Alden considered her for a moment before saying, “I am chivalrous, and I have refined manners.”
“Says the man that is afraid of spiders and was screaming about them like a lunatic,” Elinor retorted.
“It is hardly my fault. I could have put a saddle on that spider and ridden it,” Alden said.
Elinor laughed loudly. “That is absurd.”
“Perhaps, but I prefer the small spiders in England.”
A footman placed a plate of food down in front of them and Elinor reached for her fork and knife.
Alden took a sip of his drink before placing it back down onto the table. “This is nice,” he admitted. “I haven’t enjoyed myself like this in a long time.”
“Nor I,” Elinor agreed.
He held her gaze for a moment before saying, “I am glad that we are friends, Elinor.”
Friends.
Yes, that is what she wanted to be.
So why was her heart pounding in her chest?
Elinor lowered her gaze to her plate, not understanding the churning of emotions within her. No good would come from allowing her feelings to deepen for Alden. Yet her treacherous heart did not seem to listen- or care.
Chapter Eleven
Alden stared out the window of the coach as it rumbled towards Miss Cowen’s manor, his thoughts churning with a mixture of anticipation and doubt. He didn’t have high hopes when meeting this young woman, but he hoped he could at least convince Elinor that he was interested. Perhaps, if he made her jealous, she might come to her senses and marry him. He hoped so, considering he rather enjoyed spending time with Elinor and wouldn’t mind continuing to do so in the future.
Elinor’s voice broke through the silence. “We are almost there.”
Alden turned his gaze back to her, studying her calm demeanor. “Are you sure that I will like this Miss Cowen?”
She nodded. “Yes, Maisie is a dear friend. She wants nothing more than to be a wife and a mother.”
“Does she take issue that it will be a marriage of convenience?”
“She has no objections,” Elinor assured him.
Alden eyed Elinor curiously, his skepticism evident. “And you are quite certain that nothing is wrong with her?”
Elinor looked amused. “I am, just as I have assured you before.”
“Does she have an impairment of some kind or hordes of children tucked away in the cupboards?” Alden pressed, a hint of humor in his voice.
With a laugh, Elinor responded, “She is nine and ten years old and has no children or impairments that I know of.”
“You mentioned she is well-read, but will she be sneaking into lectures on physics?” Alden inquired.
“I promise you that Maisie has no intentions of doing something so scandalous. She is a lady and prefers the comforts of home,” Elinor replied with a knowing smile.
The coach came to a stop in front of a modest-sized manor and Alden stepped out. Once he was on solid ground, he reached back to assist Elinor and her lady’s maid out. He tucked Elinor’s hand into the crook of his arm and led her towards the main door.
Alden knocked on the door and took a step back, his eyes scanning the well-maintained surroundings.
The door was promptly opened by a white-haired woman. “Good morning,” she greeted warmly. “Please come in.”
Alden stepped into the small entry hall with Elinor still on his arm. “Is Miss Cowen available for callers?” he asked.
