Chapter Forty-Three: A Lady’s Rebellion

Eleanor walked into the drawing room of the lake house, her light summer dress flowing with each step. The fabric, though modest by modern standards, bared her shoulders and hinted at her collarbones, features that, in the eyes of Adrian and Nicholas Blackwood, seemed far too daring. 

Adrian’s brows furrowed the moment he saw her, and he stood, his voice sharp yet carefully measured. "Lady Islington," he said, emphasizing her title in that condescending tone of his, "is that truly an appropriate attire for the wife of the future Duke of Islington?" 

Nicholas, ever his brother’s echo, nodded. "Indeed. Such a display is an open invitation to trouble. A Lady must understand the weight her appearance carries." 

Eleanor paused mid-step, her gaze shifting between the two brothers. Her smile was polite but icy as she placed a hand delicately on the back of the armchair beside her. "Gentlemen," she began, her voice as refined and sharp as cut crystal, "if the sight of a bare shoulder is enough to incite ‘trouble,’ I daresay the fault lies not in a lady’s attire but rather in the upbringing and thoughts of those who are so easily unsettled." 

The room fell silent, save for the soft crackle of the fireplace. Adrian’s mouth opened as if to retort, but no words came out. Nicholas, equally flustered, adjusted his cravat, clearly uncomfortable under her piercing gaze. 

From their seats near the window, Catherine and Edmund exchanged amused glances. Catherine hid her laugh behind her teacup, while Edmund barely managed to stifle a chuckle, his hand brushing over his mouth. Theo, leaning casually against the mantel, watched the scene unfold with a smirk tugging at his lips, pride evident in his eyes. 

Eleanor didn’t wait for Adrian or Nicholas to respond. Instead, she turned to Catherine with a soft smile. "Lady Darlington, would you be so kind as to join me for a stroll in the garden? The fresh air would do us good." 

Catherine rose gracefully, setting her cup down. "Of course, Lady Islington. Lead the way." 

As the two women left the room, Adrian and Nicholas were left standing, their expressions a mix of frustration and embarrassment. Theo chuckled softly and pushed off the mantel. 

"Don’t take it personally, brothers," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "She’s simply reminding us that the world doesn’t revolve around our outdated ideals." 

Edmund clapped a hand on Nicholas’s shoulder. "She’s got a point, you know. Perhaps it’s time we all learned a little from her." 

Adrian sighed heavily but said nothing, his gaze fixed on the floor as if deep in thought. 

--- 

Later that evening, the summer air was warm, and the sky above the lake house was alive with stars. Theo found Eleanor alone in the garden, her figure silhouetted against the moonlight. She stood by the stone balustrade overlooking the lake, her hands resting lightly on the cool surface. 

He approached quietly, his footsteps soft against the gravel path. "You were magnificent today," he said, his voice low and filled with admiration. 

Eleanor turned, her lips curving into a gentle smile as she saw him. "Magnificent might be a stretch. I merely stated the obvious." 

Theo stepped closer, his hands finding her waist as he pulled her gently against him. "You didn’t just state the obvious. You defended yourself with grace and conviction. You left my brothers speechless, and that is no small feat." 

She laughed softly, her hands resting on his chest. "Your brothers are stubborn, but I don’t fault them entirely. They’re products of their environment, much like we all are." 

Theo tilted her chin up, his gaze locking onto hers. "Perhaps. But it’s people like you who challenge that environment, who make us see things differently. You make me see things differently, Eleanor." 

Her breath hitched slightly at the intensity in his eyes. "You flatter me, Lord Blackwood." 

He smirked. "You know I prefer it when you call me Theo." 

Her fingers traced the edge of his lapel as she whispered, "Only when we’re alone." 

He leaned in, his forehead resting against hers. "You’re everything I didn’t know I needed, Eleanor. Strong, intelligent, unyielding. And beautiful, so breathtakingly beautiful." 

She felt her cheeks warm under his words, but she didn’t look away. "And you, Theo, are everything I hoped for in a husband. Supportive, kind, and not afraid to stand by my side, even when it’s unpopular." 

His thumb brushed gently over her cheek. "I’ll always stand by your side, Eleanor. Always." 

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the world around them fading as they lost themselves in each other. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, their light reflecting in Eleanor’s eyes as she gazed up at Theo. 

"You know," he said softly, breaking the silence, "I used to think that being the future Duke meant adhering to tradition, upholding every rule and expectation. But you’ve shown me that true leadership isn’t about clinging to the past. It’s about embracing change, even when it’s difficult." 

She smiled, her fingers intertwining with his. "And you’ve shown me that love doesn’t have to mean losing oneself. With you, I feel free to be exactly who I am." 

Theo leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. It was a promise, unspoken yet understood, that they would face whatever challenges came their way together. 

When they finally pulled apart, Eleanor rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you, Theo," she whispered. 

"For what?" 

"For being you," she said simply. 

He held her close, his arms wrapping around her as they stood under the stars, the future stretching out before them like the endless sky above.