Page 42 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Ellie nodded. “I’ve had my sights set on him since I returned from Paris. He’s an American, like you.”
“You don’t say.”
“As I understand it, he’s from Texas. Very tall. Very handsome. And very wealthy.”
“He sounds perfect.”For Ellie.
“I’ve only met him in passing, so he could be quite a grouch behind that dashing smile. Rather like Jon these days.”
Belle tugged at the laces on the supple new shoes as Ellie’s words repeated in her thoughts.Rather like Jon.How very curious.
“You know him well, don’t you?” Belle asked, eager for some insight into the man who suddenly saw himself as her protector.
Ellie pursed her lips, appearing to ponder the question. “I’m not sure I would phrase it that way. I’ve known Jon Mason for quite a long time, but I’m not sure anyone except Macie and his business partners, Logan and Finn, know the true man.”
“I do believe I understand.”
“Some men are simple,” Ellie said. “Oh, they may be keenly intelligent. But there’s no mystery. Nothing to puzzle out about their feelings and wants and needs. That certainly isn’t Jon. From what I’ve observed, he is precisely the opposite.”
“I’d say that’s a fair assessment,” Belle agreed.
“You may know him better than I do.” Ellie paused long enough to hand her another pair of shoes, soft slippers for the house, then went on. “Over the years, I came to know Jon through my friendship with Macie. When I was a gangly young girl, he was kind to me, rather like the brother I’d never had. After we grew up, I think Macie might’ve harbored a hope that there could be more between her brother and me. But there was never the slightest spark.”
A sense of relief Belle did not wish to admit, even to herself, washed over her at Ellie’s words. “Tell me, Ellie, was he always so... serious?”
“No, not when we were young. Back then, Jon and Logan and Finn were like the Three Musketeers, always getting into some adventure or scrape. But then, they grew up. And Jon became the son his father wanted.”
Picturing the young boy in the photograph, Belle took in Ellie’s words. In that image, Jon had appeared far from mischievous. “I’d think his father would appreciate his unwavering dedication to the family business.”
“I cannot speak to that. But I do know that Jon has set his mind to living up to his father’s standards. But believe me when I say, it’s a near-impossible task.” Ellie selected a soft flannelette nightdress and robe from the collection she’d brought and handed them to Belle. “But enough of that. Let’s enjoy this bit of shopping without a store, shall we?”
Belle gave a nod of agreement. “I must say, I’m amazed you’ve brought so many garments. There are far more than I’ll need for my stay. I do appreciate what you’ve done for me.”
“I enjoyed every moment. Why, I’d do it again tomorrow if I could, if only to see that gorgeous man carry the trunk with all those muscles flexing.” Ellie flashed a grin. “That would really get the shopgirls talking, now, wouldn’t it?”
“I do imagine a repeat day of purchases so soon after the last would draw some attention.”
“The assistant’s eyes would be wide as serving platters.” Her grin faded to a more subtle smile. “Of course, thereisa chance the employees will talk, even amongst themselves, about my visit today. Jon won’t like that at all. He so detests a scandal.”
Belle gulped a breath at the thought. Jon’s pragmatic words in the carriage whispered in her thoughts.What’s the worst that could happen... a proposal of marriage?
She let out the air hovering in her throat with a little sigh. “With any luck, it won’t cause a stir.”
“Indeed. With luck.” A coy little smile played on Ellie’s mouth. “But it does occur to me that something rather curious has happened. Something quite unexpected.”
“You aren’t going to keep me in suspense, are you?” Belle said. “You must tell me.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t see it,” Ellie said cryptically. “But then again, I suppose it did take me a bit of time to realize what he’d done.”
“What he’s done?” Belle searched for the answer to this peculiar puzzle. “I am truly at a loss.”
“It’s rather elementary, really. Jon avoids scandal at every turn. Surely the man understood the potential for, shall we say, raised eyebrows at a shopping excursion he personally funded. But he was willing to take that chance.” She met Belle’s gaze. “For you.”
Chapter Twelve
For you.Belle’sbreath caught in her throat. The words were ordinary enough. And yet, their implied meaning stunned her. Ellie must’ve read something into Jon’s actions that fit her own romanticized narrative. He’d sent her on the shopping errand because there was little choice. His motives were practical. As usual. Jon certainly could not have Carrie’s teacher roaming about his house popping at the seams in his sister’s too-small dress, now, could he?
“I’m of the opinion he had little choice in the matter,” Belle said, summoning her most rational tone as she stepped behind the screen to change from the tailored suit into the practical yet pretty pale blue dress.
