Lord Bideford gave her a knowing look. “That sounds like someone else we know.”
“She is still mourning my father deeply,” she said.
“That is to be expected, since it has only been a year since his death,” Emma remarked. “Do you suppose she will go into half-mourning soon?”
“I don’t rightly know,” Ellie admitted.
Thorne stepped into the room and met her gaze. “Lord Worthington is here to call upon you, miss,” he announced.
Ellie felt the blood drain from her face. “Did you say Lord Worthington?”
“I did,” the butler replied, looking unsure. “Are you available for callers?”
“I am,” she managed to force out.
Ellie felt Lord Bideford’s hand over hers. “Would you like me to join you?” he asked.
“I would greatly appreciate that,” she replied with a shaky breath.
Emma pushed back her chair and rose. “I will go, as well!” she exclaimed. “I would like to speak to this man about his horrible treatment of you and your mother.”
“Sit down!” Lord Bideford ordered. “Antagonizing Lord Worthington will solve nothing.” He turned his attention back to Ellie. “Would you prefer if I go speak to him on your behalf?”
“No,” she replied, meeting his gaze. “I think it would be best if we spoke to him together.”
Lord Bideford rose but kept a hold of her hand. After he assisted her out of the chair, he placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “You need not fear,” he encouraged. “I won’t leave your side.”
“Whatever do you think he wants?” Emma asked as she reached for her teacup.
Ellie felt dread in the pit of her stomach. “Whatever it is cannot be good for me.”
Lord Bideford patted her hand. “Are you ready?”
“I am.”
As he led her from the breakfast parlor, Ellie squared her shoulders as she prepared to meet with Lord Worthington. She had no doubt that she could speak to him with Lord Bideford by her side.
They stepped into the drawing room, and Lord Worthington was standing next to the window, looking out towards the gardens. His hands were clasped behind his back and the sun reflected off his bald head.
“Lord Worthington,” she greeted, hoping her words were cordial enough. “What a pleasant surprise.”
He turned back to face her with a frown. “I have come to collect you and return you home to where you belong.”
Rather than reply to his blunt remark, she gestured towards Lord Bideford. “Have you met Lord Bideford?”
Lord Worthington tipped his head respectfully. “I have not had the pleasure, but I have seen him in the House of Lords on occasion.”
Ellie glanced over at Lord Bideford and saw that his jaw was tense. It was evident that he had no intention of replying to Lord Worthington.
“Would you care to sit?” she asked.
Lord Worthington shook his head. “I would not,” he said. “I would prefer it if you would go collect your things, and we will be on our way.”
“Miss Bentley is not going anywhere,” Lord Bideford declared.
“I beg your pardon?” Lord Worthington asked.
“I said, ‘Miss Bentley is not going anywhere’,” Lord Bideford repeated.
