Page 36 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
She excused herself saying simply, “Forgive me, Your Lordship, but I must go and check with the kitchen staff about Her Ladyship’s luncheon.”
“Of course, do not let me keep you from your duties.” He was already back perusing his paperwork before Francesca had even reached the door.
She kept her pleasant smile on her face until she was safely out of the earl’s sight. Then she frowned deeply. The men surrounding Lady Callum were sightless and senseless louts. Surely they could see Francesca. In comparison to Lady Callum, Francesca shined like a beacon of loveliness.
As much as she did not wish to wait upon her mistress any longer, Francesca knew that she had to keep up appearances. She could not risk the noblewoman’s ire, in case she turned down the advice from her brother. As dull-headed as he was to Francesca’s beauty, the man was at least somewhat easily manipulated.
A lady’s companion would be a good station to use as a stepping stone to finding her own match among the nobility. It would free her from having to do such minuscule tasks as serving lunches to the noblewoman, at least. She could put up with her companionship for the time being. After all, the woman was going to be rather busy with all the bustle of the season and her impending engagement.
Engagements were such fragile things at times, Francesca mused silently as she entered the kitchens. She smiled at the cook. “I have come to fetch Lady Callum’s luncheon.”
“I have it right here. Scarlet, girl, get to stirring that pot or it’ll stick for sure!” The cook wiped her hands on her apron and waved toward a tray with what looked like bread, cheese and strawberries.
Francesca cringed as the woman bellowed again at the girl stirring the big cook pot. “Thank you,” she managed to grind out before she scooped up the tray and headed out of the kitchen. She had no desire to stay in there any longer than necessary. Her early days had been in a kitchen, and she still held a grudge against the experience and all that reminded her of it.
She walked towards the conservatory where she had last seen her wayward charge. “Your Ladyship,” Francesca called out as she entered a room filled with sunshine that flooded through the large windows.
“Over here,” Lady Callum called.
Francesca followed her voice around a column to a hidden corner of the room that was warmed by a blanket of sunshine. “Something to eat, My Lady?”
“I am quite peckish actually. Thank you, Francesca.” The woman gestured with her hand for Francesca to put the tray on a table near her. Francesca complied with a dip of her head. “Will you sit and join me?”
Francesca accepted the invitation gracefully. “I must admit that I am not hungry, My Lady, but I do thank you for the invitation.” She sat in a chair across from Lady Callum.
The noblewoman tore into the bread and took a bite with such pleasure that Francesca felt slightly nauseated. The English were not known for being pleasant eaters, but Francesca felt that this particular offense was due to the woman’s Scottish upbringing. She placed her hands daintily on her knees as she sat watching her devour the food.
“I must have been hungrier than I thought,” Lady Callum said with a laugh as she saw the look on Francesca’s face.
“So, I see. You should attempt to take smaller bites when in the company of men, or they might start to see you as competition.”
Lady Callum replied, “I suppose that men like to know that they are going to get the lion’s share of food.”
“And everything else.” Francesca waited but a moment before she said in a quiet voice, “His Lordship, your brother, said he was going to speak with you about a change in my status. I wanted to speak with you first and tell you that this was all his suggestion. I would never want you to think that I was trying to get ahead of myself.”
Lady Callum picked up her teacup. “He actually came by here a few moments ago. He was brief but he did mention that he feared you might leave if we did not give you some reason to stay.” She frowned, and Francesca wondered if the sadness on her face was genuine. “I do not wish you to lose your employment just because I have achieved my goal. I still need your guidance and, beyond that, I value your opinion. You are honest with your words, Francesca, as others are not.”
Francesca dipped her head as if she did not deserve the honor of a compliment. “I was merely doing my duty, My Lady.”
“Be that as it may, when my brother first told me of you I was apprehensive, but you truly helped me understand society and what my place in it was. We both know that I am just a clumsy oaf compared to you. Please, if you would stay on as my companion, I would see your status elevated all I can.” Lady Callum’s words held simple truth, as Francesca would expect from a simple woman.
With a smile, Francesca chided Lady Callum. “Do not speak of yourself so, My Lady. Speak of yourself as you would have others view you.”
“See, such wise counsel,” Lady Callum said with a smile. “Please, stay and be my companion.”
Francesca sighed and fretted with her hands. “I fear that I might not be a good companion if your journey takes you outside of London. I have come to love it here, and it would tear me apart to have to leave it.”
“I understand,” Lady Callum said quickly. She reached across the table and offered Francesca a hand, which Francesca took warily. “I miss my home dearly. I could never visit such pain upon another. There can be arrangements made to ensure you are happy. Please say you will stay on, Francesca.”
Francesca laughed and smiled. “It appears I am left with little choice. You and your brother are formidable when it comes to persuasion. Of course, I shall stay.”
To her surprise, Francesca found herself enveloped in a hug from the young woman, hoping fervently that this would indeed lead her to what she sought rather than to folly.
Chapter 7
Being courted certainly had its advantages, Emmeline decided as she accepted the ginger tea a serving girl set before her on the table. Birds were singing in the gardens while she looked around at her companions. Francesca had come as well, and the woman seemed to be enjoying her new status as she sat nibbling on lemon cake and sipping tea.
The ladies, of which there were six, sat around a table placed on a raised platform in the middle of Lady Grayson’s gardens. “I am so happy that the weather allowed us to luncheon outside in the fresh air. It is ever so good for the complexion and the health,” said their hostess.
