When The Duke Stirred

"Yes," Oriana nodded, a soft smile reaching her eyes.

Talia forgot her sadness and swallowed hard. Oriana possessed remarkable culinary skills, inherited from her second aunt, a master chef. Ever since the betrothal banquet, however, Oriana had barely set foot near a stove. The promise of her baking felt like a rare gift.

"Tomorrow, I will return to Thorne Manor on my own," Oriana said. Her voic