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Of course, she couldn’t be completely upset with Regina and Dorothea. They were trying to find a way to impress the gentlemen around them, but it didn’t make Ellie feel any better. Their attitude over the last couple of days was getting tiresome.
Once she got back home, if her sisters spoke to her as they had been all morning and the day before, Ellie was going to put them in their place. She was not having it anymore.
If only I got to see North. That would be enough to cheer me up.
It had been three days since Ellie had last seen him, when he had left her house after having tea with her family. He had mentioned about having business that would keep him away for a few days, but that he would come by soon to see her once it was over. Ellie wished she knew when, because his presence was surprisingly calming to her.
How that was possible when he made her heart race to the point she felt lightheaded, Ellie had no idea. But she wasn’t about to argue; if it made her feel better, she would take it.
She still remembered the kiss North had given her that day in the garden. So sweet and gentle, making Ellie yearn for more. If they hadn’t been interrupted, Ellie would have kissed him herself. That had never happened before with a gentleman, or even any man. North was different, very different.
And Ellie wasn’t sure what to make of it—except that she didn’t want to lose it.
It was going to be a long walk back to the house. Emma had taken Regina and Dorothea to the museum, and they had taken the carriage. Ellie had managed to stay behind, saying she had some letters to write when in reality she needed to slip out to the dressmaker they had seen on their way through London. Her cousin wasn’t going to be too happy that she had gone out on her own. Even Lady Mansford was going to be furious.
But she wouldn’t have agreed to what Ellie was doing—again citing their lack of money. It was a shame that Ellie’s pride didn’t allow her to ask her relatives for help with that. She was sure Emma would help buy them new dresses.
Then again, maybe she wouldn’t if she saw the prices.
Thunder rolled overhead, and Ellie looked up to see the sky darkening. Oh, no, not now. She didn’t want to be caught in a downpour. She would have to hurry before she got soaked.
“Ellie!”
Ellie jumped and spun around. She hadn’t realised that a carriage had pulled up alongside her. Nor had she been paying attention as North alighted from the carriage and hurried over to her. Just the sight of him coming towards her was enough to lift her spirits.
Even if he didn’t look too happy right now.
“North?”
“What are you doing out here on your own?” North demanded. “It’s about to throw it down, and you’re wandering around without anyone with you?”
Ellie frowned. “I can take care of myself.”
“Oh, really? And your aunt allowed this to happen? She said it was fine for you to walk out this far without a chaperone of your own?”
Ellie bristled. Why was he talking to her like this?
“If you recall, I’ve been playing the part of chaperone for a while,” she said stiffly. “And Aunt Diane is aware that I’m doing this.”
North snorted and shook his head. “No, she isn’t. She wouldn’t have allowed you off the street without someone accompanying you.”
“You don’t know that!”
“I know you’re lying. Your eye starts twitching when you’re lying and unencumbered by whatever you put on your face.” North tapped just under his left eye. “You might not think you’re doing it, but I know when you’re telling me a lie.”
Ellie was aware of that sort of tell she had, but she thought she had gotten good at hiding it. Gritting her teeth, she glared at him.
“I was doing fine. Nothing bad happened to me.”
“Yet.” North took her arm. “Get in.”
“What?”
“Into my carriage. I’ll take you home.”
Ellie stared. “You what? Should I be travelling with you alone?”
North sighed. He looked frustrated with her arguing. “Look, Ellie, if you keep arguing with me, people are going to notice us, and they are going to be questioning what we’re doing.
