Page 45 of The Masked Baron
“What think you of an open carriage ride there tomorrow? I know it’s a bit chilly, but we would dress appropriately and bring blankets. It’s not fair if the gentlemen are the only ones who get outside.”
“What a lovely idea,” Andalin said. Her outings were too few and far between, and because of the change in season and the cold weather, Ellis had put an end to her daily horse riding. “If Lord Cadogen approves, of course.”
Lord Kerrigan grinned triumphantly and jumped to his feet. “I will ask him immediately. I will take leave of you, but we shall meet after teatime for our next dance lesson.”
Andalin pushed her plate away. At times like this, when her mind could not sort itself out, a girl required a very good book.
Chapter 16
Slipping away to the library,Andalin soon found herself happily thumbing through a book that caught her eye.
“I didn’t know you were interested in sailing.”
Andalin looked up to see Ellis watching her quietly from the door. “Forgive me. I did not hear you come in.” She made to stand, but he put up his hand to insist she stay seated.
“I have learned two things about you this morning. First, marmalade and now sailing.”
Andalin took in the sketch of a large warship before closing the book. “I know little of sailing, which is why this title so appealed to me. Have you been to the sea before?”
Ellis nodded, folding his arms comfortably across his chest. “Many times.”
“I’ve always wanted to see the ocean. Did you ever fight pirates?”
“Yes, actually,” Ellis said with a small laugh. “Why would you ask?”
Andalin remembered the last story she had told Saber and Lily, the children from Corbridge who loved hearing her stories. “Did you know a man named Red Beard?”
Ellis’s eyes turned playful. “The best swordsman of the sea?”
Andalin gaped. “Then, it’s true!”
“I don’t know of what you’re speaking, so I can’t confirm.”
Andalin waved him into the room and was pleased when he sat on the small settee by her under the window. “The way the story goes, you fought the dreaded pirate Red Beard to avenge your darling, Winifred. You fooled him by pretending to be his friend, and when you had learned his weakness with the sword, you finally attacked. After beating him soundly, he called for mercy, and you relented. You stole back your ladylove, and poor Red Beard was so angry he ripped his beard clean off his chin.”
She waited while he finished laughing. “Well?” Andalin asked impatiently. “Is any of it true?”
Ellis wiped a tear from his eye. “Sometimes I truly forget myself when you are around. It will be a hard day for all of Braitwood Hall when we marry you off.”
Did he wish she would stay? She suppressed her feelings, remembering he had not answered her question, and tried again. “I must know if there is even a shred of truth about the story.”
Ellis gave her half a smile. “I hate to take away all the mystery of the Dark Rider. It seems to be all the self-respect I own.”
“Please,” Andalin said with a touch of sarcasm. “It’s entirely your own fault!” Then she took her book and rapped it none too lightly on his leg. “But is it true?”
Ellis stole the book from her. “Patience. If I’m going to reveal any secrets, it isn’t going to be to a woman who beats it from me.”
Andalin laughed. For once their conversation was not so serious. “All right, but I really must know.”
“Why?”
Andalin told him about the children. “Saber especially loved to hear stories about you. His father ran off, and his poor mother is forced to work long hours doing laundry and sewing to provide for her little ones. The tales of the Dark Rider are a good distraction from his sad reality.”
Ellis’s smile grew soft as he spoke. It was rare to see him so relaxed and carefree, and she very much preferred it.
“It’s true I’ve fought pirates. Not because I was ever a real sailor but because I was unlucky enough to be on board when we were attacked. Any skill I have with the sword must be credited to my father. I’m not the best, by any means. Men mostly duel with pistols these days, for good reason.”
“And Winifred?” Andalin did not know why she was asking. If Ellis hadn’t fallen for the beautiful and caring Katrina, then no amount of Winifreds could have turned his head.
