The Duchess's Secret Heir

n Manor. Isabella Thorncroft, now going by the modest name of Mrs. Eliza Turner, stepped off the rickety carriage with Edward cradle

of her aristocratic past-jewelry, a few gold coins, and a locket containing a tiny portrait of Edward. She tightened her grip on her son,

painted a cheerful green. It was humble, far removed from the grandeur she had once known, but it was hers-for now. A g

d her as she set her satchel down on the creaking por

ice steady but carefully devoid of th

he said, glancing at Edward with a soft smile. "If

g mix of relief and trepidation. The single room smelled of wood smoke and lavender, with a small hearth at one end and a simple bed

er mind wandered to the life she had left behind. The gilded halls, the lavish gowns, the endless expectations-it had all bee

quickly learned the rhythms of village life-the clanging of the blacksmith's hammer at da

er facade as a widow seeking a fresh start. The villagers, kind but not overly curious, accepted her

ed in the dirt, his laughter a soothing balm to her weary soul. At night, she would cradle him by the fire, whisper

lutching the locket around her neck. Inside, Adrian's eyes stared back at her-frozen in paint, yet alive with the memory of their last confrontation.

Edward on her hip, a woman approached her-a stout,

smile. "I'm Mrs. Whitby. Saw you've been keeping to your

ssary connections. But the woman's smile was genuine, and Ed

you," Isabella replied,

herbs, and the peculiar habits of Mr. Grayson, the local tailor. Isabella listened, careful not to reveal too much about

of gratitude. She might have left her old life behind, but perhaps she could b

he tended her garden, baked bread for the church, and watched Edward grow into a lively, curious toddle

oved just out of sight, her heart would skip a beat. She knew Adrian wouldn't give up so

, so innocent and full of promise. "No matter what happens," she whis

r fragile peace in Willowbrook would last, but she would cherish every moment of it. For Edward's sake,