Page 59 of Foolish Bride
At least something he did brought her joy. “They are, and they are quite anxious to see you again.”
She immediately straightened and forced her face into a calm smile of mild interest. “I look forward to it as well, your grace.”
“I wish you would not use my title, Elinor.”
She narrowed her eyes and opened her mouth.
From behind them, Mother bellowed her name.
She turned and, noting Mother wasn’t in sight of them, she turned back. She leaned in close to him. “I do not wish this house party to be uncomfortable for either of us.”
“Nor do I, Elinor.” He refused to use the formal address and emphasized her name.
She frowned, curtsied, and rushed toward the sound of her mother’s voice.
* * * *
By the time Elinor descended from her room, other guests had arrived. Dory had traveled with Elinor and her mother, Dory’s mother having refused the invitation. She claimed her schedule was already full. However, they all knew Lady Flammel had never approved of the “American who had married above her station.”
Elinor cringed at what Dory must have endured to attend the house party.
Dory played the pianoforte in the conservatory. The strains filtered through the hall, and Elinor walked in that direction. The room was empty save for Dory and Thomas Wheel, who skulked in the shadows. In the dim lighting, she made him out by the light reflecting in his eyes. His focus on Dory and the music was so intense, he did not notice Elinor’s arrival.
She drifted toward Dory, who was still playing with wild abandon.
Dory’s eyes were closed, and the candelabra on the instrument created a glimmer in her hair and on her skin. Enraptured by the music, she swayed from side to side.
A poet could make a fine rhyme of such an expression. Elinor glanced at Thomas watching from the back of the room.Was he such a poet?As quiet as her approach, she was only halfway across the room when Dory’s eyes popped open and she stopped playing.
“Don’t stop. It was so beautiful.” Elinor rushed forward.
“Handel.” Dory looked at the keys and sighed.
Elinor smiled. “Yes. Something about water, isn’t it?”
“Water Music,” Dory said. “I am impressed you remembered.”
“You drilled music into me for years. Something had to stick in my dunderheaded mind.”
Dory shook her head and smiled. “You can save the simple talk for the masses, Elinor. I know better.” She stood and trailed her hand along the keys. “Shall we join the others? They must be in the parlor by now.”
Elinor nodded and the two of them walked arm-in-arm toward the door. Just before exiting, Elinor called to the corner of the room, “Would you like to escort us in, Mr. Wheel?”
Thomas moved out of the shadows and away from the wall.
Dory’s eyes grew wide and she blushed, which was unusual. Clearly, the gentleman hadn’t made his presence known to her whilst she played.
“It would be my honor, ladies.” He moved to join them.
Each took an arm, and the three strolled into the front parlor where the party gathered.
Thomas brought the two ladies over to their hostess and bowed deeply before leaving them.
Elinor watched him cross to the other side of the room before turning back to her friends. “Mr. Wheel seems quite taken with you, Dory.”
Dory straightened, scoffing. “Nonsense, he just likes music. I assure you, that is his only interest in me.”
Elinor and Sophia exchanged glances.
