Page 48 of His Bluestocking Bride

Ellen’s heart beat at a rhythm she was not accustomed to and it made her feel light-headed.

A door opened down the hallway and Louisa stepped out, tying her robe around her waist. Her hair was still in a braid, her smile sleepy. “Ellen. I heard someone out here. I thought it was Arthur. He rises early.”

“It was the two of us,” Ellen answered, staring at her friend, wondering what she ought to say but feeling as though she needed to ask advice. “We had toast and jam in the kitchen. I ‘ve returned him to the nursery.”

Louisa chuckled and shook her head, coming further down the hall. “He’s a scamp. Thank you for seeing to him. I hope he didn’t wake you.”

Ellen shook her head. “No. Not at all. I found him when I awoke.”

“Why are you up so early?” Louisa covered a yawn with a delicate hand, raising her eyebrows in question.

Ellen shook her head. “I wanted to check on the roads. They are still impassable. But—” She bit her lip, fighting a strange desire to laugh. “But Marcus is here.”

Louisa’s mouth formed an “o” and she pulled her robe tighter, looking behind Ellen toward the stairs. “He is? But, how?”

“He rode his horse. To come for me.” Ellen couldn’t quite keep the awe from her voice and hurried to speak, trying to cover it. “I don’t know what he’s thinking. I left him in the parlor.”

“And now you’re standing up here talking to me, like a ninny.” Louisa put both hands on Ellen’s shoulders and turned her about too quickly for Ellen to protest. “Go straight back to the parlor, Mrs. Calvert, and speak with your husband. I will dress and be down shortly. A man on a rescue mission shouldn’t be kept waiting.”

Ellen allowed a laugh to slip, permitting herself to feel happy and flattered by his attention, and she hurried on her way, tossing a grin over her shoulder at her friend. Her husband cared enough for her to come across the snow-covered landscape to bring her home with him. It might be out of a sense of duty, or even some sort of lark for him, but she would appreciate the gesture for its thoughtfulness, whatever the reason.

When she entered the parlor, Marcus knelt near the fire, tending to it himself. He rose when she entered and turned to her, that grin a little smaller now but still present.

“I’ve caused a stir among the servants, I think.”

Ellen raised a hand to her stomach in a vain attempt to still the fluttering she felt inside. “I believe you have. We’d said the roads would be impossible, and there you appeared, as though summoned.”

Marcus pulled off his scarf and then began to unbutton his coat. His hat, she noticed, rested atop the mantle. He really must’ve surprised the servants. Nothing else explained why no one had seen to his comfort yet.

“Let me help.” Ellen came forward, her warm fingers making quick work of the buttons. He turned around and she caught the heavy coat after it slid from his shoulders. She looked about for a moment and decided, since it was dry, she could lay it over the back of the couch. “Your gloves?” She held her hands out and he quickly stripped himself of the leather and put them in her hands. His bare fingers brushed hers and Ellen realized how cold he truly was, though the shiver that went through her body had nothing to do with the chill.

“Please, go back to the fire. You’re frozen through.” She put her hand on his arm, gently nudging him in that direction, her eyes meeting his fully for the first time since entering the room.

His expression softened and he half-bowed to her. “As my lady wishes.” He took a step back before he turned and held his hands toward the cheery blaze. “But we shouldn’t stay long. The horse is being walked by the stable boy. If you will gather your things, we might be on our way. I brought your riding habit.” He nodded to a bundle on the sofa she hadn’t noticed before. “To make it easier.”

“Oh.” Ellen took the bundle up in her arms. “Marcus,” she said, looking up into his handsome face. His wide grin faded, turning into a gentle smile. “Thank you.”

He bowed deeply, keeping his eyes on hers. “You are always most welcome, Ellen.”

She dropped a curtsy and then whirled to hurry from the room. She went back to her guest quarters and began to undress down to her under garments. A light rap on the door gave her pause, but a maid had arrived to help her into her riding habit.

With her day clothing bundled up and her warm riding habit upon her person, Ellen hurried back down to the parlor. Marcus stood where she had left him, speaking in low tones with the Banners. They all looked up when she entered, each smiling.

“This is quite the rescue for you, Mrs. Calvert,” Banner said in a teasing tone. “If I wasn’t aware of Calvert’s impatient nature, I’d be offended. It’s not as though we are brigands holding you captive, after all.”

Ellen’s eyes turned to her husband and her heart lightened. “No, but as he’s saved me from many a brigand, dragon, and wicked king, I’m afraid all he knows is how to rescue me.”

Marcus’s eyes brightened, and she knew he was remembering their time as children, too. Tucked up in attics, under hedges, in trees, while she played the fair maiden in need of rescue.

“It was all excellent practice for this moment,” he said, with more sincerity in his voice than she expected. “Are you ready? If we hurry, we could be back in time for breakfast.”

“And there’s the Marcus Calvert I know. Always looking out for his next meal.” Banner clapped Marcus on the shoulder.

“I’m glad you could come, Ellen.” Louisa came forward and embraced Ellen as warmly as any of her sisters ever had. Then she said, in a voice meant only for Ellen to hear, “He cares for you more than you think, my friend.”

Ellen returned the embrace but said nothing.

“Thank you for keeping her safe,” Marcus said, bowing to their hosts.