Page 32 of The Forgotten Life of Ella Moon
“I don’t think that woman is for him.Therewas something cruel about her.”Sissyset the crown onElla’shead. “There.Icrown you the queen of this field.Whatshall be your first wish, my queen?”
Ella touched the crown. “Thatall women are free to not marry and can live on their own.”
Sissy laughed. “Oh, andMrs.Clarkmust make her own tea.”
“AndMr.Crawfordmust change his own bedding,”Ellajoined in.Bothgirls added to the list of things thatQueenEllawould change.Ellafelt better, not as sad.
“We should get back to the inn beforeClarabreaks all the plates.”Sissystood, brushing the grass from her skirt. “Don’tgive up,Ella.Yourlove is out there.Theone you are destined to be with.Youjust have to open your eyes and see him.”Sissyextended her hand toElla.
Ella letSissypull her up.Thane’sdark carriage could be seen leaving the inn.Shelooked atSissy, who was feeding the milk cow from her hand.Ellahad opened her eyes, and it was not a man with silver eyes she was destined to be with.
But a boy with soft brown eyes and a warm smile.
“Come on,Sissy.Ourdestiny might not be waiting, butMrs.Ais.”
CHAPTER16
ELLA
The days that followed her incident in the dining room trudged by.Ailithhad given her a couple of days off.Ellaspent them fighting her tears and the urge to punchMr.ThaneTenebrisin his pretty face.Hehad let her believe that he would give it all up for her.Andshe stupidly believed his honeyed words.Atethem up like she was starving for them.Thankfully,Thane’sbetrothed had been keeping him busy.Thismorning she dragged him out of the inn in a rush of giggles and rose perfume.
And she had been busy with the wash.Ellashoved the dirty linens into the washtub.Thetears threatened to fall, and she didn’t even know why.Theintense emotions she felt about him confused her.Hehad been honest about his reason for being inRiverton, and she let her imagination get the best of her.Sheshould be happy for him.Hefound the woman he loved.Besides, she had her own life.
TheMoonFestivalwas two days away.SheandWilliamwould need to patch up their differences and start planning for the future.Thefuture she had put off for too long.Lillianhad saidDarbyhad offeredWilliama job.Ifall went well, byYuleEllaandWilliamwould be living their happily ever after.Sowhy didn’t she feel happy?
“You’re not allowed back here!”Lilliancried from the doorway. “Mother,”Lilliancalled before slipping back into the inn.
Ella looked up to seeAlbertpush his way through the back door.Shewiped the sweat from her brow. “Dammit.”Thathadn’t taken long.Shehad sent word late last night that she would not be acceptingAlbert’sinvitation.Aninvitation she didn’t remember getting.
“You ungrateful little whore,”Albertspat. “Youwould rather be seen with that poor boy than a man like me.”
The glow underAlbert’sskin called to her.Thebright cords that held it pulsed.Itwould be so easy to take it.Andwith it would come all his fortune.Thecopper tub, the house, the gold—it would all be gone.Allshe’d have to do was say the words.Wordsthat slipped from her memory.
“Yes,Albert,Iwould rather go to the festival with a boy than a man like you.”Ellahauled the sheets out and into the wringer.
“I gave you a chance, and this is how you repay me?”Spitflew fromAlbert’smouth.
“A chance?Achance at what?Tomother those horrible little demons you call children?Orto play nursemaid to your aging, senseless mother?”Shedidn’t hold back her sharp words.Shewas tired of people likeAlbertandThanethinking they could treat her like a common whore.
Albert stalked over to her and grabbed her arm. “Doyou know whatIcould do to you?Noone would care.Theyalready think you’re a witch.I’dbe doing everyone a favor.”Awicked smile spread acrossAlbert’ssmug face.
“I’m not afraid of you.”Ellatried to shrug off his cold fingers.
Albert tightened his grip. “Thatis your first mistake.Whodo you think owns those loans on the mill?Hmm?Iwas being gracious by giving them until the end of the year.ButmaybeIshould recall them today.Whatwould your little lover do then?He’dhave nothing but the clothing on his back.AndIprobably own those too.Stillwant to be seen with a boy?”
“Let go of me,”Ellagritted out.
Albert pulledEllacloser. “Bythe end of this year, you’ll be begging me for a second chance.”
“I would rather starve to death than allow any part of you anywhere near me.”
“Are you sure about that?”Albert’sgrip tightened aroundElla’sarm.
“Let go of me.You’rehurting me.”Ellatried to keep the panic out of her voice.
“You heard her.Lether go,”Thanecalled.
“Who are you?”AlbertshovedEllaaway.
