“Yes, and I believe I have sufficiently explained my reasonings.”
“You have, but—” Alden began.
Elinor cut him off. “Why do you insist on doing that? Anything you say before the ‘but’ is hogwash.”
He sighed, frustration seeping into his voice. “You are rather infuriating.”
“Thank you,” Elinor said with a smile.
“That wasn’t a compliment.”
“Perhaps not, but I took it as one, seeing as it was coming from you,” Elinor remarked.
Turning his attention towards the lady’s maid, Alden asked, “Is Miss Sidney always like this?”
“Worse, sir,” Sophia said with a grin.
Elinor lifted an eyebrow as she turned towards her lady’s maid. “Whose side are you on?” she asked, her voice holding mirth.
Sophia laughed. “Yours, and always yours, Miss Sidney,” she responded. “However, we both know that you like to debate.”
“Debate?” Alden interjected. “That is a nice word for saying ‘argue’.”
“There is nothing wrong with a lively debate,” Elinor defended.
Alden gave her a knowing look. “You aren’t looking for a debate. You just want everyone to agree with you.”
“And you don’t do the same thing?” Elinor retorted.
“Touché,” Alden said.
He turned his head towards the window and noticed the long, tree-lined drive as they approached the estate. As the coach rolled to a stop, he took in the sight of the imposing structure before them. The manor house was a stately edifice, its stone façade softened by a tapestry of ivy that climbed the walls.
The coach dipped to the side as the footman stepped off his perch. The door was opened, and Alden stepped out. He turned back to help the ladies out of the coach.
He offered his arm to Elinor, and they started walking towards the manor. The door promptly opened, and the butler greeted them. “Good morning, Miss Sidney,” he said, standing to the side. “Lady Glenfinnan and her daughter, Miss Fraser, are expecting you.”
The butler led them into the drawing room and announced them.
A tall, red-headed older woman smiled warmly at them. “Miss Sidney. Mr. Dandridge,” she said. “Welcome to our manor.”
Alden bowed. “Thank you, my lady.” As he straightened up, his gaze shifted to the young red-headed woman beside her. He noticed her eyes were downcast, and her hands were clasped nervously in front of her.
Lady Glenfinnan gently nudged her daughter with her shoulder, encouraging her to speak. “Do you wish to say anything, Isobel?” she prompted.
Miss Fraser shook her head.
An exasperated look came to Lady Glenfinnan’s face. “Do make an effort, Dear,” she said, her voice strained.
Bringing her head up, Miss Fraser briefly met Alden’s gaze. “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Her words lacked any real emotion.
“Don’t forget to curtsy,” Lady Glenfinnan muttered under her breath.
Miss Fraser dropped into an exaggerated curtsy, looking entirely out of place in the drawing room.
Lady Glenfinnan looked heavenward. “Give me strength with this one,” she whispered before gesturing towards the settee. “Would either of you care for a cup of tea?”
Elinor spoke up. “I would greatly appreciate one,” she said as she approached the settee. “It is rather cold outside.”
