Ellie nodded then hooked one arm through Tidmore’s and steered the man back along the gravel pathway to the front door. Moments later, the door creaked open and clicked shut. Ellie’s giggle filtered through from the foyer then she and Tidmore swept into the room, the man with a wide smile on his face and clear adoration twinkling in his eyes. Not good. Not good at all.
“It’s your turn, Ashten.” Olivia glanced from him to Ellie then back to him. “You’ll need the ace of spades to beat Winterly’s king of spades, otherwise you and I are sunk.”
“My apologies,” he murmured to Olivia. “I’ve gotten a little distracted during our game, and my last card is a ten.” He played his ten of spades, which wasn’t nearly high enough even though in the suit of trumps.
“We did our best, Your Grace.” Olivia swatted Winterly’s arm as he grinned madly. “You’re gloating.”
“I didn’t even say a word.”
“You’re still gloating.”
Sophia laughed, her grin just as gloating as Winterly’s.
“You two are impossible.” Olivia cast her gaze to Flora. “Mama, you should be telling them both off.”
“I would, my dear, but you’ve already done so, and rather well at that.”
“Congratulations, Winterly, Sophia. A game well played and won.” Ashten straightened in his chair as Ellie left Tidmore’s side and settled a hand on his shoulder from behind. Her touch instantly soothed him, and luckily her family didn’t raise any eyebrows. Still, it took all his willpower not to lift his hand and cover hers on his shoulder in return, then to tug her around and settle her in his lap. That certainly wouldn’t go down well, would most certainly end in Winterly demanding suitable recompense for his behavior. Possibly in the way of a marriage proposal. Hmm, temptation stirred in his chest, the enticement almost too much to bear. His fingers tingled to make a grab for her.
“Mama, come and play.” Winterly stood and tapped his chair for her. “I’d like to adjourn to my study with Ashten and Tidmore. You four ladies can play another game together while we complete our business for the night.”
“I’d love to play another game.” Flora set her embroidery aside and took Winterly’s chair.
Ashten offered his chair to Ellie and tucked it in after she sat.
Desperately, he wished to dunk his nose in her hair and get another deep inhale of her beguiling scent, that of sunshine and fresh air, laughter and love. Those aromas clung to her, and he wanted more of it. Instead, he stepped back from her and smiled at Flora. “In case you’re all abed when our business concludes, I’d like to thank you now for the wonderful meal and your family’s delightful company this night.”
“You are most welcome. It’s wonderful having you here, quite akin in fact to having Harry home. There’s a sense of my family being complete, if you understand what I mean.”
“I do, and you honor me with such a comparison.” He kissed Flora’s knuckles, then kissed Olivia’s. “When we partner again for another game, I shall do my best not to let you down a second time.”
“I’m going to hold you to that promise.” Olivia gave him a stern look as he released her fingers, one which made him chuckle. She was so like Ellie in nature.
He brushed a kiss across Sophia’s knuckles then returned to Ellie’s side, his thoughts all askew. He frowned as he held her hand and brought her fingers to his lips. “Thank you for the lovely day.”
“Even though I trounced you in poker?”
“Even so. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the park.” He released her hand before he no longer could then joined Winterly and Tidmore at the door. He followed the men into Winterly’s study and eased into one of the two forest-green corner padded chairs sitting either side of the lit fireplace, while Tidmore took the other.
Winterly stood at his chunky oak desk and riffled through a stack of investment reports, then after finding what he was after, handed him several pages. “These are the accounts which cover the past year’s profits we’ve made. With your financial contribution though, we won’t just double that number this coming year, but quadruple it.”
He studied the pages, giving his full attention to the figures listed. Winterly and Tidmore answered his questions and together they discussed the finer details surrounding their charges for carrying goods, their intended diversification and cargo. Indeed, if he added the same amount of funds to their investment which both Tidmore and Winterly had already done, then they could easily quadruple any profit made. With a smile, he eyed both men and gave them his answer. “I’m on board.”
“You won’t regret this partnership, Ashten.” Winterly shook his hand.
“I second that.” Tidmore shook his hand too, while Winterly poured brandy from a decanter into three glasses and handed them each a glass.
They toasted their coming venture together, and Ashten settled back into his chair as Tidmore recounted his exploits to date. From the man’s tales, he wasn’t just honorable, but a true gentleman in that he considered his crew’s needs just as strongly as he considered his own, and that sat rather well with Ashten. It was no wonder Winterly and Ellie both enjoyed Tidmore’s company.
Hours later, the logs in the fire mere embers, he rose to his feet. “I’ll hand these papers to my man-of-affairs in the morning, and ensure the funds you need are sent through as quickly as possible.”
“Excellent.” Tidmore dipped his head to him. “If you need any further documents, don’t hesitate to ask and I’ll send whatever you need directly to you.”
“I shall.”
“It’s been a rather eventful evening, gentlemen, one I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.” Winterly walked him and Tidmore to the front door.
All remained quiet farther along the passageway, the drawing room dark, although candles glowed within the iron wall sconces along the stairwell and across the top landing. It had to be well after midnight, the ladies all abed.
Tidmore strode down the front steps and gestured for the stable hand to ready his horse and once the lad brought his mount forward into the driveway, Tidmore swung into the saddle and with a wave to him and Winterly, trotted down the moonlit street.
Ashten rubbed his achy leg. Sitting for hours on end usually caused it to stiffen and he leaned more heavily against his cane as he lifted his greatcoat from the coat rack.
“Stretch and loosen your leg if you need to,” Winterly offered. “Then see yourself out when you’re ready. Jeeves will ensure the door is locked when he extinguishes the candles.”
“I’d appreciate that before I mount up.”
“Have a good night then, Ashten.” Winterly strode up the stairs and disappeared into the darkness.
He massaged his leg then using the wall at his back, braced himself against it and lowered into a squat before rising again. Another two squats and his muscles started to stretch and relax.
“Ashten?” Ellie’s whisper came from somewhere along the upper landing, then she snuck downstairs in a white robe, the hem swishing across her bare toes. With her golden locks free and swaying down her back, she ducked into the dark confines of the drawing room, snuck her head back out and glared at him. “Hurry up. I need to talk to you before you leave, and I don’t want Winterly or Jeeves seeing us together.”
“You’re asking for trouble, Ellie.” He should ignore her request and walk out the front door, only he couldn’t stop himself from striding into the darkened drawing room after her and searching the shadows. “Where are you?”
“Here.” She caught his hand and tugged him behind the door, her breath coming hard and fast, just as his did.
“What did you want to talk about?” He kept his voice low, a mere whisper as he fumbled to find her in the dark. He did though, and curled his hands around her soft cheeks.
“I need to know if your position has changed since your last declaration.”
“Which position and which declaration would that have been?”
“You said you’d thoroughly enjoyed yourself at the park.”<
br />
“I wouldn’t have stated so otherwise.”
“That’s not exactly what I’m asking.” She huffed under her breath, and he damn well wished he could see the frustration which must be passing across her face.
Gently, he traced his fingers down her cheeks and along her lips, beautifully plump and kissable lips. “What are you asking, my sweet?”
“I suppose I’m asking what type of spring flower would you choose should you happen upon a garden abloom with flowers? A fragrant rose, an elegant lily, or would you still choose nothing at all?”
“That is a strange question.”
“Just answer it.” Another huffing breath.
“I’m particularly fond of daisies.”
“Daisies? But they grow wild everywhere.”
“Which is exactly why I’m so very fond of them. The sight of them brings back such wonderful memories, particularly of my childhood. Do you remember the daisy chains you used to weave together then hang all about Winterly Manor? They popped up all about the place, hanging from the banister, the chandeliers, as well as draped over the back of a chair or two.”
“I’m not sure you quite understand my question. Come with me.” She snuck out of the drawing room, tiptoed across to a flower arrangement gracing the foyer table and plucked a daisy free then offered it to him. “Would you accept this daisy, Pierce?”
“I have no need for a daisy right now.”
“Yes, which is as you’ve said all along. You would still choose nothing, or I should say no one, at all.” She dropped the daisy on the table then backed away toward the stairs. “I wish you a good night, and may tomorrow bring you what you most desire.”
“Wait.” He snagged her hand before she could escape. “Where are you going?”
“Back to bed.”
“Before you do, and since we’re chatting so openly, I have a question for you. Is Tidmore the one you intend on eloping with?”
“That question I can’t answer.”
“You two seem rather close.”
“I haven’t kissed him if that’s what you’re asking.” She grasped his lapels and reached up on her toes. “Don’t ever give up on life again. Instead, grab ahold of it by both hands and never let it go. You must live. Promise me you will.”
“It sounds suspiciously as if you’re wishing me a fond farewell.”
“I am, for you are fond of daisies, but don’t intend on ever taking one.” She brushed a kiss across his cheek. “Good night, Your Grace. Sleep well.”
He let her slip away from him, the candlelight shimmering across her freckled cheeks as she dashed back upstairs, then when she reached the top landing, she blew him a kiss and his heart clenched in on itself.
Chapter 14
Early the next evening, right on sunset and after readying herself for her coming night with Tidmore at one of the playhouses on Drury Lane, Ellie halted at Sophia’s doorway. Soft murmurs echoed from within, both Sophia and Olivia’s. She touched the not-quite-closed door, pushed it open, and ducked her head in. Sophia sat on the floral-padded armchair before the window in a pretty lavender day dress with lace edging the heart-shaped neckline, her golden locks falling in soft curls down her back and her gaze fixed on the rear garden beyond the topiary trees, while Olivia sat on the end of Sophia’s canopied bed. “My dear sisters, I missed the request for a meeting.”
“There is no meeting, just interesting conversation.” Sophia turned from the window with a soft smile. “Mr. Tidmore has arrived with Lord and Lady Marriweather in their carriage, and you look glorious in your evening gown. I do adore it when you wear ivory satin and lace.”
“I do too.” Olivia patted the red-gold bedcovers beside her. “The combination and color suits your complexion to perfection.”
“Thank you.” She eased down on the bed and clasped Olivia’s hand in hers. “What have you both been discussing?”
“Actually, you.” Olivia squeezed her fingers. “We’re worried.”
“About what exactly?” She and her sisters never kept any secrets from each other.
“We’re wondering about you and Tidmore.” Leaning forward in her chair, Sophia tapped the armrest. “The two of you had quite an intense conversation in the garden last night, yet when you returned, you swept right in behind Ashten and comforted him with a hand on his shoulder. He wasn’t at all relaxed until you returned, his attention consumed by both you and Tidmore outside and not on the game we played.”
“You don’t look at Tidmore the same way you look at Ashten.” Olivia squeezed her fingers. “That’s impossible to miss.”
“I could sense Ashten needed comforting when I returned, and why the comparison to Tidmore?”
“You told us Tidmore proposed, so of course we’re making the comparison.” A huff from Sophia as she left her chair and sat on her other side. “Do you intend on eloping with him?”
“I must marry.”
“There’s always been a special bond between you and Ashten, right from a very young age.” Olivia frowned as she spoke. “You alone were the one who dragged him out of Blackgale House when no one else could.”
“Yes, but he came here yesterday because of Winterly’s missive,” she countered.
“Humbug.”
“Don’t humbug me.” She tsked Olivia under her breath. “I’m telling the truth.”
“No matter whether Winterly had invited him to attend a business meeting here with himself and Mr. Tidmore, I’m certain Ashten came because he wished to see you.” Olivia raised a challenging brow. “Why else did he race after you and Poole not half an hour after you’d left? Winterly told us so when we quizzed him about what had happened on our return from town, and dare I say it, but both Sophia and I believe Ashten took off after you because his jealousy arose, and a man doesn’t get jealous unless he cares.”
“If there’s any jealousy on Ashten’s part, he won’t do anything about it. Ashten has even declined the chance of taking me to wife.” Heat flushed her cheeks, but she didn’t lower her gaze, only held her position with her sisters. “He doesn’t wish for anything more than mere friendship with me, and there’s also the fact that I’ve turned down five proposals and both of you will one day wish to wed. I must accept a betrothal at some point, so why not with Tidmore? He’s so very similar to me in nature, and we have the same interests too, the piano and the desire to seek adventures on the high seas. I could come to love him, given time.”
Sophia knelt at her feet and grasped her hand. “Ellie, please, if you’re agreeing to elope because of me and Olivia, then don’t. Between the three of us we can find a way to get around Winterly, and Hargrove hasn’t proposed to me as yet. Maybe he will, and maybe he won’t. He only speaks of joining the hussars and his duty to fight in this war. I can’t halt him in his duty, nor do I wish to.”
“I agree with Sophia. Don’t do anything rash.” Olivia squeezed her hands, tears swimming in her eyes, just as they swam in Sophia’s.
“I hate that we must choose to either wed or become spinsters.” Sophia lowered her forehead to Ellie’s lap. “I love you both so much.”
“I love you both too.” Hot tears burned in Ellie’s eyes. “And no matter what decision I make, I will forever hold you both in my heart. We will always be sisters.” She hugged them both tight, then wiped her tears from her cheeks and once she’d composed herself again, she brushed the wrinkles from her ivory gown, tugged on her gloves and adjusted the fur-lined cloak she’d already secured at her neck. “I must go, otherwise Winterly will check on me and discover us all crying. That will only upset him.”
Her sisters nodded their agreement and she left.
She walked downstairs, pushed a smile on her face and entered the drawing room and then smiled in truth. Lord Marriweather stood with Tidmore and Winterly next to the fireplace, the men with whisky glasses in hand, her brother leaning one arm on the oak mantel and their conversation on shipping, cargo, and such. Yes, Tidmore got on famously well with her brother. He wo
uld do very well as a husband, and as Tidmore caught sight of her, he set his whisky glass on the side table next to the decanter and crossed to her.
He bowed, his white cravat knotted and his black tailcoats swaying, his navy breeches tight-fitting and his mid-calf Hessian boots bearing an up-peaking front with a golden tassel gleaming from the top lip. “You look radiant,” he murmured as he caught her hand and kissed her fingers. “I’ve been looking forward to this evening since we parted company last night. The hours in between have rambled on endlessly until now.”
“You flatter me far too much.” Such endearing words, and she adored him for issuing them.
“Yes, you indeed look radiant, my dear.” Mama rose from the blue brocade settee next to Matilde, her second cousin who’d wed Marriweather two years past. Mama gave Tidmore a delightful smile, her voice pitched almost girlishly high as she continued, “Ellie’s papa said the same thing to me the very night before he lowered to one knee and—”
“Mama!” She struck a shocked and hopefully pointed look that said, Don’t say another word.
“—proposed.” Mama grinned mischievously then caught her hand and drew her toward Matilde. “Ellie, Matilde is here and has just shared some wonderful news with us all tonight. Your cousin and her husband are expecting their first child together in the early autumn. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“Oh yes, indeed that’s wonderful. You have my heartfelt congratulations.” She grasped Matilde’s hands as her cousin stood, then hugged her and kissed her cheeks, first her left then her right. Excitement for Matilde thrummed through her. “How have you been feeling?”
“I’m afraid morning sickness has kept me abed for several weeks, but now I’m finally past that dreadful stage, I couldn’t be happier.” Her cousin’s cheeks glowed a rosy hue, the same color as her evening gown, her dark hair pinned atop her head with artful curls escaping.
“I should have paid a visit.” It had been far too long since they’d last caught up.
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