His Christian name on her lips bolstered him—this verbal confirmation of closeness affected him almost as much as any physical touch could.
Her words were slow. “I was just in the basement to retrieve more journals, and I encountered Mr. Bauer and Phoebe in a compromising moment. He threatened that if I said something, he’d make things difficult for me. I’m not scared of him, and I’m not intimidated. I’m just furious at his arrogance.”
Gabriel tensed. This entire situation would get out of hand soon. He’d shown part of his hand to Bauer at the hunt, and now it sounded like Bauer was increasing his tactics. Everything within him wanted to find Bauer, demand answers, and take care of the situation himself, but he doubted Ella was the sort of woman whowould be happy having someone else solve her problems. It would be far more prudent to tackle this together. “I think it’s time to take this to your father.”
“No,” she blurted.
“Mr. Hawthorne, then,” he offered gently. “I’ve no problem at all exposing Bauer for what he is.”
She drew a quivery sigh and, after several seconds, nodded. “Perhaps you’re right.”
He looked from the golden strands of her hair to the sincerity in her eyes to the fullness of her lips. Gabriel had always known he’d never be satisfied with a woman who lacked fortitude, and in a society that told women to be quiet and meek, such a lady was rare. Ella’s convictions, wit, and determination were unlike any he’d encountered. Her unique, vibrant energy captivated him every bit as much as her beauty did.
He ached to kiss her—to feel the softness of her lips against his and the warmth of her in his arms, but for now he refrained and stroked his thumb over the top of her hand instead. “I know that you will not rest until everyone knows the truth about Thomas Bauer. I promise you, Ella, that I will be by your side until we see that he answers for his actions, one way or another.”
Chapter 27
AFTER LEAVING GABRIELin the conservatory, Ella walked back to her bedchamber with her heart alive with what she’d just experienced.
Gabriel cared for her. She felt it in his touch. She saw it in his eyes and heard it in his voice.
Her mind hardly knew where to land. A strange, almost dizzy sensation overtook her. She worried for her friend, but at the same time, an enticing vision of a new future for herself formed.
She arrived at her chamber door and opened it, expecting that Mrs. Chatterly had prepared her room for bed. Instead, she was stunned to find Phoebe frantically pacing the space.
The moment Phoebe saw Ella at the door, she rushed toward her. Tears stained her pale cheeks. Her red-rimmed eyes were swollen. “I know what you must be thinking.”
Ella’s nerves tightened at the impending conversation, and she closed the door behind her. Her shock at what she’d encountered and how vilely she’d been treated was still fresh. She wanted to be sympathetic and understanding, but Mr. Bauer’s coldness erased any ounce of compassion she could muster for them as a couple.
Garnering her patience, Ella placed the journals she’d broughtwith her on the small table next to the bed and turned to face her friend. “I assure you, there is no way you could possibly know what I’m thinking. I don’t even know what I am thinking anymore, Phoebe.”
“He’s so kind to me, Ella,” Phoebe exclaimed in a transparent, desperate attempt to sway her. “He loves me! I know you don’t believe me, but it is true.”
A dozen cynical retorts filled Ella’s mind. Why then did he ignore her in group settings? If he really loved Phoebe, why would he be so harsh to her best friend?
“Please say something.” Phoebe faltered, her voice shaky as she laced her fingers together before her. “Your silence is making me nervous.”
Ella rubbed her forehead as she considered her response and sank onto the chair next to the fire. “I can’t say I understand what you are doing. You know that I desire nothing more than for you to be happy, but I must ask: Have you two had a real conversation about the future? Alone? Has he asked about your opinions? Has he asked about you—what you like? Dislike? Does he listen to you, or has he only told you things you want to hear?”
“I-it isn’t like that,” Phoebe stammered, fidgeting with her fingers. “It isn’t.”
“Isn’t it? Oh, Phoebe.” Ella motioned for her friend to join her in the opposite chair. “I beg you. Do not let your admiration or infatuation blind you to truths.”
“Truths?” Phoebe shot back, as if suddenly spurred, before she perched on the edge of the indicated chair. “I’m not blinded. Give me a little credit. I’m fully aware of Mr. Bauer’s virtues and his shortcomings. I’m trusting my intuition. Isn’t that what you always say?”
Ella twitched at how Phoebe misconstrued her past words.
Tears pooled afresh in Phoebe’s eyes. “My time is running out, Ella. Father very well might marry Miss Sutton. The last thing he will want is a grown daughter living under his roof when he’s trying to start a new life. And then what of me?”
At this Ella’s heart softened, for she did understand the fear that came with this transition. To be without security was the greatest concern of any woman she knew, for how could they survive without someone to provide for them? “All I ask is that you do not let fear rule you. You’re far too intelligent for that. Just don’t act . . . rashly.”
“Rashly?” Phoebe’s tone sharpened. “That seems rich coming from you. You—who speaks of intuition. You—who justifies every statement and action by claiming intuition, yet you do not respect it in your friends.”
The hurtful words burned. Not wishing to add fuel to Phoebe’s ire, Ella steadied her tone. “I’m not in an ideal situation either, Phoebe. We all face uncertainty at some point.”
Phoebe crossed her arms over her chest. The sorrow she’d displayed just moments prior had morphed into something darker, something more defensive. “You say that, but your actions say something different. You’re doing everything you can to avoid change, not to mention you’re the only person present who seems intent upon finding fault with Thomas. You are supposed to be my friend, but you feel like an enemy.”
Ella stood from the chair. She would not argue with Phoebe. Not over Mr. Bauer. “I think the best thing for both of us is to get a good night’s sleep. Perhaps we should talk about this in the morning.”
