“Nothing? Might I remind you that you have a duty to this family? You have neglected all your suitors for a man who has shown no interest in offering for your hand while there are others who are ready to wed you at this very moment. The other day, I saw Lord Vashmir who pretended he did not see me when I tried to greet him. And you claim nothing is wrong?”
“Nothing Mama. Besides, I heard Lord Vashmir eats his servants, little by little. Surely, you must be thankful that I have decided to avoid such a man.”
“Oh, that is nonsense, and you know it. You have been sleeping in late, and there are bags under your eyes. Is there something I should know about?”
Ellen wanted to tell her mother about the book club but thought against it. Her mother would never approve. “Nothing, Mama,” she said.
Selina Bamber stared at her daughter and knew that she was lying. “Are you besotted with the Earl of Ridlington?”
Ellen looked up in surprise, terrified that her mother must have heard something about their adventures.
“What do you mean, Mama?”
“Is he the one that has been filling your head with nonsense? Are you going around with him and forgetting your duty?”
“I haven’t been doing anything inappropriate with the Earl of Ridlington if that’s what you’re asking, Mother; he is simply one of my suitors.”
“And will this suitor be asking for your hand anytime soon?”
“I do not know, Mama.”
“Ellen Bamber, do not bring this family shame.”
Ellen looked her mother in the eyes. “Yes, Mama. May I take my leave now?” The Dowager indicated that she could go. Ellen walked out of the room, tears leaking from the corner of her eyes.
That night, she decided to stay over at Marjorie’s, knowing that her mother would be watching her closely from now on. She hurriedly dressed in a simple plain gown with a hood and made her way down with Marjorie in a carriage. They headed to the Dowager’s club as they had been doing frequently. The book club had been enlightening, and Ellen had her eyes opened regarding life with every meeting she attended. It was as if a cloud dropped from her eyes, and she looked forward to the meetings until soon she started volunteering and found that she took on Marjorie’s job of integrating the new members as Marjorie was handed more responsibility.
It surprised Ellen how much the Dowager Countess knew. She had the kind of knowledge that was forbidden for them to have, and the Dowager Countess was using it for good, sharing that with the ladies of the Society and commoners alike. With time, she also learned more about Gerard. She had not lied to her mother when she told her she wasn’t doing anything inappropriate with Gerard. She did not consider what she shared with him to be inappropriate, and even though she knew that she would someday marry, when that happened, it would be for herself.
The book club meeting that day was one for her books. She now wrote for the book club and was encouraged to publish under a pen name. She was surprised to meet many refreshingly new faces, and she said a silent prayer of thanks because she felt like she had finally found purpose. Although she wasn’t sure where she was with Gerard, she knew that he would be happy to see her finally doing something for herself.
* * *
“You’ve been avoiding me, Ellen,” Gerard growled. He had finally managed to catch her alone at Lady Harrington’s masked ball after watching her dance with every damn lord and trying not to smash a glass. It had galled him, even if he understood her sudden change in behavior.
Gerard watched Ellen fidget with her fingers as she struggled to find a suitable answer.
“No, I haven’t, My Lord,” she said with a bright smile. Gerard noted how her soft small lips looked even more sensual with the red color on them.
“Liar,” he snapped abruptly. Ellen looked up at him, surprised. If it were any other person, maybe she would have glimpsed hurt behind the façade, but this was Gerard.
“My Lord, I have been quite busy finding a suitable suitor. I am sure that you understand the many responsibilities that come with being a lady in the Season, and thanks to your help, I can finally make a decision.
Gerard frowned. “If you say so,” he finally said. “Can I see you tonight?”
“I do not think that is a good idea, My Lord,” replied Ellen without looking into his eyes. “I must go. My mother calls for me.”
“Wait a moment. Ellen.”
Ellen turned around to face Gerard. “Yes, My Lord?”
“One last thing before you leave.”
“What is it, My Lord?” Ellen looked around the garden tentatively, she knew that although they were alone, it would not be long before someone came outside for a breath of fresh air.
“This.” He moved to her lips and swiftly cut off her protest with his lips. Ellen melted into his arms at the intrusion, and they had forgotten themselves when they heard a long string of expletives being yelled.
Ellen glanced at the retreating figure in shock. “Marjorie!”
