“It’s why we carry such a burden,” he continued, his tone steady, his eyes trained dead ahead. “People talk without knowing the truth. But rest assured, I’m actively working on restoring our name, one step at a time. It’s a slow process.”
She nodded, relief and concern washing over her at once. “Thank you for trusting me with the truth, Michael, even though I am not aware of the entire story.”
Michael sighed, the shadows deepening in his eyes. “It is a long story that is filled with politics and deception. I have spent years trying to piece it together myself, and even then, the truth evades me. But I have no intention of letting his legacy die without putting up a fight”
“And at least you have Clarissa. Family can be a source of strength, someone you can lean on..”
“The last thing I want to do is burden her with this matter.”
“Leaving her in the dark may be just as burdensome,” Elaine said.
Michael was quiet for a moment and the silence allowed Clarissa’s and James’ laughter to travel forward. “You may be right,” he said at last.
“I often feel alone in my own family,” she admitted without thought, a sad smile touching her lips. “Though it is no one’s fault but my own. My father is ill and my brother is at Eton. He is off pursuing his dreams, so I hesitate to burden him with my concerns about our family’s standing.”
“It must feel like you’re carrying the world on your shoulders while everyone else moves forward.”
Elaine nodded. She’d never been this honest about her feelings before, not even to James. “I just want to make my father proud. I want to save my family from complete ruin. But sometimes it feels like I’m fighting battles alone, trying to meet expectations that seem impossible.”
All of a sudden, Michael took her hand, tucking it into his elbow. “Enough of this heavy talk about death and family burdens. In two days, my aunt Beatrice is hosting a ball and I hope you will be in attendance.”
Elaine’s heart fluttered at the invitation, at the touch, and she couldn’t help but laugh. “Only if you save me a dance, Michael.”
“I would save you ten dances if I could,” he said with a lopsided grin that sent her heart racing again.
She flushed at his words, warmth spreading through her. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, their moment was abruptly interrupted when Lord Grovington and Lady Isabella appeared before them.
Elaine felt a wave of annoyance wash over her. Why were they always being interrupted by these two? It almost felt as if they conspired to intrude on their private moments at every chance they got.
“Your Grace!” Lord Grovington called, his voice booming across the path. He barely glanced at Elaine as he approached, his attention solely on Michael. “A pleasure, as always.”
“Lord Grovington,” Michael replied, his tone cool but polite. Elaine sensed the tension that creeping in at the edges of their exchange.
Lady Isabella, trailing behind her father, turned her smile toward Michael, her expression brightening in a way that made Elaine’s stomach twist. She completely ignored Elaine, as if she were a mere shadow in the background, something of no consequence.
“Good day, Your Grace,” Lady Isabella cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness. “What a delight to see you here.”
“Yes, and I am here with company, as you can very well see.”
Michael tugged Elaine closer to his side. She was certain her cheeks were flushed with colour.
Lady Isabella’s eyes flickered disdainfully to Elaine before murmuring, “Yes, I do see.”
“And if you two do not mind,” Michel went on. “I’d prefer to continue my walk with Lady Elaine in peace.”
The polite dismissal hung in the air and Elaine felt a surge of pride. Michael’s cool demeanour was bound to bring their ire, she knew but when he looked at her, Elaine didn’t care about seeming rude. There was a confidence in his posture that stirred something within her, something akin to defiance.
“But surely you can spare a moment?” Lord Grovington insisted with a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.
“No, thank you,” Michael said firmly. There was a slight edge to his tone. “I would like to return to my walk now.”
As Michael turned away from father and daughter, Elaine felt a swell of triumph. Lady Isabella’s smile faltered, her cheeks flushed with irritation. They were forced to step back, clearly displeased. Elaine felt Lady Isabella’s glare burning into her before she huffily turned to leave with her father.
“They left in quite the huff,” Elaine couldn’t help but comment.
“It would appear so,” Michael drawled. Clearly, he did not care. Elaine hid her smile. “Now, as I was saying, two dances or ten?”
“One!” she exclaimed with a laugh.
