Page 80 of The Masked Baron
The man took his hat off, and Andalin gasped. She was right. “Papa!”
His eyes sought hers, and then his arms opened to catch her as she threw herself into them. Papa lifted her from the ground as he squeezed her tightly. She laughed and kissed his wet cheek.
When he set her down, her smile stretched from ear to ear. “This is most astonishing! I thought... I just never imagined.”
Papa motioned to Ellis. “Lord Cadogen sent for me. When the carriage arrived, I told the driver to please not spare the horses.”
Andalin wiped at the sudden moisture leaking from her eyes. “I’m ever so glad. This is the best surprise!” She turned and grabbed Ellis’s hand. “Thank you!”
His hair was disheveled and his clothes wrinkled, but Ellis had never looked more handsome to her. It was clear he had done this for her.
“Everyone, meet Mr. Durante, Miss Durante’s father.” Ellis moved aside as, one by one, introductions were made.
Mrs. Lewis stepped forward and draped a blanket around Andalin and her father. She had not realized how damp she’d become from hugging him. “Thank you. I am sure Braitwood Hall has the wisest housekeeper.”
Mrs. Lewis batted her hand. “It isn’t work when you’re serving people you care for.”
Andalin knew at that moment she belonged at Braitwood Hall—a home fortified with love. She turned back to her father, and her smile stretched even more. “I have a dozen letters for you.”
“I promise to read every one.” Papa pulled Andalin under one strong arm. “We will have time to catch up in the morning, but I have to say, you are a sight for sore eyes.” Then he looked at Ellis. “I didn’t realize the house would be full of guests, or I wouldn’t have barged in at such an hour. I hope it isn’t too much trouble.”
“Nonsense,” Ellis said, nonplussed. “I think Miss Durante would agree it was a welcome interruption. My housekeeper has already prepared your room. I will have her show you there so you can rest.”
Papa pushed down his damp hair. “That would be very good of you.”
Ellis held Andalin back while everyone else filed off to their beds. “Are you happy, Annie?”
Andalin leaned into him. “You planned this?”
“Yes,” he said, his voice soft and husky.
“There is nothing kinder you could have done for me.”
Ellis caressed her long, unruly curls.
“I’m sorry, my hair...”
He grinned. “Yes, it is a temptation I must resist.” He lost his hand in her curls and his eyes sparked with longing. “But are you happy?”
Andalin leaned up and kissed him softly on the cheek. Her lips tingled from the scruff on his unshaved face. “I am very happy.”
Ellis stared at her mouth. “Good. Then, once I beg your father’s permission to marry you, might we announce our engagement in the morning?”
“Yes.” Andalin laughed softly. “I daresay he will be surprised. Then you can tell the entire world, if it pleases you.”
“Wonderful. Then I, too, will be happy.”
They said good night, and Andalin walked away with a light heart.
She overslept the next morning. The whole house seemed to have the same idea, and everyone was served a late breakfast, which Mrs. Lewis said was fashionable in London during the Season. When Andalin had finished with her morning toilette and come downstairs to join them all, it was to hear Lord Kerrigan telling his mother about their midnight guest. Lady Kerrigan was the only one who had managed to sleep through the night’s happenings.
Before Andalin could fill a plate with food, she heard a noise behind her and turned to see Papa enter the room with Ellis. Her cheeks warmed when she saw them together, sensing she had been the topic of their discussion. Silent prayers raced through her mind almost as fast as her heart rate. They both found her with their eyes. By the affectionate way they both looked at her, she knew Papa’s answer.
Everyone was gathered. It was time. She held her breath when Ellis came to stand near her. He put his hands together and clapped loudly a few times.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?”
The clanging of silverware and dishes and the chatter of voices ceased.
