“We are,” Emma and Charles replied in unison.
Ellie’s eyes shifted towards the silent Lord Bideford and saw that his jaw was clenched so tightly that a muscle was pulsating below his ear. It was rather obvious he did not share his mother’s opinion on the matter.
Despite her reservations, Ellie decided she would try to win over Lord Bideford. She smiled at him and asked, “Do you ride, my lord?”
“Yes,” he replied curtly, “but I only ride alone.”
“Why is that?”
He stared at her blankly. “It saves me from useless chitchat.”
Curious, she asked, “What do you consider useless?”
“Frankly, this.”
“Oh, my apologies,” she murmured, lowering her gaze towards the table.
Emma spoke up. “Do not mind my brother,” she said. “He was dropped on his head as a baby.”
A giggle escaped Ellie’s lips at that unexpected remark, and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth.
Lord Bideford cast his sister an annoyed look. “Thank you for that.”
“You’re welcome.” Emma met Ellie’s gaze. “Charles and I ride nearly every morning, if you would care to join us.”
“I believe I shall,” Ellie said. “It has been quite some time since I have been riding.”
“Then you must join us,” Emma pressed. “It has been far too long since I have ridden with anyone besides Charles.”
Charles lifted his brow. “I thought you enjoyed riding with me.”
“I do, but our conversations are rather commonplace,” Emma commented. “At times, I feel that we only ever discuss polite topics.”
“I don’t think we have ever discussed the weather on our rides,” Charles said.
Emma smirked. “We did so this morning,” she reminded him. “You asked me if I thought it was going to rain today.”
Charles chuckled. “I stand corrected.”
“That is why you must save me from my boredom,” Emma said, turning her attention towards Ellie.
Ellie was amused by the interaction between Emma and her brother and found herself smiling. “I would be more than happy to render any assistance that I can.”
“Thank you,” Emma said.
Harriet spoke up. “Not that one should downplay the significance of polite conversation. It is most important when speaking to people within our circles.”
Emma let out a slight groan. “No one loves polite conversation more than my mother. I daresay she encourages me to rattle on about the state of the gardens and my many, many accomplishments.”
“You must set yourself apart from the other young women,” Harriet said. “You do not want to be discounted by a potential suitor.”
“Heaven forbid,” Emma gasped.
Harriet frowned. “You will thank me one day when you are happily wed and are raising a horde of children,” she paused, “my grandchildren.”
Emma lowered her voice. “Run, Ellie,” she urged. “Run while you still can.”
Ellie laughed. “I believe I will stay and take my chances.”
