The floor nearly gave way beneath her. Elaine clasped her hands so tightly behind her she began to lose feeling in her fingers. Discomfort washed over her, prickling her skin with the weight of what he was saying. “My lord, I…I appreciate your thoughts, truly, but—” She glanced helplessly at James, but her cousin was too busy staring at the baron as if he was trying to understand something.
Before she could continue, Paul returned to interrupt them one more time. Relief washed over her like a cool breeze he announced, “The Duke of Ryewood is here to see you, my lady.”
Something shifted in the room the moment Michael entered. His commanding and confident presence overwhelmed Lord Weatherby’s lacking one. Elaine had half a mind to throw her arms around him and sob in relief for his timely appearance.
He paid Lord Weatherby scant regard as he approached Elaine. “My lady. Lord Abney. I hope I am not interrupting.”
“You are not, my lord,” Elaine said quickly.
Michael raised a brow at that, looking at Lord Weatherby.
“I was just about to take my leave,” Lord Weatherby said, fumbling with his handkerchief. Elaine sighed in relief as he walked slowly out of the room with only a fleeting look over his shoulder.
Michael paid him no mind. “Elaine,” he said, his smile warm. The sight erased all her lingering discomfort. “I was hoping you might join me for the promenade hour later today.”
“Yes!” she said too quickly. Face washing with heat, she tried again. “I would like that.”
“Clarissa will be accompanying us as well,” he added, and after a moment’s hesitation, turned to James, “Would you care to join us too?”
James’s expression shifted, scepticism flaring in his eyes, but he managed a polite nod. “Of course, though I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
Elaine’s gaze flickered to James, noting that he wore an expression of skepticism and she wondered what he was thinking. She could sense the protective instincts threatening to overtake him, his worry for her palpable thing standing in between him and the duke. Even when he nodded politely, his posture remained stiff.
If Michael noticed it, he didn’t show. His attention was back on Elaine, his gaze warm. “I look forward to seeing you later, then,” he said, his voice laced with an eagerness that mirrored her own anticipation.
He reached out to take her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it. Elaine struggled to keep herself upright, her knees threatening to give way on her. It didn’t feel as if she was in control of her body when he straightened and smiled at her, her returning grin stretching across her face with ease. Then he straightened, nodding respectfully at James, and turned to leave. Elaine watched him go, her heart thundering in her chest.
Once he was gone, she went back to the pianoforte, a far livelier tune on the tips of her fingers. She didn’t pay James any mind when he sighed and went to sit down, reaching for the Times.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” she heard him say.
She most certainly didn’t. But for once, she did not care.
Chapter Fifteen
Elaine stood before her mirror, smoothing the soft fabric of her pale blue walking dress, heart still racing with anticipation now that the promenade hour was upon them. She adored this dress on her andenjoyed the way the light caught the delicate embroidery. She could only hope that Michael liked the way it framed her figure and accentuated her natural grace.
“Ah, my darling!” Lorna exclaimed as she walked into her bedchamber. Her eyes twinkled as she took in Elaine’s reflection. “You look absolutely radiant. Are you excited for your promenade with the duke?”
Elaine’s cheeks warmed at the compliment, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling within her. “Thank you, Aunt Lorna. I have been looking forward to it since the moment he asked me.”
Lorna stepped closer, her hands deftly making minor adjustments to Elaine’s hair. Her expression shifted, a glimmer of mischief lighting her eyes. “Now, my dear, while we’re on the subject of gentlemen, I think it is about time we discussed the duke’s reputation. I’m sure you must have heard the whispers and they do say the most scandalous things. But of course, there are always two sides to every story.”
Elaine nodded. “Yes, I am well aware, but I feel there’s so much more to him than the rumours suggest. And…I cannot help but feel drawn to him, Aunt Lorna, despite James’ warnings.”
“Good!” Lorna exclaimed, her excitement palpable. “You must follow your heart, Elaine and never let idle gossip cloud your judgment. You will never know the truth about a manunless you give him the chance to show it. James is simply being too overprotective.”
“I know there is truth in what James’ says, though. Rumours do not simply appear out of thin air. Perhaps the duke will tell me about it today.”
“Perhaps. But you must understand if he does not.” Lorna kept fussing with Elaine’s hair, even though she could have sworn she’d done it rather nicely. “But tell me—what of Lord Weatherby? Has he not returned? He had seemed rather determined the last time he came to call on you so I was almost certain that he would.”
“Lord Weatherby nearly asked for my hand in marriage,” Elaine managed to say, even though speaking it aloud made her shudder.
“I beg your pardon?” Lorna gasped. “Why am I only hearing about this now?”
“It happened right before the duke arrived. The duke interrupted it, actually, so it was not actually given. I may be wrong.”
“You know very well that you are not. A man as old as the baron will not waste any time when searching for a new wife, you know. He has so little time left as it is.”
