“Charmed, Your Grace,” she replied, dipping into a small curtsey.
“There is no need for such formalities.” Tricia waved her hand. The other couple trailed behind them. “That is my siste
r, Tabbie, and her husband, Luke.”
Luke gave her an easy grin and Tabbie sent a sparkling smile. Ella relaxed a little at their friendly demeanor. Tabbie and Tricia looked a good deal alike with glossy red-blonde curls and adorable features.
The six of them sat down and an easy conversation began. Ella learned that the two ladies ran several orphanages and homes for women and children without a husband or guardian. She hadn’t known such places existed. “If only I had known that a few days ago. I might not have slept on the—” she stopped, her cheeks growing hot. Why did she have to bring that up in front of them? As if they needed to know just how little she mattered.
“How awful,” Tricia cried, seemingly genuinely concerned rather than repulsed. “No one should face such circumstances.”
Luke cleared his throat. “Matthew mentioned that your father passed. That his debts left you without a home or income. But he didn’t mention his name.”
“Lord Ashford,” she whispered, looking away. Her father was the last topic Ella wished to discuss. They’d never been close. Though she’d spent most of her time with a hired nanny, her mother had died giving birth to her. Her father, hadn’t cared a wit about her, she had no idea why, he’d never enlightened her and he’d spent most of his time carousing. But she’d seen him enough to know he had little regard for her. She was an afterthought. But at least, she supposed, she’d had a decent life before his death though he hadn’t cared enough to secure her future. It stabbed her with shame to know how little she mattered to the one person who was supposed to love her.
“Is something wrong?” Tabbie asked and Ella looked up, thinking that her face must have expressed her despair. But Tabbie was looking at her husband, Luke.
Luke frowned. “We belonged to the same gentleman’s club. I played cards with him on more than one occasion. I never knew he had a daughter.”
His voice was filled with an apology that Ella didn’t quite understand. “I’m not surprised you didn’t know of me.” She gave him a comforting smile. “We didn’t spend very much time together. I lived in our country estate with the staff while my father spent most of his time in London.”
Luke gave a terse nod, but the mood had changed. Ella looked at her lap. Luke had likely realized that Ella didn’t belong here. Though she’d received all the lessons a lady should, she’d never attended a ball or been to a house party. Her father didn’t bother with such activities. She wasn’t like the rest of them.
“Matthew mentioned that you were hoping for some advice.” Tricia leaned forward, trying to start the conversation again.
“That’s right.” She took a deep breath, thinking these next words to be very important. “I’m hoping to finds a means to support myself. I thought perhaps I could work as a private French tutor but I love the idea that you’re helping people in need. If any of your facilities were in need of workers…” her voice to trailed off when she realized how rude it was to outright ask.
Tricia and Tabbie exchanged a glance and for a moment, Ella worried they actually were offended but then Tricia cleared her throat. “Of course we’d have a position for you but I wonder if you have considered any alternatives?” Tricia asked.
“Such as?” Ella did her best not to wince.
“You’re beautiful,” Tabbie said where her sister left off. “Well-spoken and kind-hearted.”
Ella held her breath wondering what they might be getting at. “Thank you.”
Tricia moved even further off her seat so that she was practically perched on the edge of the settee. Ryker’s hand came to her waist as though he worried she’d fall. “Have you considered marriage as an option?”
Chapter Four
Matthew held back a growl, Tricia’s words hitting him like a physical blow. Ella married?
Of course it made sense. She should be cared for, and not just by whatever income she could scrape together through menial jobs. She was a woman of beauty and grace that would make a fine wife for any man. But, he realized, as they’d gone about together this morning that he quite liked her company. And his attraction to her was steadily growing. Not that he intended to marry her, Sarah had taught him well. Ella, in her position, would say yes. He would struggle to control his feelings for her and she would likely view him as a means to an end. Hadn’t she already told him she’d be his mistress if only he’d support her?
“Marriage?” Ella asked. “I’ve no dowry. No family. What man would want me?”
Tricia gave him a meaningful look. “There are many men who would find your charms difficult to resist.”
He hated to tell Tricia but a match between them was unlikely at best. Though he cringed inwardly at the thought of her married to someone else. But it couldn’t be helped. If he did marry, he’d marry as Ryker had. The daughter of a duke who wasn’t looking to use him as a way to further herself in society. He couldn’t risk that pain again.
Ella was shaking her head. “Whether that is true or not, I couldn’t say. But if I didn’t marry, I’d like to know more about what you do. Your work seems important.” And it would allow her to support herself. That way, she’d never be left alone and without means again.
Tricia gave her a grin. “It is. But with the right man, you can have both a family and help society.”
Matthew watched Ella’s face, as he eyes widened. “I don’t know.”
“I’ll tell you what,” Tabbie added. “We’ll host a small dinner with a few eligible men that we think might be willing to overlook your lack of a dowry. We won’t tell them why we’ve invited them and you can see if any catch your fancy.”
Ella nibbled at her lip looking between Tabbie and Tricia. Matthew had remained silent long enough and he stepped into the conversation then. “Ella’s first form of employment is with me. I need her attention focused on—”