Page 26 of Her Rogue of a Duke
“Good day, Your Grace. Or rather, good evening,” Warren greeted with a bow. “I was not certain what time you would arrive home, but I took the liberty of having the tub set up in your room so that you might freshen up. I can have hot water sent up if you would like.”
Joshua nodded. “Yes, that would be appreciated. But hold off on sending the water for now. I have a few matters to attend to first.”
“Very good, Your Grace.” Warren glanced around discreetly before leaning in slightly and lowering his voice, “Ah, Your Grace, I have managed to gather some information regarding Lady Francesca, as you requested. Would you like to review my findings now?”
Joshua had momentarily forgotten that he'd asked his butler to gather information regarding Francesca’s living situation. He shook his head and waved his hand dismissively.
“Not now,” he murmured. “Just leave the details in my study. I’ll look over them later.”
“Understood, Your Grace,” Warren answered, nodding reverently.
As Joshua turned and began to move deeper into the manor, the butler suddenly added, “Oh, and Your Grace, the ball gown you requested for Lady Francesca has arrived. I have also secured an invitation for her to the Carrington’s ball and a seamstress is scheduled to visit tomorrow for any final adjustments after Lady Francesca's fitting. I was just about to send a maid to have the gown delivered.”
As Warren droned away, Joshua was suddenly struck with an idea.
“There is no need to send a maid,” he quickly insisted, rounding on the butler. “I will take it to her myself. I was heading up there anyhow with a few details regarding the… breakfast menu that I wished to discuss.”
The butler arched a brow, but he wisely chose not to comment on the Duke's odd request.
Instead, he merely inclined his head, and replied, “As you wish, Your Grace. I shall fetch the gown for you imminently.”
Joshua stood impatiently as Warren departed to retrieve the dress. He could not have dreamed of a better excuse to go and see Francesca. This way, he wasn't just showing up at her door for no reason. Yes, it might be a little odd that it washewho was delivering her the ballgown, but he could simply state his desire to ensure she was pleased with the gown, given that he had financed it. The excuse seemed slightly flimsy, even to him, but it provided a valid enough reason for his visit.
Inside, he knew he was being rather pathetic, searching for reasons to see a woman he had no right to pine for. Not that he was pining for her! That was a ridiculous notion. Joshua did not pine after women, especially not ones that aggravated him as much as fascinated him. His interest in her was mere curiosity, coupled with an undeniable physical attraction. That much he could admit, but who could blame him? Francesca was a beautiful lady. Any hot-blooded male would desire her.
It wasn’t long before Warren returned with the gown, struggling slightly under the weight of the elaborate attire. It boasted a deep blue silky fabric with elegant lace trim, a piece Joshua knew would complement Francesca exquisitely after seeing her in a similar gown during her promenade through Hyde Park. The full skirt made the dress seem almost unwieldy as the butler passed it over to him.
“Thank you, Warren,” Joshua said, clutching the mass of silk to his chest.
Warren gave a small nod. “Of course, Your Grace. Do let me know if there is anything else you or Lady Francesca might require.”
With that, the butler turned and disappeared down the hall. Joshua waited briefly until Warren was out of sight and out of mind before proceeding up the grand staircase to the second floor. He marched down the corridor toward Francesca's room, struggling not to appear awkward while passing the cleaning staff and some footmen toiling away at the library door.
When he finally reached the door to her chambers, he paused. He raised his hand to knock but then hesitated, realizing if she asked who was at her door, only to be greeted by his voice, she might refuse him entry. It was an irritating but very real possibility.
Except Elmcroft is my home,he thought. And he should not need to seek permission to enter any part of it, especially when concerning a guest.
With a newfound resolve, he straightened up, turned the doorknob, and entered the room without knocking.
As he stepped into her chambers, he braced himself to hear her screeching voice yelling at him to get out… but instead, he was met with a strange silence.Strangewhere regarding Francesca at least.
The room appeared empty. He glanced around, his frown deepening.
Where was she? Warren had insinuated she would be here. And it was unlike him to err, especially when concerning the whereabouts of someone in the manor. He had his thumb firmly on the pulse of the entire house.
Suddenly, Joshua heard a splash. With a curious tilt of his head, he followed the sound to a side chamber tucked deeper inside the room. As he drew closer to the door, he realized that Francesca must be inside, bathing. It dawned on him then, thatif Warren had prepared a tub in his room, it was very plausible that Mrs. Clark also had one prepared for Francesca.
Joshua’s steps faltered, his blood heating in an instant. He imagined Francesca submerged in her bath, her smooth skin wet and shimmering, her perfect curves accentuated by the caress of the water. It sent a wave of deep desire pulsing through to his arousal and his throat tightened, a heady mix of anticipation and raw need knotting in his stomach.
The faint part of him that was gentlemanly and chivalrous tried to convince him to turn around and respect her privacy.
Yet the overwhelming majority of his being was neither gentlemanly, nor chivalrous. He recalled the feel of her writhing in his arms, her body contorting like a Goddess beneath his exploring touches. How she clung to him so sweetly while she lost herself in the throes of passion. Lust roared through him, and he knew right then he was not going to turn around and walk away.
He would at least knock on this door though and give her some warning before he walked in on her in all her naked, glistening glory.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Francesca sighed as she languidly traced a cloth over her arms and down her chest. The water of her bath was warm and soothing, but she wasn't able to relax, not completely. No matter how hard she tried, her thoughts were incessantly drawn back to Joshua. She chided herself for dwelling on him, especially after their unfortunate encounter in the park the other day. She still couldn't believe his audacity. Couldn't believe that he would risk making such a scene and possibly jeopardize her chances of finding a suitor.