Ruby merely took his rough hands into her own two small ones, squeezing tightly. “Lord Wellesley, Miss Merrinan’s most fond of you, sir, of this I’ve no doubt. It may take a bit t’ convince her, milord, but we should all like nowt better’n t’ see you both wed, eh.” Her smile was genuinely warm, making his heart ache more.
“I’m afraid Jenkins does not share your opinion,” he muttered.
“Och, Jenkins,” she scoffed. “She’struehousekeeper here, lavishin’ praise and punishment on oa’ us staff. She’ll change her tune soon like.” She grinned at him, then looked instantly contrite, dropping her eyes and his hands as she blushed red. “Do forgive me for speakin’ so bold, sir. I don’t know what came owwer me just now, as I should ne’er presume t’ know what your lordship feels or thinks towards Miss Merrinan.” She looked a hot mess.
“Ruby.” He took her hands in his. “Don’t apologize for your kindness, girl. I need it right now.” He exhaled. “You’ve been a friend to Miss Merrinan, and a friend to me. I’ll not forget it.”
Wells forced a smile and left Ruby to her work, determined to find Cuthbert and Charles and put things right. To put an end to his misery.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
John had read the housekeeper’s note and now stared at a bag of coin on the table—coin Charles had left Eleanor as dowry. Ellie was in the kitchen fixing him a bite. He took up the letter once more.
John,
Forgive me for leaving in haste, but you know how his lordship will react. I prefer he not know where I’ve gone. He will no doubt press you, but I beg you, tell him nothing. I know you swore fealty to his family, John, but soon we will be family too. Consider your loyalty to Eleanor in this. I trust you will make her an excellent husband, and I bitterly regret words said to you both, more than you know. You are indeed worthy of my sister, John, and worthy of my admiration and respect. I cannot say the same for Lord Wells, however, not after the words we exchanged. I wish him no harm, but he cannot continue to take what is not freely given. I have left Eleanor the dowry I promised her—a small amount for you to start your lives. You both have my blessing, John, for I know you will make her happy. Bless you also for your kindness towards our father.
With gratitude, Charles
Oi, that twist and twirl’s done herself a world of hurt by leavin’ now,John thought to himself, for Wells would not give her up so easily. Why the devil those two couldn’t find it in their hearts to forgive one another and simply allow for some happiness, he’d never understand. It seemed so simple to him and so damned difficult for them. Thank God Ellie was less stubborn than Charles. A little less, at least.
“John.” She put a plate before him, then rested her hand on his shoulder. “What does she write?”
He handed her the note. He’d keep no secrets from his betrothed. “Read it yerself, love.”
She briefly scanned the letter before wiping a tear from her eye. “Her blessing, eh?” She kissed his cheek. “I knew she approved of you, John. She was just too proud to say it, I think.”
He nodded. “Only she ain’t the only one too proud, I fear. Lord Wells won’t let her go without a fight, Ellie, not if I know the man. He’ll demand t’ know where she’s gone, if he’s not on his way here already, come t’ question us both.”
“But why did she leave, John?” Eleanor pressed. “She made no mention to me that he’d proposed. She said only that she could not marry him, so I assumed that meant he’d betrothed himself to?—”
“Sounds more like it were themannerin which he proposed.” John snorted. “His lordship ain’t the most eloquent o’ men, Ellie, and if he insulted yer sister in his askin’, it don’t surprise me one bit she’s run off to teach him a lesson.” He paused. “Question is, do we keep our promise t’ Charles, or do we tell Wells where she’s gone?” He looked Eleanor square in the face. “Y’ know her best, Ellie, better’n I ever will.”
“I do, John.” She seemed lost in thought. “Yet I don’t know the answer either. And I don’t think I will, at least not until Ispeak to Lord Wellesley.” Her face hardened. “I cannot deny my anger towards him, John. He deserves to be punished; I don’t care if he becomes Duke one day. He should not be allowed to take what he likes so absent of all regard. What he did to my sister was unconscionable.”
John agreed. “True, love, but for what it’s worth, he’s not always been granted whate’er he likes. At sea the man saw punishment same as any. Nor is Wells so mollycoddled he can’t take a beatin’ when deserved, only to stand back up for another round o’ knocks.”
“All well and good, John”—Eleanor stood to fetch the kettle—“because he’ll have no choice now but to take the beating Charles intends to give him.” She poured herself a cup. “He must learn to make amends, and if he does, perhaps I might be willing to forgive him past transgressions. Perhaps,” she repeated.
John smiled into his mug, which Ellie promptly refilled. He snuck an arm about her waist, pulling her close enough to rest his head upon her bosom. “Damned if I don’t love you, woman,” he rumbled into her chest.
“Damned if I don’t love you back, sir.” She kissed the top of his head, but already he’d pulled her to his lap, raining kisses on her lips, kissing her until she sighed with giddy, silly joy once more.
Until the door burst open and his lordship stormed inside.
***
“Hands off her, Cuthbert, not until you’re wed.” Wells scowled at the two lovebirds. “Where is Charles?” he demanded.
Neither Cuthbert nor Miss Eleanor made the slightest effort to acknowledge him.
“I said . . .” he threatened.
“We heard what you said, my lord.” Eleanor broke the silence, her face defiant. “But you’ll not command us in our own home.”
“Yourhome?” He raised his brow, furious at this woman for resembling her sister so much. “I believeIown this house, miss, and the land beneath it, so it is not exactly yourhome, now is it?”
“Oh no, my lord, it’s not, thank you ever so much for the reminder. I am sure my sister was ever so grateful when you reminded her, too, of the terms of her sentence for thieving chickens.” Her eyes shot daggers at him.
