“Come here you; let’s check you out,” Gerard said, lifting the kitten which protested at first but then snuggled up against Gerard, seeking warmth. Ellen touched it lightly. The kitten looked thin and underfed, and Ellen felt her heart out to it.
“Gerard, do you think the owners abandoned it?”
“What do you say, are you homeless?” Gerard asked the kitten. The kitten meowed in response. “I think it is,” Gerard confirmed.
“We can’t possibly leave it here.”
“I was thinking the same thing. It’s a surprise it hasn’t died from a cold.”
“What do we do?”
“You could take it back home with you,” Gerard said.
“Oh, I could not do that. Mama would have a fit. She would never agree to have an animal in the house,” Ellen replied.
“Would you rather leave the poor kitten out here to die, then?”
“No.”
“Ellen, you know how we talked about standing up for yourself and doing what you want?” Ellen nodded.
“That lesson, well, this is a great time to do it. To stand up.”
“I could not possibly—”
“My sweet Ellen, you don’t know what you’re capable of. This poor kitten needs you. Here, hold him,” Gerard said, handing her the kitten. The kitten curled up in her hands and snuggled against her.
“Yes, I will take the kitten home.”
Gerard grinned. “Good. Now let’s get back before your mother’s maid dies of worry.”
Ellen and Gerard walked back to the Bamber residence together with Cara following silently behind. The kitten rested in Ellen’s arms throughout the journey, and Gerard bade her farewell at the door with a promise to call on her again soon. Ellen walked into the house with her head held high, determined to fight her mother to the ends of the earth just to keep the kitten. Once she set the kitten down, it raced near the fireplace to keep warm.
“Goodness gracious! What is that vermin doing in the house? Who let it in? Where is the butler? Ellen, step away from that creature before it hurts you.”
“Mama—”
“I mean it, Ellen. Those things are poisonous and dangerous. Do not let it leave a mark on you. What if it ruins your skin?”
“Mama, if I could explain—”
“How come you never listen to what I tell you, child! Step away from the creature before you get hurt. “
“That is what I am trying to tell you! This is Stephen, and he’s my kitten.”
There was a moment of silence.
“What do you mean by your kitten?” the Duchess finally asked.
“I mean, he’s mine, Mama. I picked him up near the park. He looked so helpless and lost. I decided to give him shelter and a home.”
“You decided to do what?” her mother screeched. “This is against the rules, and you know that. A lady of high nobility is not permitted, it is completely improper even, to gather strays. It is the seventh rule in your book.”
“I know that, Mama,” Ellen said, her lips tight with resolve.
“Have you completely lost your wits?”
“No, I just decided to save a kitten.”
