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Nathan hadn’t planned on going to see Eleanor for a few days - he needed to get his head on straight with what his priorities were - but shortly after Leyton left the club, Nathan found himself leaving and heading over to Eleanor’s house. Leyton’s sudden declaration had unnerved him, and now Nathan wanted answers. Often marriages could bring people out of the woodwork, that much he did know, and Nathan wanted to know that there wasn’t going to be any trouble from Leyton. That he had to hear from Eleanor herself. If Leyton was going to be a problem, he needed to act soon.
It did have him pausing a few times on the way over to Eleanor’s home. Why was he even concerned about this? Nathan should’ve just shrugged his shoulders, put it aside and moved on. But instead he found himself wanting to hear from Eleanor’s lips that Leyton was nothing.
Admit it. You’re jealous.
It should be a crime to become emotionally invested in someone within days.
Nathan arrived at Eleanor’s house and alighted from Simon’s carriage. It looked better in the daylight. The front had low shrubs lining the railings and there was a small rose garden by the front door. It looked pretty and well-tended to. Nathan hadn’t noticed it in the dark. The house appeared to be kept in good condition. Eleanor’s family may have been in financial straits, but they didn’t let that stop them keeping up with everything else.
They had pride, that much was clear.
Nathan used the door knocker, hearing it reverberate around the house inside. After a few moments, the door opened and a good-looking middle-aged man wearing a smart black suit that screamed ‘butler’ looked out at him. Nathan held up his calling card.
“Captain Reynolds to see Lady Eleanor. I’m afraid I haven’t got an appointment.”
The man’s eyes widened. Then his surprise disappeared, and he looked vaguely blank. Typical butler move. They learned early on to keep themselves looking like they had no mind of their own. Nathan had always marvelled at their poker faces. If only he could learn that trick.
“Of course, Captain.” The butler hesitated. “Normally, I would let you in, but…”
“But what? Is she unwell?”
“She’s not unwell. But she’s not…” The butler winced. “She’s not comfortable with receiving anyone for a few days.”
“What are you talking about? What’s going on?”
“Let him in, Parsons.”
Eleanor. She was there. Parsons again hesitated, but then he moved aside and allowed Nathan to step into the foyer. Nathan nodded his thanks and headed into the house only to stop short when he saw Eleanor.
She was coming down the stairs, wearing a dress that had a high neckline. Not quite the attire that people would wear nowadays, but Nathan could see why. Even with the neckline almost covering her neck, there was no hiding the bruises that surrounded her neck. And no amount of powder would be able to cover the bruise that was coming up under her left eye.
Nathan knew he was staring, but he couldn’t help himself. Anger stirred in his chest. No man should ever hit a woman. Someone had gone after Eleanor.
He knew he should have been more forceful to keep her away from the children.
“This is why I’m not taking visitors right now.” Eleanor gave him a half-smile and gestured at her face. “It’s a little difficult to explain this away.”
Nathan found himself moving. He approached her, reaching up with a shaking hand. Touching Eleanor’s jaw, he gently turned her head to inspect the bruise. It was certainly an impressive one, and it would have knocked her senseless. Then he lifted her chin and looked at her neck. If he found the man who thought it was a good idea to put his hands on his woman…
Your woman? Since when has she been your woman?
Since the moment she walked into my life. I’m not going to ignore that anymore.
“My God.” Nathan drew his hand back.
Eleanor shrugged. “Someone broke in by the side door, snuck up to my room and tried to strangle me. Then the servants came running and he disappeared again.” Eleanor rubbed at her neck and winced. “It’s fine, but I’m going to be having problems swallowing for a couple of days. The physician said it would be alright, but that I would need to rest. The bruises will be gone by the end of next week.”
Nathan hoped so. He didn’t want to describe the intense anger that was swirling around inside him. He wanted to reach out and pull Eleanor into his arms, but he was acutely aware of where they were. Parsons was too close, and he was still watching them.
“How... you were attacked in your own home?”
“I don’t know how it happened or why, but it’s done. I’m just not going to be leaving the house until the bruises have faded...”
Eleanor’s voice wavered and tapered off. Nathan’s chest tightened. This was the first time he was seeing Eleanor so vulnerable, and he didn’t like it. He wanted to make it all go away.
Oh, yes. He knew how he felt about her now. The realization was sobering.
