Page 13 of The Duke's Pet

Chapter Four

“So, go then...” Mrs. Cook flicked her head.

Jemima stared at the door at the far end of the kitchen. She guessed that led the way to the main house. “Where?”

“Oh, this way.” Mrs. Cook turned, rinsed her hands, then dried them on her apron. “Though really I’m much too busy to be babysitting you.”

“I don’t need babysitting.”

“Good.”

Mrs. Cook stopped in front of her, then held up her hands. She cupped Jemima’s face, sliding her thumbs over her cheeks, then jawline and neck. She stroked her brow then ran the tip of her index finger over her nose. Stroking Jemima’s hair, she smiled, just a little. “You are thin but attractive.”

“It has been a long hard winter.” She paused. “And my pa used to tell me I had an attractive face.”

“And where is he now?”

“Six feet under, with my mother.”

“And that is how you find yourself up for sale.” She dropped her hands to her sides. “May God save your soul.”

Jemima said nothing.

“I just hope you will be able to please the duke.”

“What do you mean?” She would certainly try her best.

“He is...” Mrs. Cook paused. “He is a little different to most men.”

“In what way?”

“Let’s just say he likes things the way he likes them and has little tolerance for things not being just so. I would suggest you smile and go along with his wishes, not least because he is paying for you to do so.”

Before Jemima could reply, Mrs. Cook turned. “This way.”

The kitchen opened out onto another corridor with several doorways leading off then a set of steps. After heading up the steps, it was clear they were in the main body of the house. The walls were paneled, the ceilings high and decorated with murals and ornate furniture and large plants were dotted around.

---