Page 27 of The Masked Baron
Ellis could no doubt see through her attempt to discuss something lighter, but he didn’t try to force the subject. “When Lord Kerrigan returns, I will see that he teaches you to dance.”
“How mortifying!” Andalin said, shaking her head. “I would be far more comfortable learning from Mr. or Mrs. Lewis. Or maybe you could hire someone from town. Which reminds me, Hannah is getting on in years and it’s hard for her to help me in the evenings. Could we find a younger dress maid, by chance? We could hire out for a dance instructor and a maid at the same time.”
Ellis shook his head. “I’m afraid the answer is no on both counts. I don’t want anyone getting ideas that my ward is not of high blood. Your reputation as a lady is crucial if you are to have Braitwood Hall someday. I don’t want the people to have any reason to disrespect you. There are dangers enough for you simply because of the company you keep.”
Andalin didn’t see any danger in a dance instructor. Ellis was overly cautious. “And what of a dress maid?”
Ellis rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “I’ve never been very trustful of strangers. I wouldn’t want anyone spreading stories through town.”
No wonder Hannah complained. The poor woman would never be allowed to retire at this rate. “What of Lord Kerrigan?”
“You want him to be your dress maid?”
Andalin rolled her eyes. “Heavens, no. Surely he has to have servants he trusts. What if he were to recommend someone? Or even to loan us someone from his household until...”
“Until?”
“Until you’ve married me off to the highest bidder.” Andalin practically spat out the words.
Ellis grinned. “You have such a gentle look about you. I am always surprised how bold you can be.”
Andalin folded her arms across her chest. “Speak for yourself. You have the looks of a lion lurking in the shadows but then act like we should all treat you like every other normal person.”
The large grin slipped from his face and settled into a small smile. “Then we are agreed—looks can be deceiving.”
Andalin broke her gaze away from his. “Yes, we are agreed.”
“Good,” Ellis said, pushing himself to his feet. “Then, you won’t question my warning. If ever there is to be another stranger at Braitwood Hall, no matter how harmless they may appear, do not speak with them. Come find me immediately.”
Andalin thought of Eliana and wondered if she had told anyone of her stranger. “And if you are not here?”
Ellis opened the door to leave. “Then, find Mr. Lewis or Birks. Don’t trust anyone else.”
Of course. Don’t trust anyone, but trust the Dark Rider. The irony almost made her smile. Surprisingly, she did trust Ellis. And even more startling was the fact that she was starting to think of him as a friend.
Chapter 10
While Birks saddled his blackTurk stallion, Ellis pulled his short sword out and decapitated a wildflower barely visible in the evening glow. First, Annie had riffled through his things and now this Brennan business. He did not know what annoyed him more, the fact that he believed Annie had been softening toward him or that he’d softened too much toward her. Either way, he’d allowed her to distract him. Worse even, he’d nearly let Mr. Brennan abduct Annie by bringing her to live at Braitwood Hall in the first place. Now his enemies would be her enemies. The thought made his blood run cold.
He resheathed his sword and swung up onto his saddle. His only lingering comfort was that Annie had yet to learn to dance. He knew he’d hate watching Kerrigan teach her, but at least it would give him more time. There could be no thinking of himself until he found his sister, but there was still the hope Annie could help him. She’d brought him Eliana’s journal, hadn’t she? All he needed was a few more well-placed signs to lead him in the right direction. He kicked his heel, and his horse leapt forward. The night air exhilarated him, clearing Annie’s image from his mind and helping him focus once more.
***
Andalin heard the dogs barking in the night but did not see them until the next morning on her way out for her riding lesson. Mr. Lewis approached her as she crossed to the stables, while gripping the leashes to three excited young Great Danes.
“Those are fine-looking creatures,” Andalin said by way of a greeting.
Mr. Lewis grinned from ear to ear, making him look a sight younger. “I’ve forgotten how much I missed havin’ dogs around the place. It’ll take a bit to train them up, but they’re a fine, healthy bunch.”
Andalin peeled off her riding gloves and scratched behind the ears of a dog as black as midnight. His body nearly reached her waist. He rubbed against her riding skirt as if they had known each other for years. “They’re big, but can they be intimidating?”
“Oh, well, they’re big, but they’re still young—practically pups. Once they get a feel for the land and the household, they’ll be a protective bunch. Dogs are extremely loyal.”
“It’s my fault such measures have to be taken in the first place.” If only she had told someone about Mr. Brennan’s first visit, all this could have been avoided.
“Where a female is, trouble ain’t far behind.” Mr. Lewis said with a grin. “This mess started a long time ago. Unfortunately, as long as ye live at Braitwood Hall, yer a part of it.”
Sometimes Mr. Lewis reminded her of Papa. Not in appearance, but in the soft way he imparted his wisdom. She thought about the extra work Mr. Lewis would have with the dogs to attend to and sighed.
