“Thank you,” Ellen said. “You can return home now.”
Bodrick looked at Ellen as though she had grown two heads. “My Lady?” he questioned to be certain that he had heard her correctly.
“Yes, Bodrick,” Ellen replied. “I will find my way back home.”
When Bodrick hesitated, Ellen sighed. “His Lordship will bring me back home. Now go,” she instructed. “I mean to discuss some matters pertaining to our engagement.”
When he had gone, Ellen heaved a sigh of relief and walked toward the entrance. She waited for a minute contemplating what to do and then, finally, decided to knock.
“Ellen?” a voice called out near the stables just as she was about to knock on the huge mahogany doors.
“Gerard, is that you?”
“Hold on a minute, I am coming out.”
She waited patiently, and when Gerard came out, she was struck by how muscular he looked. The thin piece of cloth he wore emphasized his muscles and strong arms. She felt almost overwhelmed.
“Ellen, what are you doing all the way out here?” Gerard asked.
Finally letting go of her emotions, Ellen burst into tears. “I could not stay, Gerard. I just could not.”
“Come with me, let us go inside, and we will think. Thankfully, Grandmother is out on her social calls.”
Ellen nodded and walked with him into the Manor. Once again, she was instantly struck by how homely and impressive the architecture was. Was there anything about Gerard that was not impressive? Gerard led her to the drawing room.
“I will only be a moment, Ellen; I need to take a bath.”
Ellen nodded.
Pausing, Gerard asked, “Does anyone know you are here?”
“No. They think I am at Marjorie’s.”
Gerard muttered a low curse and sighed. “I will be back soon.”
When Gerard emerged later in clean clothes, Ellen had gotten a bit more composed. In fact, she was so exhausted that she had been dozing off on the chaise.
Gerard stroked her hair softly. “Ellen. Why would you put yourself in so much trouble?” he murmured.
“I am perfectly aware of the consequences of my actions,” Ellen muttered, opening her eyes. “I just needed a breath of fresh air, away from everyone.”
Gerard grunted to show his understanding. “Yet, I am certain that your brother will have found out already that you are not with your cousin, and I am afraid he may be making his way here as we speak.”
Ellen’s eyes widened. “Do not make me go back there, Gerard,” she pleaded. “I had a terrible fight with Mama, and I cannot bear to be in her presence right now.”
“Did she do this?” Gerard asked, caressing the side of her face where Ellen had been struck. The spot was no longer red, but there was a faint mark still to be seen.
“Yes,” Ellen nodded, shuddering. “I tore up the list and told her I no longer cared about getting married. It’s a miracle she did not have a heart attack,” she continued, her eyes brimming with tears again.
Gerard would have chuckled but for the severity of the situation. He would have loved to witness the scene. “What you did was stand up for yourself, Ellen. That is most admirable.”
Ellen sighed. “I guess I have to leave now, don’t I?”
Gerard smiled. “Yes, we do have to take you back home. It is good to kick back against Society, but this is no honorable way to do it.”
“I must admit, I am scared.”
Gerald pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. “I will be with you. We will do this together.”
