“Then I suggest you use a nicer tone of voice.”
Will clenched his fists and looked up at the high ceiling. “Elizabeth, may I have a word, if you please.”
The door slowly opened and her smug face smiled back at him. “Do you need my assistance with something, Your Grace?”
“Can we talk in the study? I have a few questions only you can answer.”
She nodded. “As you wish, Your Grace.”
Every time she called him that, he fought against the annoyance he felt. “I believe I asked you to call me Will.”
“Yes, you did, Your Grace.” She opened the door to leave, and he noticed the valise on the bed.
“Are you leaving?” he asked softly.
“You did ask me to do so.”
She couldn’t leave yet. He had no idea how to survive in this country without her guidance. But he couldn’t tell her that.
“You don’t need to leave today.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” A flash of relief passed over her face.
Will followed her into the study and shut the door behind them. Elizabeth sat in the seat in front of the large cherry desk as he sat in the leather chair.
“What do you need my help with?” she asked in a slightly harsh tone.
At least she’d stopped calling him your grace. “I believe the only way I can sort through all this mess is to find a trusted solicitor.”
She smirked. “And why do you need my help with that?”
Will narrowed his ey
es on her. “I don’t know of any solicitors here. I thought you might be kind enough to assist me.”
She shrugged and rose from her seat. “You might be wrong.”
“Elizabeth, I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“Do not be sorry. You are only doing what you think is right for your family. Personally, I believe you are very mistaken.”
“I know how you feel,” he tried again.
She walked to the threshold and turned back at him. “You have no idea how I feel. You’re a man. You can do as you please. You don’t have to worry about what people will think of you if they find out no one in your family wants you.”
Her eyes widened and her mouth gaped. Quickly, she raced from the room.
Will stared at the empty doorway, unsure of what to do to help her. But he knew he had to do something.
Elizabeth grabbed her reticule and strode from her room. Bloody stupid man making her say something so appalling. Even if it was true. Her sisters didn’t want her. They most likely either knew or suspected the truth. Her aunt would grudgingly take her in but then she would become nothing but a nursemaid to a group of old ladies.
“Are you going out?”
Elizabeth looked up from her fuming to see Ellie and Lucy walking up the stairs to their room. “Yes. I am off to pay a call on a friend.”
“You’re going visiting?” Lucy asked.
“Yes.”