“Yes, Your Grace,” Marjorie teased.
Andrew could feel his breeches tighten. “I warn you, Lady Marjorie, that I am less than inclined to be gentlemanly toward you.”
“Save that until after the wedding, will you? We have an audience.” And sure enough, Andrew looked up to find Ellen watching them with a mischievous smile on her face.
“I wonder what a child from both of you will behave like.”
Marjorie laughed. “He or she better get my face. I would say that I am better looking than the Duke. Do you not agree, My Love?”
“Absolutely, as long as they get none of your penchant for rebellious behavior. It would do to have a steady temperament like their father,” Andrew added smoothly, and Ellen and Marjorie both laughed.
Andrew, confused, asked, “What is so funny?”
“Steady temperament? I think not. It would do your children much good to have a temperament like Marjorie’s.”
Andrew reluctantly agreed. “My wits then.”
The ladies shook their heads again. “No. My Love, we both know I always win in our banters,” said Marjorie.
Andrew sighed again. “I will give up now; I guess the child will have to decide for themselves.”
They all laughed.
ChapterSeventeen
To Gerard Hann, Earl of Ridlington,
I only wish that my own feelings will explain to you how grieved I am to remember that you are compelled to tear yourself away from me, never mind that it is for important matters or even for a short time. But my dearest Gerard, be assured that whether together or separate, I will be, eternally and affectionately, your own. And when the wedding day approaches, we will finally become one in front of family and our loved ones.
The wedding plans have been going beautifully. I have had, as I informed you before, tremendous help from my side. It is twenty days to our wedding, and I still can’t seem to decide on the gown of my choice. I will admit that this has thrown me into panic, the thought that I cannot find the perfect gown. Although Marjorie thinks it is the wedding blues, I have reasons to think otherwise. I think it is you. Just earlier, I had a terrible sense of foreboding, and I will good wishes your way. Please do hurry back to me as I think that I would feel better having you by my side.
Anxiously expecting to hear from you soon, I am, dear Gerard, eternally yours.
When Ellen did not receive a reply after a few days, she wrote again.
To Gerard Hann, Earl of Ridlington,
I find myself writing many letters like this to you but never having the courage to send them. There has been a deafening silence from your end, My Love, and this has alarmed me greatly. My mind is no longer on the nuptials. I would readily give anything to just see your face. I am constantly assaulted by the thought of harm coming to you. Although Andrew has assured me that you are well, I will not believe anything until I can see it with my own eyes. Until I can hear you call me Diamond with your mouth. I long to be touched by you, I long to feel your skin meshed with mine. If you can read this, please make haste, I fear my heart cannot take any more uncertainty, and I will be forced to put the plans for the wedding on hold at least until I am certain that you are safe. Hurry back to me, my beloved.
Yours in anticipation, I am forever yours.
After a week without a reply, Ellen wrote again.
When Gerard’s reply came, two weeks later, it was short.
To Lady Ellen Bamber,
My dearest Ellen, I apologize for only just reaching out, I have no doubt you must have heard about the conflict ensuing in Bath. If you’re reading this, it means that I am already on my way to you. I love you, Ellen Bamber, and I cannot wait to have you as my wife.
I am, dearest, lovely Ellen, your affectionate lover.
* * *
The day Gerard returned home, he had been traveling all day, pushing the carriage beyond its limit because he had to see his beloved. The meeting at the House of Lords, although prolonged, had been thoroughly enjoyable for him. He had loved the feeling of contributing his voice to the greater good of the country and had made new friends he could not wait to tell Ellen about. But now, he had a wedding to attend. He could not afford to go to his home first, so he made his way to Grant Manor to see Ellen before he went home. He was let in by a butler who looked happy to see him.
“Where is Lady Ellen?” he asked immediately as his tall frame walked into the house.
“In the Garden, My Lord. She sits there every day until dusk waiting for your arrival.”
