Darius strode forward and took her hand before standing next to her. “If I remember correctly, I have the honor of being in the presence Lady Sophie, Lady Georgina, and Lady Rose.”
Rose gave a regal nod. “Your memory, my lord, is quite impressive.”
Ellie couldn’t quite take her eyes off her husband, so when he looked at her and squeezed her hand, a meteor seemed to speed through her chest.
“I couldn’t forget anything about the day I married the woman who has brightened my life.”
“Oh, my lord. Do you have a brother?”
Georgie’s smitten voice forced Ellie to look at her. “He does. He has three. Why do you ask?”
Darius addressed her friend before Georgie could speak. “They are all happily wedded. My youngest brother married your classmate.”
“Yes, of course.” Georgie rearranged her skirts, avoiding eye contact.
Ellie didn’t like seeing Georgie uncomfortable, so she spoke to Darius. “We were discussing the Twelfth Night ball. I do hope you can add some unmarried gentlemen to my invitation list.”
“I will be happy to be of service in that regard. Now, however, I have a meeting with my steward, but I shall look forward to seeing you all at dinner.”
Darius squeezed her hand once again before letting go and striding from the room.
Sophie spoke first, her voice quiet as always. “He seems a different man than the one we met at the church.”
“I agree.” Rose, who’d watched Darius leave, turned back toward them. “He’s still formal, but less stiff.”
Georgie finally looked up. “He’s very intelligent.”
“He is all of those.” Ellie looked at each friend in turn. “I have learned much about him and discovered his first marriage was not all he had hoped it would be. I believe I am quite different from the late Lady Ferncroft, and for that he is grateful.”
Rose nodded as if that explained everything. “I speak for all of us, Ellie—we are very pleased for you.”
“Should we, perhaps, settle in and begin our visit in earnest?”
Sophie’s gentle suggestion reminded Ellie of her hosting duties. “Yes. You must be tired from your journey. We have many days to enjoy each other’s company.” She picked up the small bell and rang it before rising.
Rose gracefully stood. “I’m looking forward to our holiday together.”
Beacham stepped into the room. “My lady?”
“Please have Lady Rose, Lady Georgina, and Lady Sophie shown to their rooms.” Ellie nodded to each in turn.
“Of course. This way, my ladies.”
Georgie jumped up and followed Rose out, but Sophie simply rose.
Ellie turned toward her. “Thank you for the reminder. I have missed having you near.”
“Thank you for inviting me. I admit to being a bit lost without you, but I’m learning.”
She took Sophie’s hands. “And I want to hear about everything you’re learning and the literature I know you’ve read since I left…after you rest.”
Sophie gave her a grateful smile before releasing her hands and following the others out.
Ellie sighed, her pure happiness almost too much to keep inside. She wanted to run and laugh and throw her hands up in joy, which would probably spook the servants. Instead, she would kiss her husband and tell him exactly how pleased she was to be his wife.
Her decision made, she strode out of the room and across the entry to seek out Darius in his study. When she reached the door she turned the knob, but the door didn’t open. How odd. Could he still be meeting with his steward?
Turning about, she returned to the entry, where Beacham was overseeing a footman retrieving the cocoa cups and plates. “Beacham, is Lord Ferncroft still meeting with his steward?”
