Page 16 of Her Rogue of a Duke
“I am sure she will be expecting you to accompany her to the Carrington’s grand ball,” he said with a smirk. “If you require an excuse to avoid that… punishment, I would be more than happy to step in. Inherplace of course.”
Joshua chuckled again and shook his head. “That will not be necessary, but I appreciate the offer.”
“Oh?” Benedict’s interest seemed piqued. “Do you perhaps have another lady you are planning to accompany?”
Joshua grinned, sipping his drink, not willing to confess just yet that he would likely be escorting Francesca, as per their agreement. If he was going to assist in her search of finding a husband, it would necessitate public appearances together, with him assuming a sort of guardian role in her regard.
When he did not respond to Benedict’s question, his friend stood with an exasperated chuckle and wandered over toward Joshua’s desk. He absently looked down at the papers spread on its surface. Joshua did not think much of Benedict’s curiosity until his friend frowned and picked up a paper with writing scribbled all over it.
“What’s this about?” he asked.
Joshua recognized the paper and froze. Hoping for nonchalance, he shrugged. “Nothing. Just a bit of research.”
Benedict arched an incredulous brow. “Just a bit of research? Joshua, these are notes regarding a woman. Are you still searching for that lady who supposedly rescued you from that carriage accident years ago?”
Joshua pushed to his feet with a frown, feeling immediately defensive.
“If I am, what concern is it of yours?”
Benedict scowled. “Didn’t you vow not to marry until you found her?”
Joshua nodded. “Yes, I did.”
“You need to let that go, man,” Benedict told him. “You need to let go of this fantasy. It’s holding your life back. You’re chasing a ghost, it’s time to move on.”
Joshua clenched his teeth, irritation burning through him. This was not the first time they had had this conversation, and Joshua was well aware of how his friend felt regarding the mysterious lady. No one would convince him to give up, though. One way or another, he was determined to find her. She hadbeen real… shewasreal, and he would not rest until he discovered her identity and repaid his debt.
Before Joshua could speak further on the matter, the study door suddenly flew open. To his shock and horror, Francesca came charging into the room, looking very much like she had something to say. However, when she spotted Benedict standing next to Joshua, she froze, her eyes going wide.
For a long moment, the three of them stood staring at each other in silence, until the tension and awkwardness became so thick, Joshua thought he would choke on it.
“Lady Francesca,” Benedict declared, clearly stunned. “What an… unexpected surprise. What in God’s blood are you doing at Elmcroft Manor?”
Francesca had not anticipated encountering anyone else in the study with Joshua, and now she found herself at a loss. Lord Benedict stared at her with wide, stunned eyes. She could not think of a single thing to say in response to his question. How in the world did she explain her presence in the Duke’s home? This was going to be the ruin of her reputation.
Her prospects of marriage seemed to crumble right before her eyes.
However, before Benedict could react further, Joshua cut toward her, sharply instructing his friend, “Not another word. I’ll return shortly.”
He swiftly took Francesca by the arm, leading her out of the study and into the corridor, slamming the door behind them.
“What in God’s name were you thinking?” he hissed in a low, urgent tone.
Francesca blinked up at him, still too stunned to speak.
Finally, she managed to squeak out, “I… I needed to speak with you… about the arrangements for the upcoming weeks, so I can find a suitor soon.”
Joshua shook his head, seemingly baffled.
“What of Lord Terrell?” he asked. “Are you not still intent on marrying him?”
Francesca sucked in a breath, her heart racing. She faltered in answering, not wanting to say ‘no’, for then she would have to explain Lord Terrell’s betrayal, and that was far too humiliating a thing to admit.
“Y…yes,” she murmured at length. “Of course, Lord Terrell is still among the potential suitors I will consider. But I cannot rely exclusively on him. I must get married soon, and if he is not prepared to settle down, I will have to consider other options.”
There was a moment of silence that stretched between them, and if Francesca did not know any better, she might have thought he was disappointed by her answer. When he did not reply for several more seconds, Francesca began to grow uncomfortable.
Clearing her throat, she murmured, “Well… I will have to purchase some more gowns as I did not bring many with me… And Imayhave to ask you to lend me some money—which I will repay as soon as it is possible of course—”