“May I review the ledgers before supper?” Mr. Dandridge called out to her.
Elinor paused by the door, her hand resting on the handle. “Be my guest,” she said before departing the study.
As she walked down the corridor, her thoughts raced, and she felt a sharp stab of disappointment. Mr. Dandridge, it seemed, was just like every other man of her acquaintance. They clung to the notion that duty was more important than following their own hearts. But she refused to marry anyone unless their hearts were involved.
Chapter Five
Alden heard the faint sound of the dinner bell as he sat in the study, reviewing the ledgers. He had to admit that the accounts were impeccable, and his respect for Miss Sidney grew with every line he read. Not only was she strikingly beautiful, but she was also extraordinarily competent with numbers.
He rose and took a moment to adjust his cravat. He had been unable to change for dinner and he hoped it wasn’t a formal affair.
As he made his way towards the entry hall, he saw Miss Sidney descending the stairs, adorned in a lavender gown with a white net overlay. Her hair was elegantly piled atop her head, making her look every bit the epitome of perfection. He couldn’t help but marvel at how someone so beautiful and accomplished was seemingly hidden away in Scotland.
He waited for her at the bottom step. “You look lovely, Miss Sidney,” he praised.
“Thank you,” Miss Sidney replied. “It isn’t often that we have guests and I thought I should at least attempt to look presentable.”
“I can’t imagine that you don’t have suitors banging down your door,” Alden said with a grin.
Miss Sidney visibly tensed, her smile faltering slightly. “What did I say about flattery?” she asked, her tone suddenly more reserved.
“It is merely the truth,” he countered.
“Well, do try to keepyourtruth to yourself,” Miss Sidney remarked, clasping her hands in front of her. “Shall we adjourn to the dining room?”
“What of your aunt?” Alden inquired.
“She informed me that she would join us when she was able,” Miss Sidney responded.
Alden found himself pleased by that unexpected news. He was rather enjoying spending time with Miss Sidney. Offering his arm, he asked, “May I escort you?”
Miss Sidney placed her hand on his and he led her into the dining room. He noticed that the table was set for them to dine at opposite ends of the long, rectangular table. Slipping her hand from his, Miss Sidney moved to sit at one end, placing her white linen napkin on her lap.
Alden took his seat, but he did not like how far Miss Sidney was from him. He preferred to admire her up close, not from afar. As he settled in, the footmen stepped forward, placing bowls of soup before them. He looked down at the soup and asked, “What is this?”
“Powsowdie,” one of the footmen replied before stepping back.
Alden noticed that Miss Sidney was demurely sipping her soup so he assumed it must taste better than it looked. He picked up his spoon and dipped it into the broth, bringing it to his lips. The flavors of dried peas and barley surprised him.
“This is delicious,” Alden acknowledged, raising his voice to ensure Miss Sidney heard him.
Miss Sidney gave him a questioning look. “Pardon?”
Alden raised his voice even further. “This is delicious,” he shouted.
“I am so glad that you like it,” Miss Sidney responded. “Not everyone would eat a soup that is prepared in a sheep’s head.”
Alden dropped his spoon. “I beg your pardon?” He must have misheard her.
Miss Sidney smiled. “Powsowdie is also known as Sheep’s Head Broth,” she explained. “The cook prepared it with sheep’s trotters.”
“Trotters?” Alden repeated, his voice tinged with disgust.
“Yes, trotters are the feet of the sheep,” Miss Sidney revealed. “The cook wanted to prepare you a traditional Scottish meal.”
Alden stared at the soup, his appetite vanishing. “And you like this?” he asked incredulously.
“Don’t you?” Miss Sidney asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.
