Anything that was to happen was the Duke’s responsibility.
“Christopher…” she breathed. “You need to stop doing that. Your father is not here any longer to reprimand you for everything. You share this house with me, and I am only supportive of you.”
He blinked at her, confused at first, and then saw the sincerity in her eyes, and his gaze softened.
They stared at each other for a long moment, and then he leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. It was a kiss filled with gratitude. And a lot of pent-up emotion. They both channeled their feelings into it.
When they broke apart, he held her hand softly.
“Thank you, Frances,” he murmured against her forehead. “I do not know how you do it, how you can still believe in me after all that has happened. But you do.”
They stayed close, their foreheads resting against each other, finding solace in their shared warmth.
The world outside was uncertain, but at that moment, they found peace in each other’s arms.
“Whatever happens,” Frances whispered, “we will face it together. I am optimistic that something will turn up tomorrow.”
“Then I will believe you too.”
Christopher wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to his chest. They were both on the sofa, which was far too small to accommodate them both comfortably, but none of them seemed to want to move.
It was a delicate moment. And the idea of spending the night alone looked far too daunting to even consider.
So they did not move. Nor did they say anything.
They drifted into a light, fitful sleep, holding each other. But most importantly, holding onto hope that tomorrow would be a better day.
CHAPTER20
Frances sat by the window, her eyes red-rimmed and tired from a sleepless night. Every small noise outside the window made her heart leap with hope, only to be crushed when it wasn’t the sound of the boys returning home.
She looked out over the sprawling estate grounds, her mind replaying memories of the twins and wondering where they were now.
How had they spent the night? She would tuck them to sleep each night. Who had been there for them the night before?
Her mind only drew blanks.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned as the door opened to see Esther stepping into the room.
Esther’s eyes immediately softened with concern as she took in her sister’s exhausted and tear-streaked face.
“Frances,” she said gently, crossing the room to sit beside her. “How are you holding up?”
At the sight of her sister, Frances felt the fragile dam of her emotions begin to crack. She had tried to stay strong for Christopher, but now the tears she had been holding back began to flow freely.
“Oh, Esther,” she sobbed, burying her face in her hands. “I don’t know what to do. I’m so scared for them.”
Esther immediately pulled her into a tight embrace. “Shh, it’s alright,” she murmured, stroking her hair. “Let it out. I’m here.”
Frances clung to her. “They’re just children, Esther,” she choked out between sobs. “So small and vulnerable. How could someone take them? What if we never see them again?”
Esther pulled back slightly, cupping Frances’s face in her hands and looking into her eyes. “You will see them again, Frances. Christopher is doing everything he can to find them, and we will bring them home. I believe it with all my heart.”
Frances nodded, though her tears continued to flow. “But my mind is unkind to me because I keep thinking of the most awful things. Esther, please make it stop.”
Esther gently wiped the tears from her sister’s cheeks. “Don’t think like that. We must hold onto hope. The boys are strong, and they know how much you love them. We will find them, Frances.”
Frances took a shaky breath. “I’m trying, Esther. But it’s so hard. Every moment feels like an eternity.”
