“I think Mrs. Ellis is brilliant, and it would be wonderful to have another woman working at Lacey and Company, even though she doesn’t actually work for Lacey and Company.” Margot gave Ellis an encouraging smile. “I like working with her. And thank you, Papa, for giving me the chance to work with Lacey and Company. I can’t think of any other fathers who would allow that.”
Ellis couldn’t either, and she found herself envying Margot Lacey. She had two wonderful, supportive parents. It was no wonder Roman had continued to maintain a close relationship with them after his wife’s death. Especially since he didn’t have parents of his own.
“I have no issue with Mrs. Ellis’s employment,” Mr. Lacey said. “In fact, it would be a shame if she were to leave. It’s clear she’s an exceptional secretary.”
“Can she now dress as a woman and simply be Mrs. Ellis?” Margot asked, her brow creased with concern.
“I have no problem with that.” Roman slid his attention toward Ellis, his eyes glittering with anticipation.
She could tell he was eager to see her dressed as a woman, and she could not deny the relief that coursed through her at the prospect of no longer having to dress as a man or wear this horrible hair on her face.
However, much as she wanted to dress as a woman, she needed to think about the consequences of doing so. The servants in the house would know she was a woman, and the more people who knew, the higher the risk that some member of the Henlow household would find her. She wasn’t worried about facing any of them anymore—she’d already decided she wanted to see Min and Sheff soon. She never wanted to see the duchess again, but since it seemed she was not in London, that was not in danger of happening.
The problem with discovery now was that she was secretary to the Marquess of Keele, and she wasn’t a widow. She was a young, unmarried woman, and her position in Roman’s household would be viewed as scandalous. Whilst Ellis didn’t care about her own reputation, she wouldn’t allow this situation to reflect poorly on Roman, or on Min or Sheff if her identity as Min’s former companion was revealed.
Ellis realized the others were watching her expectantly, and with kindness and encouragement. She felt surprisingly emotional. Why? Because, like Roman, they wanted her for who she was and what she could offer. “Thank you. I appreciate your support and understanding. I’ll have to think about whether I want to give up my disguise.” For now, she removed the rest of the beard as it was failing anyway.
“I do understand,” Mrs. Lacey said sympathetically. “There will be people who are scandalized by Keele having a female secretary, especially since you live here. I confess I will need to become accustomed to the arrangement.”
“But she’s a widow,” Mr. Lacey argued. “There’s no need for her to protect her reputation.”
“Not in the same way,” Mrs. Lacey pointed out. “However, there will be some who think it’s inappropriate, and Mrs. Ellis won’t wish to be shunned.”
Mrs. Lacey was right. If Ellis was going to be a woman, it might be best if she returned to the boarding house. The thought of leaving Roman’s household made her surprisingly sad.
“I like that she lives here,” Roman said. “We have a highly professional relationship, and that’s all that should matter. Shall we return to business?”
Ellis was grateful to him putting an end to the conversation. They continued with the meeting, and Ellis tried not to think too much about what would happen next. But when the meeting concluded, her anxiety returned.
After the Laceys departed, she stood in front of her chair and put her head in her hands.
Roman came to her and tried to wrap his arms around her. She backed away from his embrace. “You can’t do that.” She glanced nervously toward the open door of the library. “I need to go to my chamber. I can’t have Graham or anyone else seeing me without my beard—not until I determine what to do.”
Roman took her forearms and turned her so that her back was to the door. “Now no one can see you if they come in, all right?”
Giving her a caring smile, he clasped her hands and massaged the backs with his thumbs. “Don’t fret, Ellis. All will be well. You saw how the Laceys reacted, and I’ve told you my retainers are discreet. They will not share your secret. Besides, the Widow Ellis story is a good one.”
“I shouldn’t have used the name Ellis when I came here. If the Laceys or one of your servants mentions the name ‘Mrs. Ellis’ in reference to your secretary, who happens to lodge here, that might draw someone’s attention. And if they share that I have blonde hair, it would be easy to make the connection that I am Ellis Dangerfield, former companion to Lady Minerva Halifax. Now, Lady Minerva Pierce.”
“Who would know any of these things?” Roman asked with a slight chuckle.
“You put it all together,” Ellis replied, and Roman grimaced faintly. She took her hands from his and clasped them in front of her. “Presumably, the employees at Lacey and Company will also come to know who I am, as well as those working at the New Bond Street library. The circle grows wider, and so does the risk of my being found.”
“What if you continue to wear a wig over your blonde hair?” Roman suggested. “You could be a brunette.”
Ellis blinked. “That’s a good idea. I don’t have one, however.”
“Then we’ll procure one,” he said.
“I also need my clothes from the boarding house.”
“We’ll go there too.”
“And what about the servants?” she asked. “You’re just going to tell them I’m a woman?”
“Leave it to me.” He held her gaze and looked quite serious. “You said you trusted me.”
“I do.” The tightness in her chest loosened. Her fear and anxiety diminished, and it was all because of the man in front of her. He’d done so much to give her a safe place. That was it—she felt safe here. With him. She’d never experienced that before.
