“Perhaps, but it helps when there is a friend along for the journey.”
They held each other’s gaze for a long moment, and Roswell knew that his feelings for Miss Bentley were much deeper than he’d previously thought.
He suddenly realized that he was in real danger of losing his heart to her.
15
With a cupof chocolate in her hand, Ellie snuck a glance over at Lord Bideford as he read the morning newspaper. She couldn’t help but acknowledge the growing attraction she had for him, especially since he was helping her so valiantly. What was she to do? He had given her no indication that he held her in high regard. Quite the opposite, in fact.
He wasn’t as dismissive as he once was to her, but he was still quite aloof at times. He’d hardly spoken a word at dinner last night, and adjourned to his study for the evening rather than play card games with them in the drawing room.
Ellie even went to the library last night in hopes of seeing Lord Bideford, but he wasn’t there. Her mind had been reeling about the possibilities of her future, and she’d hoped she could speak openly to him about it. In such a short period of time, she had come to greatly value his opinion. She trusted him, completely.
If everything went according to plan and she received her inheritance, would Lord Bideford be interested in someone like her? She would be an heiress, but would that be enough for him? Would he be willing to overlook her many flaws to be with her?
She placed the cup on the saucer and stifled the sigh that was beginning to form on her lips. Why did she have to develop feelings for the one man who never showed her any interest? He treated her as a friend, but gave no indication he wanted more from her.
Lord Bideford spoke up, breaking through the silence. “Would you care to see the Society page?” he asked, glancing over the top of the newspaper.
“I would not,” she replied. “I fear that it is just filled with gossip and whatnot.”
“I would mostly agree with you, but there is some pertinent information.”
“Such as?”
Emma’s voice came from the doorway. “How else would we learn about engagements?” she asked as she walked further into the room. “I do love seeing who is next to marry.”
Lord Bideford rose when his sister walked into the room, and she waved him back down as she stepped over to the buffet table.
“Good morning,” Lord Bideford greeted before returning to his seat.
Ellie reached for the piece of toast on her plate, then asked, “How was your ride with Lord Charles?”
Emma turned back around with a plate piled high with food. “It was delightful,” she replied. “May I ask why you didn’t join us?”
“I’m afraid I didn’t sleep well last night. I had a lot on my mind,” Ellie admitted.
Lord Bideford lowered the newspaper. “That is understandable, but you need not fear about your future.”
“I know, but I found myself worrying about my mother.” Ellie brushed the crumbs off her fingers. “I can’t help but wonder if Lord Worthington has discovered I am gone.”
Emma sat down next to her. “Do you think Lord Worthington will punish her for keeping your whereabouts a secret?”
“I truly hope not,” Ellie replied.
“My offer still stands. I would be happy to retrieve your mother and allow her to reside here until your case has been resolved,” Lord Bideford said.
“I’m beginning to think your offer has real merit, especially given the circumstances,” Ellie remarked.
Lord Bideford smiled, drawing her attention towards his lips. “I am happy to hear that,” he responded. “Should I arrange for the transportation, then?”
Ellie nodded. “That might be for the best.”
“Lovely,” he said. “My mother will be thrilled at the news.”
Emma shifted in her seat to face Ellie. “I am excited to meet your mother. Pray tell, what is she like?”
“She is petite, but fierce,” Ellie shared. “When she has set her mind to something, nothing will stop her.”
