Tears came to her mother’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “Regardless, I am more concerned about your future prospects.”
Ellie shifted her gaze towards the window. “How will I even travel to London?”
“I have secured your passage on the mail coach leaving today,” her mother said. “With any luck, it will only take a few hours to arrive in Town.”
“Will you come with me?”
Her mother shook her head. “It will be best if I stay behind so Lord Worthington doesn’t suspect you have left.”
Ellie blew out a puff of air. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“In due time, you will recognize the validity of this plan,” her mother insisted. “You just need to trust me.”
“I do.”
Her mother smiled. “It is my greatest hope that you make a brilliant match and we can both rise above the squalor we find ourselves in now.”
Ellie squared her shoulders. “I will do my best.”
“That is all I can ask from you.”
A knock came at the door, bringing their conversation to an abrupt halt.
Ellie rose and walked over to the door. She opened it, revealing the short, balding Lord Worthington. He was rather unfortunate looking, with his round face and large nose.
She dropped into a curtsy as she greeted him. “My lord,” she murmured.
He smiled as his eyes perused the length of her, lingering on her round neckline.
Her mother spoke up from behind her. “Good morning, Lord Worthington,” she said. “Would you care for some breakfast?”
Lord Worthington shifted the riding hat in his hand. “Thank you for the offer, but I have breakfast waiting for me at the manor.”
“Would you care to come in?” Ellie asked, opening the door wider.
“Thank you.” Lord Worthington stepped into the room. “I have come to see if you had a chance to reconsider my offer, Miss Bentley.”
Ellie brought a smile to her face. “I’m afraid I must decline again, but I do thank you for your kind offer.”
“I see,” he said, clearly displeased. “I still contend that we would suit well.”
“I do credit your feelings, but I respectfully disagree.”
Lord Worthington frowned. “I beg you to think it over. I could offer you the life that you deserve,” he said. “After all, it would be a shame if Mrs. Webster came back to work at the manor. Wouldn’t it?”
Ellie clasped her hands in front of her. “That it would,” she agreed.
Lord Worthington placed his hat on top of his head. “I shall come by in a few days for your decision,” he said. “I hope you take the time to thoughtfully consider my offer.”
“What an insufferable man,” Mrs. Webster muttered after he departed.
Ellie’s mother stepped to the window and stared out. “We must get you away from Lord Worthington as quickly as possible.”
“I couldn’t possibly leave you, Mother.”
Her mother walked over to her and placed a hand on her sleeve. “Do not fret about me,” she said. “My only dream is for you to become the woman that you are supposed to be.”
“But—”
