Alden stared at Miss Fraser like she had sprouted two heads. “I… uh… don’t know what to say,” he stuttered out.
Miss Fraser looked unconcerned. “Also, more importantly, I do not like horses. I was tossed off a horse when I wasyounger and I was unconscious for a day. Ever since then, I have avoided those dreadful animals.”
“Perhaps we should give Mr. Dandridge some time to think on this, Dear,” Lady Glenfinnan said. “I do think your frankness has caught him by surprise.”
“I think it is better if we are honest with each other, so we know what to expect from one another,” Miss Fraser said.
Alden leaned forward and placed his cup and saucer on the table, looking visibly relieved by what Miss Fraser had shared. “I appreciate your honesty, but my great-aunt did specify that I must find someone that is particular to horses,” he shared. “So I am afraid we would not suit.”
“Very well. If that is your decision, I shall respect it,” Miss Fraser said, turning towards her mother. “I’m tired. May I be excused now?”
Lady Glenfinnan gave her daughter an exasperated look. “Not until our guests leave,” she replied.
Elinor glanced over at Alden and saw his jaw was clenched. He did not appear to be amused by Miss Fraser’s antics like she was. Perhaps it would be best if they left.
“We should be going,” Elinor said, placing her cup and saucer onto the tray. “I have work that I must see to.”
“Must you go so soon?” Lady Glenfinnan asked.
Rising, Elinor nodded. “I shall return to call upon Isobel in a few days, assuming that is agreeable.”
Isobel perked up. “Yes, I would greatly enjoy that.”
Alden had risen and bowed. “Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet both of you,” he said politely before offering his arm to Elinor. “Shall we?”
Elinor accepted his arm. “Thank you, Mr. Dandridge.”
As they walked towards the main door, Lady Glenfinnan followed them to the door and said in a hushed voice, “Isobel can be rather brazen, but she really does have a tender heart. I wanted you to know that.”
“I have no doubt,” Alden said with a tip of his head.
Elinor dropped into a curtsy. “My lady,” she murmured.
After they stepped outside, Alden dropped his arm and turned towards her. “No,” he simply said.
“No?”
Alden pointed towards the manor. “How could you think I would be interested in someone like Miss Fraser?”
“If you recall, your requirement was only that she was beautiful,” Elinor defended. “Is Miss Fraser not to your liking?”
He ran a hand through his hair. “She is pretty, but she only finds me tolerable.”
“I would not take offense to that,” Elinor said.
“I don’t, but I…” His words trailed off. “She spoke of marital relations.”
Elinor giggled, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth. “That might have been my favorite part of the whole conversation.”
Alden pointed at her. “I’m beginning to think that you are the problem.”
“Me?” Elinor asked.
“First, you introduced me to Mrs. MacBain, who has twenty children….”
Elinor spoke over him. “She has six children.”
“… then you introduce me to someone that is clearly more interested in physics than being a wife,” Alden said.
