A Noble Offer (Completed)

Chapter 3. 1814

Within an hour, Elizabeth  was bathed and changed into a dry clean nightgown. She was curled up in bed, pillows placed behind her. A tray of food was on her lap, and she was eating peacefully while watching Diana sleep in her cradle beside the bed. She was grateful to Julian for taking her and Diana into his home when he had. She wasn't sure what would've happened to the two of them if he hadn't seen her. She glanced outside, noticing that the storm had died down to a gentle rain. There was no more lightning, no more thunder.

Finishing a raspberry tart, which had been accompanied by fresh salmon and rice, Elizabeth Heard the door to her chamber opening, and turning her head, noticed the sweetest little boy poking his head into the room. She recognized the brown hair and brown eyes that Julian had, and realized that the little boy in front of her was James. She smiled at the nanny who was behind him. "Hello."

Mrs. Bradley, the Young Masters nanny, smiled back at her. "Hello. I do hope we weren't disturbing you, but young James here was wanting to see the baby. He heard her crying earlier and was wondering what was going on."

Elizabeth smiled sweetly. "Of course he can see her, she's in her cradle sleeping at the moment."

James stumbled over to the cradle, looking into it curiously. He wasn't yet able to speak, but he could tell there was another person in the house. Reaching out, he gently touched Diana's tiny fingers. He was fascinated by the baby that was before him.

Mrs. Bradley. "The sweet little dear, so gentle just like his father."

Elizabeth felt her heart swell. "He adores her."

Mrs. Bradley. "He certainly does. She's very lovely just like her mother."

Elizabeth became bright pink. "Thank you."

Mrs. Bradley walked over, taking James by the hand. "His grace will be coming to see you shortly. He had quite a number of paperwork to go over, but he told me that he would come see you shortly."

Elizabeth. "Very good, thank you." She watched as James climbed up onto the bed, coming face-to-face with her.

Smiling softly, James reached out and started stroking her cheek, just as he had touched Diana's fingers not long ago. Then he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly on the cheek.

Elizabeth immediately returned his kiss, ruffling his hair before giving him a hug. "You are the sweetest little boy I've ever met."

Mrs. Bradley smiled. "Master James adores everyone he meets for the first time. He desires to give them a good impression."

Elizabeth giggled, holding James close. "Well, this young man has certainly made quite the impression on me. And I believe he's made quite the impression on Diana."

Mrs. Bradley smiled before turning and leaving the room, not wanting to disturb her young charge and his newfound affection for the woman and her daughter. She had a feeling this young woman and her daughter would be quite the perfect match for the Duke of Suffolk. She was wanting him to be happy again, to smile more and feel jubilant. She was wanting James to have a companion to play with.

Half an hour later, James started giggling as Julian walked into the room. He smiled, raising his hand and waving at his father before snuggling back against Elizabeth's chest.

Julian chuckled. "It seems you've met my son. He's quite taken with you."

Elizabeth smiled. "He certainly is your grace, and I am quite taken with him."

James jumped off the bed, running towards the cradle where Diana was beginning to wake up. He glanced back at Julian, his hand moving to gently stroke Diana's fingertips again.

Julian smiled softly. "She's beautiful isn't she my boy?"

James nodded, his eyes fixed with his fathers. He turned, brushing his lips tenderly against Diana's cheek. He took a seat on the floor next to her, continuing to stroke her hand and play with her fingers.

Julian sat down next to Elizabeth. "I do hope you're better."

Elizabeth. "Much better, thank you your grace. If it wasn't for you... I'm not sure what would've happened  to us."

Julian took her hand, squeezing it tenderly. "It was no trouble, I couldn't let you or your daughter suffer out there. You may stay as long as you'd like."

Their eyes held as those words became absorbed. Brown eyes gazed into blue ones, sizzling chemistry blossoming between them. Flaming desire was beginning to brew, and it wouldn't be long before that desire was acted upon.  It wouldn't be long before love was in their favor.