Lord Bideford’s eyes searched hers. “Do you honestly believe I can be redeemed for what I have done?”
“I am still standing here, aren’t I?” she asked. “Besides, nothing heals the past like time can.”
“But it has been three years, and I still remember those events as if they were last night.”
“Then you must find something new to dwell on.”
“Such as?”
A playful smile came to her lips. “You could purchase a dog.”
“A dog?” he asked in disbelief.
“It will keep you company in bed, and no one can be sad with a dog around.”
His lips twitched. “I am not so sure about that.”
With a bob of her head, Ellie said, “No, it is a fact.”
“Is it?” he asked, amusement in his voice.
“Yes, I looked it up in the book of facts,” she joked.
“I didn’t realize there was such a book.”
“There is, so we should probably stop talking about it.”
Lord Bideford leaned closer to her. “Can I see this book?”
“I’m afraid it is impossible.”
“Why is that?” he asked. “It isn’t invisible, is it?”
“Of course not. What a ridiculous notion,” she replied, feigning outrage.
A charming smile came to his lips. “I must contend that there is, in fact, no book of facts, and you are just making this up as you go along.”
Ellie returned his smile. “What gave me away, my lord?”
“Quite frankly, that was the most ridiculous conversation I have ever had,” he said, “and I loved every minute of it.”
“I am pleased to hear that.”
Lord Bideford leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for what you said,” he murmured, his warm breath on her cheek. “It has given me a lot to think on.”
“I’m glad,” she responded, “because you deserve to be happy.”
“As do you, Ellie.”
It wasn’t the first time he had said her given name, but this was the first time that he said it in a way that was oddly intimate.
He took a step back and offered his arm. “I believe it is time for us to dress for dinner.”
Ellie placed her hand into the crook of his arm. “Thank you, my lord.”
Glancing over at her, he said, “I don’t ever want to hear you say ‘my lord’ again. My name is Roswell, if you don’t mind.”
“I would like that, Roswell.”
