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Ellen was glad when her father came to her and said they were departing. “Forgive us, my darling, but your mother and I are not used to keeping such late hours.”
“Excuse me,” she said to Simon. “I shall just walk my parents out and return in a moment.”
Simon glanced at Lord Carlisle and Lady Genevieve. “Shall I come with you?”
“Oh, no, please. I would not want to take you away from your friends when you are having such a good time visiting. I shall return as quickly as I can.” Ellen gave him a smile to put him at ease and then took her father’s arm.
“Have you enjoyed your time tonight, Papa?” Ellen asked. They joined up with her mother at the doorway leading out to the hall, and he gave a contented sigh.
“We have enjoyed ourselves, have we not?” he said, turning to her mother.
“It has been a most excellent party. Please thank Lord Simon for us. We have already said our goodbyes to Lord and Lady Grant.” Her mother said with a yawn.
“Of course. Be safe,” she said and kissed her father on the cheek. He returned her kiss and then went to go and don his hat and coat. Her mother stayed for a moment, studying her with a measure of concern.
“Is all well, Ellen?” she asked.
Ellen pasted a smile on her face. She did not want to give her mother cause for worry. “Of course,” she said brightly. “I am only getting a little tired as well.
“Yes, well, you are to be the next hostess of Sotheby, my dear. Do not go to bed early.”
“I will not, Mama,” Ellen promised and kissed her.
“Good night, my dear,” her mother said and joined her father. Ellen saw them to the door and waited until they climbed into the carriage. She waved as they drove away and turned to head back to the ballroom. Her mother was right. She was the next lady of Sotheby Place. Her place was at Simon’s side, and nothing Lady Genevieve said would make her leave.
Chapter 24
Days later, Simon was headed to the study to see to some business that had to do with the village when he suddenly stopped short in the hall. He cocked his head, listening. Music floated to him from the parlour, and he changed course. When he came to the parlour door, he peeked his head in and saw Ellen playing the pianoforte, her sweet voice lifted in a hymn.
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
An angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around.
“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread,
Had seized their troubled minds,
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
To you and all mankind….”
Simon smiled, overcome by her sweet, strong voice. He had not heard her sing in years, and he wondered how he could have forgotten how beautiful the sound was.
He stepped over to a side table just outside the parlour door and deposited the stack of papers he had been carrying. He then opened the door as quietly as he could and stepped inside to listen. He folded his hands in front of him, smiling as his wife continued to play and sing.
“To you, in David’s town this day
Is born of David’s line
The Saviour who is Christ the Lord
And this shall be the sign.
“The heavenly Babe you there shall find
