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“What?”
North was here again? Ellie didn’t know what was going on. She couldn’t have made that much of an impression on him that he had to keep coming back. What was he thinking? And why did Regina not look happy about it?
“Yes. He’s in the drawing room.” Regina hesitated. “He’s also got some flowers with him.”
“What’s wrong with that? You and Dorothea have been getting flowers for the last couple of days now. I’m sure the florists in a mile radius have run out of flowers because they’re all here.”
“It’s not just that. They’re carnations. Yellow.”
Ellie blinked. “Oh, really?”
“You know what yellow carnations mean. They’re bad flowers, and an earl is bringing them for you.”
Ellie laughed and stood up. “It’s nothing like that, Regina. I told him that I like yellow carnations.”
“You what?” Regina’s mouth fell open. “You like yellow carnations? You know they signify disappointment, don’t you?”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake. People should stop reading too much into flowers and what they mean. They should be grateful that they received flowers at all, no matter what. It’s a sign that someone likes you enough that they will take the time to pick out flowers for you.”
“Maybe, but… yellow carnations?”
“I love the flower, and I love the colour yellow. That’s about it.” Ellie smiled at Regina’s stunned expression and patted her shoulder. “Don’t look so shocked. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
“When I’m older? There’s only eighteen months between us!”
“I know, but it’s still enough.”
Winking at her sister, Ellie left the morning room and crossed the foyer. As she did, she thought about what reason North could have for coming back two days in a row. It felt like he was giving her quite a bit of attention, and Ellie wasn’t sure how to feel about it. Hopefully, this time he wouldn’t be practically running out of the room as soon as he gave her the flowers. That wasn’t like him at all.
How do you know what he’s like after meeting him briefly three times? That doesn’t make any sense.
When Ellie entered the drawing room, North was in the same place as he was the day before, staring at the portrait. It was almost comical, and Ellie couldn’t help but giggle at the sight of him having a staring contest with a painting. She approached him, easing to his side as North stared up at the canvas hanging on the wall.
“Who is that man?” he asked. “Is that Lord Mansford?”
“Did you not meet him before? My cousin says you two have met, so you must have met her father-in-law at some point.”
“I have, but there’s something different about it. I couldn’t figure out if it’s Lord Mansford or someone else.”
Ellie smiled. “He was a character. I met him a few times when I was a little girl. He was intense, but with children he was like melted butter. He adored children.”
“He passed away some time ago, didn’t he?”
“Three years ago, I believe. He left behind his wife, his six children, and quite a few grandchildren.”
“That would have been a pretty good life.” North shuddered and turned away from the painting. “I can’t keep looking anymore. His eyes seem to be following me around the room.”
Ellie laughed. “You wait until Lady Mansford passes away. I’m sure the whole portrait will be following you around. She’ll find a way to possess it and terrorise everyone around her.”
“That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it?”
“If you haven’t met her, you don’t want to. She’s not the nicest of people.” Ellie gestured at the new bouquet in his hands. “So, you came back to give me more flowers. You’re going to run out of money if you buy enough to match my sisters’ bunches, and the place smells strongly of roses.”
“What? Oh!” North gave her a sheepish smile and held the bouquet out. “I was going past the florist’s shop, and I saw a lot of yellow carnations. I remember you saying that it was your favourite flower, so I made sure to get you a few.”
“And that’s very kind. Thank you.” Ellie took the bouquet, again careful not to touch him. “But why would you bring more to me? It’s a bit much in a short time, isn’t it?”
“I know, but I didn’t want to come here empty-handed.” North rubbed the back of his neck. He looked a little uncomfortable. “I did come here to see you, but I won’t be running out this time. I… I guess I got nervous.”
