The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 7

The room had an eerie silence to it as they waited for the maid to leave. The door finally closed, and Elizabeth heard the scuffing retreat on the hallway floor. She turned back to Fredrick. "I cannot marry you!" She was relieved that the short reprieve gave her time to control her immediate reaction and temper the conviction in her voice.

Fredrick seemed stunned for a moment, becalmed as if someone had knocked the wind out of his sails. Then he changed tack and tried to court her with flattery. "Beth, you know how beautiful I believe you to be. You can imagine what a great match it would be for us to be married. I can marry you and stay here to care for you. We could have a dozen children and live happily. I am certain in time we will grow a fondness for each other, maybe even—love each other and be happy. This way you can stay here, where you know everyone and have a quiet, pleasing life."

"No, you don't understand, I can't marry you"—ever. Never ever!

She wanted to remind him that he would be the one leaving, since this was now her home, but looking at the changes in Fredrick's coloring, she mulled over her choice of words and swallowed them. She questioned the wisdom of going head to head with him at this moment, and decided it best to hold her tongue. Her short temper always got the best of her.

Elizabeth tried to appeal to his better side instead. "Cousin, I just lost my father, I cannot even consider marriage at a time like this. There is the period of mourning to consider. Can you imagine the gossips? Perhaps if we waited and I had some time to mourn my father's passing, then we could discuss the issue of marriage."

Her cousin, in a very un-Fredrick like manner paused, then nodded, "Very well, you are right of course. We should wait on this subject. Will you serve the tea?" Weary of having to endure his presence longer, she went to the tea tray and served them tea and scones.

Fredrick sat there while she poured tea and handed a cup over to him. He was at a complete loss for words. How had she placated him so quickly? Not expecting her refusal, he had no arguments prepared. It was his intention to address this issue as soon as possible. After all, he was in need of the funds from her inheritance. His creditors were hounding him, and he could not delay paying them any longer.

Elizabeth tried to think of a good excuse to leave the study and Fredrick's presence. After a few minutes, she stood up, rearranged the pleats of her yellow silk skirt and turned towards the door. "I have to make arrangements with the housekeeper for this evening's supper. Is there anything in particular that you prefer for dinner?"

Surprised that she was willing to consider his preferences, Fredrick only shook his head, "No, I will meet you in the drawing room before dinner."

***

It was seven o'clock that evening when Elizabeth summoned her maid, telling her that she would be dining alone in her room that night. "Tell him I have a headache and will not be joining him and the Vicar." Earlier, she had ordered Fredrick's favorite meal and sent a word to the parish vicarage asking the vicar to join them for dinner. Father Morgan, of course, was invited to placate any possible reaction on Fredrick's part in response to her desire to dine alone.

Waiting in the main drawing room for some time, Fredrick was annoyed when the butler stepped inside to notify him of the vicar's arrival and the last minute change in dinner plans. With the Father looking expectant, he could not really say much so Fredrick opted for a terse nod. So that's how she was going to play it, he thought.

It was around eleven when the carriage pulled away from Clair Hall. Elizabeth peered out the windowpanes with her candles snuffed and curtain drawn. Fredrick walked to the stables and emerged a few minutes later on horseback. Where was he headed? Just as Elizabeth drew the curtain back to have a better look, he turned his head facing the window, raising his crop to point at the open curtain. He knew she was watching him. Bloody hell, she had been found out. Squaring her shoulders to gain courage, she held his gaze until a cold ominous chill crept up her spine. She dropped the curtain and took a deep breath. How was she going to get rid of him? Maybe he could conveniently have a fall on his ride. The idea, however dark, had merit, especially after the thought of his proposal and the frightening notions they had started in her over-imaginative mind. They were far too disturbing. Maybe a good night's rest would give her an idea or two.