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“God willing,” he muttered. “If you should at some point discover otherwise, I beg you to send me warning so that I may make other arrangements.”
“I see. So you would leave me to suffer and endure while you make a merry road of your own?”
“Never,” he vowed. “I would find some way to include you in my escape.”
She all but squirmed beneath his gaze. It felt as if he were searching her soul, trying to fathom all of her secrets. The idea that he might somehow discern her recent, inappropriate thoughts concerning him made her palms sweat. She turned her attention to the path. Some blessed soul had planted a few trees just ahead and had erected a little bench in their shade.
Moving on before her, Sorin went and cleared it of leaves and debris.
How thoughtful and dear he was! Never had she met a more considerate man, not even her cousin. She doubted whether Yarborough would have done the same. Her back prickled unpleasantly, and she glanced behind her. Thankfully, no one had followed them. Everyone, including her bête noire, seemed otherwise occupied. Though they were in plain sight of anyone who cared to look, they were also quite alone.
With a glad heart she entered the cool shade. “Thank you,” she murmured, sitting on the freshly swept bench.
Sorin stood before her, the dappled sunlight on his hair highlighting little glints of gold amid the darker brown waves. A breeze ruffled through it, lifting it from his brow. “Eleanor, I wish to ask you something,” he said at last, his manner solemn. “I meant to do so before we left for London, but I’ve been unable to get a moment in private with you until now.” He let out an awkward laugh. “I would not have the courage if I did not know for certain that you above all people will answer me with absolute sincerity.”
“Of course I will,” she promised, mystified.
“My mother has adjured me to take a wife, but the truth is that I find myself in the awkward position of having been out of circulation for what is undoubtedly a lengthy amount of time.” His brow furrowed. “I simply don’t know how to court a lady anymore—things have changed so much since I wooed Jane. At the least, I fear I shall appear antiquated and dull. At worst, I fear I’ll become a laughingstock. I require guidance.”
“Guidance?” An incredulous laugh escaped her. “Surely you cannot look to me for advice. I’m hardly qualified, given that I’ve decided never to marry.” The words had a bitter tang of deceit now that she was indeed considering exactly that course of action.
His lips pressed together for a moment. “If I am to succeed in bringing home a bride, I require a modern female perspective on courtship, and you are the only one I trust.”
He trusted her, and all she could think of was how to use his situation to her advantage. Some friend I am! She resolved not to do it, not to sacrifice their friendship to her childish desire to remain in Somerset. He deserves better from me. “What of your mother? I’m certain she would be happy to make some suitable arrangement for you.”
“Modern, Ellie,” he reminded her gently. “Please say you’ll help me?”
His quiet plea pierced her. Unable to look at him, she closed he
r eyes. “Very well,” she answered at last. I’m such a fool. How could I have ever imagined he might want to marry someone like me? “If that is your wish, then so be it. I will try.”
“Thank you,” he said, sounding relieved.
She opened her eyes and stared dully at the ground. “I think we should return,” she said, forcing herself to look up and back to where the rest of their party was gathered.
Her stomach clenched and began to churn. Yarborough was staring straight at her, and even at this distance she could tell he was angry. In an instant, her upset transformed into cold fury. He had no claim on her whatsoever and no right to be jealous! Her thoughts raced. There had to be a way to dissuade the beastly man.
Sorin cleared his throat, and Eleanor realized there was a way—and it was standing right in front of her. If Sorin wanted to use her knowledge to help him obtain a bride, then she would use him to rid herself of a nuisance.
Dredging up a smile she hoped looked genuine, she again addressed him. “I’m honored by your trust. But if you wish my assistance in this most delicate matter, then we must contrive a means by which we may be allowed to spend time together in privacy so that I may instruct you.”
“That should prove easy enough.”
“Oh? Why is that?” she said with a frown, forgetting for a moment that she was supposed to look happy for the sake of their audience.
“Charles has already enlisted my agreement to escort you this Season.”
Two minutes ago, she would have been pleased to no end to hear such news. Now, however…“Does he think me incapable of behaving appropriately on my own?”
“Not at all,” he said smoothly. “He meant no insult, I assure you. In fact, it is a mark of his confidence in you that he does not feel impelled to safeguard you himself.”
“I don’t see why I need to be ‘safeguarded’ at all,” she muttered, not caring anymore if she sounded like a recalcitrant child.
“Because he does not wish you to be left alone and vulnerable while he is otherwise occupied.”
“Occupied? What in heaven’s name would…” She stopped. “Caroline.” She knew it for a certainty, even before he confirmed it with a nod. “And you are the only person Charles trusts with me while he and Rowena keep close watch on her.”
“Yes.”
