Page 39 of The Masked Baron
“Comparable, I would say.” Annie said in mock-seriousness. “But I do have better examples of my determination depicting me in a more favorable light.”
“Really? Pray tell.”
Ellis let Annie distract him with stories about her youth. After a while the conversation turned, and Ellis learned they both shared the same love for history and geography. Ellis even confessed he only carried a sword when he went out because his father had done the same. It kept his father’s memory close.
Hours passed like mere moments, and Ellis reveled in their newfound companionship. There had been so much fear, intimidation, and hesitancy on Annie’s part, but none of that was apparent now. Despite their blustery beginnings, she wanted to be there for him. He could hardly fathom it. Finally recognizing he wanted her friendship, wanted her presence, too, was like feeling a wall between them crumbling down.
It made finding her a husband hard but ever more important. Annie deserved better than a lonely life at Braitwood Hall.
Chapter 14
“Lord Kerrigan’s family has arrived,”Hannah said. “Ye’re to greet them as soon as I fix yer hair.”
Last night Andalin’s lingering worries had lessened, and she was almost content. Now she sat at the dressing table while anxiety built beneath her skin. By the time she was ready to leave her room, her nerves were pulled as tightly as her hair. Ellis met Andalin at the bottom of the staircase, and his presence eased her nerves enough to allow her to breathe freely again.
“There you are,” he said, reaching for her hand.
She placed her hand in his, and he squeezed it gently. Did he know she needed his touch just now?
“Will they like me?” she asked, eager for him to reassure her.
His eyes softened behind his mask, which was a familiar sight now. What was underneath was beginning to not matter like it had before. His penetrating gaze and gentle smile were all she saw anymore. “They are not as frightening as wolves, though you wouldn’t know it to look at you. I daresay you will charm them the same way you have my staff.”
Many aspects of the Cadogens were still a great mystery to her, like the way Ellis was appraising her face and hair just now. It filled her senses, distracting her from her fears. “I believe that is yet another compliment. Careful, or your reputation will soften.”
“I’m not sure I am the one who is softening,” Ellis said, the corner of his mouth creeping up into a mischievous smile.
Andalin was enjoying the changes in her relationship with Ellis and the rest of the household. She hoped their guests would not shake the stability she’d gained.
Ellis pulled her hand through his arm and escorted her into the drawing room, where their guests waited. Andalin saw Lord Kerrigan’s mother first. Her gown was finer than Andalin could have conjured with her imagination. Covered in delicate black lace with intricate beading on the bodice, her dress radiated opulence. Her daughter, Mrs. Trenton, stood with natural grace and joined her mother. She could not have been much older than Andalin, and her beauty was daunting. They both floated over to her with airs of superiority and position. Andalin fought the temptation to shrink back and hide behind Ellis.
She mentally instructed herself to smile and not gape.
“Might I introduce Miss Durante?” Ellis asked.
Names were exchanged, and Andalin curtsied with great care. They each took a seat, and Andalin breathed out in relief when Ellis chose a chair next to the sofa where she sat, hardly a foot away.
He sat back, utterly at ease, and asked his guests, “How did you find your journey?”
Andalin could have choked at the amiable and social tones coming from Ellis’s mouth. He seemed almost cheerful.
“Long but not tedious,” Mrs. Trenton replied sweetly.
Lady Kerrigan did not agree. “I felt every bump and bustle. I hope your beds are as soft as I remember. My daughter and I will retire early tonight, or we’ll never recover.”
Lord Kerrigan chuckled. “It wasn’t all miserable, Mama. You haven’t told Lord Cadogen how much you admired the grounds.”
Lady Kerrigan’s frown softened a notch. “Make no mistake; it isn’t what it was when your mother was alive. Braitwood Hall always had a rustic charm, which makes its remote location more appealing.”
Lady Kerrigan and her son moved to the window, where they began pointing out their favorite features of the grounds, and Mrs. Trenton stood and moved to the other side of the sofa next to Andalin.
“Miss Durante,” Mrs. Trenton began, “how have you gotten along here at Braitwood?”
Andalin clasped her hands to hide the small tremble. She wasn’t sure what was more intimidating: Ellis’s nearness or the beautiful, refined Mrs. Trenton.
“Please do not harass my protégé, Mrs. Trenton,” Ellis said. “It’s taken months to get her to put her guard down, and after a few moments in your company, I can see it going back up.”
Mrs. Trenton’s affronted expression eased into an impish smile. “You interrupted before Miss Durante could give me an honest answer to my innocent and extremely polite inquiry of her well-being while living here. If she is feeling anxious in any way, it is surely your presence to blame, not mine. Doesn’t my brother have conversation he would like to make with you?”
