Elliot gave her a skeptical look, “That tail, as you say, is in fact no tail at all but the mane of a marvelous looking steed.”
It was Felicity’s turn to eye him skeptically. Elliot took the opportunity to search her face, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because I think you must be blind, anyone can see that that cloud more closely resembles a dragon than a horse.”
“I assure you that I can see perfectly well,” he said flirtatiously, his eyes scanning her body before returning once more to her face.
“Oh really? Then maybe it’s imagination you lack—a horse and a pig aren’t that inventive.”
“I didn’t know this was an exercise in creativity, but if you’d like I can think of something more inventive to do than to pick out shapes in the clouds.”
She looked at him then, enjoying the twinkle of humor in his eyes. “Please, by all means redeem yourself.” And without any further warning, he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to her lips. Though his actions had caught her completely off guard, she found herself forgetting clouds and Beatrice and Kensington Gardens, focusing solely on the feel of his warm lips on hers. She inhaled his scent feeling very much like she could get lost in this man completely.
The kiss was over much too quickly, she noted with much disappointment as Elliot pulled back and smiled. “That was just a small taste of my creativity.”
Felicity felt herself blush, not knowing what more there could be but desperately knowing in that moment that she wanted to experience whatever it was with him. She looked around frantically to ensure that no one had seen them. When she was convinced they had gone undetected, she took the arm Elliot was offering her, “Though I’m loathe to admit it, we should probably head back before Beatrice accuses me of being unseemly.”
Still not able to completely compose herself after the startling kiss, she simply nodded her head and placed her arm in his and allowed him to guide her back towards the blanket and her waiting maid. Just as they were approaching the blanket a sudden wind came and whipped over them, causing her bonnet to fly back and off of her head. She reached one hand up in an attempt to catch it but was unsuccessful in her attempts. She let out a startled gasp as she turned to see where the wind was taking her bonnet. Elliot saw what was going on and quickly let go of her arm so he could chase after the bonnet. Once he had secured the wayward bonnet, he sauntered back and carefully replaced it on her head, making sure to tie the strings beneath her chin to secure it in place.
“Thank you Elliot, I was in no mood to go traipsing through Kensington Gardens making a fool of myself all for some silly bonnet, even if it is one of my favorites.”
“It was an honor to play the fool for you,” he smirked. Then turning serious he said, “I’ll always take care of you, you needn’t worry.”
Oh how foolish she had been to believe him, she thought bitterly. If only he had been as eager to chase after her as he had been to chase after her bonnet that blustery spring day.
Chapter 8
Wednesday April 20th, 1814
Elliot sat at his desk sorting through the piles of invitations he had received and tossing them one by one into the fire. He’d watch each one as they disappeared into the inferno, the paper curling into black rolls as the flames reached up to lick the unopened envelope before engulfing it completely and turning it quickly to ash before tossing the next missive in to obtain the same fate.
Knowing that Felicity held no desire to have him back in her life, he saw no reason to attend the silly society events that he so loathed. His only reason for going would be to see her, but now the thought of seeing her and knowing he couldn’t have her would most likely kill him. Instead he had been wallowing in self pity and despair in the confines of his townhouse, trying hopelessly to decide what to do with his future.
The thought of running his families estate by himself for the remainder of his years seemed dull and depressing. He had once dreamt of sharing that life with Felicity and after her disappearance he had only sought to distract himself with frivolous pursuits, refusing to think about forging a future. He felt all of a sudden that he was at a crossroads of sorts, now being forced to shut the door completely on the past and what could have been and forced to look depressingly into a future that he could muster up no excitement for.
The only thought he kept coming back to was the thought of escape, the sadness that engulfed him was too much to bear. He remembered a time when Pierce had been eager to escape his upcoming marriage and had mentioned the thought of fleeing to America. Elliot had discouraged him from going ahead with the plan but was now regretting the fact that he didn’t encourage him to go and tag along with.
He threw the last of the invitations into the fire and turned to look out the window. America—the thought of venturing to a new land where he could start fresh with no reminders of what he no longer had sounded enticing. He had always been hesitant to leave in the past holding out a thread of hope, however minute, that someday Felicity would come back to him. Well she had come back and it wasn’t him she sought, he thought angrily, the pain washing over him anew. With both of his parents gone and Felicity no longer a probable part of his future he had nothing to hold him back.
Elliot laced his hands together and put them behind his head, crossing one foot over his thigh as the idea of starting a new life in America began to take root. The more he thought about it, the more attractive the idea became. There was no one in London who would miss him if he were to leave, no one who depended on him besides his tenants, but surely they wouldn’t be saddened by his departure. Abandoning the family estates was the only point of regret he could foresee but of course he could always hire someone to oversee his duties while he was away just in case he did want to return someday and take up where he had left off.
His thoughts were running wildly through his head as Percival entered the room and interrupted him. “My lord you have a visitor. The duke—”
“Leave it to Pierce to show up at a time like this,” Elliot muttered irritably, cutting Percival off.
“As I was saying my lord,” Percival continued with just the barest hint of irritation marring his voice, “The duke’s wife, the Duchess of Kerrington is here to see you. She is waiting in the parlor. I had tea sent in to her.”
Elliot looked up in surprise, “Her grace is here—by herself?”
“Yes my lord.”
Suddenly an idea formed in his head and Elliot smiled for the first time in days. “Well certainly we can’t keep her waiting. I’ll go see her now.”
Elliot left the room, leaving Percival to stare at him in marvel, wondering what had suddenly caused his mood to brighten, if only momentarily.
Entering the parlor Elliot’s eyes rested on Hope, her belly swollen in front of her, a clear indication of her confinement. Though rounded with child she appeared even more beautiful than normal, she had a glow about her that made Elliot long briefly for a wife of his own with a child in her womb. He shook his head to dispel that line of thinking, wondering where that foreign thought had come from anyway. Stepping forward he took Hope’s hand in his and bowed slightly in greeting.
“Oh Elliot, I’m positively furious with you.”
Elliot straightened and looked at her quizzically, “Whatever have I done this time?”
“It’s what you haven’t done; you haven’t been by the house to see us once since we’ve returned to London. What kind of welcome is that?”
Elliot went and sat in a tufted wingback chair and said, “My apologies your grace, I’ve been rather occupied. I realize, however, that’s no excuse to neglect such a dear friend and such a beautiful one at that. Have I told you how stunning you look? Being with child becomes you.”
Hope blushed at the same time she rolled her eyes, “You always were one prone to flattery. Now tell me what has been occupying so much of your time that you couldn’t spare an evening with your closest of friends.”
“You forget, I did spare
you an evening the night I escorted Miss Ogglesby to the Sotheby’s ball.”
Hope stuck her bottom lip out in a pout, “That can hardly count, we shared a short carriage ride to the ball is all and don’t make me remind you of the reasons we didn’t share a carriage ride home afterwards.”
“No need to bring that up,” he mumbled. “If it makes you happy I’ll agree to pay you a visit post haste. I have some things I need to discuss with Pierce anyway.”
“And what of me? Is there anything you wish to discuss with me right now?” Her voice was inquisitive, her gaze probing.
Elliot leaned forward, “Actually there is, I’m so glad you asked.” Here was his opportunity to find out if he could set his plan to go to America into action. Hope visibly brightened as he continued, “I have been thinking about your brother-in-law Mr. Johanssen and wondering what he is up to these days.”
Hope looked at him confused, “Soren? That is who you wish to speak to me about?”
“Yes, is there someone else of whom you wish to speak?” He asked, not picking up on what she had been eluding too.
“No, I—well it’s just that I had thought that maybe—well I guess you haven’t really given any indication, it’s just that I had hoped—”
A sickening feeling filled Elliot’s belly, “You came to speak of Miss Ogglesby, didn’t you?”
Hope looked at him sheepishly, “Well maybe I had thought, well hoped really, that you two might have made a connection.”
Elliot laughed. “Please don’t ever waste your time playing the matchmaker with me, I’m completely unredeemable in that regards.”
Hope leaned towards him then, as far as her burgeoning belly would permit and placed a hand on his arm, “Oh Elliot, don’t ever say that. I think you have more redeemable qualities than you think, the love of a good woman would do you wonders.”
Laughing mirthlessly he pulled his arm back from her touch. “With all due respect your grace, that’s the last thing I need.”
“Oh I disagree, look what it did for Pierce.”
Elliot raised one dark brow skeptically, “I’m not convinced the ridiculous, love-struck trance he’s been in is an improvement over his old character. You must try harder to convince me.” Hope’s expression turned to one of pity and for some reason that irked Elliot.
Setting her cup and saucer down on the table, Hope looked up at Elliot and spoke in a soft voice, almost a whisper. “Elliot, I know about Felicity, Pierce told me what happened.”
“I don’t wish to speak of that now or ever again,” he barked, completely provoked that she dared bring up such a sensitive topic.
“I realize it must be a touchy subject,” she forged ahead cautiously, ignoring Elliot’s disconcerted expression completely, “But I just think that if you allow yourself to be open to the possibility of a future with somebody else that you could find love again.”
“And you think Miss Ogglesby could be that somebody? Are you and Pierce that anxious to get rid of the chit that you’ll attempt to pawn her off on me, a cold, heartless rake?”
“You make it sound like we’re being horrible. I’m just worried about you and so is Pierce, that’s all. And Miss Ogglesby is really such a sweet girl, if you’d only give her a chance I’m sure that you would see what a lovely person she is. Besides, she needs somebody as well. She’s been left completely alone and I fear that she’s not dealing well with her loss.”
Elliot slumped back into his chair, “I’m just not sure I can be what she needs. Honestly Hope, I’m not sure exactly what my future holds right now and it wouldn’t be fair to lead her on.”
Refusing to give up, Hope continued to plead, “I understand, and I appreciate your candor but won’t you at least spend a little more time with her? You don’t have to pursue her romantically but I think she could use a friend.”
“What’s wrong with your friendship, isn’t that enough? Surely having a woman to talk to is much more practical and relatable than a friendship with me would be.”
Exasperated Hope sighed, “Oh stopping being so difficult. Can’t you at least come to dinner tomorrow evening and spend some time with her, with us?”
“I don’t understand why you and Pierce keep begging favors of me; can’t you just leave me in peace?”
Turning sympathetic amber eyes on him she said softly, “It’s not doing us a favor, it’s doing yourself a favor. It’s time you left the past behind.”
Elliot wanted to be angry at her words but found he couldn’t, not when she looked at him with such compassion. And though he couldn’t approve of their methods, he truly did believe that Pierce and Hope had his best interests at heart.
After contemplating her words he finally relented, “Fine, I’ll come to dinner but on one condition.”
“Anything.”
“Please, please do not put any more pressure on me to pursue Miss Ogglesby. Let the chips fall where they may and trust that I will use my best judgment where she is concerned.”
Hope smiled victoriously, “Agreed.”
Chapter 9
Thursday April 21st, 1814
Sitting around the table in the Duke and Duchess’s dining room, Elliot chanced a quick glance at Miss Ogglesby. Her eyes were averted as she concentrated on eating the soup that had been placed before her, giving Elliot a chance to study her more fully. She was dressed in a pink gown that brought out the color in her cheeks, making her appear not quite so plain. He watched as she delicately slurped a spoonful of the hot liquid and decided she had nice lips. Though not as full as Felicity’s, they were perfectly proportioned to her face but he still had no desire to kiss them. He glanced away then, anxious to not get caught staring and turned his attention back to the conversation at the table.
Pierce had been relating a long story about a discussion earlier in the week held during a session of parliament. “Elliot, you really should take your place in the House of Lords, it would be good for you.”
Elliot laid his spoon down gently in his bowl, causing a soft clinking as the metal hit the porcelain. “I’m pleased that you’ve taken a newfound interest in parliament, but I cannot even pretend to share in your excitement.”
“That’s a shame, I think if you’d actually attend a session you might be surprised at what you could learn.”
Suddenly Elliot remembered what he had meant to talk to Hope about yesterday when she had visited his house before the conversation had turned to Miss Ogglesby and his original goal had been forgotten. “I actually don’t intend to be around much longer so attending parliament is really a mute point.”
Elliot was aware that all three heads turned suddenly to gape at him then, all three mouths hanging open in surprise. Pierce was the first to speak, “What do you mean you won’t be around? Are you planning a trip?”
“I’m actually thinking of relocating, at least for a time.” All three pairs of eyes widened at his admission.
“What do you mean?” Hope stammered.
Turning to her he said, “I’m thinking of moving to America.” Hope, Pierce, and Miss Ogglesby simultaneously gasped as he continued. “That’s why I asked you about Soren yesterday. I was wondering if you knew when he planned on being back in England and when he was set to sail again.”
Hope’s brother-in-law Soren, married to her twin sister Noelle, was an American who owned a shipping business. Elliot hadn’t given him a second thought since meeting him at Pierce and Hope’s wedding last year until Hope had come to visit him yesterday. He was eager to speak to someone who was familiar with the country and who might be able to assist him with his travels and relocation.
Hope gently set her glass of wine down before folding her hands in her lap. “This seems so unexpected and—sudden. Are you sure you’ve had time to think this through?”
He knew that she was most likely disappointed with the news, figuring that it meant that he had no intentions of securing a future with her ward. “Yes, I’ve thought about it for some time.” He rationalized
to himself that a full day was plenty of time to make a reasonable decision, “And I think I’m ready for a change in my life, a way to forget the past and move on.”
Pierce looked at his good friend with concern. He knew that he had been encouraging Elliot to move on for some time now, but he had been insinuating that he find a new love interest not a new country. “Are you certain this is what you want?”
“Yes, there’s nothing for me here.” His eyes briefly flicked to Miss Ogglesby before looking back at Pierce.
Hope had taken the hint, “Well if you’re certain that there’s nothing we can do to convince you to stay—”
“I’m certain. I need to get out of London, at least for awhile. You all needn’t look so forlorn, I’m certain I’ll be back someday.”
Miss Ogglesby perked up then, “Well Lord Martineau, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
“You do?” Pierce and Hope replied in unison.
“Of course, everyone could use a little adventure in their life. If there’s nothing here for you, then by all means you should go. I think going to America sounds grand.” The light in her eyes at the mention of adventure was unmistakable. For a brief moment Elliot wondered if there was more to Miss Ogglesby than he had ever realized.
Her reaction puzzled Elliot, he wasn’t sure if he had expected her to be sad at his admission or completely impartial, but his ego wasn’t sure how to handle her seeming excitement and encouragement of his plans. He decided to just be grateful that she didn’t seem upset.
He smiled at her gratefully, “Well said. I’m getting too old to still be trying to decide what to do with my life. I’ve made a decision for my future and that decision is America.”
Pierce interjected, concern still etched on his face. “Look man, are you certain you’re not just attempting to run from something?”
“You mean like you were when you mentioned going there?” Elliot quickly retorted.
Hope looked at Pierce quizzically, “Darling, when did you express an interest in going to America?”
Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau Page 6