Page 65 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Throughout the lesson, he’d been a good sport, and when it was done, he offered a half-hearted salute. With a quiet groan, he hobbled off, presumably to change into more comfortable attire.
“He’s a gutsy one, he is,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “Not many men would assist me in that particular task.”
Ellie smiled, looking a bit wistful. “He did it for you, Belle.”
“I find that rather doubtful,” Belle replied as Cleo plopped down from her feline perch on a shelf. She’d been napping, but now she landed on the carpet and gave her head a little shake. She strolled over to Mrs. Johnstone, displaying an easy familiarity with the woman.
“Well then, we simply must agree to disagree,” Ellie replied with a coy grin. “Perhaps we will carry on this conversation another time, over tea and scones.”
“It would be my pleasure,” Belle said. “As I will need to stay out of the public eye for a while longer, I do hope you and Mrs. Johnstone might enjoy paying another visit.”
“Of course. We shall be happy to, and if any busybodies should happen to question my presence here, I will simply inform them that I am looking in on Cleo in Macie’s absence.”
“Good thinking,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “I agree that it would be wise to remain out of sight until this problem with Kentsworth has been put to rest. The training I have provided ye is valuable, but ye do not want to make yerself an easy target. With any luck, ye will not have to put those tactics into play.”
“Indeed,” Belle said as Ellie nodded in agreement. “Perhaps I will ask Mrs. Gilroy to prepare some of her marvelous shortbread when you return.”
“She is a master of the art of baking,” Mrs. Johnstone said. She picked up her yellow reinforced umbrella. “Even while ye’re here, in this house, do keep the tools I’ve brought ye close at hand. They’re not foolproof. But they will buy ye time.”
She toyed with the brolly, running a finger over its ribs lined with bits of stone and crystal and pebbles. “This is perhaps the most effective tool I’ve given ye. With a proper swing, it’s quite possible to disarm an assailant. Aimed at the bridge of the nose or combined with a stout jab to the ribs, I’ve found it particularly effective.”
“It would certainly offer a nasty surprise to someone bent on harm,” Belle agreed.
Ellie unfolded the special handkerchief Mrs. Johnstone had given her. The tiny crystals and stones sewn into the fabric lent the cloth a vibrant shine. “This might prove interesting.”
“It’s quite effective, especially to create a momentary distraction. The pain of the burrs flung against an attacker’s face would sting quite a bit, buying some time,” Mrs. Johnstone explained. “It’s especially useful because it is so small and easy to hide.”
“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your assistance,” Belle said, grazing her fingertips over the silky, stone-reinforced cloth.
“It was my pleasure,” Mrs. Johnstone said. “If it would not be an imposition, I would enjoy returning for tea, perhaps without the simulations of violence, as well.”
“I would certainly enjoy that. Your journeys must’ve been truly fascinating.”
“I will be sure to regale the two of ye with tales of my recent travels,” she said with a little laugh. “Along the way, I met themost fascinating man.” A soft smile pulled at her mouth. “Of course, no one could ever replace my dear late husband. But a clever man may certainly provide a delicious distraction.”
“Oh, you are shocking,” Ellie teased. “I love it!”
“After all the years that have passed since I lost my husband, I see no reason to be coy about my treasured friendships. I believe it unhealthy to pretend to be happy when one is not.” A smile that looked rather bittersweet curved her mouth. “Since my Franklin died, I’ve made a point to be deliberate in seeking out my own contentment.”
“Bravo,” Ellie said. “I knew I liked you.”
“Ye’re a bit of a free spirit. Rather like me,” Mrs. Johnstone said, then turned to Belle. “I don’t suppose you’ve had the opportunity to make Amelia’s acquaintance.”
“Not yet,” Belle replied. “But I am hopeful our paths will soon cross.”
“Ye would so enjoy her company,” Ellie said. “She has established a wonderful library. Tell me, Belle, have you read Miss Braddon’s latest?”
“Not yet, but I am looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.”
“In that case, I shall make a point to visit Amelia’s lending library and obtain a novel or two for you. I’ll be sure to see if her work is available.”
“I suspect I will enjoy anything you might select,” Belle said with a smile of appreciation.
“Shall I bring a book or two that you might read to little Carrie?”
“Absolutely. I would be in your debt.”
“It will be my pleasure. I cannot imagine Jon has anything in his personal library that would be of interest to a child.” Ellie shrugged. “Or to anyone who doesn’t particularly have a taste for the business reports in the papers.”
