AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Unless everything Samuel had said about his brother was part of the lie?
But, the Muses… He wouldn’t have left her waiting at the Muses if his goal was to kidnap or seduce the Duchess of Aspen.
Ellie shook her head. She didn’t know what to think. Did she love him, or an illusion? If she loved him, she must believe in his innocence.
She stood, smoothed her skirt, and marched back down the hall to her sister’s room. With a brief knock, she went in to find Lizzy May looking forlorn and wan, coddled in a sea of blankets and pillows and staring dejectedly at a tea service.
“I think he’s innocent,” Ellie said, coming halfway across the room.
Lizzy May looked up with a shaky smile.
“I truly hope he is, Ell, and if he is, the courts will find him so.”
Ellie took in how miserable her sister looked, when she should be in a state of joy over her news. She closed the distance between her and the tea service laden able, and perched on the edge of Lizzy May’s sofa.
“I’m sorry I was mean to you. You’ll be the best mother ever. You really will, and I am honoured to come and help, and so very happy for you and His Grace.”
Lizzy May’s smile widened. Tears spilled from her eyes and she blinked rapidly.
“Thank you.”
Ellie flung her arms about her sister and pulled her close.
“Your baby will be the luckiest baby ever.” Still crying, Lizzy May laughed. “And I am so, so sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. I should have come to you right away and told you what the Dowager asked me to do.”
“Yes, you should.” Lizzy May pulled back and brushed her hands across her cheeks. “And I should have told you all about Matthew when I met him, instead of keeping him a secret from you.”
Ellie felt fresh tears in her own eyes and willed them away. She’d cried enough.
“So we’re friends again?”
“We’re better than friends. We’re twin sisters.”
Ellie hugged her sister again, then released her to turn to the tea service.
“Should I pour you a cup? I know you’re the hostess, but I don’t see how you can reach anything with all those blankets.” Worry flashed through her. “You truly are feeling a bit better, aren’t you?”
Lizzy May wiped her cheeks again. “I truly am.”
“Good.” Ellie reached for the teapot and tried to banish all thoughts of Samuel. This was her sister’s day. Lizzy May was going to have a baby. No news could be more joyous. Except news of Samuel’s innocence. Ellie pushed that thought aside and poured the tea. She added sweetener and stirred, then handed cup and saucer to Lizzy May, saying, “And don’t worry. I’ll never trust the Dowager again.”
Lizzy May accepted the tea, wrinkling her nose.
“I don’t think she meant any harm. I would likely have agreed to the charade if you’d come to me. I very much want to put my and the Dowager’s animosity behind us.” Her expression brightened. “The Dower house is very near our manor house. Just down the lane. I’ll point out the way tomorrow as we pass. Matthew said she already fled the scandal, back to the country. Maybe you can still befriend her, and get her to like me.”
“Maybe,” Ellie said, very dubious. She had possibly convinced people of their friendship, but as word went around that Ellie had been playing at Duchess all along, it would only further prove that Lizzy May and the Dowager did not get on.
“Or I’ll point out the lane to her house so you can be sure not to go there,” Lizzy May said with a laugh.
Ellie joined her, though laughing held a sharp edge of pain. “That might be better.”
“You’ll adore our country house. Wait until you see the room I’m thinking of for the nursery. It’s so full of light. Very airy.”
Lizzy May prattled on about babies and accoucheurs and the monthly nurse. Ellie did her best to listen and to appear cheerful. Back in her room, her packing waited. As much as she didn’t wish it, she would leave London tomorrow.
As she sipped her tea and endeavoured to be a good sister, she prayed that leaving London wasn’t the first step to never seeing Samuel again.
Chapter Fourteen
