Page 7 of Her Rogue of a Duke
The young lady turned to face him but quickly recoiled when she saw his hand next to her own. “It is all right,” she insisted. “I can manage.”
Joshua, well aware of her stubborn nature, decided not to push the matter. He glanced down the hallway and saw Warren had followed him.
“Warren, please fetch Mrs. Clark,” Joshua ordered. “Tell her we need a guest room prepared, along with a bath and fresh clothing.”
“That is really not necessary,” Francesca quickly interjected. “Please, do not trouble yourself or your staff on my account.”
“I will not have you catching your death of cold,” Joshua responded, a hint of firmness in his voice. “You are under my roof now, my lady, and I insist on ensuring your well-being, unless of course, you would rather be elsewhere.”
He was taken aback when her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink and she averted her gaze. She nodded, however, which satisfied him. They stood in an uncomfortable quiet for a minute that felt an hour long, awaiting the housekeeper in silence, and Joshua found it tremendously difficult to tear his eyes away from her petite figure. Thankfully, it was not too long before the older woman came bustling into the entrance hall, eyes wide with shock and worry.
“Oh! My lady, you are in quite a state,” Mrs. Clark declared, gently taking Francesca by the arm to guide her up the stairs. “Come with me. We will get you cleaned and warmed up right away.”
Joshua noticed Francesca's reluctance as she was ushered away by the housekeeper, but after a fleeting look in his direction, she relented to Mrs. Clark's fussiness and followed her up the stairs. Once they were out of sight, Joshua found himself feeling somewhat disoriented, unsure of his next steps.Lady Francesca was now a guest in his home, and he had absolutely no idea why. Something serious must have transpired for her to seek refuge withhim… but what could it possibly be?
A little over an hour later, Joshua was still confused by the unforeseen arrival of his unexpected guest. He had not seen her since Mrs. Clark had whisked her away, and while he wanted to grant her the space and time to settle, he also wanted answers.
Why was she here? Why had she come to him of all people?
The countless questions incessantly tormented him, to such an extent that he had shed his coat and cravat in a fit of restlessness, even going so far as to unfasten his shirt, creating a self-imposed barrier to prevent himself from seeking her out immediately. So far, the strategy had held.
But now, resting impatiently before the crackling fire in his library, Joshua wondered how, precisely, he should proceed with her. Should he demand an account of her sudden appearance? Or let her keep her silence?
Or simply carry on with my daily life and behave as though she is not here at all?
Given this sudden development, he wondered if he should attend the Pemberton’s ball, at all, that he had planned on gracing the following evening. He was not sure how he would conduct himself, knowing Francesca was still residing under his roof. He was to be among the esteemed guests at the ball, though, and to miss it might stir more unwanted curiosity.
Lost in these deliberations, Joshua was drawn back to the present by the entrance of Warren. Instantly, he rose to his feet. “Is she settled?”
Warren nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. Mrs. Clark has seen to the young lady’s needs and comfort.”
“Good,” Joshua murmured, a hint of relief in his voice. “Warren, my good man, I need you to find out the reason behind her sudden appearance. Inquire about her father's whereabouts and gather any information you can. I know the Baron, and he is not a man who would have his daughter anywhere in my vicinity as long as there is air in his lungs. Oh, and keep it between us.”
Warren gave Joshua a curt bow. “Of course, Your Grace. I will look into the matter immediately.”
“Thank you. I do intend to ask her directly, but it would be… wise that I give her some time, lest she feel unwelcome. I need to know what is going on, however. As long as she is staying at Elmcroft Manor, it is imperative I know why.”
“Most definitely, Your Grace. I will see to it that you have your answers.”
Joshua watched as Warren left the library, leaving him to his solitude. Alone once more, Joshua unconsciously adjusted the sleeves of his shirt and pondered what his next move should be.
Part of him felt compelled to check on Francesca, to ensure she was alright. He did not really understand his concern for her. He had always found Francesca high-strung and irritable, and of course, there was the grand matter of her unfortunate name. She was an unwelcome reminder of a painful past, and he did not like that.
Yet, despite these feelings, worry gnawed at him. Her actions were strikingly out of character, and he needed to know she was safe and not in fear of something, or rather,someone.
Unable to fight the compulsion any longer, he let it lead him out of the library, and all the way up to her bedchamber. He stood outside the door, but he did not knock. He had no idea what he would say to her anyway. He had told Warren he wanted to give her time, but his need for answers was proving overwhelming.
Just ask her if she is in any danger. That is a reasonable question.
Inhaling deeply, he raised his fist, readying to knock, but the door swung open before he could.
As Joshua's gaze fell upon Francesca, he found himself unexpectedly ensnared by the sight before him. There she stood, looking equally startled to see him, draped in a long sheer white nightgown that did little to conceal the contours of her body. Her golden hair was loose and cascaded freely down to her breasts in a display of unguarded beauty. His blood heated and his member began to stir.
She was beautiful. Breathtaking. Ethereal.
Arousing.
He had never seen her in such an innocently provocative state.