The Duke's Bidding

Chapter 15

The man sitting across from her was observant. He had been watching her the entire time and she could see that those eyes didn't miss anything.

Elizabeth sighed, "I need to hear your actual terms to be able to agree to them." She placed her napkin on the table. "You're right, I don't have much choice, do I?" It was a rhetorical question, but deep down, she hoped he would compromise.

John shook his head. "No, you don't. But, as I said, I can't imagine that you would trust me overnight. Of course, I want know, I am quite curious as to how you ended up on that road and in this condition. However, it's been three days since we arrived and I have not exactly been able to sleep during this time. Since I plan on doing so tonight, I am offering you this as a recourse, a truce if you will. In return for my protection and a place to stay, I will require your services. Assistance really, if you will. We can discuss the exact terms later, but suffice to say, you are safer here than where ever you were before this." He held her gaze, waiting for her to acknowledge this truth.

Elizabeth lowered her eyes, trying to think. She knew her choices were limited at the moment. No matter how she approached this particular situation, it seemed safest to stay here. This man, who had shown her nothing but kindness, was more likely to become an ally than not. She could not chance another encounter against Fredrick—at least for now. Looking down at her borrowed night gown and pelisse she remembered the jewels. Should she ask about them? That could give away her identity. For the time being, it would have to wait. With one last sigh, Elizabeth accepted her situation. Her decision was made, she would trust him. "No, I don't." She knew full well that he was not waiting for her consent.

"Finish your sweets and let's get you back in bed. You need your rest." John walked over to the grate, stoked the fire and took the last brick warmer to the bed. He refilled the cup of water and placed it on the side table. Turning to help the girl, he watched as she took three steps and nearly collapsed to the ground.

If it had not been for his fast reflexes, Elizabeth would have done just that. A faint and beautiful scent of roses enveloped him as John carried the girl to the four-poster bed. He placed her on the mattress, removed the pelisse, and adjusted the pillows. She was cold—John could tell by the way she shivered. He placed the back of his hand on her temple and swore under his breath. The fever was back.

"It's so cold," she whispered through chattering teeth.

"Give me a minute," John re-adjusted the brick warmer and covered Elizabeth with the extra quilt. The next few hours passed by like a blur. It was nearly dawn when the fever subsided and she fell into a deep slumber. John was exhausted, too tired to drag himself to the adjacent room. He opted to lie down next to the girl, in case the fever returned. He rested his eyes, it would be just for a few minutes—just a few minutes.

***

The ray of sunlight felt like a gentle caress on Elizabeth's face. It comforted and warmed her skin as the orange tint fought to penetrate her eyelids. She kept them shut for as long as she could, enjoying the coziness of the bed. Although her body had been through much pain, the heat felt comforting. The foggy memories of the night before were now cleared. She remembered the man with the observant sea-green eyes, the way he watched her every move. Now that she was awake and alert, she needed to figure out where she was.

Elizabeth opened her eyes. Gradually they focused on the canopy above. She barely recognized the room from the night before. It was difficult to pay attention to the details last night. It was all overshadowed by the need to survive and the presence of the others. With the fever gone, she was finally able to think clearly. The swelling on her face was improved, she could finally open the right one and see her surroundings without pain.