Page 29 of An Earl to Save the Diamond
“Perhaps some other time, sweet one. Oh, the things you do to me!” Gerard groaned suddenly.
“What do I do? Are you all right, My Lord?”
Gerard chuckled, and Ellen averted her gaze, thinking she had said something of amusement. But Gerard held her chin up with his fingers and kissed her softly. “You do mad things to me, Ellen. The very sound of your voice makes me want to do wicked things to you. One would think me a boy who has fallen in love for the first time.”
“Is that what it is then? Love, My Lord?”
Ellen melted into his embrace as Gerard continued to kiss her. “Does that answer your question, My Lady?” he smirked.
Ellen nodded, too stunned to say a word.
“We should be at Connolly soon. You may want to adjust your bodice,” Gerard said, laughing.
Ellen blushed furiously and adjusted her clothes just as the carriage pulled up at the front door of the Connolly residence. She hoped that Marjorie’s parents were already asleep, but she knew she would have to face her brother’s wrath as well sooner than later.Unless Marjorie told him a lie that he absolutely believes to be the truth,she mused.
“I shall call on you again, Lady Ellen. Of course, that is if you do not mind,” Gerard said as he helped her out of the carriage.
“Yes, My Lord. I would be most flattered,” Ellen grinned.
“I would think that we are past formality at this point, Ellen.”
“Goodnight, Gerard,” Ellen said softly
“Goodnight, Ellen.”
And with one last look at the Earl, she turned around and walked into the house.
ChapterSeven
Marjorie had arrived home in a flutter of nerves. On the drive over, she had been pondering what to tell Andrew if she found him awake. She hoped Ellen got back in time, but she wasn’t going to hold her breath for that. She, more than anyone, knew how intoxicating London nightlife was. As she got to the house, she tried to walk as quietly as possible, but she had barely gotten up the stairs when she found Andrew sitting on the staircase, looking at her with amusement.
“You’re terrible at this, Lady Marjorie.”
“The blasted stairs gave me away.”
The Duke of Grant’s face remained passive even as he heard Marjorie curse. He was used to it. “A drinking contest, huh?” he said.
“I admit I have had finer ideas,” Marjorie laughed and settled down next to Andrew.
“Pray, tell me, where are you coming from?”
“The book club,” Marjorie said simply.
“I see. I will be leaving now then. Please tell a maid to fetch Ellen.”
Marjorie was silent. Andrew looked at her, wondering why she did not reply to him. Understanding soon dawned on him as he gasped, “She is not here?” he asked, his face darkening.
“I did not say that,” Marjorie protested.
“Where is she, Marjorie?”
“I took her to the book club.”
Andrew cursed loudly. “Heavens, Marjorie. I did not mind when you began to fill your head with this nonsense, but you are not allowed to corrupt my sister! Mother wants her to get married to a decent man. If you fill her head with nonsensical ideas, how do you imagine that she will ever find a husband?”
“Is finding a husband truly more important to you than your sister’s happiness?” Marjorie retorted.
“Don’t do that, Marjorie. You know how much I care about Ellen.”
