layla and her husband have yet to appear.
But the fact that the two of them were together seemed to surprise many guests. Among them were people who came directly to them.
“Congratulations on your auspicious event, Duke.”
“Thank you.”
To the man who greeted him with a smile on his face, Daryl replied with an expression that could not be more blunt. He was clearly giving off a ‘don’t talk to me’ vibe.
The startled man backed away, and similar scenes were repeated several times. Unable to watch any longer, Eleanor leaned towards Daryl and whispered.
“Duke. Don’t mind me, and take care of your guests. I’m fine on my own.”
“No. As I said earlier, you don’t have to worry. It’s not my wedding, and everyone here knows what kind of person I am.”
“…”
Eleanor made a troubled expression, but Daryl seemed to have no intention of backing down. He stood firmly in front of her as if to protect her. Those who approached without thinking were startled by Daryl’s gaze and had to turn away.
Ela arrumou um cão de guarda kkkkkk