Page 94 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady
What does he want to say that requires him escorting me? Whatever it is, it can’t be good.
The Duke sat up and enveloped his right hand in a two-handed shake. Dr Frederick looked at the Duchess who gave him a slight nod. He turned and heard Mister Frank make a clatter behind him as he rushed after him while trying to close the tool box. Dr Frederick said nothing as he walked past Lord Jeffrey who opened the door and waited in the other room. Lord Jeffrey closed the door behind Mister Frank and walked quickly to Dr Frederick’s side. He led them down the way Dr Frederick was familiar with. When they got to the verandah on the ground floor, he suddenly gripped Dr Frederick’s wrist, making Dr Frederick aware of the sharp nails he had on those long fingers. Dr Frederick did not attempt to drag his hand out of Lord Frederick’s hand, but he met his gaze with steel and daring. Mister Frank, who looked shocked at what was happening, had stopped in front. Dr Frederick gestured to him to continue to the curricle. Mister Frank continued on his way.
“Why do you hold my hand hostage?” Dr Frederick asked, struggling to keep his anger within himself.
Lord Jeffrey didn’t reply. He was a bit taller than the doctor and stood very close to him. Lord Jeffrey looked directly into Dr Frederick’s eyes, and for the first time, Dr Frederick saw the colour of his pupils.
Black, pitch black.
Dr Frederick knew he was trying to cause him to fear him. Dr Frederick laughed.
He doesn’t know me.
Dr Frederick put his second hand on the hand Lord Jeffrey held his wrist with and slowly forced the Marquess’ fingers off his wrist. He could see Lord Jeffrey applying his strength, attempting to force his fingers to remain in their vice-like grip. But Dr Frederick was too strong, far stronger than Lord Jeffrey. He had built incredible levels of strength during his time as a worker while in the college of medicine. He just kept that “Frederick” under multiples layers of the polished physician he was such that no one could ever reconcile him with what he once was.
Life was hard then. To be a construction worker, you must be strong.
Lord Jeffrey’s eyes opened wide as Dr Frederick finally twisted his fingers off his wrist without showing any signs of strain.
“Do not lay your hand on me again. You might regret it,” Dr Frederick said.
Lord Jeffrey laughed, while slowly massaging the twisted fingers.
“You do know who I am. I doubt you’d be stupid enough to try anything funny.”
Dr Frederick shook his head. He didn’t care for this sort of posturing. He attempted walking past Lord Jeffrey but the Marquess sidestepped in front of him.
“What do you want, Jeffrey?”
Lord Jeffrey smiled, his eyes had widened a bit when Dr Frederick had called his name without the accompanying title.
“I wanted to inform you. I have asked Helena to marry me, and she’s agreed. The Baron and Baroness of Strabolgi have been duly informed. We’ll have a big wedding when she’s back from her trip.”
There was a sudden rumble in Dr Frederick, like a rolling boulder. He had told himself he wouldn’t be surprised to hear that Miss Helena was engaged to Lord Jeffrey, but he hadn’t known it would hurt so much. It hurt so much, his heart felt like it would stutter to a stop any second. Dr Frederick closed his eyes and mustered all the male pride he had; he looked back into Lord Jeffrey’s eyes. Lord Jeffrey had a wry smile on his face. He had seen his reaction, and he was bemused.
“How do I know what you say is true? And why would it matter to me?”
“Why do you think she left so suddenly? She asked for time to think about it. I just received her reply letter. And for the second question, I wouldn’t know. I just felt I should inform all parties,” Lord Jeffrey said.
Dr Frederick turned and walked towards his curricle. He didn’t want to hear any more about it.
Why would Lord Jeffrey lie? I am not a peer and can’t possibly provide any sort of competition for Miss Helena’s heart.
He got into the curricle. Mister Frank let the horses run as soon as Dr Frederick sat properly. Dr Frederick tried to think about other things. He tried to think about his research, but the pain was too much. It gnawed at his heart like the blunt tooth of a saw against wood. When he noticed Mister Frank driving towards the town, he finally spoke.
“Take me home.”
That was the only thing he said till they got home. When he saw his door, it seemed to open his mouth and allow the heavy load in his heart to flow out.
“Lord Jeffrey says Miss Helena has agreed to marry him.”
Mister Frank didn’t react. After a short while, Dr Frederick was about to repeat the statement.
“Do you believe him?” Mister Frank asked without looking to his master.
“Does it matter whether I believe him? I have been so daft. I never had a chance against the Marquess, he’s the son of arguably the wealthiest man in England. I’ve been such a fool,” Dr Frederick said, not minding that he had never spoken words of any relationship between himself and Miss Helena to his dresser. He knew Mister Frank knew he and Miss Helena had something.
“I’d ask you to cool down, Dr Frederick. There’s no gain in getting yourself worked up. The woman will choose who she wishes. She’s one of the most attractive young women in the peerage. She’s sure to have more than two potential suitors,” Mister Frank said.
