Chapter 28

"Thank you Alice." Alice put the finishing touches on Jacqueline.

"Yes, my lady." She curtised and gathered the cleaning items and lefts

Dominic had gone out, business had called was what the servants told her and frankily it didn't bother her. She would explore the castle and maybe talk to Lord Wilson again, maybe he could introduce her to someone. She longed for a friend.

But that was selfish. As he stood rigid that previous day. And she had not been able to find the Duke after he left the room she had returned to her room and stayed there the whole day. She wanted a friend but she was too scared to find one. Anyone...

But not Mr Thomas, she would avoid that man. His flirtatious nature, his sparkling eyes as they hypnotised into submission and she wouldn't do anything to damage her reputation especially as Francis had held off the blessing till six months.

She would not talk about what happened that day or the previous day. Dominic did not know how far. Peter and Anne kept it a secret.

He had not told anyone the reason and frankily she didn't care. Her relationship with Dominic was still a mess and she was glad to not have to sleep with him. Now she had a reason to not sleep with him.

Jacqueline stood on the balcony of her room and then walked out ignoring the luxuries and headed towards the door. She opened it and looked around. Empty. Very empty and she was slightly thankful for that.

She walked though the large french castle, she could hear the servants chattering and knew she wouldn't be welcome there and instead headed for the library for some peace and quiet. It was empty, and Jacqueline sat down in the spacious book filled library.

She picked up a book. The world in my eyes. A scientific journal. Pleased she sat sat in the corner of the room, the sofa inviting with embroided pillows and table to put papers on she admired the tapersiteies behind it on the wall and began reading.

Jacqueline was lost. Lost in this world she had missed her journals so very much and was pleased Francis had some in his collection. She knew the king was wise but she would return home soon. Francis was going to Paris and the court would follow, Dominic could use it as an excuse and return home. And she would be alone with him again.

Sighing, she wondered if anyone was looking for her. She placed down the heavy journal onto the table. Dominic would probably not, but William might.

She had missed William, she hadn't been able to talk to him only see him and she would have to see him before he headed back to Cornwall. She was glad that Thomas was not around, she hadn't seen him in a while and was frankily glad.

The past should be the last of my focus. Jacqueline snapped to herself. She was lucky she was being allowed out after the incident and that was in the past too.

"My lady?"

Jacqueline looked up."My lord, good afternoon." She got up and curtised watching with childlike eyes at her childhood crush. Derek Rochford.

"Lady DeFleur," He said her name awkwardly, it was completely different to how he regarded her beforehand, but then took a shallow intake of air." I hope you aren't lost from the rest of the ladies. I could escort you back."

Jacqueline shook her head. More memories flooding back to her mind. Half the court knew apart from Domininc."I'm not an invalid."

"I never said you were Madam," He smiled kindly,"But I would like to catch up with an old friend."

Old friend?"If you wish, my lord." She offered him the seat opposite. He smiled graciously again and sat where he was told.

He cocked his head to one side and called for a servant to bring them some tea."You look well, my lady. Much better than the village girl who use to blush every time she curtised to me."

Jacqueline blushed, he had noticed and looked away."I have been well,"

He nodded and looked at her closely,"I am glad you escaped the clutches of your father. You are now married to one of the most powerful, even if he isn't titled, men in the land."

"Y-You disliked my father sir?"

Rochford motioned for the servants to bring in the tea, they laid out treats and sweets. Jacqueline looked in awe licking her lips appreciatively, Derek tipped the servants kindly and dismissed them. The door shut completely and Derek waited a few moments before speaking again.

"Yes, I do he was a cold man and I finally understand the reasoning for your marriage."

Jacqueline stayed quiet and poured herself a cup of tea."My lord?"

"Yes, thank you." She poured him a cup before offering it to him and he sipped some. It soothed his throat."I apologise for making it awkward but I would like to ask if you know the reasoning of your marriage?"

"No," She answered truthfully.

"I suppose they wouldn't tell you anyway, my lady. He bit into a scone and smiled," Doing the actions of his words he chewed the treat.

"You speak your actions sir?"

He nodded."A very unusal habit but I do enjoy confusing people,"

"I never knew that." Derek nodded in agreement.

She took a crumpet and buttered it before biting into it."Your marriage was probably for the concieving of heirs, your family has a fame for males and strong females."

"Males of honour and looks, like William and cunning and promising like Baron DeFleur. The women of your family are strong child bearers and beauties to behold. Exactly what a man like his Dominic's father wants."

Jacqueline nodded, so she was a broodmare. The finest broodmare in the land and that's why she had been married to Dominic."At least I know I'm useful for something.." Jacqueline laughed weakily.

Derek snorted and smiled at her."Every woman is good for something apart from babes."

"Sex sir?"

He laughed."Well that too, but I mean personality, my lady. You seemed less innocent than the village girl."

She smiled,"I suppose it's being married."

He nodded in agreement,"I am here for a wife, my famiy has demanded it or my title."

"I wish you luck sir,"

He smiled and looked out the window."Thank you, and I suppose I must go outside, the title of Countess of Rochford needs to go to the highest bidder."

She smiled at the joke and watched as he got up, it reminded him of someone."Do you know a Mr Edmund Smith, sir?"

"Mr Smith. I suggest you keep away from him, my lady. For your safety." He brushed his jacket and bowed.

"Bu- He was with Dominic."

"I suggest again, my lady. Stay away from that man, he will ruin you or your family."He bowed knowingly and strode out the room.

Jacqueline sat in the drawing room dazed and angry. Dominic had bought the wrong 'horse', and she would make sure of it.

+++++

Dominic lay asleep on the balcony. His snores could be heard from below and children tittered as they saw the lord, arm flung outward asleep.

He woke up slowly and looked around. His head pounding with an uncomfortable sleep but his body refreshed he glared at the children who scurried away. He looked beside him, there was a pitcher of wine and a glass. These were the perks, he thought before he sipped some.

O"My lord," A voice called, knowing not to intrude Dominic in his most private place.

"What is it?" He got up and unlocked the door.

"His Majesty wishes to see you,"

Dominic sighed and gathered himself. He took a deep breath and ordered the items be cleaned up. He put on his clothing, he had been wearing naught but linen undergarments, and followed the man to Francis.

"Your Majesty," Dominic bowed."You requested me,"

"Ah, Dominic!" He smiled broodly."I have some news for you,"

"Yes, your majesty?"

"Your cousin, Lord Daniel DeFleur, is coming to visit from Ireland! He will uttermost arrive for your wedding and if luck permits before I go to Paris."

Dominic wanted to smash something. His patronising, egoistical cousin was coming. Daniel was the only other man Dominic held in high regard, but also the only other man to treat him like a child. He was a dark man, alone and he had decided looking after Dominic was his life.

Dominic admitted he had been a bit selfish and his cousin did write daily letters to him. They did have friendly letters but then, there were times when living overseas from someone who acted like a father, had its perks.

But Francis loved him like a son, and if he found out Dominic had been lying about his perfect marriage to his cousin, he would rectify the mistakes. Dominic would be humiliated and now he would have two men would want to skin him.

"I'm glad my cousin is faring well, I wish to see him soon." Dominic smiled broadly."Unfortunately, my lord, I have not bathed or eaten as of yet and I wish to excuse myself."

Francis allowed him to take his leave and Dominic bowed low and left. Calm and collected, but then he shut the door and screamed loudly, in frustration.

Question: Do you recongonise where Lord Daniel DeFleur has been previously mentioned?