Page 10 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“I’m terrible with celebrations. I usually leave them up to you.”
“But you always have such wonderful surprises for my birthday,” she protested.
“That is different. I use all my imagination for your birthday week.”
“I think you could think of something if you tried hard enough,” she insisted. “Why not go away on holiday? I haven’t been to Scotland in years.”
Nash wanted his sister married in three months. Why on earth would he plan a trip to Scotland?
“I prefer something closer to home. We can have one of your famous picnics in the garden.”
Ellie shook her head. “That is not grand enough. I prefer the holiday idea. We could spend a month in Scotland and visit family on our way back.”
“Why not discuss my birthday closer to the date?” Nash suggested. “We might not even need the trip because I have asked Aunt Roslyn if we can visit her for a week or two. We haven’t seen her in some time.”
“You know I do not like to visit such a rural place,” said Ellie. “Why not invite Aunt Roslyn here, and she can see the changes you have made to the manor? I would like to see her, but not at the cost of staying in Edendale.”
Nash had been worried she would say something to that effect. “Well, I would still like to go, so you will have to ask Elizabeth to stay with you while I’m gone.”
Their older, unmarried cousin often chaperoned Ellie when an occasion arose. Nash preferred the woman to be with Ellie whenever he had to leave town, although his sister protested at times.
“I suppose I can stand Cousin Elizabeth for two weeks,” she said.
“You’re not going to argue about it?”
“What is the point?” Ellie asked. “You always get your way in the end. Besides, I prefer putting up with our dreary cousin than visiting Aunt Roslyn in the countryside. The next neighbour is forty-five minutes away, and if I wish to do a bit of shopping, I have to travel for over an hour to get to the nearest town.”
Nash could see her argument and left it at that. He skipped dessert and poured a glass of cognac once they retired to the drawing room. Ellie left him after an hour to do a little reading before bed, but Nash continued to sit and think until he began to nod with fatigue.
Before he climbed into bed and fell asleep, his last thought was about finding a way to convince his sister that marrying David was the right thing to do. It was what any good brother would do.
Nash welcomed the Ruperts into their home the following evening, annoyed that his sister wasn’t by his side to do so. She was still in her room getting ready, but he had a feeling she was just sitting about and sulking. Ellie didn’t want to be part of the dinner, but Nash had insisted.
“Where is Eleanor?” Lady Montague asked. “We have become accustomed to seeing her lovely face welcome us into your home.”
“Are you not satisfied with me, My Lady?” Nash said with a little teasing.
“Of course, we are,” the woman replied with a laugh. “But you are not the one marrying my son.”
Both David and Nash grimaced at the thought, making the older couple laugh.
“You should see how horrified you both are,” the viscountess said.
“On that note, I would really love to see my fiancée,” said David. “Is she waiting in the drawing room?”
If only the man knew that Ellie did not consider him as her fiancé. The news would break the sensitive man’s heart.
“She is in her room, but she should be down in a moment. Shall we proceed to the drawing room?”
Nash took Lady Montague’s hand and led her inside, her husband and son trailing behind them.
“I like the changes you have done with the house,” the viscount commented. “The house was good before, but it’s even better now.”
“Thank you. I’m happy with the changes as well and glad that I’m back in my own home again.”
They continued with their small talk, but Nash had no doubt they were wondering where Ellie was. Just when he thought to go and drag her downstairs, she appeared at the door as though she hadn’t just kept them waiting for longer than necessary. Dinner was ready, but they couldn’t go into the dining room without her.
“I am so sorry to keep you waiting,” she said and sounded like she meant it. “Sometimes, it takes a lady some time to get ready. I’m sure you understand, Lady Montague.”
