Page 58 of An Earl to Save the Diamond
“I am sure it can fare well without me. Ellen does a fantastic job as you can probably tell,” Marjorie said, and Andrew grimaced.
“How about Ellen? Your parents?”
“All informed and are in agreement that it will be the best thing for my health in this case.”
“You would be leaving me.”
Marjorie looked up at Andrew, surprised. “Would I? Maybe I will carry a part of you wherever I go. Besides, I am certain that my departure would save your family name. Imagine being embroiled in another scandal.”
“Stop it, Marjorie! I know that you are with child. My child. And I know that you know that I know. Why do we always play these games with each other?”
“Because it is the only thing we know how to do, Your Grace.”
“I am in love with you, Marjorie. Do not go.”
“And I love you, Andrew. You will always have my heart, but I will not let you suffer or turn your back on family. You must do the honorable thing.”
“And what is that?”
“I do not know. Wherever your duty lies.” Marjorie looked at Andrew for a while and then walked down the stairs.
“Wait!” Marjorie stopped and turned to face him.
“When will you be leaving?”
“I will be leaving London tomorrow, Your Grace. Farewell, until we meet again.”
Andrew watched her leave, his heart sinking in despair so much that it felt hollow on the inside. He waited for a minute and then grabbed his coat.
* * *
Andrew was on his third mug of ale. He was mired in thoughts when a feminine hand approached him, touching his shoulders. Surprised, he looked up from the drink he had been nursing and smiled at her — a greeting considering the environment. It was London at midnight after all. The sight of the lady in front of him intrigued him. Her hair, which was styled in the latest fashion, looked full and lush.
“You should let your hair down. Your hair styled this way is the easiest way to let people know that you do not belong here,” he said.
The lady nodded, laughing nervously as she let down her brown hair.
“What is a well-brought-up lady doing here at this hour?” he asked.
“I decided to take a risk.”
“A risk?” Andrew repeated, laughing. What was wrong with respectable ladies of London doing irrational things? First, it was Marjorie, then his sister, and now this stranger in front of him.
“Yes. I am new in London. My family came from Scotland in the hopes of finding me a decent gentleman from England to have me betrothed to. Can you believe that?”
Andrew nodded thoughtfully. “I can imagine. You must be Lord Colton’s distant cousin then, I presume?”
“How did you know that?”
“This is London. Nothing escapes thetonfor long,” Andrew mused. “How are you enjoying the Season so far, My Lady?”
“Oh! I do not know. The titles, more high-ranking gentlemen, and the best balls are held here. But I do not care about all that. I would rather live in the countryside and ride horses all day.”
At the mention of the countryside, Andrew almost choked on his drink.
“Is anything the matter? Are you all right?” the young lady asked, alarmed.
Andrew waved a hand to assure her that he was all right. “I am all right, thank you, Lady—”
