“Very well,” he said. “I will come by after dinner this evening.”
Miss Elwood gave the Smith family another warm smile.
“Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” she said, so sweetly that it made Albert’s heart melt. “I can’t thank you enough for such a fine time with you all.”
Rachel stepped forward and embraced Miss Elwood, smiling brightly at her.
“It was a pleasure having you,” she said.
Henry chipped in, giving Miss Elwood one of his shy smiles.
“I hope to see you again,” he said.
Albert bit his lip, but Miss Elwood just curtseyed and smiled again.
“I look forward to it,” she said.
Shortly after, they all bade each other goodbye, and Albert and Miss Elwood went to their carriage. She was still smiling as he helped her inside, and Albert couldn’t help thinking about what a nice day it had been. It had felt completely natural, with the five of them sitting together, sharing a meal and having a good time. He had expected to regret taking Miss Elwood to meet Rachel and Neil. But instead, he was very glad that he had.
“I very much enjoyed the picnic today, Lord Billington,” Miss Elwood said suddenly. “I hope that you did, as well.”
Albert looked at her, melting at the sight of her smile. He thought he might have enjoyed working a cattle farm if it brought that same smile to her face.
“I did,” he said. “And I’m very glad that you did.”
Miss Elwood nodded.
“Little Henry is just precious,” she said.
Albert nodded then, smiling as he thought about how the boy had clung to her.
“He certainly likes you,” he said.
Miss Elwood blushed.
“I certainly like him,” she said.
Albert nodded once more, searching for something to say. But from beside Miss Elwood, her lady’s maid sat, clearly displeased about something. Suddenly, the rumors in the scandal sheets came to mind. He wondered if his maid knew, or if she was unhappy that her mistress was courting a scarred gentleman. The thoughts added a sour note to an otherwise perfect day, and Albert sank back in his seat, letting the silence morph into Miss Elwood speaking to her maid.
When they arrived at Elwood Manor, Albert escorted Miss Elwood to the door. The maid walked ahead of them, not looking back as she stepped inside while Albert bade Miss Elwood farewell.
“I hope to see you tomorrow evening at Lady Wescott’s soiree,” he said.
Miss Elwood blushed and nodded.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she said.
Albert bowed.
“Then I bid you farewell until then,” he said.
He maintained his quiet pleasantness until the carriage, now devoid of all but him, pulled away from Elwood Manor. Then, he thought about the scandal sheets yet again, and about the chilly maid. Would no one even consider giving him a chance to prove that he was a human being, just like they were?
Dinner that night was quiet. The earl had opted to go out to a gentleman’s club, no doubt to try to fend off some of the rumors that had been printed. Albert dined in silence with his mother, until he could stand it no longer. Then, he excused himself to go to Neil’s. He was glad for the reprieve. He hated how quickly such a nice day had been spoiled so quickly. But then, that was precisely what he was hoping Miss Elwood would see.
He was warmly received when he reached Neil’s. The butler led him to the study, where Neil was already waiting with two fresh drinks and his impish grin.
“Here’s to you marrying Miss Elwood before Henry gets his claws in her,” he said with a chuckle.
