“Nothing. We are just friends,” Elinor said quickly. “Mr. Dandridge is Lady Edith’s great-nephew and has come to see the horse farm.”
Lord Inglewood’s expression remained unconvinced, but he chose not to press the issue. “Go pack your trunks and we will be off,” he ordered.
Elinor tilted her chin. “No,” she replied firmly.
“No?” Lord Inglewood repeated, his voice rising with incredulity. “You seem to forget that you are my ward.”
“Not since I have reached my majority,” Elinor said, her voice firm. “I am free to do as I please.”
“With what funds?” Lord Inglewood sneered.
Elinor clasped her hands in front of her. “I am running this horse farm for Lady Edith,” she shared.
Lord Inglewood’s mouth dropped. “You are working like a common laborer. Are you mad?” he asked. “You are a lady.”
“That is my past,” Elinor responded resolutely.
“You can’t run from your past,” Lord Inglewood said, his voice harsh. “Furthermore, the Duke of Mardale is still willing to marry you. You could be a duchess, not a horse farmer.”
Elinor pressed her lips together. “Be that as it may, I choose to remain here and run the horse farm.”
“You cannot be in earnest!” Lord Inglewood exclaimed, his face contorted with anger.
“I am,” Elinor responded.
Lord Inglewood took a menacing step closer to Elinor, and she stepped back, fear flickering in her eyes. “I am done with your tantrum. It is time to go home,” he said, his voice low and threatening.
Alden stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Elinor and her uncle. “She is home, Lord Inglewood,” he stated.
Mrs. Hardy’s voice came from the corridor. “Lord Inglewood,” she greeted, her steps quickening as she approached. “What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to Scotland?”
With a clenched jaw and a hint of disdain, Lord Inglewood muttered, “Mrs. Hardy.”
Mrs. Hardy came to a stop by Elinor. “I was just informed that supper is ready. Would you care to join us this evening?”
“I would prefer to leave this wretched place and return home,” Lord Inglewood grumbled, his voice laden with irritation.
“Go on, then,” Mrs. Hardy responded, gesturing towards the door. “No one is stopping you from leaving.”
Lord Inglewood turned his heated glare to Elinor. “I am not leaving without my niece.”
“Then you will be leaving disappointed,” Mrs. Hardy said. “Lady Elinor is not going anywhere with you.”
“We shall see,” Lord Inglewood stated.
Mrs. Hardy and Lord Inglewood stood face to face, the tension between them almost tangible. Their silent battle of wills stretched on, the air thick with unspoken threats. Finally, after a long moment, Lord Inglewood conceded with a huff. “I shall join you for dinner, considering the late hour.”
“Wonderful,” Mrs. Hardy said, her voice taking on acheery lilt. “Let us try to have a pleasant conversation for once.”
Alden offered his arm to Elinor. “May I escort you to the dining room?” he asked.
Elinor accepted his arm and kept her head held high. Though he had known her for only a short time, Alden recognized the brave front she was putting on, and he hoped her courage was not solely for his benefit.
He patted her hand. “It will be all right,” he whispered.
“I wish I had your confidence.”
Leaning closer, he said, “You are stronger than you think you are. Just remember that.”
