Page 64 of A Marriage of Convenience with a Rake
“No, no,” he smiled at her a little absentmindedly. “No, my dear. I was just wondering where you were, and who was in here at this time. It’s late.”
Eleanor frowned. She had taken some dinner an hour ago—or she thought it was an hour or so ago, but when she looked at the clock, she was surprised to see it was already nine in the evening.
“I suppose,” she murmured.
“Will you not retire to bed?” the Marquess asked softly. “It’s cold too, even with a fire, it’s cold.”
“I am quite well,” Eleanor answered. She had not noticed how cold it was, but now that he drew her attention to it, she shivered. The fire’s warmth only just reached as far as where she sat and, though she wore a dress with long sleeves, it was still cold.
“Just thought I’d ask,” the Marquess said gently. “And do go to bed soon. It really is too cold in here.”
“Thank you, I will,” Eleanor answered softly. She gazed over at the clock. She wished she had the courage to ask the Marquess about the story, but she could barely bring herself to say it. She somehow didn’t want to ask and know the truth, whatever it was, and yet at the same time, knowing might be better than simply wondering whether it was all some terrible rumor Jonathan had heard.
She took a deep breath.
“I’m certain my son will return soon,” the Marquess said gently.
“I hope so,” Eleanor whispered.
He smiled. “I’m sure he will. He’s a strong sort...it takes a great deal to make the merest indent on the fellow.”
Eleanor smiled. “I am sure you’re right.”
The Marquess smiled back. “I am, my dear. Now, I’m going to retire to bed. It’s far too cold for me in here tonight.”
“Goodnight,” Eleanor said softly.
“Goodnight, Miss Eleanor. I trust you will sleep well.”
Eleanor thanked him and sat listening to his footsteps as hewent down the hallway. She let out a long sigh. At least, with him to talk to, she did not feel so terribly lost.
What if it’s true? she asked herself. What if that’s what was the matter with him all along?
She swallowed hard. He had been so cold initially—so much so that she had thought he had agreed to his father’s wishes simply because he could see it enraged her. And that night he’d shouted at her—had he been worried that she might have heard the rumor about him?
“I’m a fool,” she whispered.
She had not believed any of the rumors—she had trusted her own heart, which could see no ill in Sebastian. But evidently there was some truth to it. He had clearly wandered about England taking advantage of every woman he met, and this was the result. And she had believed he was sweet and kind! She felt like such a fool.
She blinked, hearing footsteps in the hallway. She looked up to see one of the maids, whose name was Emily, hurrying past. She half-stood, her heart thudding.
“My lady!” Emily put her head in through the door. “It’s his lordship! He’s back.”
“Oh.” Eleanor swallowed hard. Her heart raced and her thoughts collided with each other in a mass of confused emotions. She stood up, not knowing what to say or how to respond.
“Please ask him to step in.”
The maid inclined her head nervously and hurried off.
Eleanor stood where she was, heart thudding in her chest. She glanced around the room, feeling almost nauseous with fear and confusion.
“Eleanor!” Sebastian’s voice was loud where he stood in the doorway, his face lit up with delight. As he took a step forward, his expression changed to one of worry and consternation.
“What?” she said tightly.
“Are you...all right?” he asked, hurrying to her and taking her hand. “What is it? What is the matter?”
Eleanor swallowed hard. Her face must have showed the pain and confusion she felt, because he was holding her hand, gazing into her eyes in concern.
