Page 35 of A Gentleman's Wife

Marianne took a breath and let it out through her nose. “Just fine. I need to ready for dinner.”

Eliza nodded, turning toward the dressing room. “Did Mr. Ramsbury’s attentions help?”

Thinking of the way he’d worked her arm made Marianne bite her lip. Not just thinking of his touch, but also his words. Could she see a positive outcome in her future with him, despite the current difficulties? “It is yet to be seen.”

When Eliza appeared again, Marianne thought she’d have a dress in hand, but instead her hands were empty, folded demurely in front of her.

“If I might be so bold,” Eliza said lightly. “I believe Mr. Ramsbury thinks very highly of you and cares about you a great deal, else he would not have offered to help.”

The notion had crossed her mind before, with every other possible thought, but she hadn’t allowed herself to linger on it for long or dare to confess it aloud to anyone.

“Perhaps,” Marianne said, not wanting to encourage her further.

“And am I wrong to think that you might care for him as well?”

A surge of emotion rushed Marianne’s eyes and she shook her head, turning away. “Please don’t, Eliza.”

“Oh Marianne, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… Forgive me, and forget I mentioned anything. I’ll just get your dress.”

But Marianne wouldn’t be able to forget any time soon.

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