An Inconvenient Engagement by Grace Colline

Author:Grace Colline [Colline, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bad Kitty Publications
Published: 2021-01-31T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Sunshine peered through the curtains as they were slowly drawn open. Eliza sat up, startled awake by the unfamiliar surroundings. The maid spun around. “Begging your pardon, Miss. I have tea ready. We didn’t know if you would want eggs or just toast.”

“Eggs and toast…yes. Tea...thank you.” The maid bobbed and left after pushing the tray closer. She pushed her hands through her hair, only to find it a tangled cloud about her. Gingerly, she pushed herself to a sitting position and lifted the teacup to sip the hot, sweet liquid. Minutes later and a covered plate of eggs and a rack of toast was set beside her. She was famished and ate it all.

The maid returned, bringing her clothes now washed, dried and ironed. “Begging your pardon, Miss, but Miss Haddely says you needn’t get dressed for lunch. But Sir William is here to see you.” She removed the tray and was about to leave when there was a knock. A low muttering, then the maid came back, saying, “Sir William.”

“Oh!” She sat up and brushed her hair back with her fingers. Just in time for Sir William to step hesitantly in and peer around the door as the maid stepped out. He breathed a sigh of relief to see her sitting up and to see the empty plates being carried out. She was well; she had an appetite. He stepped over to the bed and could not help smiling down at her. He reached for a chair and drew it close before sitting down on it.

She looked tiny and so young in that enormous nightgown which he suspected to belong to Haddely by the size and style of it. Her hair was a tangled mess that was somehow endearing. And she sat amidst a disorganized array of covers and pillows. He was sobered, though, by the heavy circles under her eyes and the paleness of her cheeks.

“How are you?”

“Well, thank you. And because of you. But my uncle will be so worried…I need to go home…my ankle is much better.”

“Just how do you plan to get home? There are drifts three feet deep on the ground!”

“I can walk with a stick…”

“Injured? Alone? Walk?” he all but sputtered in disbelief. “You will stay until the road is clear.”

“But they will be worried! I must get home!”

“I sent word as soon as the weather cleared. One of my men took our heavy horse and offered to trek into town and let your Uncle know you are here. I expect him to return soon.”

“Well, then you have my thanks again. For saving me on the moors and for your hospitality.

He almost smiled. “You are most welcome to be here. And, if you are truly better, perhaps you would join me for dinner tonight.”

“I have no evening wear.”

“Your day dress will do.” He nodded to the dress laid out on the small chaise and rose to leave. “It will be some days before you can go home. Feel free to do as you please.

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