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“I can’t just walk out of here when I’ve been invited! What about your mother?”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. What was wrong with him? Eleanor knew things were a little strained between mother and son, but nothing like this. Why was Nathan being so brusque?
“Like I said, I’ll deal with this. Just do as you’re told.”
Eleanor bristled. “I don’t think this is right, Nathan.”
Nathan’s eyes flashed. Then he grabbed her neck and pulled her forward, his lips crushing hers. Eleanor stiffened. This wasn’t how Nathan kissed. He had never been so forceful when he kissed her. It didn’t leave her with warm shivers. This kiss just left her cold.
Nathan broke the kiss abruptly, his voice barely above a growl. “When we’re married, my dear, you’re going to know that I’m always right.” Then he set her away. “Now go. I’ll make your excuses to Mother.”
And with that he turned his back on her, kneeling beside Vanity, who was still unconscious. Eleanor stared at him, trying to figure out what had just happened there. But Nathan had effectively dismissed her. He didn’t so much as glance in her direction.
Biting back a huff, Eleanor stormed out, careful not to slam the door behind him.
* * *
Nathan stepped out into the street and turned to the nun who had walked him out.
“Thank you for talking to me, Sister Cecilia.”
“It was a pleasure, Captain Reynolds.” Sister Cecilia gave him a warm smile. “And thank you for your contribution to the orphanage. It is much appreciated.”
“You’re very welcome.” Nathan looked up at the huge building. “After seeing the work you do, how could I not give a contribution? Those children deserve something better in life.”
“They certainly do.” The nun’s eyes twinkled. “Lady Eleanor can’t do better than you, Captain.”
“You flatter me too much.”
“Mother Superior does say I tend to speak my mind too much.”
Nathan laughed. “That can be considered a good thing in the right circumstances.”
“Not when you’re a nun, I’m afraid.” Sister Cecilia gave him a nod and another warm smile. “Good afternoon, Captain. Have a safe journey home.”
“I will. Take care.”
Nathan waited until the nun closed the door behind her and then started to cross the road towards his carriage waiting on the other side of the street. This was the best thing he could have done. After a fitful night’s sleep - coughing and wheezing with the smoke still coating his throat, Nathan had washed, dressed, and gone for a carriage-ride around London. He needed to get things straight in his head. Someone had murdered Leyton, and there was a good chance it was Eric Black who had slit his throat. Had he seen Leyton as not useful to him anymore? Or had he seen Leyton as a nuisance who needed to be taken out of the way?
Nathan was still trying to figure out his motive for pushing an arranged marriage onto Nathan and Eleanor. Eleanor was simply chosen as an unmarried woman who had the motivation to marry. But why start it off in the first place? What had Nathan done to him?
It had to be about the children. Black must have heard that Nathan was after him.
But the plans had been set in motion before Nathan came back from France, and his mother had been involved, either willingly or pressured. Nathan still had to talk to her about that. But later. He wanted to go and see Eleanor again. Mainly to say that he approved of her work with the orphans.
Nathan didn’t know what to expect, but he hadn’t expected so many people to praise Eleanor for giving up her time to help those she didn’t know. She had a big, kind heart and affected everyone. Eleanor was adored, and the nuns were appreciative of her and Marion for helping whenever they could. Nathan knew it wouldn’t be just Eleanor who would be affected if he stopped her from working there.
They could come to a compromise. Nathan would be happy to discuss it further, and he wouldn’t stop Eleanor from going to help. But she had to be careful while Black was still around. Nathan didn’t want her to become a target after what had happened. Hopefully, they would get to a joint decision about what to do. Nathan wouldn’t take something she loved doing away from her.
Then maybe Eleanor wouldn’t be so stubborn. Nathan liked stubborn, but Eleanor took it to another level.
And speaking of Eleanor, Nathan saw her storming along the road, her face drawn in an angry scowl. That had Nathan slowing. Why was she out now? As far as he was aware, Eleanor was going to stay home, or she would be at his home having morning tea with his mother; Vanity did mention that Eleanor would be visiting, but Nathan didn’t think it would happen, considering what had occurred the night before.
Why was she here?
Signalling for his driver to wait, Nathan changed direction and hurried back across the street.
“Eleanor? What are you doing here?”
