Page 78 of The Masked Baron
Mr. Brennan’s shock dissipated quickly, and his panic-stricken face turned to one of action. He yelled to Hans and half stumbled into the forest. David squirmed, and Ellis tightened his hold. He could feel David struggling for breath and relaxed his grip.
Time dragged before Mr. Brennan finally returned with Annie. Her cloak bore streaks of dirt and her curls were coming loose, but she seemed to be in one piece and more alert than Ellis had expected—praise the Lord. He heard horses behind him, and Lord Kerrigan and Mr. Lewis rode up. Lord Kerrigan brandished a pistol.
“Impeccable timing,” Ellis said, relieved.
“And we managed to not get lost this time,” Lord Kerrigan said, swinging down off his horse to assist Ellis.
“There will be time enough for celebrating your sense of direction,” Ellis said with a chuckle. “Help me with these men.” He used his head to point to David, whom he still held tightly.
“Right.” Kerrigan picked up the blunderbuss off the ground and handed it to Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis aimed at Mr. Brennan, who was trying to back silently away.
“Well, Cadogen,” Kerrigan began, “do you think Thornton’s constable could handle these three?”
Ellis looked to Mr. Lewis, who nodded. “I would say so. There will be a simple customary trial for all of them, and then they will be lucky if their sentence is just life in prison.”
Kerrigan nodded in agreement. “Let’s tie them up, and Mr. Lewis and I can ride them into town. You can take Miss Durante home.”
When the men were bound and secured, Ellis waved Lord Kerrigan on. Finally, he was free to go to Annie. He did not hesitate to pull her to him. “Are you hurt?”
“My head aches, but I find I can tolerate it.”
He put his hand on her head and fingered the curly mass, searching for a wound. “This thick hair of yours no doubt cushioned the blow.”
“You never liked my hair.”
“Never liked it? Your father urged me to have you continue to wear your mobcap to protect your virtue, but I could not condone such a monstrosity. When your hair is down you become a goddess. These curls intoxicate me.”
Annie’s cheeks flamed. She was lovely. He could have never endured life if anything more serious had happened.
“Please forgive me,” Ellis pleaded, cupping his hands around her shoulders. “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Marry me, Annie.”
Annie stepped back. “Marry you?”
Ellis swallowed. He knew marriage to him wasn’t the most desirable thing for any woman. He had to convince her he was different now. She inspired him. “Please, I will never be complete without you.”
Annie sighed. “You were meant to marry someone better. Someone of your own class, with a dowry and connections.”
“I have already ruined Society’s good opinion of me,” Ellis said. “You cannot think I am worried about my reputation. Besides, after our wedding, you shall have all the rights and privileges of a baroness. There will be no distinction of rank between us then.”
Annie studied him. “Does this mean you will neglect every other part of your existence and spend the next ten years dedicated to seeking my love?”
“What?”
Annie barely held back her smile. “Oh, Ellis. Your deceit hurt me. I wish you could undo it, for I don’t like to think those precious moments with you were all just a pretense.”
A wedge lodged in his throat. “My head told me getting to know you was for practical reasons, but my heart always knew otherwise. I haven’t been the same since I saw you that first night in the woods. I was afraid to have someone so beautiful in my house. But truly, you enchanted me from the moment I heard your voice telling your father stories. Matilda has been harassing me for months about acting differently. You have to see the way I fold for you. I can’t seem to get anything done when you are around.”
Did she believe him?
Annie pursed her lips. “Telling me I drive you to distraction is not exactly romantic.”
“You are right,” Ellis grinned, relieved to hear her teasing words. “You drive me to the brink of insanity. Is that better?” Ellis paused to watch Annie’s eyes widen, followed by her smile finally emerging with a laugh, before he continued. “I am a mess when I think you are angry with me. And I have been a mess the last month thinking you were in love with Kerrigan. Please marry me so I no longer have to share you with my best friend. I do not like watching through windows as you dance with other men.”
It felt like heaven when Annie leaned into him. “Now you are just being possessive.”
Ellis sighed, tenderly wrapping his arms around her. “Unromantic and possessive. Very well, marry me for you. Marry me because despite all my character flaws, you want my money and dashing good looks for your children.”
Annie giggled. “Now you tempt me.”
