Page 28 of Saving a Scoundrel
Ellie glanced over and then sighed. “Thank goodness. But now, I must walk by everyone who saw me vomit.” Her cheeks flamed, and she closed her eyes.
He picked up her bonnet and placed it on her head. Lucius watched as she automatically tied the ribbons under her chin. She reached for gloves and donned them with quiet efficiency. He took her hand and pulled her into the crook of his arm. “Come on, kitten. Let’s get you home.”
Chapter Fifteen
Back at home,Eleanor sat in the window seat of the Dearborn’s library. Outside, the wind blew furiously, whipping the branches of the cherry trees in the garden and showering the lawn with tiny white flowers petals. The sun had played peek-a-boo from behind the clouds all day but currently was streaming in through the window.
The library was a cozy room with walls lined with bookshelves. Several comfortable chairs formed a conversation area around the fireplace, and cushions filled the bay window making it the perfect spot to recover from her horrendous morning.
Ellie had pasted on a smile as they passed by the rest of the boating party to exit the boat. The pity on everyone’s faces made her almost as ill as the rocking of the ship had. Susanna had gripped her hands and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “Don’t worry, dear. I’ve got a plan to make an even bigger spectacle. No one will remember you getting sick by the end of the day.”
“No, Susanna,” she had whispered back urgently. “Don’t do anything rash. I’m fine, I promise. Remember your promise to be good.”
Susanna nodded, but the twinkle of mischief in her eye had not dimmed. Ellie sent up a quick prayer,Dear Lord, don’t let Susanna do anything that will get us sent home. Amen.
Then Miss Macdougal had sashayed up and kissed Lucius on the cheek. “I forgive you for leaving me. I can see now how terrible she looks.” She had turned to Ellie. “Isn’t my Mr. Grisham just the most thoughtful man? Feel better, dear.”
Ellie crossed her arms under her bosom.My Mr. Grisham, indeed!The more she thought about him marrying the heiress, the more her blood boiled. It wasn’t simple jealously. She was just looking out for the best interest of her friend. There must be other ways for Lucius to make his way than to sell himself into marriage to that dreadful social climber.
The door burst open, and Lucius swept into the room. “I’ve found Mrs. Huntley.” He gestured to Ellie. “Take a look at her. Will she be all right?”
Ellie rolled her eyes. “I told you, I feel fine.” She smiled at the housekeeper as the older woman approached. “Mrs. Huntley, I’m fine. I just felt ill on the boat.”
“She slept the whole way home from Hampton. Even with all the jostling in that terribly sprung carriage. That can’t be a good sign.” Lucius’s eyebrows were drawn together, with a wrinkle set between them. He hovered over Mrs. Huntley’s shoulder.
Ellie winced. She had felt impossibly tired as they settled in the carriage Lucius had rented. She must have nodded off because when Lucius nudged her awake as they arrived in Berkeley Square, she had been wrapped in his arms, her cheek pressed against his chest. She had no idea when he had moved next to her or how long he’d held her while she slept. It was all very embarrassing.
“Well, dear, what you need is some tea and perhaps some toast points. Your stomach is empty; it’s no wonder you’re feeling weak.”
At the mention of food, Lucius’s expression brightened. “Could we also get some biscuits and maybe some of those little ham sandwiches?”
“Of course, sir.” Mrs. Huntley bustled out of the room.
Lucius wandered over to poke at the fire in the grate. “Are you truly feeling better? You had me worried when you slept for two hours straight in the carriage.”
“I am, I promise. But I am hungry all of a sudden. And a bit embarrassed about sleeping on you on the way home.”
“You should be. You snore.”
“What?!” she stood up abruptly.
He grinned. “Joking. But you do make these cute little snuffling sounds while you sleep.” He walked over and took her hand. “Here, come sit by the fire.”
Ellie followed him over to the seating near the fireplace and sat in one of the deep velvet-covered chairs. Lucius settled into the one opposite. Ellie sighed. “This year of adventures is not turning out the way I expected.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, here I am in London, and I’ve hardly accomplished any of the items on my list. For a start, Susanna and I haven’t had any luck finding out who the author of the love letters is. We went to the bookshop that Mr. Buxley said he received the crate of books from, and the proprietor would not divulge the name of the family that sold the books to him. He was just as cranky as old Mr. Buxley.”
“Are you searching for more letters or just trying to discover the author?” Lucius asked.
“Both, I guess. We found three more letters in the art and architecture books. I have no idea if there are more, but the ones we have do not seem to be in order. I feel there must be other letters that fill in the couple’s story. Mr. Knight, the bookshop’s owner, did provide us a list of books that were all from that same sale. It was at least fifty or sixty books. We looked through some, but they were shelved all over the store. It will take several trips to go through all of them.”
“A puzzle. Interesting. I can offer my help.”
“Really? Aren’t you awfully busy with your two jobs and your seduction of Miss Macdougal?”
“I’m not seducing Miss Macdougal. It’s not like that. I’m courting her.” Lucius straightened in his chair.
