Chapter Forty-Seven: A Gesture of Faith
Theo sat at his desk, papers strewn about as he meticulously revised his plans for the company he envisioned. Each detail mattered, each concept crucial to the foundation he hoped to build. The glow of the late afternoon sun illuminated the room, but he was too engrossed to notice.
The quiet knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Come in," he called, his voice distracted.
Eleanor stepped inside, carrying a small leather pouch in her hand. She was dressed elegantly in a soft blue gown, her face calm yet determined. Theo’s lips twitched into a smile upon seeing her.
“To what do I owe this visit, my Lady Islington?” he teased, leaning back in his chair.
She smiled but didn’t respond to his jest. Instead, she stepped forward and placed the pouch on the desk in front of him.
“What’s this?” he asked, picking it up.
“Open it,” she said simply.
Theo opened the pouch, his brows furrowing as he pulled out a stack of cash. It wasn’t a small sum—it was a considerable amount, far more than he’d expected. He looked up at her, confused.
“Eleanor, what is this?”
She took a seat across from him, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “It’s for your company,” she said. “Consider it my contribution to your dream.”
His eyes widened, and he leaned forward, placing the pouch down. “Eleanor, this is far too much. Where did you even get this?”
She met his gaze evenly. “I sold three of my properties. They were sitting idle, and I figured the funds would be better used helping you achieve your goals.”
Theo stared at her, stunned. “You… sold your properties? For me?”
“For us,” she corrected gently. “This is our journey, Theo. Your dreams are my dreams now, and I won’t let anything stand in the way of making them a reality.”
His throat tightened, emotions swirling within him. “Eleanor, I don’t know what to say. This is—”
“Say you’ll use it wisely,” she interrupted, her tone firm but affectionate. “Say you’ll make this company everything you’ve ever imagined. That’s all I ask.”
Theo stood abruptly, walking around the desk to pull her into his arms. He held her tightly, his gratitude overwhelming. “I don’t deserve you,” he murmured against her hair.
She chuckled softly, resting her head against his chest. “Nonsense. You deserve every bit of this and more.”
As they stood there, the door opened again, and Edmund, now Duke of Darlington, entered. He paused, raising a brow at the sight of Theo embracing Eleanor.
“Am I interrupting something?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Theo released Eleanor but kept an arm around her waist. “Not at all,” he said, his tone light. “What brings you here, Edmund?”
Edmund walked over, pulling out a chair and sitting down with the air of someone who owned the room. “I came to talk business,” he said, his expression turning serious.
“Business?” Theo echoed, intrigued.
Edmund nodded. “I’ve heard about your plans, Theo. Eleanor has been singing your praises, and I must admit, the idea has merit.”
Theo glanced at Eleanor, who gave him an encouraging smile.
“I’d like to offer my support,” Edmund continued. “Financially, of course, but also as a partner. I’ve always been interested in exploring ventures outside the traditional roles of a Duke, and this seems like the perfect opportunity.”
Theo blinked, surprised. “You’d do that?”
“Why not?” Edmund said with a shrug. “I’ve recently taken on the title of Duke officially, and with it comes more influence and resources. I can think of no better way to use them than to back a project I genuinely believe in. And frankly, I’d like to see the Blackwoods and the Darlingtons work together in a way that’s modern and forward-thinking.”
Eleanor’s eyes sparkled with pride as she looked at her brother-in-law. “Edmund, that’s incredibly generous of you.”
“Not generous, practical,” Edmund corrected. “I believe in Theo, and I believe in the vision he has. Together, we can make it something extraordinary.”
Theo extended a hand, his voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, Edmund. This means more to me than you know.”
Edmund took his hand, shaking it firmly. “Don’t thank me yet. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.”
As the men began discussing the logistics of their partnership, Eleanor watched with quiet satisfaction. She had always known Theo was capable of greatness, and now, with the support of those who believed in him, there was nothing he couldn’t achieve.
When the conversation lulled, Edmund turned to Eleanor. “You truly are the heart of this family now, Eleanor. Your faith in Theo is what’s driving all of this.”
She smiled modestly. “I’m just doing what any wife would do for the man she loves.”
Edmund chuckled. “If only all wives were like you.”
Theo reached for her hand, bringing it to his lips. “She’s one of a kind,” he said softly, his eyes filled with adoration.
The rest of the afternoon passed in a flurry of discussions and plans. By the time Edmund left, Theo felt more confident than ever about his future.
As the door closed behind the Duke of Darlington, Theo turned to Eleanor. “I don’t think I can ever repay you for what you’ve done for me today.”
“You don’t need to,” she replied, her tone light. “Just promise me one thing.”
“Anything,” he said immediately.
“Promise me that when this company becomes a success, we’ll celebrate by taking a trip—just the two of us. Somewhere far away from the rules and expectations of society.”
Theo smiled, pulling her into his arms. “It’s a promise, my love. And I’ll make sure it’s a trip you’ll never forget.”
Eleanor rested her head against his chest, content in the knowledge that they were building a future together—a future filled with dreams, love, and the courage to defy tradition.
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