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Her first night in her new place had been both a blessing and nerve-wracking. While she was grateful for the quiet, it would take some getting used to, she believed. But she’d woken early and just lain in bed for a few moments. There hadn’t been anyone else to get up and cook for. Or clean up after.
She grinned and turned in a small circle, head back as she just enjoyed being by herself. Georges had been paid for three months and Fyre had gone shopping for staples earlier in the morning. She’d spent the rest of her time so far this day getting settled in.
The space wasn’t big, but for the time being, it was all hers.
While she wasn’t the best at sewing, she could wield a needle. She’d made herself a table covering and had put some fabric up in the windows to keep out some light and so that if anyone happened to be going by, they couldn’t necessarily see inside to what she was doing.
I wonder if Phillip would like my place?
Resting her shoulder against the window, she hugged herself as she stared out across the vast green she saw.
Phillip. Lord Edais. The Earl of Edais.
A man she had no place thinking about much less calling by his first name. Even the simple act of conjuring up his name caused her to get warm all over. A small smile graced her lips as she thought about the four days a week she would be able to spend with him.
There was something about the way he looked at her, touched her, and overall made her feel. An emotion she couldn’t, and wouldn’t, ever tell her brother about because he wouldn’t understand.
I know nothing can come of us. But I am allowed to dream and think about whomever I wish. Not even my brother can take that away from me.
Knock. Knock.
The reorientation from her imagination to reality was a rough one but she put a smile on her face anyway and walked to the door. Opening it to find her brother there, she stepped back and let him in. His frown didn’t bode well for this being a pleasant conversation.
“Can I get you something to eat or drink, Elonne?”
“I do not like the idea of you living here.” He ripped his hat off his head and dropped it on the floor.
“One, pick up your hat, this is not your house. Two, I am fine. I have both Marta and Georges keeping an eye on me.”
“What happens when the single men in town find out you’re living by yourself? Even some married ones who think they have a right to force themselves on a woman. Especially a dark woman.”
She cut him a piece of bread and a small piece of cheese then took them to him. After he picked up his hat, he sat at her table and picked at them both.
Most people already know because no one here knows how to keep their mouth shut.
“I will be okay, Elonne. I can do this. I am happy, and while I love you and your kids, I am so excited to be on my own.” She reached over and pinched off a piece of bread, popping it in her mouth.
“I am going to check on you every day. Nothing you can do to stop that.”
“I expect nothing but that from you. You are my big brother. You cannot help but want to protect me.”
“Always, Fyre. I will always protect you.”
“Just as I will always love you for it. Even if you are a bit overbearing at times.”
He flicked the end of her nose just as he had when they were kids and he’d tried to get her to think about anything other than her empty stomach or the fact that they were on their own.
“How does your schedule look for the month?”
She held up a finger before pushing away from the table and heading off to get her papers. When she walked back in, she couldn’t help but notice her brother had inhaled the rest of his food. Without slowing, she went to get him more bread and cheese to partake of.
“My schedule is full. I took off the accounts that you typically do so those are all yours again.”
“Are you going to have enough work?”
“More than. I have the stores I also work at as well as Albie, and I have Lord Edais on the schedule.”
Her brother stilled. “He continues to want you to do his books? And I thought I told you to tell Mr. Caulfield no.”
“Yes. And you cannot tell me who I can and cannot work for.”
Elonne shook his head. “No. That is not safe. Mr. Caulfield will not respect you.”
“I was not asking you for permission, brother. Lord Edais asked me to continue working for him and I intend to do just that.”
