Hugh’s rich chuckle caused an unwelcome flutter in her midsection. She had to ensure she didn’t allow her feelings to grow out of bounds. Ignoring the sensation was a challenge, but she valiantly tried.
“Yes to all of it. I’m still learning. Even though I was always the spare, I was determined to do something else with my life, so I didn’t pay a great deal of attention to the estate as a boy, and then I’ve been gone for years. But for certain there are mines. Iron is the main thing we’re digging out of the ground. But we’re also increasing our cotton production.”
“Cotton? That’s so interesting. I thought it only came from India.”
“Not at all. More and more is coming out of the Midlands. And from the reports I’ve been reading, it would seem my tenants are getting better at processing it as well. I can see that it will be a good thing for me to continue to learn more about. Apparently our steward had been trying to convince Father to try the velvet market, but he was resistant. I will take your advice and see about that.”
Ellen warmed at the thought. She cherished the thought of giving him good advice. Or rather, she hoped it turned out to have been good. One more thing for her to worry about. She didn’t like how this affair was turning her into someone who frets. She hoped it didn’t have to drag out for too long. Her mind was going to turn into a shambles if she wasn’t careful.
The rest of the afternoon passed in an enjoyable blur and before Ellen knew it Margery was helping her into her favorite ball gown and putting the finishing touches on her hair.
“If I didn’t know any better, my lady, I would think you were quite in love. I’ve never seen you look so well.”
Ellen’s throat tightened with fear that the maid might be right, but she tried to brazen it out. “It’s just the excitement of it all,” she insisted. Margery didn’t look convinced but didn’t argue with her on the topic.
It shouldn’t have been such a surprise, but it turned out being a betrothed lady during the Season was a far different experience from being a debutante. Ellen quite enjoyed the change as there was far less pressure upon her to have a partner for every single dance. Of course, she reflected, it was going to be a challenge to give it up when the time came. But for the moment, she supposed, she would enjoy it as Hugh swept her into his arms and onto the dance floor.
~~~~
Tongues were wagging, Ellen was certain, but not in a malicious way. It was highly enjoyable to discuss all the lateston ditswith Hugh when he came to call each afternoon, including the ones about themselves. Each day he faithfully visited her whether he could stay for a long visit or not. They talked about books, the theatre, music they enjoyed playing or listening to, and further discussed his growing plans for Richmond.
Jeffrey, who seemed delighted that his friend was about to become his brother in law, would often spend time with them as well. Ellen couldn’t decide if she loved those times or loathed them. She hated deceiving her family. And while she greatly enjoyed discussing Hugh’s plans for the future, a part of her was beginning to wish she would actually be a part of them.
But they had agreed that he wasn’t ready to actually settle down with a wife, and she wasn’t willing to wait until he was, on the off chance that he would pick her. Maybe they hadn’t actually agreed on that, but they had each stated their stand on the matter.
So now it was just a matter of waiting for his Spanish situation to be resolved and then they would terminate their betrothal. Ellen still couldn’t think of a reason that they would give. No one would really believe they wouldn’t suit.
Despite Hugh’s still being in mourning, everywhere they went they were looked upon with approval. Ellen was surprised. She shouldn’t have been, though. As with everything, the rules were often eased considerably for men than for women. She tried not to be irritated. It certainly wasn’t Hugh’s fault. And he was being a most attentive fiancé.
Her smile was genuine when he brought her a drink at a rout or sat with her at a musicale. And she greatly enjoyed his witty companionship when he escorted her to the theatre. She had enjoyed herself so much that she couldn’t even remember what they had seen.
Ellen bit her lip as she gazed into her reflection one morning. She was enjoying their association a great deal. It was far more entertaining to view Society as a committed woman rather than a single one. She had no desire to remain single any longer. But maybe for Hugh she could change her stance. If all he needed was time, what harm would it actually do to wait? Just because Theodora got married within weeks of her debut didn’t mean she had to do so. It wasn’t as though their family couldn’t afford for her to dither about in Society. She would, of course, need to wed before Amelia was ready for her debut, but surely she needn’t rush her own choices. Lady Constance would be glad for the company.
With a sigh and a shake of her head, Ellen brought herself to task. Despite how compatible she and Hugh had always seemed to be, and their one kiss long ago notwithstanding, Hugh had given no indication that he had any sort of preference for her. She couldn’t put her life on hold in the hopes that he might come to see her as anything other than a friend.
Their betrothal would have to end.
And so it was that ten days after they’d become betrothed, Hugh was finally escorting her on the promised excursion to Vauxhall. With wide eyes, Ellen held tight his hand as they stepped off the boat. She hadn’t expected it to be so big.
Hugh had explained to her that they could have arrived by way of Westminster Bridge but that arriving by water would be far more charming. She couldn’t argue with him. She was charmed.
“I’ve booked us a supper box but we are plenty early. We can wander around and see the entertainments first if you’d like.”
Ellen nodded at his offer and held tight to his arm while keeping an eye out for Margery, who had been sent along as their only chaperone that evening. It had been quite a shock to her when her parents had agreed to the outing. She would have expected they would require at least there to be a party to attend.
“You’re nearly married,” Mother had said, “I needn’t be quite so strict with you, I don’t suppose.”
After wandering through the ruins and statues and admiring the cascade, Hugh finally settled Ellen and Margery into their box and gestured for a waiter to bring them their food.
“I must warn you, though,” he explained, “the suppers here aren’t famous for their satisfying quality.”
Ellen waved away his concerns. “I’m far too excited to eat much anyway, so it is just as well that it shan’t be a heavy meal.”
True to Hugh’s word, the ham was thin and the rest was scanty, but as Ellen watched the mingling crowds of nobles and commoners alike she couldn’t say she even tasted her meal such was her excitement. It had already been a long day for Margery, though, and she was far less excited over the prospects. Even as Ellen and Hugh got lost in conversation, the poor maid was falling half asleep.
“You stay here and watch my reticule, Margery; we are just going to go for a short walk before we head for home.”
“Are you certain, my lady? I ought to stay in your company.”
