Page 24 of Rogue of My Heart

Two

When Francesca had woke up that morning she had to run to her washbowl as sickness overwhelmed her. Whatever had been left in her stomach had come back up. She’d never felt so miserable in her entire life. The very idea of food made her gag. She’d ordered tea and nothing else. The warmth liquid eased some of the queasiness in her stomach and by mid-morning she’d begun to feel almost normal again.

She held her hand over her stomach. The little baby growing inside of her was making itself known in the worst possible ways. She loved the child already and couldn't make herself completely regret his or her existence; however, that didn’t negate her problem. She still needed a solution and had to find the baby’s father to inform him of her condition. It was time to start that search and ask for help from the two people she trusted most with her secret—her two best friends, Violet and Iris Keene.

Francesca pulled the bell for her maid, Bess. She’d sent her away earlier when the very idea of rising for the day had seemed too tiresome. It didn’t take long for Bess to walk into her bedchamber. She curtsied, “You need something my lady?”

“Yes,” Francesca said. “I am ready to dress for the day.” She slid out of bed. “I’m expected for tea at Dresden Manor.” Francesca always went to visit her friends on Thursdays and was thankful this visit wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

“Should you be going out when you are feeling unwell?” Bess asked. She tilted her head to the side. “You do seem to have some color back in your cheeks.”

She hated lying to Bess, but she had no choice. “Whatever it was it passed quickly.” Francesca lifted her lips into what she hoped was a cheerful smile. “I would hate to keep Iris and Violet waiting.” She desperately needed to see the two of them and ask for their help. Surely one of them might know who Matthew was. If she explained it all to them and her urgency they’d help. They had always been there for her and they wouldn’t let her down now. Francesca waited for Bess to retrieve the gown she’d planned to wear for her outing. They had discussed it the night before and Bess had taken it out to press. She’d returned it that morning when Francesca had been supposed to dress for the day. Since she hadn’t felt well, Bess had hung it up.

The dress was a periwinkle that brought out the blue in Francesca’s eyes. It was one of her favorite gowns, and she hoped it would make her feel pretty when she felt miserable at best. The sickness had passed; however, that didn’t mean she was better. Tea was the only thing she had any desire to consume.

Bess came over to her side. “Let’s get your stays tied now.”

Francesca sucked in a breath as her maid pulled on the ribbons. “Not too tight,” she said. “I would prefer to not add to my mishap from earlier.” She wasn’t certain how it might affect the baby, and she honestly didn’t want to fight breathing and her illness. One at a time was all she could feasibly handle.

“Very well, my lady,” Bess agreed. “You’re quite right.” After the stays were tied Bess helped her into her gown. “Now sit at the vanity so I can fix your hair.”

“Nothing to elaborate,” she told her. “I don’t wish to have head pain either.” Francesca didn’t know having a baby growing inside her would cause so much calamity on her body. She thought the worst part would be the delivery, and she sure as hell wasn’t looking forward to that part either.

Bess did a simple plait of Francesca’s hair and then wound it into a knot at the base of her neck. Once it was pinned in place Bess declared, “There. You’re ready for your visit now.”

“Thank you.” Francesca smiled. “I’ll retrieve my wrap and walk to Dresden house. You do not need to accompany me today. It’s not a far walk and I’d like some time alone.”

“Very well, my lady.” She curtsied. “Have a nice visit.”

Francesca rushed down the stairs and was out of the house before anyone could stop her. She didn’t want to run into her family. She set a brisk pace so she wouldn’t be too late for tea. When she reached the Dresden house, she walked up the front steps and rapped the knocker against the door. After a few brief moments the door opened. The Dresden butler greeted her, “Welcome Lady Francesca. Lady Violet and Lady Iris are waiting for you in the sitting room.”

“Thank you, Barton,” she said and then smiled. “I’ll announce myself.”

He bowed. “As you wish.”

She was a frequent visitor and well acquainted with the household. Francesca rushed into the room and dropped into a chair across from Violet. Iris lounged on the settee. Iris and Violet were fraternal twins. Both had golden blond hair, but Iris had grass green eyes, and Violet sea-green ones.

“We were beginning to wonder if you forgot about us,” Violet said. “Why are you so late?”

Iris poured a cup of tea and fixed it how Francesca liked it, then handed it to her. “Here you go dear. You look as if you need it.”

“I do?” She lifted a brow. Francesca didn’t disagree with her, but she hadn’t realized she gave off that impression.

“Yes,” Violet said and studied her. “You appear a bit piqued. What is going on with you?”

Francesca sighed then took a sip of her tea. This was the difficult part. She had to unburden herself and she hoped they wouldn’t think less of her. Her hand shook a little as she settled the teacup on the saucer. “I need your help.”

“Of course,” Iris said in a calm, reassuring tone. “We will do anything for you.”

She stared at her tea. Where should she start? “Do you recall my family’s Christmastide celebration?”

They had both been there for at least half of the time. This was why she hoped they could help her. Violet nodded. “It was memorable. Why are you asking us this?”

She blew out a breath. Before she told them about her condition she had to know if they knew Matthew’s full identity. “Do you recall a man with ink black hair and deep blue eyes. He had a slight dimple in his left cheek.”

Iris frowned. “Do you mean the Duke of Lindsey?”

“I’m not certain. Do you know his given name?”