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“I was perfectly civil at the ball,” Mr. Tumilson said.
“No, you weren’t,” she replied. “You treated me like I lacked intelligence.” With a groan, she directed her attention to her father. “He kept criticizing me because I happened to look his way from time to time while I was dancing with other gentlemen. One would think I was telling everyone that you hired him by the way he kept talking about it.”
“We hadn’t danced yet,” Mr. Tumilson told her. “If we had, others would have assumed you were hoping for another dance with me. As it was, they probably figured out we already knew each other.”
“I was with my father when he greeted you at the ball,” she reminded him.
“While that’s true, the length of time you stared at me was highly suspicious. I can only hope the person who’s seeking your harm didn’t notice.”
“Who’s to say someone won’t think I was staring at you because I was looking forward to my first dance with you?”
“Because nothing in the way you stared at me indicated you were anticipating it.”
“They might. No one can know what someone is thinking just by looking at them.”
“That’s not true,” he said. “I can figure out a lot by the way someone is looking at someone else. The look you gave me last night was of someone who was aware that they were being watched. Toward the end of the evening, it was obvious you thought it was pointless that I was even there.”
Her father glanced her way. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to have him helping us. Listen to all of the good things he can pick up that others miss.”
She should have expected this. Her father already believed her life was in danger. Of course, he would jump to Mr. Tumilson’s defense. But she still wished her father would at least consider her viewpoint. At the very least, he should have told Mr. Tumilson that he should be less critical of her. According to Mr. Tumilson, she didn’t do anything right.
“Will you still be her escort at the dinner partyLadies of Gracewill be having?” her father asked.
Her eyes grew wide. “No! I don’t want him to be my companion for the evening.”
“It could be beneficial,” Mr. Tumilson argued. “If the person who wants you removed is a member of the group, I need to know. At this point, I can’t rule anyone out.”
“He will be your escort, but I will be there when you both arrive and leave the Duchess of Ravenshire’s residence,” her father said. “You won’t have to worry he’ll unwittingly tarnish your reputation. No one will think he’s taking liberties with you.”
She nearly gagged. Like she would ever let Mr. Tumilson close enough to take any liberties with her.
“There is one thing I hope you don’t mind me bringing up, though your daughter will probably take it as a criticism,” Mr. Tumilson inserted.
Her father gestured for him to speak.
She narrowed her eyes at Mr. Tumilson, sure she wasn’t going to like what he had to say next.
And she was right, for in the next second he said, “I think one of the reasons she hasn’t attracted any suitors is because she doesn’t pay attention to her appearance.”
Her father’s eyebrows furrowed. “Are you saying my daughter is ugly?”
“No, not in the least,” Mr. Tumilson said. “She’s actually quite attractive. One can tell that when she takes the time to smile. But since she rarely does and since she’s contrary, she needs help. She would benefit from a lady who knows how to be beautiful and pleasant.”
Mr. Tumilson glanced her way, so she narrowed her eyes at him. He had, indeed, criticized her. Again.
Her father sighed. “I suppose I have been remiss on allowing a qualified lady to help prepare for the Season.” He turned his gaze in her direction. “If your mother was here, she would know what to do. Of all the ladies I’ve ever met, she was the most beautiful one.”
Eleanor relaxed. She supposed in light of her father’s comment, she didn’t feel so bad that he was so agreeable with Mr. Tumilson.
“Good,” Mr. Tumilson said. “I will inquire about a suitable lady and send her here. When is the dinner party?”
“It’s in three days,” her father replied.
Mr. Tumilson nodded. “We don’t have much time. I will seek a lady to help your daughter right away. I think once this lady takes care of your daughter, your daughter will start attracting suitors.”
She rolled her eyes. One could only hope. But she wasn’t sure anyone could help a wallflower like her.
Her father, looking very happy with the direction the conversation had gone, led Mr. Tumilson out of the room. At least Eleanor could now return to her book in peace. She went to her chair, retrieved the book, and slipped back into the story.
