The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 30

The glint in his eye left no doubt that he was teasing her.

"An adventure?" Elizabeth asked. "Pray tell your lordship, what adventure can you possibly pursue here in your ancestral hamlet?" Elizabeth couldn't imagine that lying low in the country could be considered an adventure to him.

"Why, my dear, we have all the prerequisites of an adventure at our beckon—an old estate with hidden passages, a damsel in distress, a knight errant, an ogre if you will, and treasure of sorts, not to mention the henchman and a posse of supporting characters." John counted off each point. "The ogre is definitely due for recompense, don't you agree?"

"The ogre—now his appearance would truly take away the appeal of this adventure." Elizabeth shifted in her seat, taking a deep breath as she adjusted the small pillow behind her. "No, thank you. I have not quite recovered from my last adventure with that miscreant."

"We will have to deal with dear old Freddy eventually," John sighed, looking just as weary as she felt.

"I know. However, if it's all the same to you, I prefer he not see me like this—" Elizabeth looked away, forcing her body not to betray her fear. After a short pause she continued, "He has a penchant for delighting in the pain of others, more so, if he is the cause for it. I refuse to fulfill his perverted satisfaction."

***

John regretted bringing up the ogre, Fredrick, but he like Elizabeth knew that they had to eventually address her future plans. Her features were closed off, removed, but just as quickly he saw the spark that lightened in her eyes, giving way to her curiosity.

"Why do you keep calling him Freddy? Are you acquainted?"

A small smile tugged at John's mouth. "He doesn't like it,"

"How do you know that?" Elizabeth asked.

John shrugged, "Let's just say, what he did to you is not the only score I have to settle with Freddy."

"Oh."

"Regardless, I have Robert ferreting what information he can. We'll know soon enough what he has been up to, and believe me we will deal with Freddy as he deserves." John clenched and unclenched his hand. "You have my word on that."

"Thank you," Elizabeth simply nodded, and turned back to the fireplace.

***

John seemed lost in his own thoughts. Every so often Elizabeth sneaked a peek at him. Having a man in her rooms was scandalous at any hour, but she couldn't help wanting to prolong his stay. She loved the way the glow from the fire softened his features. What was he thinking about? Stop staring at him.

Lately her woolgathering was solely focused on him. What it would feel like to run her fingers across his face, through his hair. Even the memory of his embrace earlier, when he comforted her still preoccupied her thoughts. Would his long eyelashes feel as soft as they appeared—Stop it.

"Care to share your musings?" John asked. He had not moved, his chair still facing the hearth.

"What?" Oh God, what do I say?

"You have this look about you," John continued, "as if you are a cat and have found yourself locked in the larder, with a fresh bowl of cream."

Elizabeth covered her face with her palms, blocking his view. This is entirely too embarrassing. That's it! "I was considering my predicament."

"Which predicament are you referring to?" John asked.

"I only have the one. What are you including on your list?" Fredrick is the source of all my problems, the blackguard!