"Even if I agreed, I would be more than happy to receive your family in my sitting room, Spencer." Elise grumbled.
"I'd like to see this room." Mirabelle declared.
"May we take our tea in there?" Celine asked as she rose.
"Of course!" Elise replied as she stood. "If you'd be so kind as to lead me out?" She asked as reached for Gilles.
Once in the hall, Elise let go of his arm and lead the way, her fingers snapping as she turned into the ballroom. She was half way through the room before she realized that only Gilles was following her.
"My word! What a lovely collection!" Mirabelle sighed as she drifted around the various pieces.
Celine took her time moving from piece to piece. "The light in here, it is lovely. Such an inspired use of this room."
"Basil created this for me. He thought that since we had no use for a ballroom, he would turn it into my own personal gallery." She glided over to the horse and trailed her hands along it's back.
"That's your favorite?" Alastair asked as he approached her.
"Yes. I used to wonder what it would be like to ride a horse. Spencer took me for my first ride this morning. It was wonderful!"
"How sweet of you, Gilles!" Mirabelle cooed. "I never realized you had it in you to be so romantic."
Gilles cleared his throat.
"With the right woman, I can be very romantic."
"I see!"
"Weren't we going to the sitting room?" Gilles asked impatiently.
Everyone agreed and Elise turned and led them through the ballroom. Alastair came along side her, watching her walk.
"How does the snapping help?" He asked.
Elise smiled. "I can feel sound as it moves through a room. I feel when it hits objects and moves around them."
"Remarkable."
Elise turned into the small hallway and then into her sitting room. She went straight to her chair and sat, curling her feet under her.
Alastair nodded his head as he looked around the room.
"This is your room." He stated as he stepped onto the terrace and disappeared from sight.
Gilles sat in his chair, crossing his ankles. As he watched his mother and sister question Elise he noticed she was more comfortable responding to them here. It had been a mistake to have her meet them in the other room. She was in her element here.
Holderson entered with a new tea tray and set it down. Celine repoured and added the sugar and milk to Elise's cup before handing it to Gilles so he could set it on the table in the right position.
Alastair returned and sat opposite Elise.
"The paths in the garden are lined with different herbs and flowers so you can find your way."
Elise nodded over her cup.
"Brilliant."
"Lady Elise, Longwood truly is your home." Celine remarked gently.
Mirabelle nodded and sighed.
"This is truly meant to be." She declared. She took a bite of a scone and sighed again. "And these are divine. I may never leave."
"These are lovely!" Celine agreed and turned towards the piano. "I assume you play, Lady Elise?"
"She's a virtuoso." Gilles said as he extended his hand so his finger could trace the back of her hand as it rested on the arm of her chair. He hadn't realized he'd done it until he looked up and saw three sets of eyes staring at him. Other than her rapidly blinking eyes, Elise was completely frozen.
"What are you doing?" She whispered.
"I have no idea."
Mirabelle giggled. "Please play for us! If anything, it will keep my brother from doing anything awkward for a few minutes."
Elise got up and made her way to the piano.
"How do you read music?" Mirabelle asked.
"I don't." Elise stated as she began to play an arrangement of Canon in D.
Everyone was spellbound as the notes rippled through the room. When the last note faded Celine and Mirabelle applauded and gushed.
Alastair had stood by the piano watching Elise's hands.
"How many pieces do you know?"
Elise chewed her lip and considered the question for a moment before shaking her head.
"I don't know."
"If you had to guess?" Alastair asked.
"Three or four hundred... Maybe."
"You've memorized three or four hundred pieces of music?"
"Maybe more. I've been playing since I was three."
"Amazing." Alastair announced. "How do you learn a new piece?"
"Someone plays it for me once or twice."
"That's it?"
"That's it." She confirmed.
"Mirabelle, I told Lady Elise that you might help her learn new music." Gilles said as he walked to the sideboard and poured brandy for him and Alastair.
"I'd be delighted though I imagine my skills will seem crude compared to hers."
"I'm sure you're very good! And it would mean so much to me. I usually have to wait for my solicitor to visit and he only brings one or two pieces."
"I have a few pieces in my trunk, I can bring them down later." Mirabelle offered.
"Please do! It would make me happier than you could possibly imagine."
The rest of the afternoon passed quickly. Celine, Alastair and Mirabelle settled in their rooms and lunch was a relaxed event. Mirabelle and Celine discussed acquaintances while Alastair and Gilles discussed recent politics. Elise was content to listen and learn as much as she could about her new companions. Occasionally, Alastair would ask her a question about how she managed day to day tasks.
Chapter 14
After lunch, Mirabelle and Elise sat at the piano and learned three new pieces. Alastair seemed impressed at Elise's ability to memorize music so quickly. Despite her modesty, Elise found Mirabelle to be a skilled piano player and delighted in having someone to listen to for more than a few minutes. At the mention of a duet, Elise became as excited as she had the evening prior at the prospect of a riding a horse.
"I'll do my best not to let you down, Lady Elise. You're much better than I am."
"Nonsense, you play so well!"
"I did think so until I heard you."
"It's the only thing I have to do. I wouldn't want you to have had the sort of time on your hands for practice as I've had."
"I suppose. But you'll have far less time now that we're here. We'll keep you busy and once things with you and Gilles are settled, I'm certain he'll find all sorts of ways to complicate your life."
"Settled?"
Before Elise could question Mirabelle further, Gilles strode into the room and summoned Alastair to the study. After the men left, Elise turned back to Mirabelle to continue the conversation but was interrupted by Celine's suggestion that they take a walk in the garden before preparing for dinner.
"This garden is just magical!" Mirabelle exclaimed as she dipped her hand in a fountain.
Elise let her hand brush though some lavender, breathing in the scent. She felt calm despite a niggling of concern that had begun shortly after Gilles' family's arrival. It wasn't them, she found them each to be open and accepting of her and she enjoyed their company immensely. Especially Mirabelle, she felt as is they were already good friends. It was their expectations that had her worrying. Mirabelle had made a few comments that alluded to her and Gilles having more of a future than was likely. It didn't seem fair to give them the wrong impression and not correct them. Elise didn't want to disappoint them.
"I think I should be frank with the both of you. I was so nervous about meeting you and you've set me at ease and I feel like we could all become very close. I've never had friends and it means a great deal to me. I feel it only right that I should be honest with you. There is no understanding between Spencer and myself. In fact, I'm quite certain that there won't be. He has been very kind and we do enjoy each other's company but it would be unfair to allow you to set your hopes towards us marrying."
"This surprises me, mignon!" Celine said as she linked their arms. "I believe that Gilles feels d
ifferently but that does not matter if you do not have feelings for him and do not wish to marry him. Though it would seem that you care for him, do you not?"
"I... I do care very deeply for him. But I believe he understands as well as I do that a marriage between us would be inappropriate and that I wouldn't be the sort of wife he needs."
"I do not doubt that you are exactly the sort of wife he needs but why do you think it would be inappropriate for you to marry him?"
"My reputation is quite damaged. And even if it weren't, I can't fulfill the role of his countess. I can't host dinners and balls and attend luncheons and teas. I have never left Longwood. If I ever did it would be to settle into Harwood Grange and I'd never leave again. He doesn't need an invalid for a wife."
"We can address the rest of your concerns but please tell me how your reputation is damaged. I've never heard your name mentioned, let alone attached to a scandal of any sort."
Elise repeated the story of her arrival at Longwood and her experiences with Surrey society. With Celine on one arm and Mirabelle on the other, she was less effected than when she'd discussed it with Gilles earlier.
"Those vipers! I'll set them straight!" Mirabelle thundered.
"Mon petite belle enfant!" Celine exclaimed and she lovingly squeezed Elise's arm. "No one will ever speak of you in such a way again and we will indeed fix them. Please do not spare a single moment worrying about this reputation. These are the cruel manifestations of tiny, uncultured minds." Celine patted Elise's hand reassuringly. "It is all nonsense, just as is your assumption that you are an invalid and would not be a good wife to my son. You will see."
"You're so kind, you can't know how much that means to me. But I'm not marrying him."
"We must agree to disagree. For now, mignon." With that, Celine rushed towards the house, leaving a stunned Elise and amused Mirabelle in the garden.
Mirabelle put her arms around Elise.
"I imagine it's a lot to take in. A few days ago your life was your own and now you have Spencers invading your home and turning your life upside down. You'll get used to us and our chaos. And you must excuse Maman, she can be quite overbearing but she means well."
"Then you understand why Spencer and I won't be marrying?" Elise asked. She knew she should be relieved that at least Mirabelle wouldn't be disappointed and she'd been honest with his family. She just didn't understand why she was so disappointed herself.
"Oh, no. Maman is right. She's just overbearing. Make no mistake, you're marrying my brother. He wouldn't have asked us to come if he hadn't already decided. We're just going to have to change your mind."
"I'm sure you've misread his reasons for inviting you to Longwood."
"Not at all. I think it's time we went inside and prepared for dinner."
It seemed that the discussion was over for now, Elise thought. Mirabelle was fooling herself if she thought her mother was the only one that was overbearing. She shook her head. She'd have a talk with Gilles, it would be easier for him to set them straight.
Chapter 15
Anna bustled about the room preparing Elise's clothing for the evening. Her chatter barely registered as Elise rose from the tub and dried off. Her mind was occupied with the events of the afternoon. She nodded as Anna told her of the selections she'd made. Her maid was excited, a new dress had been finished just that afternoon and she was sure to make a good impression.
"Anna, they think I'm marrying his lordship." Elise stated as she felt a chemise fall over her.
"I'd be surprised if they didn't, my lady." Anna replied as she reached across her. She heard and felt perfume being applied. Elise gripped her maid's arm to still her.
"Why? What don't I know?"
"As to that, I can't say entirely. Do you know that he walks around here looking like he's got his head in the clouds? I hear that when you're in the same room he can't see anything else. He already dotes on you as if you were his wife."
Elise sighed and shook her head.
"I won't deny that we have become quite close but I think everyone is misreading his kindness. Spencer likes taking care of his friends and family. I think he feels responsible for me and it's all just being misunderstood."
"I think you're protesting a little to much, my lady. I know you better than you think and I'd say you're in as bad a shape as he is. And it's about time, girl."
"Anna! You're quite mistaken." Elise could feel a blush creeping up her neck.
The maid leaned in close and whispered.
"Am I, dear? Then perhaps you could explain this love bite." She giggled as she poked Elise gently on her lower chest, below the line of any of her bodices.
Elise gasped and instinctively covered it. She was certain she was beyond blushing.
"As I said, it's about time. And I can't blame you for allowing him liberties. I'd let him put his boots under my bed any night."
"I need my dressing gown!" Elise jumped off her stool and paced.
"Calm down, dear! You know I won't say anything about this."
Elise nodded. And put on the robe.
"I need to speak to him. Now."
"You're not dressed!" Anna hissed as Elise headed for the door that connected their rooms. "My lady! You can't go in there, it wouldn't be proper!"
"Why? It's not as if I'll see anything." She replied as she knocked. After a minute with no response she knocked again.
"Enter." Gilles called from the other side.
Elise turned the handle and stormed in.
Chapter 16
Gilles was in the middle of shaving when he'd heard the first knock. He assumed it must have been intended for the other room and hadn't come from the door connecting his room to the countess' chambers. That would be most unlikely. He shrugged and continued. There was another knock. This time he was sure it had come from the connecting door. Gilles looked at his valet and almost laughed at his terrified expression.
"Enter."
The door swung open and Elise stormed in. She was wearing her dressing robe and an ivory chemise peeked at the neckline and hem. Her hair was loosely pinned on top of her head and damp curls framed her face. She'd just finished her bath. The smell of lilies and citrus reached him.
Gilles closed his eyes briefly as he felt his body tighten in response. His cock stirred. His valet cleared his throat and Gilles noted his obvious disapproval. He was shirtless and his breeches were undone. She didn't know that but his valet was horrified nonetheless. He signaled for him to leave. Despite his scandalized expression, he scurried from the room.
"What's wrong?" Gilles asked as he turned back to the mirror and continued shaving.
Elise crossed the room and stood within feet of him. She leaned in and sniffed.
"What is that?"
"I'm shaving. Did you come to learn about my ablutions or was there something else?" Gilles noticed movement in the mirror and saw her maid pop her head into the room. "Shut the door, Anna."
"I don't think I should, my lord" the maid replied as she pretended not to look at him.
"I insist, for my modesty's sake. I won't attack your mistress. Though I'm not so certain of my safety."
Gilles heard Anna chuckle as she shut the door.
"Are you naked?" Elise whispered.
"Only half. Would you care to find out which?" He asked as he resumed shaving. "Why are you here, Elise? I'm assuming it's urgent."
"Your family and the staff believe that we're going to marry. I assume it's wishful thinking with the staff but your family believes there's an understanding between us."
Gilles grimaced. He'd hoped to have some strategy going into this conversation. As of yet, he had none. He remembered Holderson's comments.
He decided calm decisiveness was probably the best way to start. Gilles continued shaving, trying to maintain a relaxed demeanor.
"Yes. My family believes we're to be married."
"Shouldn't we do something?"
"I'd like to." He mumbled as he scraped the blade un
der his nose.
"I tried to explain to your sister and mother that it was unlikely. I think it would be best if you told them directly that we're not getting married." Elise was a bundle of nerves. Her foot was tapping and she was wringing her hands.
"Why would I do that?" Gilles turned his head and tilted it back so he could work along his jaw.
Elise made an exasperated sound and flung her arms up.
"So they don't think we're getting married! I like your family, I don't want to disappoint them."
"It would hardly make sense for me to tell them that we aren't when I've made it clear that that is my intention." Gilles finished and began toweling off. "I'm glad you like them, I can tell they're pleased that I've chosen you. So, there's no need to worry that they'll be disappointed." He turned and walked towards her.
Elise's eyes had gone huge. She was shaking her head and backing towards the door.
"No! Why would you tell them that?"
Gilles took her shoulders and led her to a chair before the fire.
"Because I want to marry you." He went back to the basin and splashed water on his face and dried it.
"Why? Surely you know that it would be disastrous."
"Because you're mine. And I disagree, it would be in no way disastrous. Quite the opposite I think."
Elise remembered his declaration the first night she slipped into his room. "Mien." She shivered.
"When did you decide this?" She asked, her voice suddenly suspicious.
"That you were mine? When we met."
She snorted and shook her head.
"No. When did you decide that you wanted to marry me?"
"Ah. Right after I decided you were mine."
"Could you be serious?"
"I'm perfectly serious. Why do you think I sent for maman the next morning?"
"You said we needed a chaperone, you didn't mention anything about marriage."
"Maman is a rather extreme choice for a chaperone. If I were merely observing proprieties I could have found someone here rather easily. Having her here serves two purposes: I get to introduce her to my future wife and I'm publicly signaling my intentions."
Saved By A Siren: Spencers in Love Book One Page 8
