Page 1 of Foolish Bride
Prologue
“I was not out yet when the earl was engaged. I only know the rumors.” Elinor wished Sophia would change the subject. She had hoped for a nice quiet walk in the elaborate gardens.
Sophia patted her dark hair into place. “And, what was the rumor?”
Elinor cringed. How she hated gossip.
“Never mind, Elinor. You do not have to tell me.”
It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Sophia, but talking of such things reminded her of the newspaper article that had nearly destroyed her. “I hate rumors. They are often exaggerated, and none of us really knows the truth. Well, except those involved.”
“Yes, of course you’re right.”
The bushes to the right rustled, and Michael stepped out of the shrubbery’s shadow.
His dark hair hung over bright blue eyes, and he was rumpled from hiding in the garden. “Forgive me, ladies.”
“Michael,” Elinor whispered.
“I was trying to wait until I could speak to Miss Burkenstock alone. I hope I did not startle you.” He fidgeted, which was unusual. Michael was always in control.
All the waiting, and now she couldn’t stop her tears from falling.
“Shall I leave, Elinor?” Sophia asked.
She’d forgotten Sophia was even there. “Thank you, Sophia.”
“Are you certain you will be safe?” Sophia crossed her arms over her chest.
Michael’s smile was warm. “You have my word I shall not harm her in any way.”
“Elinor?” She narrowed her eyes.
A wave of lightheadedness swamped her. “I will be fine.”
Sophia nodded and walked away
“Elinor.” He said her name like a prayer.
“Yes, Sir Michael?” Pretending she was unaffected by him, she looked away. She wished she could be more like Dory. Dory was excellent at pretending that she didn’t care.
“I was watching you dance.” Taking a step closer, his gaze locked on her. “You seemed to be enjoying yourself. Especially when you danced with Travinberg.”
“Are you jealous, Sir Michael?” She turned away from him and examined a yellow rose. Leaning down, she sniffed for its sweetness, looking for anything that would help her keep her composure.
He closed the gap until he was so close, his warmth spread along her back. “I am beside myself with desire for you. I hate every man who even looks at you and even those who only glance in your general direction. The last week has been torture.”
All her torment of the last week bubbled up in her belly. She faced him. “Then why did you leave town, and leave me to deal with the scandal all alone? You left me with only a note to keep me company and not much of a note at that. What was I supposed to do?”
His smile widened. “My God, you are even more beautiful when you’re angry.”
Damn her fair skin for not concealing her blush. “Do not change the subject. I may not be the smartest girl in London, but I know that what you did was terribly unkind. I might have been ruined if not for my good friends.”
His voice remained low and calm. “I did not run from you. I ran to try to make something you can be proud of.”
It was impossible to stay aloof. She wanted answers. If not for the kindness of her friends, she would be ruined now, and it was all his fault. “Where did you go?”
He took her hands. “I am going to be worthy of you, Elinor. I promise that I will, if you will just wait for me.”
