A Duke for Lady Ellen

Chapter 11

The Duke ushered her out of the dining room without raising too many eyebrows, as far as Ellen could tell. Many of the other guests were finishing up their meals and beginning to gravitate towards the door, so Ellen and the Duke blended right in with the crowd. He brought her to an alcove near a window, and they sat down. Her mother, who noticed her leaving, kept an eye on the two of them, but was distant enough not to overhear what they were saying.

"My lady, I know that you are a great lover of walks."

"I am."

He needed a moment to gather his thoughts, leaving Ellen wondering. Finally he said, "Would you do me the honor of taking a jaunt around the pond on the north side of Evansfield tomorrow before breakfast? There is some fine walking to be had there."

It struck her as a strange request, especially as the Duke was known to be a late riser, but she agreed.

"Six o'clock?" he asked.

"I'll see you then."

The Duke rose and bowed, and she watched him stride up the staircase without a backward glance. Meanwhile the Marchioness made her way to her daughter and Ellen stared up from her perch.

"What did His Grace want?" she asked. Eager speculation gleamed in her eyes.

"He asked me if I wanted to take a walk with him before breakfast. I guess that way we can still get to Church on time. But it was a very odd request."

"See if you can find out if he plans to offer for Sophie."

Lordy. "Of course Mother. I live to serve."

Her mother scrunched up her nose in disgust. "Sarcasm does not become you, Ellen Regina Brightly."

Ellen laughed. "That's funny. I think it's my best color!"

Her mother shook her head then glided to the stairs. After a moment, Ellen did too.

The next morning, some dark clouds were rolling in, and that meant rain at some point. Not an auspicious day for a walk, but Ellen along with her lady's maid (as her chaperone) met Danbury in the hallway anyway. When she expressed misgivings about the weather, Danbury assured her it wouldn't rain until the afternoon, but offered her and Leah umbrellas just in case. Outside, they proceeded to walk through the gardens and the bowling green until they reached the open fields where a herd of deer were feeding. A couple of fauns frolicked and chased each other—an image she would remember for the next time she sat to compose a poem.

The three of them made a turn along an old stone wall that stretched to the north edge of the property, and after nearly an hour of tramping through the high grasses, the pond came into view. Reflecting the gray skies, the pond showed a placid surface except where a pair of sheep drank from it. The Duke, Leah, and Ellen made for a few benches on the east side, and sat down. Leah sat on the further bench, allowing her mistress and the Duke some privacy.

The temperature had dropped a bit without the sun shining, and Ellen was glad she had worn her spencer against the chill. She smiled at the Duke. "You've been quiet all through this entire peregrination."

Danbury laughed, sheepish. "I guess I'm still waking up."

"Was there something you wished to tell me, Your Grace?" Perhaps a little encouragement would spur him on.

"I noticed your disagreement with Hambidge yesterday."

Ah, so he had seen their spat. Well, why was she surprised? Everyone probably did. Not a day went by that Ellen didn't do something embarrassing, after all.