CHAPTER 14 A DUCHESS'S DUTY

Jane returned home, the grandeur of her family's estate a stark contrast to the carefree days of school. The weight of her responsibilities as a future duchess now loomed over her, the lessons on politics, royal protocol, and social etiquette filling her days and draining her spirit. Despite her best efforts, Jane found herself struggling to reconcile the girl she was with the woman she was expected to become. How could she fulfill her duty to her family and country while still holding onto the dreams and desires that filled her heart? As the days passed, Jane's frustration grew. In the privacy of her own room, she would pace back and forth, muttering under her breath. "This is ridiculous! I'm only 18, and they want me to marry a man old enough to be my father! The Duke of Wellington doesn't even need a wife, he has a whole estate full of servants to run things for him. Why do I have to sacrifice my own happiness for this?" As her words echoed through the room, she felt the anger an