Page 42 of Unbound Duchess

“You need a bath,” he forced out.

Ellen’s brows furrowed as he moved to a standing position and placed her on her feet.

“I…What?”

“A warm bath and dry clothes,” he explained, forcing himself to take a step back. “And bed, I think. Mrs. Bradley will bring you some soup. The last thing you need right now is to fall ill. We have much to do.”

Ellen blinked, and that compassion she had been holding for him faded.

“Right,” she murmured, taking her own step toward the door. “Much to do.”

Laurence gave a curt nod, looking everywhere he could but at her, and stayed perfectly still even after he heard her close his study door; leaving him alone with nothing but his conflicting thoughts.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Hello, brother!” Madalene exclaimed.

Ellen watched from her spot beside Mrs. Bradley and the other servants as Madalene leapt into Laurence’s arms. Though she knew it was wrong, Ellen’s heart twisted mournfully as she watched Laurence wrap his arms around her so his little sister would not fall from her vigorous leap at him.

Ellen had thought that, after their moment in the storm, perhaps Laurence would visit her again. That had been nearly two weeks ago, though, and aside from a quick, impersonal hello if they passed one another in the halls, Laurence had stayed away.

She told herself there was nothing to be upset about. She had better things to think about, such as running the impressively large household, and rejoicing in having Sarah and Jacob back. Both were in good health and high spirits. She also told herself that it was clear that their kiss was a one-off, or rather twice-off sort of thing. Yet as she watched Laurence embrace Madalene, she felt the aching loneliness she’d been trying to bury rising all over again.

“How was your time in London? Did you cause a ruckus?” Laurence asked as he put Madalene down.

Madalene’s smile was impish as she fluttered her lashes.

“I always do,” she replied with vigor. “Cousins Morris and Shirley send their love, by the way. They insist you make time to pay them a visit.”

Laurence rolled his eyes as his lips drew back into sneer of sorts. If Ellen wasn’t so annoyed with him, she would have laughed at how comical he looked.

“I am sure,” he said dryly, and left it at that.

Madalene smirked at him as she shook her head. Then her eyes darted to Ellen so fast that it made her jump.

“Brother!” Madalene exclaimed with obvious offense. “What on earth are you doing, making my sweet, new sister-in-law stand with the servants?”

Laurence appeared flustered and started muttering something Ellen could not make out, as Madalene walked toward her with determination. Before she could speak or even take a step back, Madalene flew at her with open arms just as she had done with Laurence, and hugged her tight.

“Hello, Madalene,” Ellen gasped, struggling to breathe under her sister-in-law’s tight embrace, “I am so happy you had a good time in London.”

“Oh, pish posh!” Madalene exclaimed, pulling Ellen back so she could get a good look at her. “Forget about my time. I want to know about yours! Why are you standing with the servants? Has my brother been an absolute ogre to you? He can be that way, you know. All snarly and distant. God knows what is wrong with him.”

Ellen’s brows raised in amusement as she glanced toward Laurence, who stood frowning as he rubbed the nape of his neck. She decided then that if her husband would not speak to her, she would play with him a little.

“You know, he is an ogre, is he not?” she replied.

Madalene laughed as a blush crept up Laurence’s neck, and he muttered something under his breath about ogres before he shot them both an annoyed look.

“Well, allow the ogre to get out of the way then,” he retorted. “Clearly you two need time to catch up.”

“Shoo shoo,” Madalene said, dismissing him with a wave of her hand without even looking at him.

Laurence’s intense gaze fell once more on Ellen; his green eyes sparked in a way that made longing pool into her lower belly.

Talk to me. Why won’t you talk to me?

Then he was gone. Turning his back and walking away from them.