Their gazes met briefly, and Frances wondered whether he could see right through her.
But before any more words could be exchanged, a knock sounded at the door.
“Your Grace, I have been looking for you. There are still many duties that require your attention.”
It was Mrs. Bellum. Frances had never been so relieved to hear her voice before.
“I shall be right?—”
Christopher stopped her midway, raising his hand. “Mrs Bellum, Frances will be with me for the evening. The boys need her as much as the household does.”
Frances turned to him with a searching expression. “Do you believe that truly?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I believe getting told what type of china we own can wait another day, don’t you think? The children would be sad if you left halfway.”
“I am not sure about that.” Frances pointed at the twins, who were looking quite tired now.
“Boys, would you like to rest?” Christopher asked.
They did not answer, instead only yawned lightly. The game had tired them out.
“Perhaps this is our cue to leave.” Christopher led her out of the room. “But you should stay for some time. My study?”
She nodded hesitantly.
As they walked towards Christopher’s study, Frances’s mind raced with the events of the evening.
Christopher’s playful nature and his teasing words had left her with a mix of emotions she hadn’t expected. When they arrived at the study, he opened the door for her, and she stepped inside, her heart still fluttering.
He turned to face her, his expression earnest. “I wish to talk to you about something.”
CHAPTER8
Frances waited for him to continue, but instead, Christopher motioned for her to take a seat.
“But it would be better if we make ourselves comfortable. I want to get the whole story, and just standing around will not do.”
Frances nodded and settled into a plush armchair, feeling her anxiety bubble up inside her.
What is it that he wants to talk to me about?
Her mind was hurling every absurd possibility at her.
Christopher took a seat opposite her, his expression curious.“Frances, I’ve been meaning to ask you something. How did you manage to become so close to the twins so easily? They seem to trust you completely.”
“Oh…”
That’s it?
Somehow Frances had expected something entirely different.
“I’ve known about them for a long time,” she began, her voice steady. “Lydia was my only friend, apart from my sisters. We grew up together, and I never saw her as just a maid but as a dear friend.”
“It is quite rare to hear that.”
“Is it?” Frances shrugged her shoulders. “I have never really seen it that way. Though, we had to keep our friendship a secret. My mother would have never approved.”
“Women from families like yours do not mix with the likes of Lydia,” he noted, and he raised his hands defensively when Frances shot him a look. “Though, I do not object to it. I did not even have a problem with Peter deciding to marry her.”
