Something Scandalous

“Will,” Ellie started, “you are a duke now. Why can’t you do something about all this?” She pointed out the window. “Surely, you must have some influence so changes could be made.”

“Those changes could only be made in Parliament,” Elizabeth said. “Besides, you all won’t be here long enough for Will to make any real changes. Those things take time.”

“We’re not really leaving, are we, Will?” Lucy spoke up.

Will understood that Lucy and probably Ellie, too, seemed to like England better than America or Canada. Of course, for them it might have something to do with the lack of chores here and the beautiful gowns.

“I thought we had been through this already,” Will said. Why did they think something had changed? Couldn’t they look around and see how horribly this country treated its citizens? Soon they would return to their huge home in Mayfair, with more food for dinner than most of these people had in a week.

He felt Elizabeth’s eyes burning into him, waiting for an answer to Lucy’s question. “I don’t know yet,” he finally answered.

As they finished their drive and headed back to the relative safety of Mayfair, Will thought about Ellie’s questions. Was there anything he could do about the plight of the poor? He had no idea how to move about in political circles. But for the first time, he wanted to find out.

Will waited in his study for Elizabeth to enter the room. He’d summoned her over an hour ago. Hearing a commotion at the front door, he strode to the hallway to find out which boy was in trouble now.

“Have the carriage brought around once the rest of my trunks are packed and carried down,” Elizabeth commanded the footman.

“Going somewhere?” he asked, leaning against the wall.

“I believe last evening you asked me to leave,” she retorted without even glancing back at him. “Where are the children? I need to say good-bye.”

“The children are out for a walk and some fresh air. I asked you to join me in the study an hour ago.” Will moved away from the wall and stepped closer to the footmen. “Return Lady Elizabeth’s bags to her room. She is going nowhere.”

Elizabeth turned her fiery gaze on him. “How dare you! I shall do as I please.” She looked back at the footmen. “Do not move these trunks.”

The two footmen looked at each other and then back at Will. “As you wish, Your Grace.” They picked up the first trunk and carted it back up the stairs.

“Now,” Will said, clasping Elizabeth’s arm. “I believe we are scheduled to talk.”

Elizabeth pulled her arm out of his grip but walked silently down the hall toward the study. Her stiff posture spoke volumes about how she felt today. Once in the room, she sat in the chair across from the desk and folded her arms over her chest.

Will stifled a chuckle. “How are you this afternoon?” he asked politely.

“Perfectly well, thank you,” she muttered.

“Excellent.” He leaned back in the leather chair across from her. “I believe we were having a discussion last night about why you were under the desk in my bedroom. Shall we continue?”

“No, thank you.”

He smiled. “I think we shall.”

Elizabeth let out a frustrated sigh. “Very well. I was looking for a note that my mother had secreted somewhere in the house. She and the duke were having some marital problems, so she hid a bit of money in case she needed it. She wrote a note to remind herself where she put the money.”

Will almost laughed at the absurdity of her explanation. “She thought she wouldn’t remember where she hid the money, so she hid a note to tell herself?”

Elizabeth’s face reddened. “Yes.”

“And she hid this note under that desk?”

She licked her lips. “I believe so.”

“Where anyone might come across it, such as a maid?”

“I…That is what she told me,” her voice squeaked.

Will wondered exactly what it was Elizabeth was searching for last night. Obviously, she wasn’t about to tell him. “Very well, then. I believe we should get back to our family history lesson.”

“We should?” Elizabeth bit down on her lower lip. “I thought you wanted me to leave.”