by Darcy Burke
♥♥♥
Wasn't success supposed to feel good? Yes, it was, so why did he feel like a true blackguard. As he watched Ella in the bakery, he could read her thoughts. They played across her face and in the depths of her eyes. He knew the moment she realized she couldn't control the situation and she would have to concede. He should feel a profound relief. After all, this was an important hand to have won.
Unfortunately, once she gave her verbal consent and the party made to leave, all Devon wanted to do was apologize. His guilt, if that was truly what this ailment was, didn't subside. He spent most of the night tossing and turning with visions of Ella's face filled with defeat swimming in his head.
In the glaring morning light, he was able to gird his loins and acknowledge it was a necessary action to reach his ultimate purpose. Having gained at least a small sense of rightness, he rose from his bed and made to get dressed. One aspect of country life that didn't change from England to Scotland was attending church. Not an activity he normally partook in, but Clive felt the need to attend as the highest ranking nobility in the community.
Once Devon had tended the fire into a comfortable blaze, he walked to the bell pull and rang for his man. As he looked through his choices of wardrobe, he thought about how changed his best friend had been from the man he knew in London. Perhaps Scotland was the place to go for change and new beginnings. A sharp knock on the door put an end to his thoughts as he called for his man to enter. He sat at the dressing table as the valet began giving him a close shave.
Late yesterday afternoon, an official invitation to Sunday luncheon had been sent to Ella. Until the response came accepting the invitation, Devon wasn't sure she would follow through. He had half expected to hear she had fled with Maddie. He still didn't understand how one mother could be so protective, yet another could abandon her only child on a whim.
As the valet finished his ministration, Devon thought about the church service awaiting him. One asset to attending the local sermon would be the chance to see Ella and Maddie in a more social situation. The thought lifted his spirits by a small margin. Once down the stairs, Devon and Clive assisted the elderly women into the carriage and they were off. The day was splendid, one of the warmest mornings yet. The sun glinting off the meadows made them shimmer with fresh greens and heather purples. The women hadn't stopped talking about Ella and Maddie since they left the bakery, and it seemed they were not wont to stop now. Clive sat back enjoying the scenery with a look of contentment on his face. Devon was happy for his friend, but felt it unfair to feel as though he no longer fit in his own skin. He hoped Clive's newfound sense of ease was short lived. His friend deserved nothing less than an unwilling countess such as he was presently dealing.
At the small church, Devon, ranking just below in title than Clive, was shown to the front pew along with Clive and the aunts. Devon, to his chagrin, had noted Ella and Maddie were seated, not in the back of the church, but more in the latter half of the middle. She had acknowledged him and had given a slight bow of her head. A small concession. He smiled at her, but knew it didn't reach his eyes. It rankled him that his countess ranking higher than all those seated in front of her was relegated to the pews of the commoners. Devon knew why she was there, but the possessive beast within wanted to howl with frustration.
Not to mention he had decided his time in the church would be best spent watching the sun play off her perfect complexion and her shimmering golden tresses. Now, he pouted. He would have to sit pretending to pay attention to the sermon while wondering if she was watching him. Could nothing go right?
The sermon, while long winded, wasn't as much of a trial as Devon had expected. A few times during the sermon, he heard Maddie's little giggle reach his ears and despite his foul mood, he found himself smiling. As all of them filed out of the church into the bright sunlight, Devon searched for a glimpse of Ella and Maddie. To his frustration, the vicar wanting to discuss some local concerns with Lord Breakerton waylaid Clive and him. Clive began discussing possible solutions while Devon looked over the crowd, not listening a wit.
He caught sight of her at last. She stood in a circle of women older than her by ten years at least. She looked warm and fresh in a sky blue confection with a matching pelisse. It lacked the usual decorations and trappings of similar dresses he was used to seeing in London, but as he kept reminding himself, she was the town baker, not his countess. She still outshined every woman milling about. Her group seemed to be women who would be a bit above the station of baker, but nonetheless they appeared to be deferring to Ella over whatever topic was being discussed.
"Oh, my Lord, we are so happy to have such important men visit our little church." The vicar's wife had somehow separated him from Clive, and was in the process of gaining his attentions, which did not want to be gained.
"Well, Lord Breakerton has spoken so highly of the entire area, I just had to see for myself." He answered, giving her his most disarming smile. At the same time, he caught Ella's departure from her group of women. She had moved closer to a group of women nearer to her age.
"We are surprisingly happy with his lordship. He is doing a wonderful job."
Devon listened to the woman sing Clive's praises with half an ear. Ella's voice carried on the breeze and he wanted to take this opportunity to hear what was important to her.
"Mister Langly and I were invited to the manor for dinner not two months ago. I have to say, Lord Breakerton is as charming as he is handsome," one of the women was commenting.
"Yes, he is, but his friend seems very favorable as well. His dark looks are quite romantic. That is the type of man I would be tossing my cap at if I were a widow."
Devon felt a blush wash over him. He had always hated being the topic of conversation among women. He hoped Ella hadn't noticed his unease, because she would know he had been listening. The vicar's wife, however, noticed nothing as she continued talking, having switched topics to the history of the church and its buildings.
"I am sure I don't give a care about either of his lordships. I have been invited because his aunts have taken to Maddie and have a wish to spend time with her," he heard Ella say with conviction. "And you are wise to encourage such a connection," one of the women insisted, "for I have heard of young ladies of no more pedigree getting sponsored by Grande Dames of the Ton. And with Maddie's father having been an officer, well, a continued connection with those women could only be to her benefit." The group of women all voiced their agreement. His plan was working at least in the effort not to stain her reputation in the community.
"Do you not think our church a wonderful place for a wedding?" The vicar's wife asked, though Devon, having not heard the rest of her speech wasn't sure how to answer.
"I beg your pardon?" He asked with a sorrowful look on his face
"Our church, the fact that all our marriages have led to happy unions. Wouldn't you agree that Lord Breakerton would be wise to say his vows here when he chooses a bride?"
"Ah, yes, I would think his lordship wouldn't think of any other," Devon answered. "It was very nice to have made your acquaintance, ma'am. It appears my aunts are ready to depart. Have a wonderful day." Devon bowed and made his way toward the aunts who had found Maddie, or she them. They were being afforded a grand show as Maddie was twirling and singing a happy children's tune. He wanted to scoop her up and do whatever it took to extract that lilting giggle from her. Instead, he approached the small group and watched with amusement.
Clive appeared next to him with Ella following. "Ah, here you are. It is time to go. My Lord, My ladies." Ella dropped a curtsy. "I am looking forward to attending luncheon this afternoon. Thank you again for being so generous." She scooped up a wriggling Maddie and headed along the path down the hill toward the village with all the other towns people.
Devon's party made their way toward their carriage. Devon had much to do before Ella and Maddie attended this afternoon. He had a few surprises to get ready.
♥♥♥
"Are you su
re you don't mind? I mean, I will replace it, but I wouldn't want to take it if it were important to your–"
"Devon, I said I don't mind. Being from a family of women, I am sure if I need to, I can procure a dollhouse and all its trappings with little to no effort on my part. Truth be told, I would much rather be in need of an entire army of men," Clive answered with a cynical tone as he watched Devon place the last of the delicate furniture into the tiny rooms. Devon was thrilled when on a tour of the manor he had spied the dollhouse and its pieces in the nursery. He hoped Maddie liked it. When they moved home, he planned to buy out as many toy makers as he could. He sighed. This would do for now.
"You look rather domestic you know," Clive commented sipping his brandy. "I never thought I would see you reduced to a doting father as my poor brothers-in-law. I guess no man is immune," Clive joked.
"Nonsense." Devon felt the need to defend himself even though he agreed with Clive's estimation. "I am merely trying to find something to occupy her. If I don't, I fear I may be paying for your next refurbishing project."
Clive chuckled. Devon rose and collected his glass on the table next to the wing chair. Ella was due to arrive soon. Clive had sent a carriage to bring them to the manor and it had been gone for half an hour already. He wasn't sure how she would behave at the manor. True, the entire party knew of the game, but the fact was there were still servants about. He had decided to wait and see how she wanted to play.
As if conjured by his thoughts, the butler appeared to announce their arrival. Clive instructed the butler to see them to the parlor and they would join them in a moment. All of a sudden, Devon felt very unsure of himself. The last time a butler had announced her, his life had been altered. He dearly hoped it would again, but in his favor. He gave one last look at the dollhouse sitting on the floor waiting for a little girl to play with it and both men quit the library heading for the brighter atmosphere of the parlor in the east wing.
♥♥♥
Ella was more nervous than she had been in years. She knew Maddie felt like a true lady being driven in a fancy carriage with beautiful horses to the grand manor house. She was only three, but every girl was born with a heart filled with dreams of fairy tales. She couldn't give into the excitement, she thought with sadness. She was of two minds. Part of her wanted Devon to prove he could be a great father and husband. It would be useless for her to try to ignore that part of herself. That's why she left to begin with. She knew she could fall in love with him. Unfortunately, life had become more complicated. She couldn't allow herself to fall in love with him until she knew his feelings. She would not live in a loveless marriage. She had spent most of her life living in a loveless family. If he loved her, that would be different. She knew he cared for Maddie and had decided she would find a way for Devon and Maddie to know each other, but as for Devon and herself, she just didn't trust it.
Next, was the fact that she was being blackmailed for an unknown reason. The blackmailers were getting more threatening and bolder in their demands. The fact she was missing a meeting with them to attend this luncheon could mean real danger. She was hoping she might be able to get away in time to make it. It was her plan to find them, and to find why she was being blackmailed. She wasn't sure she wanted the truth, but she did want the threats to stop.
Once the carriage had deposited them at the door, they were escorted into the house and along a bright hallway lined with windows letting in the late afternoon sun. It felt warm and inviting. To the right at the far end they were ushered into a warm inviting room. Sitting on the sofa were LePrin and Flick busy working on embroidery. When they were announced, the women looked up smiling.
"Thank you, you may leave us. Would you please inform the gentlemen that our guests have arrived?" Asked LePrin.
"Yes, Ma'am," and he retired.
Before Ella could cross the room, LePrin rose and enveloped Ella into a fierce embrace.
"This was the only thing I wanted to do when I saw you alive," she said with emotion.
"I missed you. I am sorry I left as I did. I just–" Ella broke off not knowing how to tell LePrin why she left without admitting to things she didn't want to admit.
LePrin grasped her face in her hands and looked into her eyes. Ella saw her secret reflected in the woman's eyes. She wouldn't have to explain after all. She would always be grateful to Devon for bringing LePrin back into her life.
"She is beautiful. You have done well, as I knew you would," LePrin said to break the spell. She could tell she was trying very hard to hide her French accent. She was doing a commendable job.
"She is a handful. I now know what you and mother went through with me."
"Oh, don't blame yourself, child," Flick intoned. "Devon all but expired his share of nursemaids. I seem to be the only one to brave it through. I see so much of him in this beautiful child." Maddie had crawled up next to Flick and was busy unwinding a bright yellow ball of floss. Ella made her way to the chair in the circle of furniture and LePrin retook her seat, now next to Maddie, under a pile of yellow floss.
They had almost no time to start a conversation when the two men joined them. The large bright room closed in around her. Devon's eyes locked onto hers, sending heat through her. Both men made their way to the seating and made themselves comfortable. Devon folded himself with easy grace into a stuffed chair next to Ella.
"I am glad you could join our little group. I trust the carriage was adequate," Clive stated. She knew he knew the answer, but it was an admirable effort to start the conversation.
"It was lovely. My old mare is indebted to you for allowing her to remain at home resting." Everyone laughed, then fell silent. Ella knew they were waiting for her to set the tone.
"So, Lord Renwick, are you enjoying your stay?" She asked, unsure how to continue.
"I am actually finding Scotland much more to my liking than I thought. It is very restful."
Again, silence. The ladies started a conversation about the locals, and about how much they had been enjoying their stay to fill the vast quiet. Ella allowed them to lead the conversation as she sat back to listen. It also allowed Devon the same and he chose to take the time to lay a penetrating stare on her. Then, he leaned in toward her.
"If it is possible, I would like to take a walk in the garden after luncheon with you just to talk."
Ella raised a brow in speculation. It seemed when he got her alone, his conversations took on a very physical air. At the thought, desire lanced through her sharp and hot. Damn her body's reaction, it always betrayed her. It would not help her to give into a dalliance right now. That decided, she said, "That would be fine." Wonderful, now her mind was even betting against her.
Both turned to join in the conversation, when Maddie slid off the sofa and made her way with her bundle of floss to Devon's chair. The adults watched as she then unloaded her burden into his lap, and followed it as she climbed into his lap to show him her prize. Ella watched with rapt attention as Devon sat frozen, not sure what to do. He did give into the part when Maddie used the floss to make a rather messy hat on top of his head. He made her giggle by making a funny face, shaking his head to make the floss fall off onto Maddie's head. Her desire that was still sharp, mingled with a warmth, which scared her more than the desire.
The group was interrupted by the announcement of luncheon that would be served on the terrace. The day was warm and sunny with only a gentle breeze to stir the crisp white linens covering the table. The meal passed with ease and more talk of London and the goings on in the capital. Maddie even managed to pass the meal with little to no food on the surrounding area. Once the meal was finished, the party retired to the library for more conversation. Ella had held back to walk with LePrin, gaining as many precious minutes with her as she could, when she heard Maddie squeal with delight.
As she entered the library, which she decided would house her whole bakery and living quarters, she saw the cause. A miniature dollhouse stood on the circular rug in front of the fire, now
out. It was full of furniture and a family of small dolls waiting to be arranged. Devon stood looking very proud of himself for making his daughter trill with delight. The uneasy warmth grew. Ella was in trouble. The gentlemen settled down with glasses of brandy and the women sat listening to Ella talk about her new life and the bakery. Soon, the older women both began to doze. She didn't fall for it for one minute, but played along. Clive took off his jacket, rolled up his shirtsleeves, and got onto the floor to play and distract Maddie. Before she knew what he was about, Devon's deep voice washed over her shoulder tickling her ear.
"Shall we take that walk now?"
She couldn't answer, only nod her agreement. He placed his hand hot and possessive on the small of her back, a bit lower than was acceptable, and turned her to the door. Without speaking, they made their way back to the hallway and out a side door into the brightness of the day.
"So where to?" She asked.
"Nowhere in particular. I just wanted a few moments alone with you. Why don't we head towards the folly?"
"Lead the way," she answered without looking into his eyes. They walked on across the lawn and through the large trimmed hedges that gave off the fresh smell of pine. The smell of pine permeated the air. Ella broke the silence.
"How did LePrin and Flick come to be your aunts?" She asked.
"I have a fondness for elder servant women, what can I say." He smiled.
Ella forged ahead without reacting to his goad. "I just assumed you would turn LePrin out once we left, but I didn't see any way for us to take her with us, as our circumstances were not solid."
"And, you thought that was what your father would do, so that is what I would have done?" He asked with hurt in his voice.
"I guess, yes," she admitted. "I suppose I shouldn't have thought the worst. You never did anything that led me to think you were like him."
Devon seemed to take that and be settled. "Once you left and we thought you were right and truly dead, LePrin mourned for months. She could not be left alone. Once she regained herself, I gave her employ at The Tate. She fit in well and Flick saw her as a confidante. Reynolds also fancied her, and I couldn't bring myself to separate them."