“What does that mean?” Elinor asked, not knowing if she should be offended or not. But she was leaning towards being offended.
“It doesn’t matter, does it? After all, you were the one who turned down my offer,” Mr. Dandridge responded.
“Yes, but it was for a good reason,” Elinor pressed.
Their conversation came to an abrupt halt when the coach came to a stop in front of a modest manor and Mr. Dandridge moved to open the door. He stepped out and reached back toassist them. She removed her hand the moment she was on firm ground.
Elinor turned her head away from Mr. Dandridge as she considered his words. What did he mean that she wasn’t the type of young woman that he usually went for? Had he been trying to get a rise out of her or was it just a passing comment? Regardless, she would not dignify his comment with a response.
Or so she thought.
She shifted her gaze towards Mr. Dandridge and said, “Just so you know, loads of gentlemen wanted to court me.”
Mr. Dandridge offered her a brief smile. “If you say so,” he simply said.
“No, I am in earnest,” Elinor insisted. “I was largely considered the diamond of the first water in my first Season.”
“I believe you,” Mr. Dandridge said in a lackluster response.
Clearly, he did not believe her, which irked her even more. Now he was just trying to pacify her. What an infuriating man!
Unfortunately, before she could release her sharp tongue on him, the front door of the manor opened.
Chapter Seven
Alden was thoroughly irked. Miss Sidney hadn’t even truly considered his offer before dismissing it outright. Did she think she would receive a better offer from a Scotsman in this small village? He was the son of an earl, for heaven’s sake. Though he may not bear a title, he was determined to make something of himself. He had to. He refused to play second fiddle to his brother for the rest of his life.
Why couldn’t Miss Sidney see that this proposal was a solution to both of their problems? He would inherit the horse farm and she would have the protection of his name. Yet, she had turned him down flat. She claimed that she wanted love, but that was ridiculous. Love was elusive, an empty promise.
As he led Miss Sidney into the manor, he noticed her rigid back and her jaw was set in determination. Why was she so upset? If anything, he should be the one feeling insulted. He had never offered for a young woman before, but his offer was hardly objectionable.
The short, stout butler stood to the side as they stepped into the entry hall, ensuring the door was closed quickly to keep the cold out. “If you will follow me to the drawing room, Mrs. MacBain is expecting you.”
Miss Sidney glanced over her shoulder at her lady’s maid, who was settling into a chair in the entry hall. They followed the butler into a modest drawing room with blue papered walls. There, Alden saw a beautiful blonde woman, wearing a black gown. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a chignon, and a bright smile appeared on her lips as her eyes landed on him.
Yes, she would do nicely, Alden decided.
Miss Sidney dropped her arm from his and went to create more distance between them. “Good morning, Gwendolyn,” she said. “I hope we did not come too early.”
Mrs. MacBain waved a dismissive hand in front of her. “Not at all. I am an early riser these days,” she responded.
Turning towards him, Miss Sidney offered the introductions. “Mrs. Gwendolyn MacBain, please allow me the privilege of introducing you to Mr. Dandridge. He is the great-nephew of Lady Edith.”
Mrs. MacBain’s eyes lit up. “I just adore Lady Edith. She has done so much for this village, including starting a girls’ school.”
“I hadn’t realized that she had done such a thing,” Alden admitted, somewhat surprised.
“Oh, yes. Lady Edith’s name is spoken with such reverence here,” Mrs. MacBain shared. “I have never met a more kind, considerate woman before, and she isn’t even Scottish.”
Alden realized he had perhaps underestimated his great-aunt. It was evident that she was well-loved in the village and made significant contributions.
Mrs. MacBain gestured to the two camelback settees. “Shall we sit and drink some tea?” she asked.
Alden put his hand out to Miss Sidney, indicating she should go first. Once she was settled into her seat, he claimed the seat next to her, trying to ignore the faint scent of lavender that wafted off her person.
A maid entered the room carrying a tea service. Sheplaced it down onto the table and asked, “Would you like me to pour?”
“No, thank you,” Mrs. MacBain responded. “I shall see to it.”
