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“It is true. I did not mean to make a nuisance of myself, but I was an immature boy. I only wanted to get your attention. And it seemed that playing little tricks on you was the only way to get you to notice me.”
He shook his head, looking to the side to ensure they would not collide with any other couples. “I admit that my last trick went too far. I thought I might finally impress you if I could show off my riding skills in front of you.”
He gave a self-deprecating laugh. “How foolish I was.”
“I—” Ellen was about to answer him, to say that it was not foolish, but the music started to slow, and so did they. He came to a halt, and he bowed while she curtsied. He then took her hand and led her off the dance floor, walking her back over to her father.
He smiled down at her. “It was a pleasure, Lady Ellen. Thank you,” he said. She knew he was only being polite, and she felt a pinprick of guilt. She knew she had been anything but pleasant.
“Yes, thank you,” was all Ellen could think to say, so overwhelmed by her conflicting emotions. Lord Simon bowed once more and excused himself, leaving the ballroom to go in search of his friend, no doubt. If she were in his shoes, she would not want to be around her for any longer than was necessary, either.
“Well, that looked as if it went well. Was he congenial?” her father asked, drawing her back to the present.
Ellen’s head shot up, and she blushed again.
“Ahh, yes. Quite,” she replied. Her father smiled and returned to the conversation he had been engaged in with a few other gentlemen when she had walked up. She was utterly forgotten but did not mind, as her thoughts were a swirl of activity. Simon was utterly different than she had imagined.
Not only was he handsome, but he was also kind and considerate. It had surprised her that he had also offered an apology for his behaviour at dinner, sending a dagger of guilt through her heart. If she had to guess, this marriage was not going to go anything like she had envisioned.
Chapter 7
A few days later, Ellen was sitting in the parlour with her younger sisters and mother when a caller was announced. A moment later, Lord Simon appeared holding a bouquet of flowers. He searched for her, and when their eyes met, her heart stopped. She stood along with her sisters and curtsied to him. He walked over to her, and her mother was the first to greet him.
“Hello, Lord Simon. What a wonderful surprise,” she said.
“Thank you, Lady Semple. I was just passing by on my way to the tailors and thought I would drop by,” he said. He nodded to Ellen, his eyes sparkling.
“Do you often take bouquets to the tailor?” Beatrice chimed in, looking amused. Lord Simon shook his head and gave a nervous laugh. “Ahh, no. Well, I suppose my ruse is discovered. I came to see Lady Ellen,” he admitted.
Ellen cleared her throat, stepping forward. She was still unsure of herself in his presence, but he was making a good effort to make things less awkward between them, she supposed. Her mother raised her brows at her and nodded that she should enter the conversation. “It was very good of you to call, Lord Simon,” she said.
His smile was contagious. “These are for you,” he said, offering her the bouquet.
“Oh, they are lovely,” she said. She held the dozen white roses to her nose and breathed deeply.
“Well, why do you not take Ellen out into the garden, Lord Simon? Unless you are in a hurry to get to the tailor?” her mother suggested.
Ellen gave a frantic look toward Beatrice, not wanting to be left alone with Simon just yet. Embarrassment over how she had acted at the party still pricked at her conscience. “Is it not improper, Mama? Beatrice should come along as a chaperone, should she not?”
Her mother smiled and herded her toward the patio door. “Nonsense, dear. Your wedding is only a week away. I shall keep watch from here,” she said. Lord Simon opened the door, and Ellen walked out ahead of him, handing the bouquet of roses to her mother as she went. She waited for him to come out and her mother closed the door behind them.
“I am sorry if that was uncomfortable,” she apologised.
“Not at all. I know that things may be a little uncomfortable for a while. We have to get to know each other all over again,” he said. Ellen’s throat went dry at his low, resonant tone. She peered at him. He had changed so much over the years. He caught her looking at him and laughed.
“Come, Ellen. Let us try to get along? I came here so that we might have some time to talk before the wedding. Do you still sing?” he asked.
Ellen swallowed hard. “Yes, I still sing. And play a little,” she admitted. “I assume you still ride?” She did not know what to say to him and felt like a fool.
“Yes, I do. Every day, if I can help it. Do you ride?” he asked. He clasped his hands behind his back as they walked among the trees, their branches nearly gone.
“Not very often. I never did enjoy bouncing around until I could not think straight,” she said. She immediately regretted her words. “However, I do enjoy being outdoors.”
“Perhaps you only need some practice. Would you go with me, once we are married?”
Ellen’s face filled with warmth, and she was sure that she blushed furiously. She smiled. “I would like that.”
They came to the end of a little path, and Simon stopped. He turned and took her hand, her heart beating wildly once more. “I know that I have a lot to mend as far as regaining your trust, but I want to do that, Ellen. I hope you will allow me to try?”
