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Eleanor turned, and Eric saw her smile fading. A man was walking towards her and she was scowling at him. Eric ducked back a little as the newcomer passed by the alley, but he didn’t appear to notice that there was anyone watching them; the young man was focused on Eleanor.
Eleanor had stiffened, her face contorting into a scowl. Eric had seen hatred and anger like that before. This man was not desirable to her. Maybe he should help her out on that.
Eric reached for his dagger, strapped to his waist and concealed under his coat. Then he heard Eleanor’s voice.
“What do you want, Leyton?”
The footman stepped slightly in front of her, putting his arm in front of Eleanor. He looked ready for a fight. Leyton slowed, stopping just out of reach. He huffed at the sight of the servant.
“Is that really necessary?”
“I think it is. Now answer the question, Leyton, and go away.”
“I just wanted to talk to you. I was on the way to your house.”
Eleanor snorted. “You wouldn’t have been able to get past the front door. You know Father won’t have you on the premises.”
At least Heavenly had some sense. What was this man to Eleanor? A previous lover? A potential suitor? Clearly one who had left a nasty taste in Eleanor’s mouth. She was looking at Leyton like she wanted to do him harm.
Curious, Eric took his hand away from his dagger and listened. This might be useful to him.
Chapter Fourteen
“What are you doing here, Eleanor?” Leyton asked. “I wouldn’t have thought this would be a safe route for you to go walking.”
“I’m not going walking.” Eleanor gestured at the orphanage building. She was steps away from the front door. “I help out here.”
“You what? You help…” Leyton sounded shocked. “You help here with all those snotty brats?”
Eleanor let out a barely contained snarl that had even Eric jumping.
“Those snotty brats don’t have anyone to look after them. I help them because someone should give children some love.”
Leyton snorted. “You shouldn’t be getting your hands dirty with them.” He sneered.
“Well, it’s a good thing you don’t have a say in my life.” Eleanor sneered back. “Now, go away. Jonathan, would you open the door for me, please?”
“Yes, Lady Eleanor.”
Jonathan stepped between Leyton and his mistress and opened the front door, blocking Leyton as he tried to reach for Eleanor, but Eleanor ducked into the orphanage. Leyton huffed and scowled at Jonathan, the young man not even moving.
“All right, fine. I’ll go away.” Leyton sounded very sulky. He bent and shouted under Jonathan’s arm. “But we will be talking, Eleanor.”
Eric didn’t hear Eleanor’s response from inside, but he could imagine what she had said. From what he could tell, Leyton had a fancy for Eleanor, and it wasn’t reciprocated. She was angry at him, and it was clear that Leyton wasn’t getting the message.
This was going to make things difficult with Eleanor and Reynolds attempting to court for their arranged marriage. Leyton was going to keep turning up. Then again, maybe that could be used to Eric’s advantage. Maybe he wouldn’t need to worry about Reynolds’ wife once he was done with Reynolds himself.
He could make himself be the hero in it all. Once Reynolds was dead, of course. Have Eleanor so indebted to him that she would do anything. That could work.
Jonathan had gone into the orphanage, the door slamming behind him. Leyton let out a frustrated growl and kicked at the door. Then he stormed back the way he had come, going past Eric. Knowing that his disguise of long dark hair, hair pulled down over the brim and a thick beard would hide him, Eric sidled out of the shadows.
“She’s a fiery little lady, isn’t she?”
Leyton stumbled as he spun around, almost ending up on the cobbles. He righted himself, cleared his throat, and glared at Eric. “Were you spying on us?”
“It was difficult not to, seeing as you were loud enough for everyone several streets over to hear you.” Eric raised his eyebrows. “Former lover?”
“I wish she had been my lover. Then we would be married by now.”
