Eleanor was simply being obstinate. There was nothing to keep her here…except Kidd’s treasure.
“We can come back within days to finish our adventure,” he said. His mother would think they were barmy, but what could he do?
With a wave of her hand, Eleanor dismissed his words. “It’s not that.”
Really?“Then what?”
She levelled him with a glare. “I do not answer to you, Mr. O’Connor.”
At this, his mother’s eyes widened, and she turned away, obviously not wanting to be witness to their tiff.
“True, you don’t,” he agreed. “But the easiest way and the best time for you to finish your journey to Turvey House is with me today.”
“Today? That’s impossible. Even if I agreed, I couldn’t get all my things packed before dark.”
“That’s why I waited for you downstairs to tell you to gather your things.”
“But I was here,” Eleanor pointed out, as if she were being reasonable.
“I didn’t know that.” He realized he was speaking through clenched teeth and tried to relax his jaw. “Why don’t you want to leave?” This time, he tried to keep his tone light.
“I cannot say.”
For pity’s sake. She was trying his patience. “Cannot or will not?”
“Both.” She resumed her seat at his mother’s table.
“Is it the lacework?”
“Perhaps, among other things. I am not trying to be difficult.” Eleanor glanced at his mother. “I will come along soon. When do you leave?”
He hesitated. Truly, he had no control over Eleanor, and he had to accept that. However, it rankled him all the same.
“In an hour at the most.” He ran a hand through his hair, feeling ill at ease leaving her behind, then he recalled another compelling reason for her to go with him.
“But your birthday,” he protested. “You’ll be here alone.”
“Your birthday?” his mother exclaimed, turning to Maggie.
“In a few days,” she admitted, keeping her gaze on him. “Anyway, won’t you come back?” For the first time, she sounded uncertain.
“Yes, when I can,” he promised. “But I wouldn’t have to leave my work and return here so quickly if you would come with me now. Besides, you should be with Maggie and Cam at Turvey.”
“I will see them soon enough.”
“Very well.” He was getting nowhere. Leaning down, he kissed his mother on the cheek. “Keep an eye on her.”
His mother nodded. “Of course.”
“I don’t need anyone to—” Eleanor began, but he cut her off.
“I know what you’re going to say. You don’t need an eye on you.” He shook his head.
Desperately, Gray wanted to kiss her and make things right, but he couldn’t do it here. “Will you come say goodbye.”
“I…,” Eleanor faltered, her cheeks immediately reddening, and she glanced at his mother. He would have laughed at her obvious display of emotion if she weren’t annoying him to Kingdom come.
In any case, she stood and followed him out the door.
