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‘Yes, of course,’ Ellie said blankly as Lady Trenton put down her veil and turned her horse back towards her own house. ‘Of course.’
*
It makes no difference, Ellie told herself an hour later.
She had retreated to the Long Gallery to memorise more of Blake’s illustrious ancestors but had given up, unable to concentrate. Now she sat in one of the
window seats instead, feet up on the cushions, arms curled around her legs, chin on her knees.
But it did. All Blake’s feelings about his lost love would be stirred up again, and a belated ceremony was going to bring back all those feelings of guilt he so obviously held on to.
Oh, for goodness’ sake, Ellie, pull yourself together. Of course Blake will be affected. After such a tragedy involving a close neighbour he would be heartless not to be. It does not mean that he is becoming obsessed by his feelings for Felicity.
She stared at the haughty Elizabethan dame opposite her.
I hope.
The painted eyes seemed to speak of an infinite mistrust of the entire male sex.
Movement outside caught her attention and she twisted to look down through the old glass to the inner courtyard. Blake was standing talking to Jon, one hand on his half-brother’s shoulder. They were laughing over something in the sunshine. Then Blake shook his head, still smiling, and they turned and went inside.
That is Blake, the real Blake, she thought. That straightforward, honest man. That honourable man. I can trust him. I believe that. He is too good a man to neglect me for a ghost and I will fight with everything I have to make him happy in this marriage.
*
‘Is your maid entangled with my head groom?’ Blake asked over dinner that night.
‘“Entangled” with Finch?’ Ellie laughed at his choice of word. ‘She is very taken with him—and who can blame her? He is exceedingly good-looking, only in his early thirties, and has a good position. As for him, he seems glad to see her but is being very discreet. Why do you ask? Would you disapprove?’
‘Not at all. I only ask because they are not being quite as discreet as you imagine. Hay lofts are tempting spaces.’
‘Then he is going to have to marry her,’ Ellie said briskly. ‘She’s a respectable girl—or she was until she encountered Finch.’
‘He isn’t casual about that kind of thing,’ Blake observed. ‘I am sure he means to do the right thing by Polly. There’s a whole set of rooms over the harness and carriage wing if they want to set up home.’
‘That would be kind of you.’
Blake shrugged. ‘Why not? He is a good man and she is loyal to you. Why shouldn’t they be happy and be able to stay here if they want?’
‘No reason at all,’ Ellie agreed.
People in love ought to be happy and secure and together…
She had meant to tell Blake about her riding now that she was off the leading rein and venturing into the park, but somehow that afternoon’s encounter had taken the shine off her achievement. She had meant to give him Lady Trenton’s message as well, but had kept putting it off.
Coward, she told herself. You have to do it before Lady Trenton’s letter arrives.
Chapter Nineteen
The footman put the brandy decanter on the table, but Ellie did not rise and leave Blake to his solitary drink. ‘Thank you, William,’ she said. ‘We do not require you further.’
Blake looked at her, eyebrows raised. All the sections had been taken out of the dining table, so she was close enough to see the question in his eyes.
‘I met Lady Trenton riding in the park this afternoon,’ she said, before she lost the will to speak. ‘She asked me to give you a message.’
‘Not a very urgent one, it seems.’ He was frowning now.
‘Upsetting rather than urgent.’ Ellie realised that she was twisting her napkin and smoothed it out. ‘Lord and Lady Trenton are putting up a memorial to Felicity in the church and will be holding a ceremony to which you will be invited. She is writing.’
