“In what way?”
“You started smiling again, and I even heard you talking about hope and whatnot with Ellie,” his mother explained.
“I am not disagreeing with what you are saying, but you must remember that this engagement is not real.”
“Then make it real.”
“How?”
“Convince Ellie to marry you.”
Roswell ran his hand through his hair. “I’m afraid that is an impossible feat,” he said. “You saw her reaction when I said I would marry her if her reputation suffered as a result of our ruse.”
“You were rather a boor about that.”
“What would you have me do, Mother?” he asked. “Run to her and tell her that I can’t live without her?”
His mother gave him an amused look. “I wouldn’t lead with that, but you could definitely work that into the proposal.”
“I won’t do it.”
His mother stared at him for a long moment. “Fine,” she said, putting her hands up. “Forget I said anything.”
“Truly?”
“It is your life, and I will respect your decision,” she replied, rising.
He eyed her with apprehension. “What game are you playing?”
His mother smiled. “I do not wish to intrude, but I did ask Ellie to wait for you in the garden.”
“Why did you do that?”
“I thought this conversation might go very differently, so I thought it would be best to be prepared.”
Roswell pursed his lips together. “You planned this whole thing.”
“You don’t want to keep Ellie waiting, do you?” she tossed out as she walked towards the door.
“Blazes,” he muttered under his breath as he rose. His mother knew exactly what she was doing, and it was infuriating that she had been one move ahead of him this whole time.
“You may want to mind your language around Ellie,” his mother warned as she departed from the room.
Roswell left the study and headed towards the door that led to the gardens. A footman opened the door and followed him outside.
He stepped onto the footpath and saw Ellie sitting on the bench near a small pool. His boots crunched on the gravel as he approached her, alerting her to his presence.
Ellie turned towards him, and a shy smile played on her lips. “Did you wish to speak to me, or was it just a ploy to get us together?”
“I’m afraid my mother tricked us both.”
“At least I am in good company.”
He sat next to her on the iron bench, their shoulders brushing up against one another. “How did you enjoy shopping with my mother and sister?”
“It was quite eventful,” Ellie shared, her smile intact. “I was informed that my fiancé punched Lord Worthington in the middle of Old Palace Yard.”
“This is true,” he replied.
