Chapter Sixteen
“Millicent, will you come and stay with me while you are in London?”
Eleanor’s words were genuine, and she bore no grudge, even considering that Milly had supposedly left her brother with a broken heart. She had always been a kind person, but Milly could not take her up on the offer. She was not the same woman who had left London, and they were no longer friends. So much had come to pass that they never would be again.
“No, but thank you for your offer.”
Joseph put a hand on his sister’s shoulder as she prepared to argue.
“Come, Eleanor, you can take my carriage home, and I shall call on you later.”
She wanted to refuse, Milly saw that, but the hand on her shoulder squeezed gently, changing her mind.
“I know much has gone between us, and I know there is much that you need to adjust to, but I would like to be your friend, should you need one, Millicent.” Eleanor kissed Milly’s cheek, and Milly inhaled her old friend’s scent. Then Joseph escorted his sister to his carriage, and she left.
When he returned to Milly’s side, she was still where he had left her.
“My sister was once your friend, Milly. She had no part in your anger. Direct that at me if you must, but not her.”
She refused to feel shame. Her life had changed, and with it her.
“I was not angry. I was polite to her,” she defended herself.
“Your voice could have cut through glass.”
Milly refused to feel guilty. “I’m sorry if your sister’s sensibilities were wounded, my lord. It was not my intention.”
He sighed; it was loud and weighty.
“She was trying to help you.”
“I need no help from your sister or you, other than your signature, Lord Ellsworth.”
Joseph held up his hands in surrender.
“Tell me what it is you wish for then.”
“To begin with, I wish only for some money, after that I shall let you know.”
“I can lend you—”
“No, I do not want to borrow money, I want my own.”
“I understand.”
“I doubt that, but if you will follow me back to Mr. Harby, one of my father’s lawyers, then he will have you sign the forms to release some money to me.”
They walked back to the offices, he behind her as they climbed the stairs.
“Why do you think I cannot understand?”
She turned to face him, and suddenly their eyes were level, his intent, running over her face. Milly felt the need for this man build inside her once more, and hated that he could still do this to her.
“Have you ever wanted for anything in your life, my lord?”
He nodded.
“I find that hard to believe,” Milly scoffed. “What could you possibly have wanted that was not in your powerful reach?”
