“Never that I know of, but it’s just that important, Margery. Besides, the entire household loves to gossip.”
“That they do, but you know I can tell the difference between what’s to be said and what isn’t.”
“I know, I’m just so consumed by it all.”
“Tell me quick and you’ll feel better.” The servant assured her even as she was readjusting the pins in Ellen’s hair and brushing out pieces here and there.
Ellen sighed. “It’s not real. Hugh is only becoming betrothed to me because of some mission he has been doing for the King.”
Margery’s chin dropped down in a satisfying display of shock. “Oh my lady, here I was thinking he had remembered his youthful love for you after all this time.”
Ellen smiled through the tears that suddenly gathered at the words. “Nothing so romantic but nearly as dramatic.”
“And you agreed to this?” Margery demanded. “I take it from the need for secrecy he isn’t telling your parents his true intentions?”
“I did agree. As I said, it’s for the King.”
Margery’s hum of disapproval was all that was needed to indicate her feelings. Suddenly, though, the footman was at the door and there was a tumult of activity while Ellen was bundled into her spencer. Within moments she was seated beside Hugh and they were bowling along toward the Park with her mother’s congratulations ringing in their ears.
Silence had fallen between them. Finally, Ellen broke it.
“Was it dreadful?” her voice felt small.
“Deceiving two of my favorite people?” he asked for clarification. “I’m sorry to admit I’ve had a great deal of practice in the past four years.”
Ellen nodded. “I know you’re disappointed to be ending that life, but surely that is one thing to be happy about. You shan’t have to play a role any longer.”
“You don’t think being Viscount of Richmond is a role?”
“Perhaps it feels that way right now, but it’s at least real. You might not like that reality, but it isn’t a lie.”
It was only because she was watching him so closely that she noticed him clench his fist and then as though through the power of his will he forced everything to relax. It wouldn’t have been terribly evident to a casual observer, but Ellen was far from that. In the blink of an eye, he was just as sunny dispositioned as usual.
“You were probably a terribly good agent weren’t you?”
Hugh chuckled. “I’m surprised you would think so with the blunders I’ve made in the last se’en-night, including getting you involved.”
Ellen nodded. “That was unfortunate; I have to agree with you. But some of the issue was me, let’s face it. If I hadn’t been so nosy or curious, it might have been a completely different story.” Ellen shook her head even though he probably couldn’t see her, as his attention was directed to driving his pair of horses. “I wasn’t referring to that though. It’s your uncanny ability to hide your feelings. That must have stood you in good stead in your work.”
They lapsed into silence but it was the companionable sort. Having spent a great deal of time with him in the last two days, Ellen had grown more relaxed in Hugh’s company. She was trying not to harbour her anger towards him, as it would do them no good in their current situation. And they had both been very young. Thinking about it would do her no good, either, so she thought conversation would be in order.
“Tell me what you have planned for Richmond.” She had obviously surprised him as he turned wide eyes upon her.
“What do you mean? Do you think I ought to be making changes? I feel as though that would be presumptuous on my part, since I wasn’t even supposed to inherit.”
Ellen sighed softly and laid her hand on his arm. “But you did inherit, Hugh. You didn’t go searching for it, you are certainly not responsible for their deaths, but it did happen, and now Richmond is yours. You cannot just leave it as is. And if you make some plans you can be enthusiastic about, surely that will help you accept the role that has been thrust upon you.”
Hugh’s intent stare at his horses’ ears made Ellen think he was either ignoring her or deep in thought. Suddenly he turned that piercing stare upon her while still skillfully guiding his team.
“How did you become so wise?”
She shrugged and smiled despite the heat climbing into her cheeks. “That’s what happens when years go by.”
They again turned their gazes away from one another but conversation continued. Ellen couldn’t have said if it was comfortable or not. She herself was full of conflicted feelings, but she was glad to be talking rather than worrying too much.
“I hadn’t really given thought to making changes at Richmond, but now that you’ve given me the idea, I’m certain there are plenty of modernizations I could undertake. It would surely lead to it being more profitable, which will benefit the tenants as well as me and the estate itself.”
Ellen nodded, pleased to see him growing in enthusiasm for the topic. “What do you do at Richmond? Is it mines or flocks or some other thing that I cannot think of at the moment?”
