Page 43 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
“There is always a choice,” Ellie countered with an air of authority.
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Belle said, easily closing the cotton bodice. After struggling with the too-snug dress she’d borrowed, donning a garment with fasteners which easily slid into place seemed quite the treat. “He couldn’t simply stand by as I watched over Carrie while wearing blouses that quite literally threatened to burst their buttons.”
“I sense a story there,” Ellie said as a light rap upon the door announced Mrs. Gilroy’s presence.
“Ah, there’s a story all right,” Mrs. Gilroy said as she entered the room with Carrie at her side. She turned to Ellie. “Isn’t there always, lass?”
“I’ve had my fair share,” Ellie agreed.
“Still not as many as Miss Macie,” the housekeeper said with a touch of affection in her wry tone. “It still brings a smile to my face to think she’s happily wed now—and to that rogue Finn Caldwell, of all people.”
“Macie and Amelia are of the belief that rogues really do make the very best husbands,” Ellie said with a knowing air.
“Well, I don’t know about that,” Mrs. Gilroy said, leading Carrie to a comfortably overstuffed wing chair in the corner. “But I’d never seen Miss Macie happier than the day she exchanged vows with Mr. Caldwell.”
“She was absolutely radiant. After years of chasing off suitors, she found true joy with a rogue of her very own.” Ellie’s tone seemed a bit wistful. “The key is to find one who now has eyes only for you.”
Was it Belle’s imagination, or had Ellie slanted her a speaking glance?
“Oh, I do need a rogue of my own. But where to find one?” Ellie went on. “Now that is the question.”
“Yer time will come,” Mrs. Gilroy replied with a sage nod.
“I do hope so,” Ellie said, turning her attention to a rather bemused-looking Carrie. She smiled at the child. “My, don’t you look pretty today. And your dolly is...” Her eyes widened as she gazed down at the rather haggard rag doll. “Looking happy today.”
“She isn’t happy.” Carrie shook her head and pointed to what appeared to be a fresh tear on the doll’s hand. “Anna is a bit sad.” She poked out her lip, looking as if she bit back tears. “I don’t think Heathy likes her.”
“I didn’t want to disturb ye, Miss Belle, but the child was beside herself. I told her I’d help her with it, but she insisted on bringing the doll to ye,” Mrs. Gilroy explained. “I’ll mend it tonight.”
Miss Belle.Well, that was progress. The housekeeper had evidently warmed up to her.
Belle slipped the last tiny button on the dress into place and stepped away from the dressing screen. “Oh, that’s not so bad,” she said, taking the doll in her hands. “I’m sure Heathy didn’t mean to hurt her.”
“If I hadn’t caught the wee beast in the act, the doll might be missing its hand,” Mrs. Gilroy explained.
“Thanks to your quick action, Anna will soon be back to her old self.” Belle examined the rip in the fabric. “Nothing a few stitches won’t solve.”
“Will you make her better?” Carrie asked with a sniffle.
Belle turned to Mrs. Gilroy. “Might I use your mending supplies?”
“Of course. But I am able to stitch it.”
“I rather enjoy needlework, though I haven’t had cause to thread a needle in quite some time.” She held out the doll to Carrie. “Would you like to help me fix her up?”
The girl gave an enthusiastic nod. “She’ll be all better.”
“Of course she will,” Mrs. Gilroy said with a smile. “I’ll gather my sewing kit.”
“Thank you.” Belle turned to Carrie. “Please take Anna back to your playroom and I’ll be there shortly.”
“I’ll put her on the shelf.” The girl cast a little frown at Heathy. “Away from his teeth.”
“That would be a good idea,” Mrs. Gilroy agreed. “I’ll go along with ye, child, and ye can help me in the kitchen for a bit.” She tapped her fingers against the not-quite-empty trunk. “I’m sure Miss Belle and Miss Ellie would like more time to look through these pretty dresses.”
“Thank you,” Belle said as the housekeeper and the girl took their leave.
Something on the rug caught Belle’s eye: a key tethered to a blue ribbon. Heathy appeared to spot the ribbon at the same moment, but Belle quickly scooped it up and hurried into the hallway.
