“That’s not true,” he replied. “I have found your cheerful disposition, albeit slightly bothersome, to be quite helpful.”
“In what way?”
“You have brought laughter back into my life,” he replied. “I haven’t had a reason to laugh in years.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“That is why I don’t want you to give up hope,” he said. “You must trust that I will find a way to help you and your mother, even if it means you live in one of the cottages at our country estate.”
“That is most considerate of you.”
Lord Bideford smiled. “I find that you bring out the generous side of me.”
“You flatter me, my lord,” she said, returning his smile.
“I can assure you that was my intention.”
The sound of the crackling fire drew his attention, and Ellie took a moment to study his handsome face. Was it her imagination, or had his features softened slightly? He appeared much more approachable than he once had.
He turned towards her, and she realized she had been caught staring. She quickly lowered her gaze to her lap, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
“I’m afraid I don’t know much about you,” Lord Bideford said.
“What would you wish to know?” she asked, bringing her gaze back up.
He cocked his head. “What was your childhood like?”
A genuine smile touched her lips. “It was wonderful,” she replied. “My parents loved each other dearly, and they ensured that I was properly spoiled.”
“That does sound wonderful.”
“My mother had an interest in botany, so we spent a lot of time in the woods behind our manor,” Ellie shared. “She felt it was her duty to know the herbs and plants so she could help people in town with whatever ailed them.”
“That was most thoughtful of her,” he acknowledged.
“We were constantly delivering baskets to the people. My mother wanted me to appreciate what I had been given, so she ensured that I saw how other people lived. I visited some homes that had only dirt for a floor, but they were still filled with love.”
“Your mother did you a great service.”
“I believe so,” she said. “She did ensure that I received a proper education, though.”
“That was never in question.”
“I was sad when I was sent away to boarding school, but it was for the best,” she sighed.
Lord Bideford eyed her curiously. “You don’t sound very convincing.”
“I just wish I’d been home with my father more, especially since he is gone now,” she said, her words trailing off to a whisper.
Lord Bideford nodded. “I’m afraid we never really know the true impact of someone until they are gone from our lives.”
“I knew what I had, but I never thought I would actually lose him.”
“My father always seemed larger than life,” he shared. “I naïvely thought death wouldn’t be able to take him, either.”
“May I ask how your father died?”
“Cancer of the stomach,” he shared. “The doctors tried every cure available, but it wasn’t enough to keep him alive.”
