“Perhaps I wanted you to come here for once,” she said coyly, trying to improve her mood. She didn’t want to be sad about losing Roman. She wanted to enjoy the time they had together.
“I don’t mind coming here,” he said. “I’ll go wherever you are.”
His words were bittersweet because of what she’d overheard today, reminding her that this would end. There would come a time when he would not go where she was ever again.
She pushed those thoughts from her mind and pivoted back so she was facing the mirror instead of Roman. “I hate to ask for more time away, but I need to go on an errand tomorrow afternoon for personal reasons. Please don’t ask me what it is and don’t offer to accompany me.”
“Of course. Take whatever time you need.” He moved toward her, which she could see in the mirror. “Do you require transportation?”
Ellis shook her head. “I’ll be with Jo.”
Roman stopped behind her chair. “That’s good to hear. Will she fetch you from here?”
“No, she doesn’t know I live and work here. She’ll pick me up at Green Park across from Devonshire House.” She met his gaze in the mirror. “And you don’t need to walk me there.”
“All right.” He sounded disappointed and perhaps a trifle defeated.
She didn’t want him to think she wasn’t appreciative of his concern. “Thank you for understanding—I’m grateful for your support. And your trust. I know it’s difficult for you not to press me for answers.”
He held his hands over her shoulders. “May I?” At her answering nod, he massaged her gently. She closed her eyes and sighed, appreciating his touch.
After a moment, Roman made a tsking sound. “I still can’t quite believe how things unfolded this afternoon with Margot and Pritchard. If not for my inept former secretary, our plan would have worked.”
Ellis opened her eyes. “I would say the end result was what they’d hoped for, even if getting there was a little painful.”
“I was concerned they would be found out,” Roman said, a faint grimace creasing his features. “I was sure Harriet was catching on to their not-so-subtle looks of longing.”
Ellis laughed softly. “I did wonder about that too. I worried they would be caught at some point before the plan could be fully executed. If not, it would have had to have been a very short courtship. They were not at all skilled at masking their affection.”
“Very true,” he said, falling quiet as he massaged the space between her shoulder blades.
“Do you think anyone here notices the way we regard one another?” Ellis asked.
“I doubt it.” He shrugged. “Even if they did, they wouldn’t say anything.”
“Not to you, but they may talk amongst themselves or tell a family member or a friend.”
“They would never,” he said confidently.
Ellis turned in her chair to face him, and he took his hands from her. “How can you trust them so implicitly? Everyone has a price or a loyalty.”
“They are loyal to me, and they cannot be bought.” His brows drew together. “Are you genuinely concerned the servants are going to tell someone that we’re having an affair?”
“I’m not worried about it, but I accept there is a risk and that could happen.” She stood and walked toward the bed. Was she feeling annoyed because he seemed obtuse about the possibility of their being discovered? Or was it the realization that their affair was finite?
“Is everything all right?” He sounded concerned, which was very nice. And only added to her inner torment.
She didn’t want to be tormented. Not now. Not when she could spend tonight in his arms and many nights in the days and perhaps weeks to come. She moved to face him, her hip grazing the side of the bed. “I confess I’m thinking about my future a bit. I will likely need to make some decisions about things.”
“Is this to do with your errand tomorrow?” he asked.
“Somewhat.” Ellis wasn’t sure how meeting her father would change things, but it would. And she needed to see Min—and Sheff—soon. Doing that would open up a great many feelings, and perhaps decisions, that she’d been avoiding.
Roman moved to stand at the end of the bed, just a foot or so away from her. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re going to be leaving my employ anytime soon. How can I manage without you?” He smiled.
Ellis arched her brow. “As your secretary or your lover?”
“Both. I need you, Ellis. Shall I show you how much?” He reached for her, and she allowed him to clasp her waist and draw her close.
