“That is very solicitous of you.” He was amazed at how quickly Miss Bentley was able to excuse Lady Persephone’s actions. She truly was a remarkable young woman. He stifled a groan at that thought. Perhaps he should focus on her faults, rather than her attributes. But as he started to do so, he found he was having a hard time thinking of any.
Ellie walked down the darkened hall towards the library. She hoped to select a book to read, but she was also secretly hoping to see Lord Bideford one last time before she went to bed.
She found him to be the most interesting contradiction. On the outside, he could be gruff and unapproachable, but then she caught glimpses of a kinder, more gentle side of him. She should just turn around and go back to her bedchamber, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. Besides, she mused, he might not even be in the library at this late hour.
Ellie stepped into the room and saw Lord Bideford sitting in front of the fireplace with a book in hand. Suddenly feeling very foolish, she moved to depart without him seeing her.
His voice stopped her. “You don’t have to leave.”
Turning back to face him, she said, “I don’t wish to bother you.”
“Please, come in,” he encouraged, closing his book. “I find I would rather converse with you than read a book about social injustice.”
“That does sound rather awful.” Ellie walked over and put her candle on the table. “I was just hoping to select a new book for the evening.”
“You finished the last one?”
“I did.”
He gestured towards the chair next to him. “You are more than welcome to sit and rest a spell.”
A thrill of excitement shot through her at his simple invitation. “That sounds lovely,” she replied.
Setting his book down, Lord Bideford said, “I am surprised you are up at such a late hour.”
“I’m afraid a lot is on my mind.”
“Anything you wish to discuss?”
Ellie clasped her hands in her lap. “I just don’t know what will become of my mother and I if I don’t marry this Season.”
“You mustn’t give up hope,” Lord Bideford said. “My solicitor still might come through for us.”
“I know,” she said, “but what if he is unable to help us?”
“Then I suppose my mother will have no choice but to hire your mother on as a companion, and you will become Emma’s companion.”
“We couldn’t ask you to do that for us.”
“Whyever not?” he asked.
“You have already been so kind to me,” she acknowledged. “I don’t wish to burden you any more than I already have.”
“I don’t consider you a burden.”
She lifted an eyebrow in response.
He chuckled. “At least, not anymore. I’m afraid I find you somewhat tolerable.”
“Somewhat tolerable,” she repeated in amusement. “That is quite the compliment from you.”
“I assure you that it is, especially since I don’t like most people.”
Ellie tilted her chin. “Why is that?”
Lord Bideford sighed. “Now that I am a marquess, everyone wants something from me. Whether it is my time, my political affiliation, or they want me to invest in their business… It is a never-ending cycle, I’m afraid.”
“You are most fortunate that you are in a position to help people,” she remarked. “No one wants anything from me, because I have nothing to give.”
