“Quite.” She almost felt foolish for her fear. Though Pierre had been less than a gentlemen, in the end, he’d tried to be helpful.
He held out a chair for her. “Did you read Tricia’s note?”
“I did. I can’t believe she was able to put a dinner together so quickly.”
“There are benefits to being a duchess,” he said, looking away.
She wondered why he didn’t meet her gaze? “How are you acquainted with them?”
Surprise lit his eyes and they didn’t meet hers as he shifted, seeming uncomfortable. “We have business dealings together. Shipping, remember?”
She had remembered but there was something off about his dismissive answer. She didn’t ask further, it was pointless to do so. Somehow, there was more distance between them rather than less. Instead, she returned to their original topic. “I’ve decided to take your advice and go to the dinner.”
He shook his head in agreement but still didn’t meet her eyes. “I’ll have my carriage take you over at eight.”
“Your carriage?” This time, she couldn’t be quiet. “You’re sure you won’t come with me?”
He ran his hand through his hair. “I told you, I’d only get in the way.”
“I disagree,” she said far more loudly than she’d intended. Strands of panic moved through her. She’d been on the street two days ago. She’d only be comfortable at a formal dinner with him by her side. “I do not want to go without you.”
He looked at her then. His eyes penetrating deep inside of her until she nearly squirmed from discomfort. “As I am not your relation, I cannot escort you to an event.”
Of course, he was correct. “I don’t belong there without you,” she said quietly. She knew how much she revealed but somehow she couldn’t help but say the words.
She held her breath as his silence filled the space between them. Would he pull away if he realized her feelings for him? She resisted the urge to step closer in an attempt to close the distance she imagined opening between them.
After several tense beats of silence, Matthew said, “Very well, Luke and Tabbie can pick you up so that they might escort you and I will follow.”
Relief made her shoulders sag as she gave him a beaming smile. A knock sounded at the door. Several boxes were brought in as her dresses began to arrive. Today might be fun after all.
But by that evening she’d gone back to being nervous as she stood with Matthew waiting for Tabbie and Luke’s arrival. She didn’t want to marry. At least not one of these men in need of a wife. Her eyes strayed to the man next to her. He was a different matter entirely. Then she chastised herself because as tempting as he was, could she really rely on him permanently?
She glanced over at him, looking at his perfectly tied cravat, fine tailcoat, and highly polished boots. He was the picture of a gentleman.
She smoothed a gloved hand along her silk gown. Its high waist and long layers of fabric made her feel like the lady she’d once been.
“They’re here,” Matthew rumbled, looking as unhappy as she felt.
With a pensive nod, she allowed Matthew to escort her out the front door of the inn and hand her over to Luke. At least that was she thought he was doing until his hand didn’t release her elbow.
His eyes bore into Luke’s as he muttered, “We’ll all ride together.”
Luke visibly rolled his eyes but stepped aside for Matthew to hand her into the carriage.
Once settled on the seat across from Tabbie, the men climbed in, Matthew’s leg pressed against hers as he sat. It was comforting and thrilling and she tried to remind herself that she was going to meet other suitors.
Luke cleared his throat. “Ella,” he began. His voice held a nervousness that she hadn’t expected. He gave the impression of a man who was always comfortable.
“Yes,” she asked glancing between him and Tabbie in surprise.
“Tabbie and I have discussed it and we’ve assembled a dowry on your behalf. At the age of twenty-five, it will be yours if you don’t marry, but it should aid you in whatever path you choose.”
Ella covered her mouth with her hand as words failed her. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she lowered the hand again to speak. “It is a most kind gesture but not necessary.” She was ashamed enough of the charity she’d taken from Matthew. Something she hoped to pay back at some point in her life. “I can not accept any more handouts than I’ve already been given. A position will be enough, if you’ll have me.” She looked to Tabbie.
“Of course we’d have you,” Tabbie said, her brow scrunched together as her mouth hung agape.
Luke cleared his throat again. “I was a member at your father’s club. I knew him.”