Page 19 of Stolen by My Knave
“I have,” Elizabeth said. “How are you, Lady Bianca?”
“I’m splendid,” she replied. A slight blush formed on her cheeks as she glanced toward Lord Redmayne.
Was she interested in the earl? If so, then Elizabeth could help her out in that regard as she had none herself. She would consider it a favor and one willingly done to push them together.
“Lord Redmayne,” Elizabeth turned to him. “I have something of import to discuss with my brother. Could you do us a favor an escort Lady Bianca inside?”
The earl looked a little perplexed. He probably didn’t want to appear rude, but clearly had no desire to leave her side. In the end, good manners won. “It would be my pleasure.” He held out his arm to Lady Bianca. “Would you accept my escort?” he asked.
“Yes, my lord,” she said. “Thank you for your kindness.”
The two of them walked off, heading toward the house. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to see them go, and perhaps she helped two people find each other. She hoped so, if it was what they both wanted.
“Ellie,” Nicholas said. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” she replied. “Didn’t you see how Lady Bianca was looking at Lord Redmayne?”
He turned toward the two walking in the distance and frowned. “So, what you’re saying is she’s interested in him. Even though she thinks I’m Christian, and she’d possibly one day be a duchess?”
“Precisely,” Elizabeth agreed. “Speaking of that. I talked to Christian, and he explained what the two of you are doing. It needs to stop before Mama finds out. No more pretending to be him. She’ll call you out on it if she comes across you, and then nothing but embarrassment will ensue.”
Their mother had no qualms about shaming any of them in public. She believed in teaching them a lesson they’d never forget to ensure they didn’t repeat any foolish behavior. There was no doubt that she loved them all, but she had funny ideas about right and wrong. It was part of how she was raised. Elizabeth had to wonder how her parents were and what it was like to grow up in a century with so much advancement. At times, she wished she had the ability to travel through time and see for herself. Instead, she had to settle for second-hand knowledge. Her mother told her a lot and she ate it up. How else was she to learn about the future if her mother didn’t share any of it with her? Speaking of—she really had to have a conversation with her. Elizabeth had to let her know who Jack was. Her mother would be as interested and curious as she was.
“I tried to explain that to Chris,” he responded. Frustration was laced through his words. “But he was being rather stubborn, and Ididlose the bet.”
“What exactly did the two of you wager on?”
“It’s not important,” he replied.
She scrunched up her nose. “I don’t think that’s true, or both of you wouldn’t be hiding the details from me.”
“What are you two discussing?”
They both turned to meet their mother’s gaze. Nicholas groaned at the sight of her. There was no telling how much she’d overheard before making her presence known. Elizabeth was glad to see her. She had a lot to tell her, but their father was at her side and there may be no separating the two of them.
“Nicholas,” their father’s voice boomed through the garden. “I’ve never seen a guiltier look on a person’s face. What have you done?”
Elizabeth kept her mouth shut. She’d tried to help him, but it appeared as if it was too little too late. His fate was in their father’s hands now. He could be even stricter than their mother. His punishments had a different tone and application. Elizabeth rather felt sorry for Nicholas and Christian. They were both going to feel the brunt of their father’s ire.
“We’ll leave the two of you to discuss it,” the duchess said. “Come, Elizabeth, you can tell me how the party has been for you.”
It was exactly what she’d been hoping for, but not at her brother’s expense. Oh, well. They both were aware of the consequences of their actions. She wouldn’t try to defend them. They moved away from her father and Nicholas. Her mother picked up Elizabeth’s arm and looped it through hers as they strolled.
“What is on your mind?” her mother asked. They stopped by a nearby rose bush. It was in full bloom with roses in various shades of red and pink. Her mother kneeled and smelled one of the buds.
Elizabeth wasn’t sure how much she wanted to tell her. They were close, but she was still her mother—and the idea of talking about a potential love interest seemed rather strange. She respected her mother’s opinion though. There was only one way to gain her mother’s perspective, and as uncomfortable as it was to voice her interest...she had to ask.
“Do you know much about the Duke of Whitewood?”
She smiled. “I noticed he’d caught your attention. Do you think he could be the one for you? He’s certainly handsome enough.”
“I’m not sure...” Elizabeth bit her lip. “That’s why I was wondering how much information you had on him.”
“I’ll admit there’s not much. He’s quite reclusive. His title is an old one and all but forgotten before the king awarded it to him. I’m not certain of the details, but it is clear he was raised as a gentleman. His manners are impeccable.”
Elizabeth sighed. “He’s Captain Jack Morgan.”
“Don’t be silly,” her mother chastised. “That’s a foolish tale my mother used to tell us.”
