The door creaked opened and Mr. Dandridge stepped into the room. He glanced around, a puzzled expression on his face. “I thought I heard you talking to someone.”
“I was,” Elinor confirmed. “I was speaking to my aunt, but she left through the servants’ entrance.”
Mr. Dandridge seemed satisfied by her response, but his eyes held a flicker of uncertainty. “I just want to apologize for my behavior earlier. I had no right to yell at you, considering you were only trying to help me.”
Elinor felt a twinge of guilt at his words since she had been doing the opposite. “There is no need to apologize. I do think the other cottage will be much more to your liking.”
He approached the desk, his steps tentative, and gestured towards the chair. “May I?” he asked.
“You may,” Elinor responded, leaning back in her seat.
Mr. Dandridge sat down and turned his attention towards her. “When do you suppose I will be formally introduced to your aunt?”
“It is hard to say,” Elinor said. “She is rather peculiar when it comes to meeting new people, but I shall speak to her.”
A look of genuine admiration flickered in Mr. Dandridge’s eyes. “You are a good person to care for your aunt in such a fashion.”
Elinor let out a soft laugh. “I assure you that my aunt keeps me very entertained. I never quite know what she is going to do next, but I am most grateful for her companionship. She was the one who originally introduced me to Lady Edith. They are dear friends.”
“That does not surprise me,” Mr. Dandridge said in a low voice, almost as if speaking to himself.
She furrowed her brows. “Why do you say that?”
Mr. Dandridge shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “My great-aunt can be rather eccentric, and I have never had a close relationship with her.”
“Yet she intends to give you her horse farm?” Elinor asked.
“I cannot say why that is, but it did come with stipulations,” Mr. Dandridge admitted. “Nothing is straightforward with my Great-aunt Edith.”
Elinor closed the ledger that was in front of her. “Does Lady Edith know you are seeking a marriage of convenience?”
“No, but I don’t know what else she expects,” Mr. Dandridge said, his frustration evident. “It is nearly impossible to fall in love in such a short time.”
“I am only saying as much because Lady Edith married for love and was blissfully happy with her husband,” Elinor pointed out.
Mr. Dandridge scoffed, his expression turning dismissive. “Yes, but she married a lowly merchant.”
Elinor stared back at him in disbelief. “I daresay that she is the lucky one. She followed her heart and found true happiness. Can you say the same?”
He looked away, unable to meet her gaze. “People in our positions must choose duty over the dictates of our hearts.”
“Is that what you truly believe?” Elinor asked.
“It is,” Mr. Dandridge confirmed.
Elinor rose, smoothing down her skirts. “I disagree, most ardently,” she responded, her voice firm. “If you will excuse me, I need to go speak to the cook.”
Mr. Dandridge met her gaze, confusion evident in his voice. “Did I say something wrong?”
Yes.
Everything out of his mouth was wrong.
Elinor forced a polite smile to her lips. “I do believe that one’s duty is to their heart.”
“It is not that simple,” Mr. Dandridge contended.
“I know, but it should be,” Elinor responded. She came around the desk and walked towards the door.
