“Go, then, ungrateful girl, after I have prepared such a luxurious spread for breakfast.”
Elinor shrunk even though she had been granted her request, and she hurried from the table. Yes, indeed, such a luxurious spread, and such beautiful hallways and rooms filled with endless, expensive antiques and decorations.
It was all opulent, but it wasn’t where Elinor felt comfortable or safe.
Instead, she slumped against the hallway, far down from the breakfast hall, closing her eyes, thinking of that crumbling workhouse. She wanted the children to be comfortable, but she could only hope that the building wouldn’t start to resemble a lavish townhouse.
She wanted out of this.
She wanted to simply remain there. She wanted to be a tutor, and escape the eyes of her family, the ton, and expectations.
Elinor pushed off the wall, misery bringing tears to her eyes, as she returned to her chamber. To distract herself, she began planning her next lesson.
Perhaps I can run it by His Grace tomorrow upon our promenade.
And even just the thought of that had her mood lifting.
“I thought you did not like gentleman’s clubs,” Dominic said, amusement dancing at the corner of his mouth, as he looked across their table in Greenhall’s.
Lucien merely rolled his eyes. “I am not the biggest fan of them, true, but you know I only turned down that rejection because I could not endure Lady Morland’s insistence. For goodness’ sake, she was simply throwing all of her children after me.”
And yet I found the one child she did not want me to know.
“She was rather … intense,” Dominic chuckled, adjusting his cravat. “I don’t think I have ever seen a mother work so hard to parade her daughters before a man who was already halfway out the door.”
“I was not halfway out the door.”
“You were three-quarters, at least.” Dominic titled his head, studying him. “Although I confess, I am more curious about the stepdaughter. Lady Elinor. The one Lady Morland seemed so eager to keep hidden.”
Lucien kept his expression neutral, though the name prickled at him. “What of her?”
“Only that when I mentioned her, you did not dismiss it. a. Specifically.” Dominic’s mouth curved. “You, who cannot recall the names of women who are actually present, but then your jaw tightened at the name of the one who was not.” .
“Dominic.”
“I find it fascinating, that is all. And none of my business, I know.” He raised his glass. “For now.”
“I was being polite. Lady Morland mentioned her family. I asked a reasonable question.” Lucien picked up his brandy tumbler. “Do not make it something it isn’t.”
“I would never.” Dominic’s grin said otherwise. “Besides, I am surprised you noticed anything at all, given that you made such a quick exit. Why did you, by the way?”
“I had business matters,” Lucien answered curtly, picking up his brandy tumbler.
“Does that business matter happen to have a female’s name?”
Lucien’s mind went, unbidden to Lady Elinor Caverleigh. To the nervous way she had fiddled with things on the desk when he had told her thatpleasewould sound pretty on her mouth. To how she had pulled the curtain over the carriage window, thinking he would not see her blush.
He caught himself. “No, it did not.”
“Then may I ask?—”
“I must see to other matters,” Lucien said, finishing his drink. “Forgive the quick visit, but I have more lords to see regarding my late uncle’s debts. Forward our tab to me, if you want to.”
“Please,” Dominic scoffed. “Do not insult my own wealth.”
Lucien flashed him a grin, hoping it covered enough of his nerves, and made a swift exit from Greenhall’s.
Chapter Six