Page 49 of Ella’s Desire

Lady Calville dipped her slender fingers into the bowl of water at her side and held them out to a servant to wipe clean for her. “Aye, it was pleasant. Your father went to great expense to see to our comfort with such fine horses. It was considerate of him.”

Ella went about her own ablutions while she took in what Lady Calville had said. She had assumed Bronson had taken the financial burden of his stepmother and Lark’s journey. It was interesting that her father had taken care of it all.

“Actually, I believe it was William who made the preparations.” Bronson indicated where William sat several places down.

Having heard his name, the steward ceased speaking to one of the servants and turned his attention to Bronson.

Lady Calville leaned forward to better see him. “Thank you for all your efforts in arranging our travel. It was a smooth and pleasant journey.”

William’s face went red. He nodded. “Y…y…y…you’re very w…w…w…welcome, m…m…my l…l…l…” He grimaced. “My lady.” Once he finally finished speaking, he lowered his head.

Ella tried not to let the puzzlement show on her face at William’s odd behavior. His stammer was more pronounced than usual, and his shyness was almost painful to witness. Whatever had gotten into him?

“Are you eager to attend court after the wedding?” Lady Calville asked.

It took a moment for Ella to realize Lady Calville was addressing her. She pursed her brows. “I beg your pardon?”

Lady Calville darted a glance to Bronson, seeming suddenly uncertain of herself. “Are you eager to attend court after the wedding?” Lady Calville repeated. “Of course, you are always welcome to come to Berkley Manor. We would love the company.”

The servants laid out two trenchers of steaming meat, venison as well as pheasant, in front of them. Nan had gone through considerable effort to make the new guests feel welcome.

“That is kind of you, Brigid.” Bronson sliced off a bit of pheasant and deposited it on Ella’s plate. “But we’ll be returning to court as soon as the wedding has completed.”

Ella stared at him, stunned by this news. Foolish though it might be, in the entire time of their courtship, never once had she considered where they would live. She’d only been focused on Bronson, on how he made her feel.

He then sliced off a bit of pheasant for himself and did not take any of the venison. Ella’s stomach soured. Clearly, she did not know this man she would wed at all.

17

Supper lasted the better part of a lifetime. For truly, there was nothing worse than having to play at being joyful when one felt anything but within.

Court.

The word swelled in Ella’s mind until it consumed her. She wanted to turn to Bronson and demand to know why they must go to court. Surely there must be somewhere else they might live.

“I hear there is a village nearby,” Lady Calville said.

Ella’s smile was beginning to strain her face and her cheeks trembled with the effort to maintain the pleasant demeanor. “Aye, there is.”

“I should like to go at some point.” Lady Calville took a bite of her food.

Her plate had been laden with food two times over and now only several pieces of roasted turnips remained. Strange that a woman as thin as she could eat with such vigor.

“William goes often,” Bronson offered suddenly. He nodded at Ella as though wanting her to add more.

“Aye, he does,” Ella continued. “He is well-liked there, as he offers aid to many of the families and always has marzipan for the children.”

Lady Calville appeared taken aback by this information. “That is exceptionally kind of him.”

“Aye, and we can go together on market day some time if you wish,” Ella said.

Lady Calville nodded. “Aye, I would like that very much.”

The servants came around to clear the plates. Lady Calville gave a regretful stare as her plate with the remaining bits of turnip was taken.

Ella leaned closer to Lady Calville. “They can leave it if you like.”

Lady Calville waved her hand with a little laugh. “Nay, ’tis nothing left.”