“It is nothing to concern yourself with,” Ellie responded dismissively.
Mary stepped over to the settee and picked up the dress. “Shall we dress you, then?”
A short time later, Ellie left her bedchamber and headed for the breakfast parlor. She stepped into the room and was disappointed to see that Roswell hadn’t come down for breakfast yet.
Thorne approached her. “Lord Bideford asked me to give this to you,” he said, extending her a folded piece of paper.
“Thank you,” she replied as she unfolded the note.
Ellie,
Regretfully,I will not be joining you for breakfast this morning, but I do hope my surprise will more than make up for it.
Yours Truly,
Roswell
Ellie foundherself smiling at the contents of the note, and she couldn’t help but wonder what Roswell was about. How could she not love a man who was as attentive as he was? Frankly, she wished that he was here right now. He would know what to do.
She walked over to the buffet but realized that she wasn’t hungry. She sat at the table and was pleased when a footman placed two cups of chocolate in front of her. She murmured her thanks before picking one up.
She knew she had no choice but to meet with Lord Worthington at noon. But what did he wish to speak to her about?
Emma stepped into the room, wearing a blue gown. “Good morning, Ellie,” she greeted.
“Good morning,” Ellie muttered as she brought her cup up to her lips.
After Emma helped herself to food from the buffet table, she walked over and sat next to her. “Whatever is the matter?” she asked.
“What do you mean?”
Emma gave her a knowing look. “You look as though something is weighing heavily on your mind.”
“It is nothing, I can assure you.”
“I am not inclined to believe you, but you do have a right to your privacy.”
“Thank you,” Ellie said, placing her cup on its saucer. “Do you know where your brother went this morning?”
Emma shrugged. “He left at first light,” she revealed. “At least, that is what the groom told me when I went on my ride.”
“Oh,” Ellie murmured. “He wrote me a note, informing me that he had a surprise for me.”
Emma put her napkin in her lap. “What do you think it could be?”
“I have no idea,” Ellie replied frankly.
“Is that what is troubling you?” Emma asked, eyeing her closely.
Ellie glanced over her shoulder before she lowered her voice. “No, but what I am about to tell you must remain in the strictest confidence.”
“I understand.”
Reaching into the pocket of her gown, she retrieved the letter from Lord Worthington and extended it towards Emma.
As Emma read the note, her eyes grew wide. “You must not meet with him!” she exclaimed.
“But I must,” Ellie argued. “I’m afraid I have no choice in the matter.”
