“What. Is. It?”
“Well, she’s not exactly ordinary.”
“And that means...?” Margaret did her best so remain calm and patient, but it was becoming increasingly hard with each passing second.
“You cannot tell William,” Athena said with uncharacteristic sternness. “You cannot use what I am about to tell you to force a match. He has to want her for who she is as a person, because he loves her and is prepared to marry her no matter what. Do you understand?”
Margaret gave a nervous laugh. “Please don’t tell me I hired a foreign princess to cook for me, Athena.”
Athena grinned. “It’s not quite that glamorous, Mama, but I do need for you to give me your word before I reveal anything more.”
“Of course. I promise to keep whatever you’re going to tell me a secret.”
“All right.” Athena bit her lip. She didn’t look happy about betraying Eloise’s trust, and for a second, Margaret was tempted to tell her she didn’t have to. But she hesitated a moment too long and then Athena said, “Eloise Lamont is the Marquis de Villeneuve’s granddaughter.”
A whoosh of fluttery heat swept through Margaret. “So she’s titled.”
“Not really. Her grandparents perished at the guillotine, along with her aunts and uncles. Only her mother survived, rescued by a footman and his father, the Villeneuve chef. The title no longer exists and Eloise refuses to use it for her own personal gain, partly because she doubts anyone will believe her story, but mostly out of respect to her father and grandfather.”
“I understand. She loves her family dearly and would never want to suggest they’re not good enough. But what you’ve just told me does change things. She’s a far more appropriate match for William than I would have thought. Not—” she raised her hand to stave off Athena’s alarmed protest “—because I suddenly approve of her based on her connection to a title, but because this means she knows what being a member of the upper class entails. As a lady, her mother will have raised her with some sense of awareness. I’m certain of it. And that means Mrs. Lamont will know what she’s getting herself into if she marries William.”
“Only we can’t persuade him one way or the other by giving away her secret.”
“No, but if he truly cares for her as much as you have suggested, then perhaps we can guide him toward a revelation.”
“Why, Mama...” Athena smiled slyly. “I do believe you’re starting to think like me.”
“God forbid,” Margaret murmured, but she smiled at her daughter and suggested they go find her brother.
#
WILLIAM STARTED DOWNthe front steps of his house. He was determined to chase Eloise and convince her to change her mind. Until he recalled the basket of vegetables she’d left behind. He also had to close the door and lock it. Exasperating tasks that delayed his progress.
His brain was still reeling. He’d planned everything so carefully, had thought it all through until he’d been certain Eloise would agree to what he suggested. After all, he’d offered her the immediate answer to her dream. With his help she’d be able to open her culinary school now instead of ten years in the future. Additionally, this would allow them to be together, and judging from the manner in which she’d responded to his kiss, there was no doubt in his mind that she wanted him just as badly as he wanted her.
Except she’d said no. More than that, she’d run off as if he’d struck her.
It made no logical sense, which had to be why he’d responded in anger. Because he’d been so excited to start a new life with her by his side, her response had hurt. It wasn’t right, of course. He’d allowed jealousy and heartache to take control, for which he owed her a most sincere apology. PerhapsFrench Landscapes in Colorcould help in that regard.
Reaching Townsbridge House after deciding to take the long road back for the sake of gathering his thoughts, William trudged up the front steps with heavy footfalls. He entered the foyer.
“May I take your basket, sir?” Simmons inquired.
William started. He’d completely forgotten about the thing. “If you’d please take it down to the kitchen, I’d appreciate it.”
“Of course, sir.” Simmons departed and William set about taking his hat off and removing his gloves.
“You’re back.” Athena’s terse voice prompted him to turn as if he’d been pushed. Displeasure dimmed the usual brightness in her eyes to a murkier shade of brown. “Mama and I would like a word.”
William set his hat and gloves aside on the hallway table. “Can it wait until after breakfast?”
“Considering there’s a good chance there won’t be any, no.”
William laughed. “Of course there’ll be breakfast. To suppose there won’t is absurd. Why, even during Eloise’s absence we received something. Nothing as wonderful as her fare, I’ll agree but—”
“William.” She gestured toward the parlor door.
He gave a weary sigh and walked through it, surprised to feel his heart jolt the moment the door clicked shut behind him. His gaze settled on his mother, who appeared unusually stiff this morning. His mind scrambled. Good lord. Had something dire transpired?
