In Knots Over You: Victorian Historical Romance (The Ladies Alpine Society Book 1) by Edie Cay

Author:Edie Cay [Cay, Edie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2024-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Eleanor crept downstairs, wondering if the meal would even be set up this early. Perhaps she could bother someone for a cup of tea, at least. She hated to make a fuss. But as she approached the corridor, she heard the sounds of a whispered argument.

She didn’t know what she should do—she certainly didn’t want to be accused of eavesdropping, but she also didn’t want to suffer the embarrassment of walking into a fight. Perhaps it was merely two servants having a disagreement over where to place the chafing dishes. Eleanor squared her shoulders and continued on to the breakfast room.

“—oh! Miss Piper, you’ve arrived!” Tristan swanned over, all smiles, his hand outstretched.

Eleanor’s stomach flipped, knowing that he would soon be courting her properly, and they would have a chance for yet another kiss. But she looked behind him, seeing only Ophelia. In fact, it was only the two siblings in the room. They were the ones arguing? She hoped they weren’t arguing over her. Did Ophelia object to Eleanor joining their family?

“I have wonderful news, by the by. Oh, where are my manners? Did you sleep well?” Tristan looked at her with such joy he was radiating.

“I did, thank you.” Eleanor allowed him to guide her to the table.

“Do you take tea or coffee or chocolate in the morning? This seems like something I ought to know.”

“Tea, please. And you?” Eleanor sank into her chair, feeling her head might be spinning a bit. He was so very much, right here. She thought she would have a moment to sip at a cup of tea and stare out the window, but instead he was barraging her with questions and information and looking like Apollo.

“Oh, tea, of course. Can’t call oneself a proper Englishman if one doesn’t support tea. Coffee is for the Americans, the unruly blowhards.”

Was he referring to Prudence? Eleanor would never be so cruel. “I beg your pardon?”

“You know, the Boston Tea Party? Dumped the tea in the river? Not a part of Britain any longer after that stunt?”

It was too early to be assaulted by history. “Oh, yes. Of course. Forgive me.”

“Eleanor isn’t a morning person, Tristan. Let her have a moment.” Ophelia sat down opposite, studying Eleanor’s face.

“Oh, is that what it is? You do seem a bit stunned.” Tristan pulled back from her.

“Did you not notice when we spent an entire week together in the woods?” Eleanor managed.

“I thought that was just because we went running first thing in the morning,” Tristan said, frowning. “You seemed fine after that.”

“I was anything but fine, but it was barely morning after we were done.” Eleanor accepted the small pot of tea from the footman, relieved to have the balm for her slow mind at the ready.

“Touché,” Ophelia said, accepting her own cup. “So you see, Tristan, Eleanor is fine for running, that isn’t a concern.”

“Is it a concern?” Eleanor asked, feeling as if the rug was pulled out from underneath her. She hadn’t known that there was a problem with her performance.

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