Mr. Dandridge steadied her with a gentle hand. “My apologies, Miss Sidney. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“No harm done,” Elinor responded, though she glanced ruefully at the squished bread in her hand. What a waste, she thought.
“Where did you get bread?” he asked, almost eagerly.
Elinor blinked, searching for words. “I… uh… went to the kitchen to thank Mrs. Beaton for the wonderful meal and she gave me a piece of bread. I always eat a piece of bread right before I go to bed.”
“Then I am sorry to ruin your nightly routine,” he said with a slight smile.
A footman stepped forward to take her bread, and she brushed off the breadcrumbs from her hand. “It is all right.”
“Shall we go to the kitchen together to get a piece?” he offered.
“That won’t be necessary,” Elinor responded quickly. “I am still full from the delicious food I ate for dinner.”
Mr. Dandridge nodded. “Very well. I was just about to retire for the evening, but I was hoping to speak to you about something.”
Elinor mustered a smile to her lips as she pretended to appear interested in what he was about to say. “Of course. What would you care to discuss?”
He put his hands up, looking hesitant. “Why have you not started to decorate the manor for Christmas?” he asked. “I have looked, and I have not seen one decoration.”
Her smile faded. “The reason is simple. I do not celebrate Christmas.”
“At all?” he asked, his tone softening.
She pursed her lips, feeling the weight of her memories. “My parents died around Christmas time, and I do not like to be reminded of such things.”
Mr. Dandridge’s eyes held understanding. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“Will there be anything else?” Elinor asked, adopting a more formal tone. She didn’t dare express her emotions with Mr. Dandridge. He was a stranger. How could he understand the pain she endured every Christmas season?
He took a step closer to her. “Have you considered that your servants might want to participate in the Christmas season?”
“I have not,” she admitted. “And quite frankly, it is none of your concern.”
“I know, but…”
She raised her voice in indignation. “I do not believe I asked for your opinion on the matter,” she replied. “Furthermore, I am in charge of this horse farm for now and I will decorate the manor as I see fit.”
Mr. Dandridge tipped his head and took a step back. “You are right. I assure you that I meant no offense.”
Elinor could see the contrite look on his face, but she didn’t care. She was angry. How dare he tell her what to do? She had run this manor- without him- and, if she had her way, she would continue to do so long after he was gone.
“Excuse me,” Elinor muttered before she walked away.
Once she arrived at the entry hall, she saw her aunt was watching her with a look of concern on her face. “Are you all right?” she asked. “I heard you from down the hall.”
“I am fine.”
Her aunt didn’t quite look convinced. “If you are sure…” Her words trailed off.
Elinor bobbed her head decisively. “I am.”
“Very well,” her aunt said.
With a glance over her shoulder to ensure they were alone, Elinor said, “Mr. Dandridge said the most bacon-brained thing. He said that I should consider the servants’ feelings about decorating the manor for Christmas.”
“He isn’t wrong, my dear,” her aunt responded.
