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“My bedchamber.”
He looked at the stairs. “It is downstairs?”
Nell hesitated, wishing she had braved the walk alone rather than bring to her brother’s awareness where she had been relegated. “It is very convenient at mealtimes.”
He frowned.
She started down the stairs. “You were about to tell me whether anyone had caught your eye.”
“There are a number of very agreeable young women here, of course.”
“Miss Stroud, for instance?”
He glanced at Nell. “I have no thought of marriage or courtship at present.”
“Why ever not? Surely, there is no better place for such thoughts than this.”
“I simply wish to see you happy, Nell.”
She stopped, incredulous. “But, Wesley, I am happy.”
He gave her a flat look. “You know what I mean. I intend to see you well cared for.”
Married. That was what he meant.
She laughed. “Good heavens. Please tell me we did not come here because you imagined I would find a doting husband in this house of well-bred, wealthy gentlemen. That ship has long since sailed.”
He frowned in that deep way only he could, and when he spoke, his voice was soft. “You made a mistake, Nell. We all make them. And the true blame lies with that blackguard.”
She swallowed.
After a year, Nell thought she had come to terms with what had happened. The heat in her cheeks at the mere mention of Henry Linton belied such a belief.
Wesley looked around. “This seems quite out of the way. I thought everyone was in one of the wings on the first floor.”
“Even a house like Bellthorne cannot accommodate a party as grand as this in two enormous corridors. Besides, I quite like it in my little corner of the house.” It was not entirely true, but she blamed no one but herself for her situation. “You may safely leave me here. I am just around this corner.”
After hearing he had come to Bellthorne for her sake, Nell was even more reluctant to show him the corridor in which her bedchamber was located. He might well insist upon seeing the room itself, and that was sure to rouse his pity and frustration.
And to what end?
He would worry more and devote less of his energy to enjoying himself or, dare she hope it, falling in love.
Lord Dalmeer’s offer again presented itself. If his interest would be a credit to her and lend consequence to her reputation, it might allay Wesley’s worry.
She could not think the earl would stand behind the offer, though, if he knew the full truth of her history.
“Before you go...” She waited until his gaze met hers. “Promise me you will enjoy yourself, Wesley. That you will not worry over me so much. I cannot enjoy myself if you are not.”
Wesley smiled slightly. “I will do my best.”
“As will I.”
“Good night, Nell.”
She passed through the doorway into the corridor, glancing behind her to ensure he did not follow. The sound of his retreating footsteps reassured her, and she continued to her room.
She slowed at the sight of the light under the door of the bedchamber next to hers.
