Page 71 of Foolish Bride
“Michael, are you all right?”
He cocked his head. “My headache has subsided. I seem to have been cured. I shall put it down to your wonderful medicine.”
They made love again, then slept for a few hours before Michael quietly slipped out of the room.
Chapter 16
Break my fast
Tell Middleton no
Convince Mother to accept Michael
Lovely Michael
It would be quite a day.
Elinor awoke ravenous. She dressed and had an awkward and private chat with her maid, Josephine, who practically tore the sheets from the bed and carried them away like a thief.
Trotting down to break her fast, she was sore but deliciously alive. She took several sausages and coddled eggs. There was some lovely bread, and she popped several pieces on her plate.
Dory and Lady Collington were already in the room. Both stared at her as if she had three heads.
“Good morning Lady Collington, Dory.” Elinor bobbed and walked to the table.
Lady Collington frowned more severely than usual.
Dory’s eyes were wide as saucers.
“Is something wrong?”
Dory leaned in. “I do not know, Elinor. You tell me.”
“As far as I know, everything is fine. Are you feeling well?”
“I am quite well.” Dory cocked her head.
“Perhaps you should sit down before the weight of your platter topples you over,” Lady Collington said.
“Yes. Thank you, my lady.” She sat next to Dory.
“You seem to have a hearty appetite today.”
Elinor blushed. “Yes. I woke up with a frightful hunger today.”
The older woman took a last sip of her tea. She gave Elinor another appraising look before getting up with only minor help of her cane. “I must go and find your mother. I have several very flattering things to tell her about Kerburghe, and I feel there is little time to waste.”
Both women stared after the dowager before returning to their plates. Elinor could have sworn her dearest friend hid a snicker. Was it that obvious? Could everyone in the house tell that she had allowed Michael to spend the night in her bed?
Heaven forbid.
She had better avoid crowds for a while, just in case.
It was late morning, and they were the only two in the room. Elinor was grateful to learn the gentlemen had gone shooting and wouldn’t return until luncheon. Then there were to be games outdoors to take advantage of the good weather.
She wouldn’t have minded seeing Michael, but she did not think she could face Middleton that morning. She might blush, and he might get the wrong idea. Or the right one. Either way, it wouldn’t be favorable.
A long silence filled the room. Dory was her oldest friend. She could share anything with her. “Do I look so different?”
