Daria spoke next. “But doing absolutely nothing would likely only convince people of the lack of success Ellie was having, not the lack of trying.”
Ellie pressed the tips of her fingers to her temples and rubbed, trying to prevent the headache she felt coming on. In the next moment, Newton was standing before her, looking at her with concern.
“What if there is no solution?” she said. “What if Lillian has destroyed my reputation and I have no choice but to return home in disgrace?”
Slowly, giving her the opportunity to voice any objections, Newton reached out and brushed his hand along her arm. The gentleness of his touch inspired an answering ache in her heart. She leaned against him.
“This would add to the rumors, you realize,” Newton said.
“No one here will spread any gossip.”
He pulled her into a soft and gentle embrace. Ellie could breathe again, despite the worry in her chest. He’d offered no empty words of reassurance, and neither did he attempt to tell her how she ought to feel about the situation. He simply held her, letting her feel and think whatever she chose. It was a degree of confidence few people had ever expressed in her, and he had done so without words.
Artemis faced them all with the bearing of a goddess. Not the tiniest bit of uncertainty showed, not the tiniest bit of hesitation. “We know where this began, and we know what it is. Now we are going to fix it.”
Ellie remained in the circle of Newton’s arms as he asked quietly, “How?”
“We are Artemis and Huntresses,” their fearless leader said. “There is nothing we cannot do.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ellie stood between Artemis andher brother in the front entryway of the very grand house where Newton and his family resided whilst in Bath. She had known he occupied a rung far above her own, but being surrounded by the reality of it was proving a bit intimidating.
“Chin up, Miss Ellie,” Mr. Lancaster said. “The Hugheses are not unfeeling people, and Artemis is not compared to a badger for no reason.”
“Shut up, Linus,” Artemis said, her tone both laughing and annoyed.
The prim and pompous butler informed them that the family was at home to them. That, Ellie decided, was a good omen. Newton’s parents might just have easily refused to see them on account of Ellie’s presence.
They were led into a formal drawing room, where Mr. and Mrs. Hughes sat perfectly coiffed and togged. Thank the heavens, Ellie’s education in manners and civility made greetings, curtsies, and civilities second nature.
Mrs. Hughes proved the perfect hostess, pouring tea for the lot of them and making light conversation while they all settled in. Newton arrived just as the last cup was distributed. He received welcomes and his own tea and was soon situated among them. He chose, to Ellie’s delight, the seat nearest hers.
“How are you?” he asked softly.
“Artemis continually tells me that falling to bits is not permitted. So I have no choice but to carry on.”
Newton smiled at her over his teacup. “She is a force, our Artemis.”
“One I am pleased is being employed in my favor.”
That force spoke loudly enough to bring all attention to her. “We have called upon you for a specific purpose, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes,” she said. “We know you are not unaware of the current rumors floating about that, in addition to Miss Ellie, involve your son.”
Mrs. Hughes nodded. “We are most certainly aware.”
Artemis looked to her brother before returning her attention to Newton’s parents. “We have a plan.”
Mr. Hughes eyed Mr. Lancaster. “Are you privy to this plan?”
“I am, and it is a good one.”
That earned nods from both the elder Hugheses. Newton listened intently as well.
Artemis set her teacup down and addressed them all. “We have given great thought to the particular difficulties of this situation. The usual remedies will likely only increase speculation, not to mention forced marriages are seldom happy ones.”
“That is true,” Mr. Hughes acknowledged.
“We have sorted a means of dispelling the rumors,” Artemis said. “The whispers are that Ellie is tricking Newton into spending time with her in order to eventually force an understanding between the two of them. So, we counter the speculation not by addressing the outcome of this supposed effort but by reframing the origins of their connection.”
