When the servant bustled out of the room as if snakes snapped at her heels, more tears fell down Louisa’s cheeks. The older woman had been soothing Louisa’s qualms. Until now. Her chest tightened, and this time the pain in her ribs had nothing to do with the accident, she was certain.
Within minutes, heavy footsteps thudded on the floor in the hallway, growing closer. Suddenly, a large man filled the doorway. Louisa sucked in a quick breath. His towering height stunned her, but not as much as the concern etched on his handsome face. As he strode toward the bed, his white shirt stretched across his wide shoulders, emphasizing his lean build. Black trousers fit snuggly against muscular legs. She’d never seen anything so stunning in her life. Then again, she may have but just didn’t recall. Even so, her heart told her she wasn’t used to looking at men like this one.
He stood above her, and she sank into the pillows, staring at him. “Your Grace?”
He nodded. “Mrs. Smythe tells me your name is Louisa.”
“It is.”
He pulled a wooden chair next to the bed and sat. Slowly, he stretched his arm out to touch her, then—as if changing his mind—quickly withdrew. “Louisa, please do not be frightened. We will take care of you.”
She managed a small nod.
“Mrs. Smythe also tells me you cannot remember anything.”
“All I can remember, Your Grace, is my name…and that I don’t believe I have been in a room as grand as this or worn a gown so expensive.”
The lines around his mouth softened. “Be that as it may, the doctor told me you had a goose egg on your head. I can only surmise that is the reason for your unclear memory.”
Cautiously, she lifted her fingers to her scalp and brushed them across her head until she found the lump. She winced. “I trust the doctor knows what he’s talking about.”
“Yes,” he said. “I would not put my care in the hands of anyone else. Doctor Bryers is very good.”
She licked her dry lips and lowered her hands. His stare calmed her, and a warming blanket of comfort surrounded her. Strangely enough, the emotion seemed foreign. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
He smiled, but somehow it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Until your health and memory have been fully restored, I think you should stay here and let us take care of you. Mrs. Smythe will have some delicious soup brought up. I assume you are hungry, correct?”
She nodded. “Famished. I think I could eat a horse…or two.”
Chuckling, he stood and motioned for the older servant to draw near. “Please keep me informed of her progress.”
“I certainly will, Your Grace.”
Just then, another maid walked into the room, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup and two slices of bread on it.
His gaze switched back to Louisa. “Please rest until you are feeling better.”
“I shall. I thank you for your hospitality.”
He nodded, turned, and walked out the door.
Louisa’s heart melted. What a fine man. A man who helps strangers. A man—who somehow had insecurities about himself, she’d noticed. He didn’t want to touch her, which was probably out of propriety, but it was more than that. Something she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
“Now, let’s sit you up a little more so you can eat.” Mrs. Smythe helped Louisa with lifting herself up until she could have the food tray placed on her lap.
“This smells wonderful.” She smiled, fairly salivating over the bowl of soup and bread.
“It’s not a full course, mind you, but when you are feeling better, we shall serve you more. His Grace wants us to make you healthy.” The older woman tsked. “I fear you are nothing but skin and bones.”
Louisa glanced down at her thin wrists and fingers. “I wish I could remember why.”
“You shall in time, dearie.”
“Mrs. Smythe, you have all been so kind. I don’t know how to repay you.”
“Oh, tosh. Not to worry, my dear. His Grace is very kind, and he will not ask to be repaid.”
Louisa glanced toward the door, hoping he’d come back and make her feel protected again. Strange how the loss of his presence left her empty inside. “Tell me about him,” she asked before shoveling a spoonful of soup into her mouth. Ahhh…chicken dumplings.
“His Grace, the Fourth Duke of Kenbridge, is the most caring man I have ever met.” Mrs. Smythe smiled widely. “I have known his family for many years. They are the best of the best.”
She swallowed what was in her mouth before asking, “Is he married?”
A frown changed the housekeeper’s expression, and her amber eyes clouded with pain. “The Duchess passed on nigh twelve months ago, I fear. The Duke has not been the same since. Poor man, trying to raise his children without a mother.” She shook her head. “It takes a man with a big heart, to be sure.”
Perhaps that was the emotion Louisa had glimpsed in his eyes; mourning his wife. “Thank you for telling me. I shall not bring up the subject again.” She bit off a piece of bread, and silently sighed with satisfaction.
Although she’d told the housekeeper she wouldn’t bring up the subject of the man’s dead wife, Louisa wanted to keep asking the servants until her curiosity was placated. It would also keep her mind occupied, since memories of her own past wouldn’t. She needed something to think about that wouldn’t make her go stark-raving mad.
She eyed the soup and bread. The more she tasted of this delicious meal, the more urgency pulsed through her. She tore off a piece of bread and dipped it into the soup before bringing it to her mouth. A forbearing sense of hunger came over her, and although she surmised the duke would feed her again, she couldn’t stop from eating for fear the food would be snatched from her at any moment. She lifted the bowl and tipped it to her mouth.
“Oh, my…” Mrs. Smythe quickly slapped her hand over her mouth, her wide eyes watching in judgment.
“What’s amiss?” Louisa asked with her mouth full. A portion of the soup dribbled down her chin.
Quickly, the housekeeper brought a linen napkin to Louisa, and wiped away the liquid before it fell to her clean nightgown.
“I fear…you are very hungry, my dear. But—” Mrs. Smythe pointed to the utensils— “there is a fork or spoon for you to use.”
Louisa glanced at her hands dripping with soup. Embarrassment washed over her and she snatched the linen cloth to wipe away the proof of bad manners. “Forgive me for acting like I’m half starved.” Then again, maybe she was starved. Her thin arms definitely proved she needed to eat more, and if her stomach—which rested on her backbone—was any indication on how regularly she ate, she would have to fatten up a bit.
Mrs. Smythe’s expression changed from one of shock to humor as she winked. “You just have a healthy appetite. But I think if I ever find the person who was starving you, nothing will keep me from beating him with a whip.” Once again, the servant gasped and slapped her hand over her mouth. This time, however, the color disappeared from her face.
Louisa arched an eyebrow. Why did the housekeeper act in that manner? Apparently, nobody knew her, so then why did the servant give Louisa the impression she knew something?
Louisa wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, using the sleeve of her gown. Mrs. Smythe cringed and handed her another linen napkin. Mumbling quick apologies, Louisa dabbed the cloth to her mouth, then tried to wipe the stain off her sleeve.
“So, Mrs. Smythe?” She lifted her gaze to the servant. “Since I do not remember who I am, do you know me? Do I look familiar at all?”
“No, I’m sorry to say. I’m really the wrong person to ask. If anyone will know, it’ll be His Grace.”
Frowning, she nodded. “True. I certainly hope someone will know me because I most definitely do not. And not having anything to think about all day will drive me absolutely insane.”
“I cannot even imagine. His Grace will provide you the best medical care available, and I shall assign a maid to stay by your side and keep you company.”
&nb
sp; “Thank you, Mrs. Smythe. Your assistance is much appreciated.”
Once the food filled Louisa’s belly, her eyelids became heavy. Fatigue washed over her, and all she wanted to do was snuggle in the comfortable covers and sleep.
“Here now, Miss Louisa.” The housekeeper removed the tray of food. “I think rest is the best medicine.”
Louisa yawned. “I believe you are correct.”
Even though her body ached, she rolled to her side and closed her eyes. Yet sleep didn’t come easily. Mrs. Smythe dimmed the lamps, but still Louisa had yet to drift away into her dreams. The only thing filling her thoughts was the very handsome and mysterious man, the Duke of Kenbridge. It wasn’t just his looks that captured her interest; it was his sad life that the housekeeper hinted about.
Had Louisa always been this curious? Was it in her nature to want to know everything?
Yet in this case, the subject she wanted to know about was quite fascinating to look upon. Only in her dreams could she imagine somebody so strong holding her. This, of course, was a very good reason to start fantasizing.
* * * *
“What are you to make of this, Mother?”
Trevor paced the floor in his study as his mother sat on the edge of the couch, playing with the string of pearls around her neck. He had told her about the horrific events that had transpired with the accident, and especially about the girl’s memory loss. Nothing like this had ever happened to him, and he hadn’t slept last night wondering how to proceed at this point. If Miss Louisa were not a respectable person, he could not have her in his house. Yet, he could not throw her out since it was his fault she almost lost her life—and that she presently didn’t have a memory.
“Oh, dear.” The Dowager tsked and shook her head. “I must say, Trevor, this is upsetting news. I think what we need to do is discover who amongst the ton has lost a daughter.” She fluttered her hand against her throat. “Although, I think that might be hard to do since you don’t know if this girl is of Quality or not.”
Blowing out a frustrated sigh, he dug his fingers in his hair. “Mother, I highly doubt she is of noble birth. You should have seen her. The dress she wore was small, like a young girl’s, and tattered badly. The oversized coat she wore was a man’s garment, and very old with several missing buttons. Her hair looked as if she had not washed it for quite a while.”
His mother’s face turned white as she grimaced. “How utterly disgraceful.”
“She speaks as though she has some education, but I don’t believe she is of Quality.”
“Oh, Trevor. I don’t know how we will find the girl’s parents then…assuming she has any.”
He nodded. “That is my concern as well.”
“What are you going to do with her once she heals?”
He stopped pacing in front of a window overlooking the land sloping over the hillside. The sun shone over the green grass, and highlighted the flowers by the fence. “I feel responsible for what happened, and if she does not regain her memory, I shall have no other choice but to offer her employment here.”
Gasping, his mother stood and rushed to his side. She clutched his arm. “You cannot be serious. You do not know where she’s been or what she’s done. She could steal from you.”
Over his shoulder, he met his mother’s stare. “What would you have me do? Send her out on the streets to care for herself? If this was what she had been doing, it’s obvious she failed miserably.” He shook his head. “If anything, having her work here will give her experience so she can find employment elsewhere. If she steals from me, I shall handle it the way I would with any of my other servants.”
A small smile touched his mother’s worried face as she caressed his cheek. “You are a very caring man, my dear, and I’m proud that my son has a big heart.”
Rolling his eyes, he turned away from her and peered outside again. Out in the yard, a flock of birds flitted from one tree to another as in a rhythmic dance. His mother didn’t know what she was talking about…him having a big heart. “I appreciate your sentiments, Mother, but I assure you, I do not deserve them.”
She took a step back. “Would you like me to go see the girl and talk to her?”
He shrugged. “I do not think it will do any harm. I’m certain she would enjoy the company.” He strode toward the door. “Come, I shall take you to her room.”
“After my visit with the girl, I hope you don’t mind if I take a peek at my precious grandchildren. I have not seen the twins in a fortnight.”
“Do as you wish, Mother. I’m certain they will love to see their grandmamma.”
He clenched his jaw as he marched into the hallway and toward the stairs, balling his hands into fists at his sides. He dared not tell his mother he doubted he had sired the twins. His mother had thought the sun rose and set on Gwendolyn, and he didn’t have the heart to give his mother such disturbing information that his wife was not the pure, sweet woman she’d led everyone to believe.
When he reached Miss Louisa’s room, the door stood open. Mrs. Smythe chatted with the stranger as if they were the best of friends. Louisa didn’t notice him, so he was able to study her for a few moments. Color bloomed in her cheeks today. Her blonde hair held a healthy shine and even had a slight curl to it. The white nightdress emphasized her slender figure, and it bothered him to see her looking so gaunt. The housekeeper said something and Louisa laughed, which brought a smile to his face. At the same time, he realized there was a sad quality to the tone of her laugh. Indeed, this woman’s past would remain a mystery to him until her memory returned. A strange emotion stirred within him, and it pierced his heart.
Finally, her gaze shifted to him and she smiled brightly, sitting up in bed a little straighter. “Your Grace. What a surprise it is to see you.”
He nodded and strode in the room. “Miss Louisa, may I present my mother, the Dowager Duchess of Kenbridge.”
His mother stepped inside and walked straight to Louisa’s bed. The young woman’s eyes grew wide as she gazed upon his mother.
“A pleasure it is to meet you, Your Grace.” Louisa bowed her head and lowered her eyes. “Forgive me for not getting out of bed, but I’m still quite weak.”
“That is to be expected, my dear. My son told me about the terrible accident. May I say how relieved I am to hear you are doing better?”
Louisa met his mother’s gaze and smiled. “Thank you, Your Grace. I do feel better today, although my body still aches.”
“I’m certain you will feel that way for a few more days.”
“Indeed.”
Trevor found it hard to keep from watching Louisa. Even weak and thin, she was quite a lovely woman. It surprised him that he’d once mistaken her for being a mere girl. Her eyes twinkled—a remarkable green color—whenever she looked at him, and he worried about her actions. She didn’t have a memory, so would she look to him as a hero even if he was the one responsible for her accident in the first place? He couldn’t allow her to peer at him with such admiration. Having her thinking of him in that way wasn’t a good thing, but for some reason he didn’t want to discourage her just yet. It’d been a long time since a woman gazed at him as if she were utterly infatuated. He shouldn’t, but he quite enjoyed it.
His mother squared her shoulders and turned his way. “My dear son, your servants should be commended. Miss Louisa looks quite well for someone who nearly lost her life.”
He smiled and gave his housekeeper a nod. “Mrs. Smythe has been a godsend.”
The older servant giggled as her face lit up like a beacon. “Your praise is most heartwarming.”
Trevor stepped closer to Louisa. He couldn’t stop his attention from roaming over her wide green eyes, pert nose, and delicate lips. Once more a twinkle sparked in her orbs before she lowered them to her folded hands on her lap. Long, thick eyelashes swept her cheeks before she lifted her gaze and met his.
“Tell me, Miss Louisa, have you remembered anything about your life?”
She frown
ed. “No, Your Grace. I fear my mind is still closed to the past.”
Unease filled him when a thought nagged at his subconscious. Could this woman be lying to him? What if she did this as a means of staying in his house and being cared for? After all, most of the women he’d known in his life—save for his mother—had deceived him. Surely, he would have to keep a close watch over this one.
He swept his attention over the slender column of her neck. “I’m certain your memory will return with time.”
When he met her sparkling eyes, he couldn’t turn away. They entrapped him, lured him, and if he looked deeper, he’d see into her soul. What kind of past did she have? Did she hold secrets? He suspected she had a few since his housekeeper informed him about the girl’s scars. If she lied to him about her memory, could he blame her? She would definitely not want to return to her former life. Being whipped was certainly not a life at all, and he couldn’t allow her to go back to such circumstances. In just the few times he’d spoken with her, he’d been besieged with an overwhelming need to protect her.
Confused by the compassion trying to surface inside him, he pulled away and smiled at his mother. “Well, I believe we should allow Miss Louisa to rest now. Don’t you agree?”
“Certainly, my dear.”
Louisa nodded. “Thank you for coming to see to my welfare, Your Grace, and it is a pleasure to meet your mother as well.”
Both he and his mother left the room and he closed the door behind him. When they were far enough down the hallway, his mother turned and grasped his arm, stopping him.
“Trevor, I think I may know her…or her family.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Indeed? Why would you think you know her? She’s clearly not from our class.”
“Clearly, but she resembles the Earl of Danvers’ wife quite a bit. I took tea with Lady Danvers and the future Lady Wellesley the other day with a few other ladies, and Louisa’s big green eyes are just like Lady Danvers. Eyes like that are hard to ignore.”
Trevor folded his arms as he tapped a finger on his forearm. “Danvers, you say. I don’t believe they have a daughter.”
The Sweetest Touch Page 3