Page 16 of Loyally, Luke
Maeve:Interesting...
Ellie:I can almost hear you plotting something that will make me nervous.
Maeve:Not plotting. There’s not much to plot... yet. But your entire meeting in the coffee shop and then discovering you may be working with the man is interesting. Do you need an extra set of eyes? I could come help.
Ellie:I’m not certain anyone is ready for your sort of help, Maeve.
Maeve:Why do I get a sense that he’s handsome? The less you talk about someone, it usually means the more handsome he is.
Ellie:That is not true.
Maeve:That he isn’t handsome?
Ellie:No.
Ellie:I mean, yes. He is handsome, in a rugged sort of way. I meant, no, talking about someone less has nothing to do with how handsome he may be. Sometimes I want to forget the person.
Maeve:So... I’m hearing that he’s handsome.
Ellie:It doesn’t matter if he’s handsome, Maeve. I’m finished with short-term romances and he’s not on the list. He’d NEVER be on the list. My parents have suggested some excellent options for my future, and I don’t plan to disappoint them yet AGAIN. I’ve already done so much for which they’ve had to bear the brunt of the consequences. Considering their opinion is the very least I can do. Besides, I know they want what’s best for me.
Maeve:Perfect. Then you ultimately get to choose, right?
Ellie:I’m not so certain I’m the best person to make the choice based on my past. No, I think it’s time to trust their plans.
Maeve:You still should have some say, El. It’s YOUR future.
Ellie:When you’re a royal, it’s never solely one person’s future.
Maeve:I’m not going to have this argument with you again; however, I will say that I’d rather watch a handsome, well-built (see what I did there) carpenter work out, over one who doesn’t improve the view. I think I may need to come and help you.
Ellie:I’m ignoring you. However, I must say he seems an honest, straightforward sort. And I was probably rude again. Or nonresponsive. Why can’t I just be normal?
Maeve:Because you’re not normal. We’ve covered this already.
Ellie:It is so difficult to be myself with new people. I’m always afraid they have some sort of ulterior motive and I must keep up my guard. I’m waiting for the cameras or the trickery. It’s horrible.
Maeve:Maybe it’s worth taking someone at face value every once in a while, El. It might restore some of your faith in humanity.
Ellie:Says the woman who would rather bury herself in her cottage and create music instead of talk to people.
Maeve:Dead composers and musical instruments are the best listeners. And we rarely argue.
From: Josephine Martin
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: March12
Subject: Re: The cabin
I’m glad to hear you’re doing well, but I really think Mr.Gray could have taken better care of you and your assistant. A house with no electricity? Really, Luke! Though you’ve been on all sorts of adventures without electricity, so this should be manageable for you, at least.
And before you hear this from Penelope, I may have mentioned to Lori Creswell at church that you were single. I didn’t make any plans, as you’re not here, but I did plant the idea in her head. You’d be a great father to her children.
I look forward to hearing more about your trip. The photos are lovely, but I’m a little concerned about how remote you are. They do have hospitals nearby, don’t they? You’re notorious for putting nails through skin or getting hit with boards or... whatever else it is that happens to you and leaves scars. Or dents.
Love,
