Ellen ignored his last sentence. “No, I mean, how are things with you and Marjorie?”
Andrew shrugged. “Did you know she was moving to the countryside? She says the air is better there.”
“I know. She told me. What did you ask her to do?”
“Me? Why would I ask her to do anything?”
“Oh, Brother! Perhaps your head is as blocked as I thought! Do you not want her to remain here in London?”
“I do. But Marjorie is her own woman, and she has made her choice.”
“Then why did not you ask her to stay?”
“I could not. I did what was best for everyone.”
“And what about you? What is best for you?”
“Safeguarding my family.”
“When will it occur to you that you are also a part of this family? When will you do something for yourself?”
Andrew stood up abruptly, almost knocking his chair over. “Enough Ellen! Just because you ended up with someone you actually have affection for does not mean that it gets to happen to everyone else too. It just does not work that way.”
“But who says it cannot?”
Andrew sighed. “I have had enough of silly romantic talk. I will be retiring for the night. I look forward to meeting Ridlington to make plans for the wedding. Good night.”
Andrew walked up the stairs without waiting for a response. He leaned on his poster frame in his chamber for support. His valet entered quietly into the chamber and helped him take off his shoes. “I have drawn you a warm bath and added some special oil to soothe your nerves and heal your headache, Your Grace.”
Andrew nodded, not moving from the spot. “Thank you, I shall cater to myself tonight; there is no need for you to stay.”
His valet nodded and left quietly just the way he entered. Andrew pulled off his clothes and went to his bed and promptly dozed off.
The next morning, Ellen was drawn to the aroma of freshly baked bread as she made her way to the dining area. She smiled when she saw that the table was set with an array of dishes. She took a seat and immediately started to take some food for herself.
“Did you sleep well?” she said to Andrew who was already eating at the head of the table.
“I did. How are you?”
“I am quite all right. You look well rested, but your hair is still wet from your bath. Could you not have made an effort to dry off better?”
Andrew snorted and reached over to take a loaf of bread. “I wonder what Cook has planned for today, seeing such a platter in front of us.”
Ellen laughed. “I do not know either.”
“I will be taking some to Mother’s chamber and spending the day there. When the Earl arrives, we can inform Mother immediately; that way we can proceed to the next step.”
Ellen nodded. “Sounds like a good plan, Brother.”
They continued eating in silence, both savoring the meal.
“Marjorie leaves at dusk tonight,” Ellen said suddenly. “Her parents do not want her alerting the whole of London about her departure.”
Andrew scoffed. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Nothing. Just thought you should know,” Ellen grinned and continued her meal.
* * *
