“He is my brother!” Ellen yelled.
“Your Grace, you have a caller,” the butler announced.
“Who is it?” Lady Bamber inquired, a small smile spreading across her face. It was almost too late but still within calling hours.
“It’s the Earl of Ridlington, Your Grace,” the butler replied.
The Earl! What was he doing here?A small bead of sweat formed at Ellen’s temples as her mother shooed her toward her chamber.
“I knew that this would happen. It was merely a matter of time. Enough nonsense about your brother, and go look presentable enough,” Lady Bamber said.
Turning to face the butler, she continued. “Show him the way to the drawing room, Francis. I will be with him shortly.”
A few moments later, Ellen walked gingerly toward the drawing room. She could hear her mother’s nasally laughter as she got closer to the doors, and she paused for a few minutes to collect herself.
“Ellen! What terrible manners? Don’t just stand there; come greet the Earl,” her mother chided.
Ellen did as she was told. She approached the Earl who, as always, wore an amused smile as she curtsied in front of him.
Gods, he looks even more handsome in the daylight,Ellen mused, the memories of their brief banter at the Ball causing blood to rush to her cheeks.
“The Earl says he's been meaning to come to visit but has been biding his time because he assumed you were busy,” Lady Bamber prattled on.
“I merely assumed that the Diamond would have no time, given that she would have many callers.”
Ellen almost scoffed in derision.Surely, he had heard that no suitors had come calling. Was he here to mock her?
“I hope that Lady Ellen would be kind enough to spare me a few moments of her time despite her busy schedule?” Gerard asked with another sweet smile directed toward her mother. Ellen could picture her mother swooning. She wanted to box his ears. The nerve of the man!
“Of course! You have some time, don’t you Ellen?” her mother asked. Ellen nodded stiffly.
“Ridlington…forgive me, My Lord,” her mother said. “Isn’t that just outside of London?”
“Yes, indeed it is, Your Grace. We have always been countrymen at heart. We like to know that the city is close enough to reach, yet far enough for solitude.
Just how I like it,Ellen thought.
“I see. Sounds lovely.”
“You should come to visit us sometime,” Gerard said. He was talking to the Dowager, but his eyes were fixed on Ellen.
“I will be sure to think about it. Why, Ellen, don’t just stand there. Treat the young gentleman to some entertainment.”
“Actually, Your Grace, I was wondering if Lady Ellen could do me the honor of accompanying me to the park. The weather is just fantastic today, and I am sure it'll do her some good to be outside.”
“Well, you see, Ellen is supposed to be here to wait for her callers,” her mother protested.
“You’ve wounded me, then, Your Grace. Am I not worthy of your daughter’s time?”
“No, I did not say that,” the Dowager replied, looking flustered.
“I am sure that it would do us both much good for Ellen to be seen with the most eligible bachelor of the Season, would you not agree? The Diamond and the best man?”
“Yes, yes.” Lady Bamber was nodding now. “I suppose you're right. The weather is indeed fantastic. I shall send the butler to call Andrew to chaperone you.”
“Oh, no! There will be no need for that, Your Grace. I did not want to say this but it’s a bit off-putting when it’s the brother who chaperones. I am quite sure any of your trusted servants could do the job well. I hear you have the most efficient maids in London. And if it comes down to defending your daughter’s honor, I am sure that I am more than capable to handle a few thirsty men. Your daughter, is of course, very beautiful if I may be so bold to say that.”
Lady Bamber smiled, obviously taken by the Earl’s sweet words. “I do have excellent staff. And I am sure Ellen knows what to do and what not. I guess it’s all right then. I will get Cara to accompany you.”
