Frances’s eyes twinkled as she continued. “Elara was clever as well as brave. She remembered the stories about Gorgorath’s love for music. So, she took out her mother’s little golden harp, which she had brought with her, and began to play a beautiful, enchanting melody.”
Ernest’s face brightened, sensing that a turn in the story was coming. “Did the giant like the music?”
Frances nodded, her voice softening. “Yes, the giant loved the music. The melody was so beautiful that Gorgorath emerged from his cave, his great head swaying to the tune. He had never heard such lovely music before, and he listened in wonder.”
“Then what happened?” Ernest asked, his eyes wide.
“Well, the giant, moved by her song, felt his heart soften. He realized that this was no ordinary visitor, but a princess with a pure and loving soul.”
As she continued telling the story, Frances could feel Christopher’s eyes on her the entire time. He had left the bed and now was leaning against the doorframe. They had not exchanged any words as of yet, and she felt nervous to talk to him.
Slowly, Ernest’s eyelids began to droop, and soon he too drifted off to sleep, his hand still clasped in Frances’s.
When she was certain that he had slept, she quietly slipped away, only to be stopped by Christopher outside the twins’ room.
“I… I do not know what to say.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Except thank you. You took a large risk coming here tonight.”
Frances shrugged her shoulders. “I promised Lydia that I would do whatever I could for her children. And I am not one to break promises.”
Christopher nodded, his expression unreadable in the dim light of the hallway. “Even so. I am not blind to the fact that it is a big risk for a young woman to come out at this late hour. I would never have asked you for such a thing if it were not truly urgent.”
“Your Grace, I did this out of my own volition. Besides, I do not have any suitors that would abandon me, even if my reputation is ruined.” She smiled. “Though my mother would certainly not be too happy to find out. I should head back before she wakes up.”
Christopher looked around the hallway. “Perhaps we can have a talk before you leave? In private.”
Frances hesitated. She had already gone too far coming here. Could she risk more of a scandal?
“You do not need to worry about anyone finding out. My staff is trustworthy, and they would never mention a word to anyone. I take responsibility for that. It will only be a minute, and then I shall have you escorted back to your home immediately.”
She reluctantly agreed and followed him into his study. Even though it did not appear to be a good idea on the surface, something in her heart told her to hear him out.
He closed the door behind him and then turned to face her with a searching expression.
Now that she was alone with him, her mind began to race as she realized just how much of a scandal it truly would be if she were to be discovered like this.
It would even make sense, perhaps. He was attractive enough to fit the bill, and ladies who were caught in scandals were often caught with men just like him.
“You do not need to be so scared,” he reassured her, his tone turning sympathetic.
“What is that you need to speak to me about?” Her words came out rushed.
There was silence. The Duke appeared to be at a crossroads. It did nothing to soothe her anxiety.
“Would you tell me at least?”
“I want to know if you were serious,” he finally blurted out, “when you suggested marrying me.”
Frances felt her cheeks heat up. She had not expected him to bring that up.
“It felt like the rational thing at the time. I do not have any suitors, nor am I in love with anyone. My mother wants me married, and I care more about the children than I do finding a husband.”
“Are you certain that you do not have any suitors?” he pressed, surprised.
“Your Grace,” she sighed, shaking her head. “I came all this way in the middle of the night. I have very little reason to lie to you at this moment.”
“I was not suggesting that you are a liar.” His tone softened. “It’s just hard to believe, considering you are so…” he trailed off, then cleared his throat. “Very well, I just wanted to make sure.”
Her heart rate quickened in anticipation. He was looking at her quite strangely now, and she felt curiosity burning inside her.
