It was already half past eleven, and Vincent was supposed to pick her up at eleven. Every so often, her stepmother glanced up at the clock perched on the mantel above the fireplace. Irritation grew inside of Ellie. Why didn’t that woman appear upset?
Worry settled in Ellie’s gut. Had Vincent decided he didn’t want to be forced into marriage, so he had skipped town already? Or worse, had he confronted her father without her knowledge, and told the duke that he wouldn’t marry her, no matter what scandal it made?
Something inside her stomach lurched. She stopped pacing and placed a hand to her throat. At any moment, she would lose the very little breakfast she had eaten this morning.
When the minute hand on the clock moved ahead one notch, she gritted her teeth and turned toward her stepmother. “I fear he’s not coming.”
Augusta smiled with her normal fake sweetness. “He will come.”
“What makes you so certain?” Ellie moved to her stepmother’s chair and squatted in front of her. “Lord Trenton has a reputation of a rogue. He’s not going to be easily convinced to marry when he is against the very idea.”
Sighing, Augusta placed the sampler on her lap before patting Ellie’s shoulder. “My dear, you must have faith in the man. Do you recall last night when Lady Bothwell stated that rakes make the best husbands?”
A laugh bubbled up from Ellie’s throat. Was this woman jesting? She must be, because the mere idea was ludicrous. “Of course I remember. But I figured Lady Bothwell didn’t know what she was talking about.”
“Well, although Lord Trenton is a rogue, I believe he is still a gentleman. He’s been left to care for his sisters, and because he didn’t desert them, I highly doubt he’s going to desert you.”
Ellie wanted to argue. He had mentioned that he hadn’t accepted her initial offer because he wasn’t ready to marry or fall in love. But if she really thought of it, that meant they would make the perfect couple.
Shaking her head, Ellie stood and moved to peek out the window. The sight in front of the manor made her hitch a breath. Her father stood in front of the entryway talking with Vincent. An open carriage waited in the drive as well.
Her heartbeat quickened. He hadn’t run off, thank goodness. However, now she had to go on the morning ride with him. What could they possibly discuss? Especially when she had wanted to end their conversation for good last night before her father caught them.
“Is he here?” her stepmother asked.
Ellie had a sneaking suspicion that Augusta had known the whole time that Vincent was outside talking with her father. Why had she made Ellie suffer so?
“Make certain to take Mrs. Jackson with you as your chaperone,” Augusta said in an annoying tone. “And don’t forget to take your shawl, dear. There is a light wind today.”
“I will.”
Ellie hurried up to her bedchambers and fetched the shawl and bonnet. As much as she despised wearing a bonnet, she didn’t like the way the sun baked her skin if she didn’t wear it. Of course, on a perfect day, she loved nothing more than to ride on her horse, letting her hair flap in the wind—as long as nobody noticed.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, the lady’s maid, Mrs. Jackson, waited for her by the door. Vincent had entered the manor, holding his hat. Her father stood nearby watching. Vincent’s gaze locked on her, but she couldn’t tell if he was happy to see her or not.
What was she thinking? Of course he wasn’t happy to see her. He was being forced to marry her.
As she reached his side, he gave her a small smile and slightly bowed. “You are looking lovely this morning, Miss Middleton.”
She wanted to snort a laugh but was afraid her father would scold her. However, she could tell Vincent had memorized the comment. Strange how she could tell when he wasn’t telling the truth now. Why hadn’t she realized that when she made him the offer a week ago?
“I thank you, my lord. And may I return the compliment? You are looking quite dashing today.” The words came out of her mouth before she realized that they were true. He had on a beige coat and trousers, and his vest was powder blue. Indeed, he looked quite dapper.
He presented his elbow, and she hooked her arm around it. Without a word to her father, Vincent escorted her outside and to the opened buggy, the maid following behind. Like a gentleman, he assisted her as she climbed inside. Mrs. Jackson sat in the seat behind them, and Vincent hopped in next to Ellie. Still being quiet, he took the reins and urged the horse forward.
The silence between them became awkward. She shifted in her seat, not wanting to sit too close to him. She didn’t like bumping against him every time the wheels hit a rock or dipped in the road.
She released a heavy breath and looked at him. His attention was on the road ahead. His expression wasn’t pleasant, either. “So, is this how things are going to play out until the wedding?”
He glanced at her. “What do you mean?”
“This awkward silence between us.”
“Of course not. We may talk if that is what you wish.”
“Then why are you not doing that very thing?”
He shrugged. “Probably because I cannot think of what to say.”
