The Countess looked at Ellen, understanding dawning on her. “I understand, my child, but you have to still listen; what I tell you will come in handy.”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“I need you to always take what you want; do not have mercy on him as a man. I must warn you, he is not a man that can be confined as he is restless like he is in a race with time itself, and he values his freedom more than anything. If it is a marriage you are aiming for, you would have to outsmart him. Do not let him know just how deeply he affects you until you absolutely have to. The moment he feels trapped or caged, he will run. Do you understand?”
“I do, My Lady.”
“Good. We are all rooting for you and supporting you. Now, you go give us a Season to remember!”
“Yes, My Lady.”
“And do not be a stranger to the book club. We ladies need each other.”
“I understand”
“Ah, here is Lady Conolly.”
And just as she had disappeared, Marjorie appeared by Ellen’s side. Ellen gladly took her cousin’s hand, and they set on their way back home.
“So, will My Lady tell me already, or does she want me to go down on my knees?” Marjorie began.
Ellen pretended to think about it as she looked outside the coach carrying them home. “You know, that is a nice thought. The thought of you, begging to know what I discussed with the Countess thrills me.”
“Ellen Bamber! I will have you know that I will throw you out of this carriage immediately. You will walk home.”
“You would not dare.”
“You want to test me?”
Ellen looked at Marjorie, trying to see if she was serious. One glance at her cousin’s dead-set eyes told her that Marjorie would indeed leave her to walk home by herself. Her cousin was certainly crazy, she knew that.
Resigned to defeat, Ellen sighed. “Fine then. We simply talked about the book club, which I might add, I am thankful that I got to attend.”
“And—”
“And nothing Marjorie! What are you expecting?”
“You did not talk about her oh-so-beloved grandson, the Earl of Ridlington? And you still haven’t told me how your walk went?” Marjorie pouted.
“Why would we?”
“Let me see…because he is courting you, and all of London knows it?”
“You do have a point.” Ellen sighed “All right, she simply asked that I be careful.”
“Why?” Marjorie said, surprised “I would think that she would be tooting her own grandson’s horn.”
“It's not that. She told me to protect myself because if Gerard ever feels like he’s caged, he might flee.”
“Good riddance!” Marjorie muttered suddenly.
“What?”
“Speak of the devil, and he appears. Isn’t that the Earl?”
Ellen looked out of the carriage and saw Gerard coming out of the gambling hell.
“Do we call him? Do we say something?”
