Page 28 of The Masked Baron
“Ye shouldn’t have had such a scare yesterday. It’s a real shame.”
Andalin shook her head but could think of nothing to say. She followed Mr. Lewis to the stables just as a horse and rider came in fast from out of the woods.
“That’ll be his lordship. He’s been out riding all night.”
Ellis puzzled her. What sort of man rode all night through the Black Forest without good cause? Shouldn’t a man who professed to know the dangers of the forest at least venture to ride in the daylight?
Ellis reined in his horse and dismounted a few feet from them. Both rider and horse were drenched in sweat.
Mr. Lewis grumbled. “Birks will be none too happy. You’ve worn the poor creature out again, milord.”
Ellis gave a crooked smile. “My horse knows when I need a hard ride. He hasn’t failed me yet.”
Ellis removed his hat and then ran his hand through his wet hair. He tipped his head to Andalin. “Good morning.”
She hadn’t known a sweaty man could look handsome. She realized her mouth was open, and she presently shut it. “Good morning.”
Ellis swatted his stallion into the stable. Then he took the dog’s leashes from their trainer so Mr. Lewis could tend to the horse.
“Magnificent dogs, wouldn’t you agree?” Ellis asked her.
“Yes, maybe you should take them with you on your next night ride.”
“I prefer being alone.” Ellis knelt on the damp grass and rubbed the dogs, alternating between each one. “These beauties are foryourprotection. It would be good for you to let them be around you as much as possible when you are outside. In fact, I insist Mr. Lewis and the dogs accompany you on your walks.”
Andalin rolled her eyes. “What if I prefer to be alone?”
Ellis glanced up and saw her annoyance. “After yesterday, and after the journal, I am wary to let you outside at all.”
Andalin folded her arms. “Don’t make me regret giving the journal to you.” She saw the sad look in Ellis’s eyes, and remorse stung her. “Forgive me. I never could have kept such a treasure from you. But please remember, I’m not a real lady. I’ve had a great deal of conversations with men who are rough around the edges. I’m probably more at ease with them than I am with those of your class.”
Ellis stood and brushed off his breeches. “I know you have your reservations about Braitwood Hall, and about me, but you must learn to trust me. I have written to Lord Kerrigan and requested he bring a few of his staff with him when he returns at the end of the week. Because of your revelation about dancing, I fear you will not be ready for the ball.
“Instead of attending the ball, Lord Kerrigan will bring his sister and mother out for a visit. They will be your first test. We will gauge your social skills and manners and begin the dancing lessons, and then we will see about your next opportunity to be introduced into Society. Until then I need you to be on your guard. It will be a few days yet until they arrive, and you must stay out of mischief.”
“I don’t know whether to be offended or to thank you,” Andalin said. “You have a way of making me feel like a foolish child.”
After unleashing the dogs, Ellis sent them running across the wide lawn. “I find myself talking to you as if you were Eliana. I have never been very good with words.” Ellis put his hands on his hips and stared off toward the forest. “It will be good for you to have some female company.”
“If you think it’s best,” she said, her mind already turning over his words. He compared her to his sister. A compliment, really. She should be worried about the visitors, not what Ellis thought about her. They would be ladies, not the friendly, neighborly gossips she was used to back home. She didn’t like the idea of being tested before being introduced to Society. She would rather put the whole thing behind her. Dare she suggest Ellis forget his grand plans and let Lord Kerrigan marry her?
Ellis put his hat back on his head and nodded goodbye before retreating to the house. It dawned on her that she had missed yet another opportunity to drill him about the secrets.
Andalin’s riding lesson wasn’t as enjoyable as she imagined it would be. Her mind circulated around her concern for what the Kerrigan family would think of her. She didn’t want to disappoint anyone or make a fool of herself. After her lesson she decided to seek Mrs. Lewis out. She found her dusting in the sitting room off the dining hall.
“Mrs. Lewis, if it’s not too much trouble, may I speak with you for a moment?”
Mrs. Lewis gave an inviting smile and set her duster down. “Please, join me. I need a sit-down anyway.”
Andalin sank into the sofa seat and pulled a pillow onto her lap. “Has Lord Cadogen mentioned Lord Kerrigan’s mother and sister visiting?”
“Yes. In fact, it was my idea. You have proved yourself ready for this next step.”
Andalin’s eyes widened. “Then, you think it is a good idea?”
Mrs. Lewis’s eyes went soft and motherly. “Of course! It will do you a world of good to have a small taste of Society before being thrown to the wolves. Oh, forgive me. That wasn’t a very tasteful comparison after what you and your father went through. But, never you mind, the Kerrigan ladies are charming.”
“What are they like? How do I go about conversing with them?”
