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Eleanor listened as the older woman talked, hearing the soft but sad affection in her voice. Lady Vanity had loved her husband with everything she had, and she missed him. For all her airs and graces and trying to be above others, she just wanted someone to accept her. That’s what her husband had done. He had accepted her, flaws and all, and loved her anyway.
Just like her own parents. That was what Eleanor had wanted for so long. She was sure she would have that with Nathan.
“I wish I could have met the late Earl,” she murmured.
“So do I.” Vanity gave her a smile and took Eleanor’s hand. “He would have liked you, Eleanor. You two are so very alike. I know he would have approved of you.”
“I’m glad you think so, Lady Vanity.”
That meant a lot to her. Eleanor hoped that Nathan knew this as well. From the way he and his mother interacted, they didn’t often talk about the deeper emotions. Maybe they should sit down one day and do it. It would bring mother and son a little closer.
“Are you worried?”
Eleanor blinked at the sudden question. “Worried about what?”
“Marrying my son.” Vanity bit her lip. “I know you have your doubts about this marriage and things have been difficult lately…”
“I’m not worried.” Eleanor put her teacup down and took the older woman’s hands in hers. “I love your son, my Lady. It didn’t take much to fall for him. We’re still going to be arguing about me helping all those children at the orphanage, but I know I can win him over.”
Lady Vanity smiled. This one reached her eyes, making them twinkle.
“I know you will. Nathan needs a strong-minded lady, or he’s going to find life very boring.” Then the twinkling flickered and died, the Countess’ expression becoming a little nervous. “Just make sure you know what you’re up against when you’re with him. Nathan won’t make it easy.”
“Neither will I.” Eleanor grinned. “I will make it work, Lady Vanity, but I won’t lie down and roll over like a dog whenever he wants me to.”
“I’m sure I can change that mindset.”
Eleanor looked up at the unfamiliar voice and stared. Nathan was standing in the doorway, wearing a black suit that fitted well on him. He was looking at Eleanor with a piercing gaze, a gaze that left Eleanor feeling like something cold was tickling the back of her neck.
This was Nathan, but he didn’t look right. Nathan said that he didn’t wear black unless he was in mourning, that it made him feel like he was walking around with a dark cloud over his head. And the voice didn’t sound right, either. It was deeper, somewhat. A thicker accent than what Eleanor was used to. Refined, but thicker.
What was he doing? Had the smoke affected his voice somehow and was his wardrobe that sparse he chose black?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
All questions disappeared when there was a loud gasp and a clatter of tin and china. Lady Vanity had jumped to her feet, knocking against the tea tray and sending everything flying onto the floor. She was staring at Nathan like she had seen a ghost, her face so pale it was the colour of her dress.
“Lady Vanity?” Eleanor jumped up and reached for her. “My Lady, what’s wrong?”
“I…”
Lady Vanity stared at her, clutching at Eleanor’s arms. Then her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed, almost taking Eleanor down with her. Eleanor dropped to her knees, easing Vanity onto the floor.
“Lady Vanity! My Lady!”
But the Countess was unresponsive, her eyes closed as she lay unmoving on the carpet. There was a rustling of clothes and then Nathan was beside her.
“Mother’s out cold.”
“What on earth happened?” Eleanor jumped to her feet. “I’ll ring for Desiree.”
“No.”
Eleanor gasped as Nathan grabbed her wrist, holding on so tightly that Eleanor had to bite back a flinch. He had never touched her like this before. Nathan rose to his feet, still holding onto her wrist as he towered over her.
Not so much as normal. Nathan had boasted that he was six-feet-four-inches tall, and Eleanor’s head barely brushed his chin. Now she was almost on eye-level with his chin. Had Nathan shrunk in the night? Was that even possible?
“I’ll look after this, Eleanor.” Nathan’s eyes drifted over her face. “It’s best that you go home. There’s nothing you can do here.”
