Page 56 of Foolish Bride
He chuckled. Strangely, the sound made her feel more at ease. He had a warm smile and his eyes laughed before the sound made its way into the world. He would make a fine husband. Perhaps she shouldn’t be dreading his proposal.
He had a long jaw, which she didn’t particularly like, but his eyes were kind and his nose straight. All in all, he was nice to look at. “Do I have dirt on my face?”
“No, your grace. Why would you ask such a thing?”
He sat beside her. “Because you are staring at me as if I’ve been wrestling in the mud.”
“I apologize.” Heat infused her cheeks, and crept up to her hair and down her chest.
“I would be honored if you would call me ‘Preston.’” He leaned in close, bringing the faint smell of vanilla and mint.
Oh, why couldn’t he be horrible?
When she looked into his eyes, he smiled. There was no flutter in her stomach, which always accompanied such gazes from Michael.
The air simmered around them. He was going to kiss her.
Mother burst into the room. “Your grace, how wonderful to see you again. We are so honored by your visit. I must apologize for not being available to you when you arrived. I trust my lovely daughter has acted the lady of the house in my absence.”
He stood. “She has been a delightful companion.”
Virginia beamed at her daughter. “I am so glad. You know she has been raised to take care of such things. She can run a household of any size, more than one household. I expect you have several houses, your grace.”
“Mother,” Elinor gasped, unable to believe Mother’s attempt at selling her like a prime cow to the highest bidder. She knew that her face must be nearing purple with embarrassment.
“Indeed, Lady Malmsbury.”
Unhindered and oblivious to her daughter’s mortification, Virginia continued, “You should never have to worry about their care, should you make my Elinor your duchess.”
Elinor scurried to the other side of the room. She pretended to examine a small glass bauble on a table. She even considered pouring herself a large glass of brandy. Mother had lost control of her mouth and all sense of proper behavior. Elinor was at a loss for what to do. She couldn’t scold her in front of Middleton, and so she just pretended to not hear the insane dialogue coming from the other side of the room.
But she did hear Preston. “I am fortunate to have several competent stewards who manage the bulk of my properties.”
“Excellent. Still, you can never be too careful. A well-educated wife will keep the servants from robbing you blind.”
Elinor couldn’t help herself. She turned to get a glimpse of him and his reaction. He must be eager to rush from the house.
Her mother’s back was to her, so she had a good view of his handsome profile.
Maybe he sensed her stare.
He looked at her, holding back a grin. He did not look like he was about to bolt from the room. He smiled wider. “Indeed.”
Elinor couldn’t take another moment of it. She crossed back to the grouping of chairs where Mother sat. “Your grace, you mentioned another appointment you are required to keep.”
It was rude. She knew that, but she suspected he would be grateful for the excuse to escape her mother and likely overlook her bad manners.
The smile in his eyes made her stomach flip.
Virginia jumped up. “I didn’t know we were keeping you from important business. I must apologize.”
“Not at all, my lady. However, your charming daughter is correct. I must go. Thank you so much for a delightful visit.” He bowed over her hand and kissed her knuckles.
Taking her hand back, she pushed down a bout of giggles. The entire scene was like something out of a novel. That is what her life had become. “Good day, your grace.”
He strode out, and Elinor collapsed onto the chair.
“Elinor, I am so proud of you. You are going to be a duchess.” Virginia clapped her hands, as giddy as a small girl.
