older man’s way of thinking. The notion of love doesn’t enter into his thoughts about marriage, and I’m not even sure he bears any real attachment to Ellie beyond her being Papa’s daughter.” Maggie tipped her head. “As far as I can see, it’s more a case of Mr. Morris wanting a lady to manage his household—that or simply to be able to say he has a wife, and a young wife at that. He’s not really interested in Ellie herself, if you take my meaning—she could be some other lady entirely, and from Mr. Morris’s point of view, that would still be satisfactory. Of course, Ellie being Papa’s daughter is probably what focused Mr. Morris’s interest on her in the first place. I don’t think he socializes much, so Ellie’s likely one of the few younger ladies he encounters.”
Maggie paused to reflect, then went on, “I know Mr. Morris has spoken to Papa about his offer to ‘take Ellie off his hands.’” She made a scoffing sound. “I’m not sure if Mr. Morris has spoken to Ellie herself, but Papa discussed the prospect with her, and as one would expect, she was adamant in declining.”
Maggie’s gaze had grown distant, and her brow furrowed slightly. After a moment, she offered, “It’s not as if, over the years, Ellie hasn’t had several beaux who offered for her hand—younger gentlemen who were perfectly eligible—but she never truly encouraged any of them and always politely declined their offers.” Maggie paused, then went on, “I’ve often wondered if that was because of us—because she didn’t want to leave us. And truth be told, I really don’t think we would have managed without her.”
As Godfrey had thought, Maggie saw more than one might expect.
Suddenly, Maggie glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. “It’s nearly time for luncheon—they’ll be bringing up your tray soon.” She scrambled to her feet and flashed him a mischievous look. “I’d better go.” With a last smile and a wave, she whirled and made for the door.
“Thank you for coming,” Godfrey called, then the door shut, and Maggie was gone.
Staring across the room, Godfrey reflected on the interlude. If he hadn’t asked about Ellie’s suitors, would Maggie have found some way to tell him, anyway?
He rather thought she would have.
As for what she’d told him…
Morris was no threat, certainly not a rival. Masterton, however, as far as Godfrey could tell, was a perfectly eligible suitor. He was of a reasonable age, personable, and presented well, was a distant cousin and so presumably knew and was accepted by any wider family, and he lived locally. Very likely, if Ellie married him, Masterton would be amenable to residing at Hinckley Hall so she could continue to hold the fort there, at least until Harry married.
It seemed that Matthew Hinckley had approved the offers of both men, while leaving the decision of whether to accept them entirely up to Ellie.
“Hmm.” Godfrey shifted restlessly. He definitely didn’t like being stuck in bed while Masterton was free to wander the house, able to trail after Ellie, spending time with her and advancing his suit.
Worse, with them all trapped in the house together, what if Ellie found herself being importuned by Morris and turned to Masterton to protect her? How would that play out?
Godfrey didn’t like to think.
He needed to be out of bed and in a position to interact with Ellie—to woo her and formulate his own offer to place at her feet. He wasn’t foolish enough to simply blurt out “marry me.” He needed to compile a list of attributes and advantages he could offer her. He needed to act to sway her to his side.
He thought through all Maggie had said and recalled that, despite Masterton’s offer still being open and before her, Ellie had steadfastly declined to accept it.
The recollection gave him a touch more confidence—enough to turn his mind to cataloguing the benefits Ellie would accrue were she to marry him. He narrowed his eyes in thought. “I need to concentrate on those aspects that matter most to her.”
When it came down to it, he needed to define what Miss Eleanor Hinckley wanted in a husband.
From what Maggie had so deliberately let fall, it seemed likely Ellie had some firm stipulations on that score.
Chapter 7
Godfrey bided his time until after luncheon the next day. As it happened, that was virtually a week since he and Wally had staggered over the Hinckley Hall threshold and he’d collapsed on the hall tiles.
After Maggie had