With sweaty hands balled into fists, she knocked on the door once.
“Just a second.”
The door swung open to reveal a tall gentleman with damp blonde hair.
For a moment, she wondered if she had seen him before. But there was no flicker of recognition in his eyes, so she quickly discarded the thought.
“Your Grace,” she greeted politely before walking inside.
“The Duke of Huntington,” he introduced himself.
“Frances Cooper.”
Their gazes met for a brief moment, and Frances felt heat rise to her cheeks. Except this time, she was not sure if it was the nervousness of talking to a stranger or talking tothis particular stranger.
“Well then, do you plan on standing there all day?” the Duke asked, raising an eyebrow. “I was under the impression that you were here for a reason.”
Without even realizing it, Frances had been caught gawking at him.
In her defense, it was difficult not to. He had a certain kind of rugged handsomeness to him that was difficult to miss. And he wasyoung.Prior to coming here, she had envisioned him to besomeone much older, given that he was the older sibling. There was a smattering of freckles on his cheeks, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the window.
“Miss?”
His voice jolted her back to the present moment, and she straightened her back immediately.
“I am here to see the children.”
“Yes, it is about time that someone did. It is quite a demanding task to take over the children, and I have nothing but the highest standards when it comes to finding someone for the job.” He nodded.
“How are they doing?” she asked, concern coloring her voice. “I have been worried all this time.”
“Not too well, I am afraid. But that is exactly why I have decided to hire a governess.”
Frances took a step back, surprised. “A governess?”
No, no, no. He had misunderstood the reason for my visit.
“Why, yes. Isn’t that what you are here for? I had put up an urgent advertisement in the penny paper for one,” he said.
“Oh…” Color flooded over to her cheeks. She was just about to correct him when a knock on the door interrupted them.
“Your Grace, my apologies for interrupting your meeting.” A woman poked her head around the door, a troubled expression on her face. “But I have tried everything, and the children are refusing to eat.”
“Did you try feeding them that bread you said they are fond of?” The Duke raised an eyebrow.
“They spat it right out. It’s been over a day since they’ve had a proper meal, and I’m worried about what will happen if this goes on for longer.”
Christopher turned to Frances. “Well, it is a great stroke of luck that you are here. Come, prove to me that you are the right fit for this job.”
CHAPTER THREE
Frances decided to follow him instead of correcting him. At least this way she could see the children once.
Christopher stopped right before they entered the room, nervousness settling over his features.
“I shall warn you beforehand that they do not respond well to strangers at first.”
“Let me see for myself.” Frances walked into the room.
