A silence descended over them, and before it grew awkward, Lord Bideford spoke up. “I have been meaning to talk to you about something.”
“I believe I already promised I wouldn’t steal anything.”
Lord Bideford’s lips twitched. “I never thought you were a thief.”
“Your actions said otherwise,” she teased.
He took a step forward and stopped. “I believe it would be in our best interest if we struck a deal,” he started off slowly.
“A deal?” she asked, unsure of what he was about.
“Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I am prepared to offer you a thousand pounds to return to Maidstone for the remainder of the Season.”
Ellie stared at him in disbelief. “You are trying to bribe me to leave?”
“Do not consider it a bribe, per se, but just think what the money would mean for your mother and yourself.”
“Does your mother know you are offering me this money?”
Lord Bideford had the decency to look ashamed. “No, she does not, but that shouldn’t matter. This is between you and me.”
She shook her head. “You are unbelievable, my lord.”
“Is that a yes?”
Narrowing her eyes, she replied, “That is a no.”
“If you would just take time to consider it—”
Ellie spoke over him. “I will never leave your townhouse now,” she replied, her voice rising. “You will have to drag me out of here come the end of the Season.”
“Do be serious.”
“I am.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “I can’t talk to you when you are emotional.”
“Good,” she replied, “because I can’t talk to you when you are acting like a jackanapes.” She walked towards the door, not bothering to spare him a parting glance.
7
Ellie quickly hurriedup to her bedchamber and changed into her riding habit with help from her lady’s maid. She wanted to be alone and get as far away from Lord Bideford as possible. She felt shocked and offended at his audacity in offering her money to leave, as if that would have tempted her. No; she wanted to marry and have the protection of her husband’s name.
What had she done to deserve his disdain? He’d disliked her from the moment she came in the door. What a maddening man!
As she descended the stairs, she saw Thorne watching her with a concerned look on his face. “Is everything all right, miss?”
She stopped in front of him. “It is,” she lied. “I was just hoping to go on a ride.”
“I will send a footman to request a horse to be saddled.”
“That won’t be necessary,” she replied. “I think the brisk walk to the stables will do me some good.”
Thorne tipped his head. “As you wish.”
Ellie headed towards the rear of the townhouse and a footman opened the door for her. She walked down the path towards the stables and was approached by a young groom.
“May I help you, miss?” he asked as he wiped his hands on his trousers.
