Page 15 of The Earl and Miss Muffet
“Being overbearing is a family trait, I’m afraid,” Mary laughed.
“The girls are worse than the boys,” Anton clarified. “Except for Mother. She is an angel. My older sister Jillian is as vexing as Mary.”
Mary sighed. “I cannot even argue with him.”
A carriage turned up the drive, and Anton went rigid next to her. Elena bent her head to see what had caused such a reaction. The familiar crest alerted her at once. Miss Bliss was here. Disappointment balled in her stomach. Receiving attention from Anton had been wonderful, but she knew his intentions were friendly. It did not matter that he was everything she knew she wanted, for his heart belonged to another. No one who knew Miss Bliss would question why he felt as he did. Where she radiated light, Elena was meant for the shadows.
“Who could that be?” Mary set down her drawing things. “Oh! It has to be Miss Bliss! We have been introduced but once, and I am eager to know her better. Come,” Mary reached for Elena’s hand. “You must greet her with me.”
Anton pushed back his jacket and set his hand on his waist, his eyes solemn. Elena could sense him watching the carriage, even after she looked away. As much as she was sad for herself, she hurt for him. He did not deserve to live with a broken heart.
The three of them walked back through the gate and across the courtyard to meet the carriage, which had pulled to a stop in front of the keep. A footman jumped down and opened the carriage door. Miss Bliss stepped out, her golden curls bouncing.
“Miss Muffet! Lady Mary!” Her smile was wide and genuine. She walked toward them and grabbed both of their hands. “It is so good to see you both!” She bent her head back and took in the overbearing, stone structure. “So, this is Banbury Castle.”
“I hope you like it.” Lady Mary glanced over her shoulder at her home. “It’s intimidating on the outside, but I assure you that it feels like home on the inside. Terrance will be so happy to see you.”
“And I him.” Miss Bliss blushed and ducked her head momentarily. “Will you take me to him?”
The castle doors swung open, and Terrance emerged as though he had been heralded with trumpets. Elena had never seen his smile so wide. He skipped down the steps and jogged toward them. Miss Bliss dropped their hands in anticipation, and they stepped to give the couple room.
Terrance reached her, and without care for propriety, pulled Miss Bliss into his arms. “I was certain you were not coming until evening. I just happened to look out the window, and there you were.” He pulled back and stared at his intended. “I’ve missed you, Sophia.”
Miss Bliss sighed with happiness. “You cannot fathom how much I’ve missed you.”
“Oh, but I can.” Terrance pulled her against him again and kissed her.
“I need a fan,” Mary said, waving her hand in front of her face. “I’ve never seen my brother like this.”
Elena did something brave again. She linked arms with Mary. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
Anton came and stood next to Elena. She tensed with concern for him. He cleared his throat loudly, and Terrance and Miss Bliss broke their kiss. Terrance didn’t fully release his future bride, but kept her close as he looked over her head at his brother. “My apologies to everyone but myself.”
Elena stole a glance at Anton, and caught his half-amused, half-annoyed expression. What did it mean?
“Lord Crawford,” Miss Bliss turned in Terrance’s arms, offering an awkward curtsy. “How do you do?”
Anton dipped his head in a quick bow. “I trust your journey was smooth?”
“Yes, thank you.”
Terrance finally released Miss Bliss and scooped up her hand. “Enough of this proper speech. We are going to go find Mama and get you settled into a room. Are you hungry?”
“Famished,” Miss Bliss said.
“Excellent, because as soon as I saw the carriage, I sent for tea and refreshments.”
Mary put her head near Elena’s. “Do you think we are invited?”
“No,” Anton said, overhearing. “Tomorrow perhaps, but I think our love birds could use a few minutes without an audience.”
There was not a hint of malice in his words. He was truly the best of brothers.
“That’s a sweet thought, Anton.” Mary gave Elena a quick smile. “My older brother is wiser than all of us when it comes to romance. I cannot wait to see him fawning over a girl.”
Anton groaned and called for Patches. The pair strode away, and Elena had to force her eyes from following his handsome form. Mary was right. Anton would be the perfect suitor for someone. Was it wrong to wish to be that person?
Chapter 9
