Page 58 of Foolish Bride
Michael stood as she did. “Rooms have already been arranged. Your staff is quite efficient.”
“Excellent. Have you had something to eat?”
“I arranged to meet my mother and brothers in thirty minutes. They are settling in. Is Anthony in London? I thought he had returned to America,” he asked.
Joy bloomed on her face. “He arrived in London a few days ago and joined my mother at my uncle’s estate in Sussex. I hope they will all join us here in a few days.”
“I look forward to seeing your family again. I will let you get back to your letter.”
“Never mind that. Come and sit with me a while. My aunt and I were just talking about you.”
How odd to imagine Lady Collington speaking of him. “Really?”
“Indeed. She was saying how happy she is that the crown has recognized your sacrifice.”
The notoriety of his exploits as a soldier had been bad enough. Now all of London knew his situation, and it was extremely uncomfortable. “I appreciate her notice, Sophia.”
“You know my Aunt Daphne is a particular friend of Lady Malmsbury’s. She and Virginia Burkenstock have been friends a very long time.”
“I was not aware of that.” His stomach did a flip.
“Oh, yes.”
“What are you up to, Sophia?”
“Nothing.” Her cheeks pinked, and she smoothed her skirts. It was a good thing Sophia didn’t take up gambling. She had more tells than anyone he’d ever seen. Her every thought was written across her pretty face.
“Something.”
Cocking her head, she sat up straighter. “She just might tell her friend you would be an excellent choice for her daughter.”
The butterflies in his stomach turned into snakes. “I do not think that is necessary.”
She waved her hand. “My aunt always arrives a day early so she can ensure the best room, in spite of the fact that she has her own suite of rooms here at Marlton. She and I have had hours to talk, and you came up a few times. She’s been impressed with the way you have handled things over the last few months. I am sure her endorsement will help sway Lady Malmsbury in your favor, or have no effect at all. There is no harm in it.”
There was no hope for that, but no point in saying so. “I suppose not. I’ll let you get back to your letter. I have to find my room and meet my family for the meal.”
“Cook has put together a marvelous spread of food. Enjoy.”
He bowed and left the room. He closed the door and turned to face Elinor’s clear blue eyes. “Elinor, you’ve arrived.”
She curtsied. “I have, your grace.”
He bowed out of habit. His heart leapt into his throat, and it took him several swallows to find his voice. “I hope the journey was pleasant.”
“The roads were dry.” It did not light her eyes, but her smile was polite.
His palms were damp, and sweat trickled down his back. Nerves? He had traveled the continent and faced death for his country a dozen or more times, but this small blonde bundle of woman caused his stomach to churn and his tongue to tie. He laughed at himself.
“You find something funny, your grace?” She stared at him.
He bowed again. “I find it funny that I cannot speak to you without making an ass of myself. Forgive me, my lady. I shall endeavor to be more gracious in the future.”
After a quick curtsy, she held up her hands and shrugged. “I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about.”
He should walk away, but he wanted another moment in the dim corridor with her. He’d ruined everything, and this was all he could expect. “My family accompanied me for the house party.”
She transformed from wary to delighted in an instant. She smiled and looked around the hallway as if they were going to appear at any second. “The boys are here?”
