“Of course. Think nothing of it.” Elspeth closed her eyes, relishing the scent of sandalwood that emanated from him. When she opened them again, her attention landed on the painting. “Is that you?” She nodded toward the painting. “And your family?”
“It is.” He said.
She had hoped he’d say more, and when he did not, she pressed the issue with another question. “How old were you?”
“Ten.”
Another brief answer. Elspeth nibbled her lip. “What of your brother? How old was he?”
“Thirteen.”
“What was his name?” She continued prying even though she knew it to be unbecoming. Her curiosity was such that she did not care. “What were all of their names?”
“Thomas was my father and Marianna, my mother. My brother’s name was Joshua.” He fastened the last button as he said, “Let us breakfast now.”
She turned to him and took his offered arm. “I believe the weather has taken a turn.”
He said nothing, only nodded.
“I will leave for town after our meal,” she said.
He led her into the breakfast room where eggs, biscuits, bacon, and jam sat on the table. Elspeth released his arm and took her chair. Disappointment sat heavily on her chest as she reached for a biscuit. She did not know what she had expected him to say or do when she made her announcement. Beg her to stay? How silly.
“Where will you stay?”
Her hand stilled, and she brought her eyes to his. “I am quite certain my status will gain me a room at a local inn. From there, I will search for a suitable position. Perhaps as a companion. There must be someplace… a grand country estate, maybe, where my reputation does not proceed me.”
“And what of money? You will have expenses in the meantime.”
She noted concern in his gaze as she answered. “I have gowns I can sell.” Leastwise, she hoped she could sell them. They were of the latest fashion and highest quality fabric. Surely there would be a linen draper or modiste in town that would be interested. The funds would pay for her room and a mail coach once she knew her destination.
He closed his eyes for a heartbeat, then met her gaze again. “It seems you have thought of everything.”
“Indeed.” Elspeth forced a smile as she brought her biscuit to her mouth. “Perhaps we will meet again.”
“I do hope so,” Damian said.
Her heart thrilled at the words and the sincerity in his tone. He may let her walk away now, but she suspected her leaving was hard for him too. They shared a connection. One that given time could grow into something far more profound—love.
“Until then, farewell, and thank you for your hospitality.”
“It has been my pleasure, Elspeth. God speed to you, and best wishes for the future.”
Maybe there would be hope for them at another time.
They ate the rest of the meal in relative silence, and once it concluded, she wasted no time going to retrieve her valise from her room. Each moment she spent here, in his home, in his company, strengthened the feelings she had for him and made her desire to remain that much stronger.
She had to go before she lost the strength to walk away—before the act of leaving broke her heart.
As she strode toward the front door, Elspeth reminded herself that she was a duchess. A woman worthy of success and respect. One well trained in the art of masquerade. It mattered not what she felt. She would present the picture of a proper English lady to the world.
She would not fall apart. She would not allow her circumstances to defeat her. Elspeth would rise to the challenges before her, and she would succeed.
Tears welled in her eyes as she reached the receiving hall, belying the strength she was working hard to project. Dammit, she’d known leaving would be hard, but she’d never expected tears.
“Elspeth, wait,” Damian said, as he strolled in from the antechamber.
She blinked against the gathering moisture in her eyes, then turned her gaze to him.
He drew closer. “Take this.” Damian thrust a velvet pouch toward her. One she hadn’t noticed him holding until now. “There are ten pounds in there. Enough to see you through for a while.”
Pride demanded she not accept it, but self-preservation demanded she take it. Elspeth nibbled her lower lip as she took the offering. “You are most generous, and I vow to pay you back as soon as I am able.”
“Think nothing of it,” he said, then continued. “If you will