Page 9 of Foolish Bride
“No, thank you, Mother.” The last thing she wanted was to plaster a fake smile on her face and pretend everything was okay. Elinor made several lists, but her malaise continued.
Mutual friends informed her that Michael was out of his sick bed.
Even Mrs. Rollins had been kind enough to send a note expressing her regret and understanding.
Elinor had written back thanking her for her kindness.
She sent letter after letter to Michael, but received no response.
When she left for the country estate, Mrs. Rollins sent a second note assuring Elinor that Michael was healing nicely. She did mention he remained in a particularly bad temper, but no longer required his mother’s care.
After several attempts with her mother, she still didn’t understand the nature of his injury. While relieved that his long recovery was near its end, she hated him for not writing to ask after her wellbeing. Didn’t he care that she was devastated? He only thought of himself.
Typical.
“You cannot just sit in this parlor indefinitely.” Mother put her fists on her hips.
Elinor had to push down her temper or she’d shriek her rage. “I am in no mood to frolic around town as if nothing is wrong. I will not pay calls today, or tomorrow, or the day after that. If that is not satisfactory for you, Mother, you should rethink your position on my marriage.”
“I have no idea what has gotten into you.”
“Really? I would have thought it quite clear.”
Mother huffed, and her face turned red.
The housekeeper peeked around Mother. “Lady Marlton and Lady Dorothea to see you, miss.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Virginia said.
Elinor wished everyone would leave her alone. She stood as her closest friends entered.
Virginia curtsied. “I am sorry, ladies, but I was just leaving. I am sure you will enjoy a nice visit.”
Dory and Sophia expressed their regret for missing a visit with Elinor’s mother, then sat as Virginia exited.
“How are you, Elinor?” Dory asked.
“Fine.”
“I am sure this is a difficult day for you.” Sophia leaned forward and kept her voice low.
“I am fine.” Elinor smoothed her dress and stared out at the clouds rolling in over London.
Dory sat next to her on the settee. “Elinor, we are here because we know you are hurting, and we are your friends.”
Holding her tongue had gotten her nowhere, and holding her temper even less. “I do not need your pity. I am fine.”
Sophia said, “Dory, perhaps Elinor would prefer to be alone today. We can come back another time, when she is more herself.”
“Of course.” Dory got up. “If you need anything, Elinor, send for me.”
Elinor bit the inside of her cheek to hold back the sharp comment building inside her.
With a brief goodbye, her friends left her alone.
Emotions were like a kettle on an open flame. Elinor tried to cool them, but to no avail.
If Michael wouldn’t answer her letters, then she would go to him and see if he could as easily ignore her face-to-face. It was improper, but she brushed aside thoughts of society and right and wrong. She wrote a note addressed to Dolan, Michael’s butler, and told her maid to have it discretely delivered to Stonehouse.
