Miss Sidney turned towards him and explained, “You must forgive my aunt. She is prone to exaggeration.”
“I find it delightful,” Alden responded.
Mrs. Hardy beamed. “Thank you, Mr. Dandridge,” she said. “I knew I liked you.”
Rising, Miss Sidney remarked, “Please excuse me, but I need to retrieve a hat.”
Alden rose as Miss Sidney departed from the room, his eyes lingering on the doorway. She had looked rather alluring in her pale blue gown. It had complemented her stunning blue eyes that seemed to bore into his soul, making him wonder what she saw.
Mrs. Hardy’s voice reminded him that he wasn’t alone. “I do hope you intend to act like a gentleman when you call upon Mrs. MacBain.”
He returned to his seat. “I do.”
“Good.” Mrs. Hardy held up her knife. “Because I am also proficient in knives.” Her words held a warning.
“Are you?” he asked, unsure of what else to say.
Mrs. Hardy lowered her knife to the table. “Not really, but I hope I got my point across.”
“You did,” Alden confirmed.
She nodded before she rose. “Enjoy your visit with Mrs. MacBain. Not only is she eager to get married, but she can be rather entertaining.”
Alden had stood up with Mrs. Hardy and found himself curious as to what she meant by that. Isn’t that what he wanted? Someone that wanted to get married, and quickly? Yes. This was a good thing.
Elinor descended the stairs with her lady’s maid, Sophia, following behind her. She glanced at all the greenery on the iron railing and memories came rushing back to her. Her mother loved nothing more than to decorate their country home for Christmas. She was glad that Mr. Dandridge was brave enough to broach the subject with her.
Standing in the entry hall was Mr. Dandridge. He truly was a handsome man, but it mattered not. She had to stick to her ruse if she wanted to be the owner of the horse farm, despite the guilt she felt for her actions.
Mr. Dandridge met her gaze as she stepped onto the marble floor of the entry hall. “Miss Sidney,” he greeted politely.
She returned his smile and she realized how easy it was todo so. “Mr. Dandridge.” She felt a slight fluttering in her stomach as she held his gaze. This would not do. She couldn’t develop feelings for a man that she was trying to cheat out of his inheritance.
Fortunately, the butler’s arrival drew her attention. “The coach is out front,” he announced as he moved to open the door.
Mr. Dandridge offered his arm and she accepted it. He led her out the door and towards the awaiting coach. Once he assisted her in, he reached back and did the same for Sophia. The simple action touched Elinor’s heart. Not every man of her acquaintance would be so considerate of her lady’s maid.
Sophia came to sit down next to her and placed a blanket over their laps. Mr. Dandridge sat across from them and the coach jerked forward.
“It won’t take too long to arrive at Mrs. MacBain’s manor,” Elinor said, feeling a need to break the silence.
“That is good,” Mr. Dandridge said. “I must admit that the manor looks very festive.”
Elinor nodded. “That it does.”
With compassion in his eyes, Mr. Dandridge said, “I do hope the decorations don’t bring up too many bad memories.”
“That is the thing,” Elinor started, “it has brought far more good memories than bad ones. I didn’t realize how much I missed them until now.”
Mr. Dandridge’s eyes crinkled around the edges. “I am glad to hear that.”
Elinor cocked her head. “Will your family miss you for Christmas?”
A dry chuckle escaped Mr. Dandridge’s lips. “Good gads, no,” he replied. “Last Christmas, my father spent his time with his mistress and my mother spent it with her ‘gentleman friend’.”
“And what of your brother?”
Mr. Dandridge shrugged. “He will no doubt spend it with a woman that he is momentarily fancied with.”
