Page 68 of The Wise Daughter
“Who wouldn’t?” Nora replied as if Lady Ellen had just said the most natural thing in the world. “Court proceedings are hardly a romantic way to begin a new life together.”
Aaron laughed softly at her sarcasm. He would have to join them soon, but he was enjoying himself too much not to listen a bit more. Teacups clanked before Nora spoke again.
“Lady Ellen, perhaps I may save you the trouble. Let’s start with you sharing what proof you have that Aaron proposed to you.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Forgive me if my question seems impertinent, but as you pointed out, I am understandably upset.”
Aaron didn’t know why, but this made him laugh again. Nora actually sounded quite calm, confident, even.
“If you attempt to bring your case to the courts and accuse Aaron of breach of promise, I believe it’s only fair that I know what proof you have of a betrothal.”
“Well,” Lady Ellen answered, sounding a bit affronted, “I have the word of my father. He’s assured me on countless occasions that our marriage is guaranteed.”
“I see, but did the duke ever speak to you himself? Did Aaron ever offer his hand to you?”
Lady Ellen’s voice was small. “No.”
“Was it ever announced in the papers? Was a marriage settlement drawn up?”
There was a long pause before Lady Ellen replied, “No,” with a touch of impatience slipping into her tone.
“Well that settles it,” Nora said casually. “I, on the other hand, have a letter from your father suggesting that the late duke was opposed to the match if his son did not agree, which he obviously didn’t. Else, why would I be here calling myself his intended?” Nora’s light laughter bounced off a tension Aaron could feel stretching all the way to the corridor. “I must also add that I did receive a direct proposal from the duke, who has announced our engagement in the papers, and we do have a marriage settlement. So I don’t see that there is anything left to dispute.”
“Miss Lacy–”
“Shall we put aside this nonsense and agree to be amicable neighbors?”
Aaron waited. He imagined Lady Ellen reddening, fuming, wishing she could hide or run away while likewise wondering why everyone was not fulfilling her demands.
Mrs. Hansley, in her placating voice, said, “That sounds most sensible. Don’t you agree, my dear?”
Aaron could barely hear Mr. Hansley hum his agreement.
Now was as good a time as any to enter. With a deep breath, Aaron stepped in and went straight to Nora’s side. “Hello, my lovely Honora. Mr. and Mrs. Hansley. Lady Ellen. It’s a pleasure to see you. I apologize if I kept you all waiting.”
If he hadn’t known it was Lady Ellen with the others, he would have thought her a stranger. Though she shared features with her father, being tall like him and wearing a similarly haughty expression, not an ounce of recognition sparked from the times Aaron had played with her as a child. He was, however, very aware of her eyes on him.
“No need to apologize, Aaron,” Nora said, smooth as honey. “You’ve come at just the right time. I believe Lady Ellen was about to offer us her congratulations.”
Nora’s face glowed, but her eyes carried a fierce spark that flashed only for him.
“Yes, congratulations,” Lady Ellen said dryly as she rose from her seat. “I wish I could stay longer, but I really must be going.”
Mr. and Mrs. Hansley rose and also took their leave. Nora was as gracious as any duchess should be, and though she stood triumphant over Lady Ellen, she still conveyed a kindness and warmth and interest in her guests that could leave them in no doubt that they would be welcome at Holmrook Castle any time. Most impressive was that Aaron believed Nora sincerely meant it.
“You were brilliant,” he said once they were alone.
“Thank you.” Nora didn’t look at him as she paced across the room and sat before the fire. “Lady Ellen,” she mumbled. “I have to wonder, did you engage yourself to me to avoid marriage to her?”
He rushed to her side. “Of course not.”
“She truly seemed to believe she had a claim on you.” Nora bit her thumbnail, then began mumbling to herself. “How could Lord Bilford be doing it? Who among your servants could be working with him? I’ve talked to everyone who wasn’t at my servants’ meeting. Excepting your friend, Ruthers, they all had sufficient explanations for why they were not there. I don’t know what else to do. Maybe we need to send someone to London to see who is selling your things.”
“Nora?”
“Perhaps if we track down–”
