Ellis moved into the staircase hall and slowly made her way upstairs. This was home, or one of them, anyway. But this was the place where she’d spent the most time over the past seventeen years of her life. There was also Beacon Park and the Grove, the beloved home near Weston, where she and Min spent every August and where their little club of friends had been formed. It was also where Pandora had been ruined and the Rogue Rules had been born.
Ellis yawned as she finally made her way into Min’s chamber. It was pink and rose and almost unbearably floral. It had been designed by their mother and wasn’t particularly to Min’s taste. Strangely, Ellis liked it, though she’d never said so. The busy flower patterns appealed to her for some reason, and she liked the pink with the small accents of ivory and green.
Did that mean she had at least something in common with her mother? Ellis didn’t like to think so, but again, she had to accept what was and not what she hoped for.
Jack delivered her valises, and like the butler, he welcomed her effusively before departing. Ellis couldn’t help but smile through her exhaustion. It felt good to be home.
Ellis woke late that morning and took the breakfast that Percy had offered earlier. The cook had included her favorite apricot jam, and again, Ellis couldn’t help smiling. It was remarkable, given how heavy her heart felt after how things had ended with Roman last night. Perhaps it was time to let the past—even the most recent—go.
Her breakfast had come with a note from Jo asking Ellis to join her in the drawing room whenever she finished, if she wanted to.
After pinning up her hair and donning a simple day dress, Ellis regarded herself in the glass and was pleased with what she saw. No more facial hair or wigs. She wasn’t Lady Minerva’s companion, nor was she the Marquess of Keele’s secretary. She was also no longer his lover. She was just simple Miss Dangerfield, and she liked that.
She went downstairs to the drawing room on the first floor. Jo and Sheff were there together, and as soon as she stepped over the threshold, Sheff shot to his feet. He grinned. “Ellis, you’re back. I’m so happy to see you.”
He came toward her and embraced her tightly. She closed her eyes for a moment and welcomed his comfort.
“Thank you. I’m glad to be back.”
He guided her to the seating area, and she sat down on the settee next to Jo, who took her hand and smiled. “Is it all right that you’re in Min’s room?”
“It’s strange,” Ellis admitted. “But it’s comfortable.”
“You can redecorate it however you like,” Sheff said. “You’re also welcome to an entirely new wardrobe.”
Ellis pressed her lips together. “That is most generous of you, but I cannot accept.”
Sheff’s brow furrowed briefly. “Why not? You’re a member of this family.”
“I suppose I am, but I don’t see a life for myself here in London. What would I do? Be a governess to your child?” She glanced at Jo’s belly.
“We would never ask you to do that.” Jo hesitated. “Unless… Is that what you want to do?”
“No,” Ellis said. “I would prefer to be a loving aunt.”
Sheff grinned. “So, you shall be. You are welcome here for as long as you like. Forever.”
Ellis hoped she wasn’t going to hurt their feelings. “I deeply appreciate that, Sheff—more than you can know. However, I would like to make my own way. I thought I might try to become a librarian, though not here in London.”
“You would make an excellent librarian,” Jo said.
“Won’t you miss it here?” Sheff asked with genuine concern.
Ellis realized she would. This was her home, and they were offering her the opportunity to keep it. But she didn’t want to be the spinster aunt, at least not in the same household.
Sheff gestured toward her. “If you’d rather live somewhere else, we can arrange for that too. Or you could go live with Father in Marylebone. He said he’d be delighted to have you. He’s always loved you, you know.”
Again, Ellis felt too much emotion welling within her. “Thank you. I will consider your kind suggestions.”
Jo rested her hand on her belly. “Well, if you chose to stay with us until I have the baby, I wouldn’t mind the support. I am thrilled to have a sister.”
Ellis couldn’t deny she felt the same. She now had two sisters and a brother. She also had a living mother and a living father, neither of whom she wanted anything to do with. She was incredibly troubled about Rowland Harker and the conversation she’d had with Roman last night. She couldn’t fault him for his anger but hoped he wouldn’t act on it.
Hurting his wife’s lover wouldn’t make him feel better, but Roman had to determine that for himself. Ellis could not make his problems hers. Not after he’d so clearly turned away from her after she’d done precisely what he’d asked of her—to share her burden with him.
“We’re so happy you’re here,” Jo said. “Can I ask why?” she added tentatively.
Ellis exhaled. “Did you tell Sheff about Rowland Harker and Roman’s wife?”
