Intriguing the Duke by Sophia Wilson

Author:Sophia Wilson [Wilson, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2019-08-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

May 1817

Beltham Hall

Westhampshire

England

The duke shifted his weight as he yet again came to the conclusion that she was not coming to meet him, which was disheartening, as well as made the duke feel utterly foolish.

For an entire fortnight, the duke had visited the spot by the low stone wall in hopes that Maria would be there. He felt rather alone, as Lord Kenilworth now was courting the daughter of Lord Berkley and did not spend as much time in his company. The duke spent his nights alone now, silently hoping that Maria would approach him. He had been unable to erase the sight of her beautiful face from his mind, and as he wandered the halls of the manor house, he hoped he would see her. It tormented his heart when he did not see her, but he was much too proud to ask of her whereabouts from the other maidservants. He also did not wish to draw any attention to the fact that he was looking for Maria. Questions would be asked, and he had neither the mental capacity, nor the physical strength to answer.

His heart yearned for her voice, to watched her bathed in the moonlight, her golden hair like silk under the stars. To see her radiant smile, and hear her witty retorts.

He grumbled incoherently as he stood from the low wall and made his way back inside. Once inside, he paused in the hallway and glanced into the side hallways which led to the kitchen. Anna was at the large wooden table, along with two younger maids, chopping vegetables.

The duke entered the kitchen, and the two younger maids’ eyes widened as they saw him.

“Your Grace,” Anna said, continuing to chop. “What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Could I speak with you for a moment, Anna?” the duke asked, and raised his brow expectantly.

“Please excuse us,” Anna said to the two young maids.

They nodded quietly and left the kitchen.

“What is it you wish to speak to me about, Your Grace?” Anna asked.

“There is a maid working here at the estate. Her name is Maria. Her father is the town physician,” the duke explained.

“Yes. I know Maria.”

“Are you aware of which shifts she is working today? I must speak with her rather urgently,” the duke said, the desperation imminent in his baritone voice.

Anna glanced at him in confusion. “Your Grace is not aware?”

“Aware of what?”

“Maria no longer works at the estate, Your Grace.”

“Since when?” he demanded.

“It is nearly a fortnight, Your Grace.”

The duke took a step back and exhaled slowly. “Why was I not made aware of this?” he bellowed.

“My sincerest apologies, Your Grace. I was not aware that it was not discussed with you.”

The duke ran his fingers through his hair and pursed his lips.

“Is something the matter, Your Grace?” Anna asked.

“There is something of great urgency I must discuss with Maria. Do you perhaps know where she and her father and sisters live?”

“Indeed, Your Grace, but what can be of such importance that Your Grace wishes to speak with her so urgently?” Anna asked.

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