Mr. Dandridge chuckled. “Why are you so sure you would be in a loveless marriage if things were different?”
Elinor should have known it wouldn’t be that easy. “My uncle wanted me to marry someone that was much older than me so I could bear him sons.”
“That is not uncommon for young women in high Society,” Mr. Dandridge remarked.
“Yes, but the man was almost the age of my grandfather,” Elinor quickly replied. “In fact, he was good friends with my grandfather when they were younger.”
“Oh, I see,” Mr. Dandridge murmured.
Elinor worked hard to keep the bitterness out of her voice. “I pretended to go along with it until I arrived at the chapel. Once my uncle went to claim his seat, I snuck out the back and ran.”
“You ran?”
“As far as I could, which was rather difficult in slippers,” Elinor replied. “I had some pin money tucked away so I was able to eventually convince a hackney driver to take me to Lady Edith’s townhouse. I knew that she wouldn’t turn me over to my uncle.”
Mr. Dandridge lifted his brow. “My great-aunt protected you?”
“She did, despite my uncle threatening to sue her for her interference,” Elinor shared. “That is how I ended up here. When I look around these fields, I feel safe, knowing my uncle has no idea of where I am.”
“Then why not marry and have the protection of your husband’s name?”
Elinor huffed. “Again, I only wish to marry for love.”
“But is it not enough for two people to enjoy one another’s company?” Mr. Dandridge pressed.
“It is not that simple.”
Mr. Dandridge came to a stop and gently turned her to face him. “And I contend that it is.”
“Then by your logic, I could marry my butler,” she said. “I enjoy his company.”
“Be serious.”
Elinor stood her ground. “I am,” she replied. “Perhaps I will marry a groom. They like horses so we would have something to talk about.”
Mr. Dandridge glanced heavenward. “You are not taking this seriously.”
“You say it is simple, but I just proved you wrong,” Elinor said. “There are many things that go into a good match.”
He put his hands up in defeat. “Fine. I will admit the process to secure a spouse is a little more difficult than just enjoying one another’s company, especially for people in high Society.”
“Thank you,” she said as she continued to walk up the path.
Mr. Dandridge easily matched her stride. “Do you often have to be right?”
“I do, but it comes so naturally to me,” Elinor quipped.
He smiled. “I am a smart enough man to not argue with that,” he said.
As they approached the main door, the door opened and the butler stood to the side to grant them entry.
Elinor removed her cloak and extended it towards the butler. “If you will excuse me, I have work that I must do.”
“Can I assist you in any way?” Mr. Dandridge asked.
“There is no need.”
Mr. Dandridge took a step closer to her. “I insist.”
