Page 81 of His Arranged Duchess
Mama did not know Lucien, of course, but she did know men. Her advice was likely sound, but Frances did not want to hear it.
She considered going to see Aunt Emily and Uncle Cassian, but she decided she could not bear Aunt Emily’s sympathy and Uncle Cass’s inevitable rage at Lucien. It would only make trouble.
Katherine was another possibility, but it was late and she kept early hours.
That left the Abbey as the only possible location. Frances leaned back against the seat, trying to keep her mind cool and blank.
It was not working.
The carriage toiled up the gravel drive towards the Abbey, and Frances found herself wishing the ride would go on forever, just her alone in the silent carriage, rumbling through the dark night.
Nothing lasts forever, however, and the carriage came to a halt. The door was jerked open, and Gray himself stood there,blinking up at her in surprise. He was in his shirtsleeves, and Frances guessed that she’d interrupted him at supper.
“You are back early, Your Grace,” Gray remarked gently. “I did not think the opera would have finished so soon.”
“It didn’t. I left before it ended.”
Gray glanced past Frances into the empty carriage, clearly looking for Lucien, and his expression darkened when he saw the duke was not there.
“My husband is returning home later,” Frances explained shortly, climbing down. “The carriage will go back to fetch him.”
“I see. As you prefer, Your Grace. Shall I arrange for tea and perhaps a light supper to be had in the dining room? Or the drawing room, perhaps, if you prefer a more informal meal?”
Even the idea of food made Frances’s stomach turn.
“No,” she answered crisply. “No. Gray, when you have a moment, I have an important task for you or some of the others. All my things must be moved from my current bedroom into another room.”
Gray was too well-trained to betray any surprise, but Frances noticed a widening of his eyes and a tightening around the jaw.
“Of course, your Grace. Do you have a particular room in mind?”
“I don’t care which, but I want it to be in a separate wing. Do you understand, Gray? A separate wing.”
There was a heartbeat of silence between them and then Gray took a careful step forward.
“Of course, Your Grace. It will be as you wish it, naturally. However, if I may be so bold, is there something wrong? You seem distressed and not at all yourself. Do you require the doctor? Should I send for somebody to attend to you, perhaps your esteemed mother or a close friend?”
She noticed that Gray tactfully did not mention sending for Lucien.
“No, thank you.”
Gray frowned, worrying his lower lip. “Your Grace, I…”
“Could you just do as I ask, please, Gray?” Frances burst out. “I would like my things moved out of that room before he returns home.”
There was a brief silence after that. Frances knew that she’d revealed too much, but it was too late to take it back.
Gray tightened his jaw. “Of course, Your Grace. Do forgive me.”
“Gray, I didn’t…”
“The others are at supper, but I shall collect a few of the maids and get the task done immediately.”
Frances passed a hand over her face. “I didn’t mean for you to miss your supper. Please, finish your meal.”
“This will be done at once, Your Grace,” Gray answered, quietly but firmly. “Is there anything else you require before I begin?”
She swallowed past the lump in her throat.
