Chapter 9

Therese notices that both men spot the same skin tone, as well as texture and color of locks, even though the other man’s hair is held in a queue and he has a roguish disposition. Dressed in only a white linen shirt with his chest exposed and black breeches. His black boots, which look expensive, thick in grim.

Therese mentally shakes her head and focuses her attention on Mrs Fletcher’s words, which abruptly interrupt her musings. There is a brief hesitation before the woman seems to find her words.

“If you and Her Grace wouldn’t mind my boldness, Your Grace… I had offered Miss Antonio work as my helper and part of my lodgings to stay, without awaiting permission from you…But you see, because I was so far away, I couldn’t convey my request.” Her eyes fall briefly on Therese, who stands beside her, before she nervously lowers her gaze to the floor again.

Anxiously awaiting Jacob’s response.

“Not at all, Mrs Fletcher. Any help you can get. I know that you have tons of work to do as mother’s dressmaker, so I wouldn’t fault your decision.” Jacob assures her, his eyes on the ladies.

Mrs Fletcher raises an ecstatic gaze to him.

“As a matter of fact, I believe you and Mr Fletcher would need your privacy.” He continues, softly.

His eyes hold Therese’s gaze. “It would be a great honor to me if Miss Antonio would accept the cottage that stands besides yours.”

He smiles as Therese’s eyes widen in shock at his announcement.

Therese sweeps her gaze between Jacob and Joseph, before she gathers her wits to speak.

“Your Grace…that wouldn’t be necessary,” Therese says, softly.

The Duke seems disappointed and she wonders why.

His gaze is tender and it reminds her of the sun's warmth on a cold winter morning.

“I think I can manage the work room. I already told Mrs Fletcher that.” Therese boldly informs Jacob.

A silence passes between them at her words and Jacob finds himself unable to do anything but stare. Even though her refusal of his offer has surprisingly disappointed him, he can’t help but be enraptured by her beauty.

Her boldness to address him, equally amazes him. She is really beautiful up close. Her large eyes, a striking hazel hue, as she holds his gaze.

He finds her lips completely alluring, full and generously even. And her voice; small, rich and laced with a hint of a familiar accent, is pleasant.

Her lips a darker hue to the color of her skin, which is the color of golden autumn leaves.

Clearing his throat beside them, Joseph speaks. His voice breaking the spell that has overtaken his elder brother, who stands flushed from being caught staring.

“Please Miss Antonio, accept this as a generous offer from the Duke. It’s not every day he gives a latitude to the staff. Trust me I know him more than you do.”

Joseph smiles as he lets his gaze rest on Therese, his tone teasing.

Jacob clears his throat and smiles.

“Forgive my younger brother. I am happy with whatever you decide.” Jacob declares, throwing a grinning Joseph a warning glare.

“I…” Therese begins.

“I said you have no right to ask me for your freedom papers!” A voice thunders from across the group, the sound causing a stir.

All eyes instantly turn to the sound. A man has just shoved a skinny man to the floor, the later lying on the dirt floor, dazed. Gasps go round, but no one makes a move to intervene.

Before anyone can comprehend the scene, Therese lets go of her valise and rushes to the side of the man lying helplessly on the floor. His body is covered in days of dirt and his ragged outfit smells something pungent. Unwashed.

But Therese doesn’t allow that discourage her from helping the man to his feet.

“Are you alright?” She asks, her eyes searching his body.

The man flinches and shifts back. Then he rakes his eyes over her body and sees a stain on her clothes. Horrified, he tries rubbing his hands on the front of her fine dress, in a bid to clean her of his filth.

“Am sorry Ma’am. My…filthy hands have stained your fine dress.” The man mutters, his voice shaky.

“No, no. You haven’t stained me. This here is from our voyage.” She admits, her gaze soft.

“You should shift away from him, Missy! John Allen there works for me!” A harsh voice declares from behind her.

The words, a revulsion to Therese.

Squaring her shoulders, she turns a hard gaze to the man.

“My name isn’t Missy, Sir! I am Therese Antonio, and you Sir, should be ashamed of yourself!” She throws back, her voice dripping with disgust.

“Treating another human being like he is the dirt beneath your boots!” She frowns as her eyes glare at the man.

Within seconds, Jacob, Joseph and Mrs Fletcher surround her. Captain Knox only watches from a considerable distance.

“Now you watch your tongue, Missy! This don’ concern you!” The man warns, furiously.

Jacob steps closer, his position beside her protective. His fingers accidentally brush hers and the action sends jolts to her spine. Surprisingly comforting. It makes her wish to wrap her finger around his own finger.

Her eyes fall to the spot, before she briefly shifts them to him again.

“I would urge you, Sir to refrain from using such a tone with the Lady.” Jacob tightly demands, his eyes shooting daggers at the man.

The man travels a gaze across the group that surround John, before he speaks.

“This don concern non’ of you! I am just an American merchant passing to Calais with my worker! Our Schooner broke here, that be why we standing in ya midst!” The man reveals his tone rising and threatening.

Jacob’s gaze gauges the man, before he shifts it to the man standing beside Therese.

“Is this true, Mr John?” Jacob draws closer to the frightened man, his voice low. “You can trust me. I am a Duke here and I have the authority to free you from this man, if you are what I suspect you to be.” Jacob encourages.

His tone, kind but stern. His entire body screams with utter fury.