Earl of Billington and Miss Lyndon

Chapter 15

Ellie's mouth was a little open in surprise. "Another important thing?"

"I thought women have thoughts like you want all the wishes in her marriage to run perfectly."

"I thought you were too." Charles' lips formed an ironic smile.

"Of course."

"Good"

Charles took Ellie by the hand and led her to the door. "Then, tomorrow I will send a horse-drawn carriage to bring you here."

"Tomorrow?" Ellie gasps.

"I don't have time to argue."

"Don't we need permission?"

"I have. I'll just add your name."

"You can do that?" Once again Ellie gasped. "Is it legal?"

"God knows the right person."

"But I need time to get ready. To pack my things." to find something to wear, Ellie added inwardly. She had absolutely nothing to wear to marry an earl.

"Well," said Charles quickly. "Then, the day after tomorrow."

"Too fast." Ellie ruffled her waist, trying to look assertive.

Charles folded his hands in front of his chest. "Three days. And that's my last offer."

"Then we agree, My Lord." Ellie said with a smile. He has spent the last five years betting on the stock market. Sentences like the last offer sounded very reasonable and familiar to his ears. More familiar than the word marriage.

"Alright, but if I have to wait three days, then I want something in return."

Ellie narrowed her eyes. "It does not feel appropriate for someone of honor to ask for a reply to something new in agreement."

"You did the same thing to the rules of our marital relationship."

Ellie's face meets. "alright. What request?"

"I'll make sure this doesn't bother you at all. Just a walk in the afternoon. Anyway, now we have to get to know each other, right?"

"I think it's us..."

"Tomorrow," Charles said. "I'll pick you up at exactly one o'clock."

Ellie nodded, not wanting to make any more noise.

Five minutes later, a train stopped in front of the house, and Charles leaned against his cane, then shook his aching leg. His legs had to heal quickly, as he seemed to have to chase his wife around his house.

Her hair, Charles thought suddenly. Deliana's hair is the same color as the sunset, her favorite time.

His heart was engulfed in happiness that he did not expect, and he smiled.

When Ellie arrived home that night, she was nervous. Agreeing to a marriage conspiracy with Billington is one thing, but confronting his hardened father to tell his marriage, is another.

Looks like luck's not taking her side, because Mrs. Foxglove has returned, perhaps to report to the reverend, how wicked and ungrateful his daughter was. Ellie waited patiently for all Mrs' words. F, until the woman exclaims, "Your daughter.." while pointing at Ellie with her fat finger, "must learn manners. I don't know how to live peacefully with him in my house, but..."

"You don't have to do it" Ellie said.

Chief Mrs. Foxglove swung towards Ellie, her eyes twitching furiously. "I'm sorry?"

"You don't have to stay with me" Ellie repeated. "I'll leave this place the day after tomorrow."

"Where are you going?" sue Mr. Lyndon.

"I'm getting married."

Everybody's tight.

Ellie filled the void with: "In three days. I'll be married in three days."

Mrs. Foxglove managed to recover from her shock and returned to her usual annoying demeanor and said, "Don't be silly. I know that you don't have a partner."

Ellie smiled a little. "It seems you're wrong this time."

Mr. Lyndon interjected with, "Will you tell me who your partner is?"

"I'm surprised you didn't notice the carriage when I arrived tonight. He was the Earl of Billington.

"Billington?" repeat the reverend in disbelief.

"Billington?" screeches Mrs. Foxglove, obviously can not decide whether he should be happy because he will have a family from the nobility, or not accept because it turns out Ellie managed to get a noble with her own efforts.

"Billington" Ellie said firmly. "I'm sure we'll fit in with each other. Now, if you'll excuse me, because I have to pack my things."

He was halfway to his room when his father called his name. When Ellie turned around, she saw her father was shaking Mrs' hand. The Foxglove grabbed her father's hand, then walked towards Ellie.

"Deliana," said he. His face was pale, and the wrinkles around his eyes were deeper.

"Yes, Papa?"

"I. I know I'm not being nice to your sister. I'm..." He stopped and cleared his throat. "I would be honored if you would allow me to marry you on Thursday."

Ellie blinked holding back her tears. His father was proud, and such feelings and requests could only come out from the bottom of his heart. "I don't know what the earl's going to plan for, but I'd love it if Papa could do it." Ellie put her hand on her father's back. "That would mean a lot to me."

The reverend nodded, and Ellie saw that her father's eyes were glazed over. Reflexes, Ellie on her tiptoes and peeping her father's cheeks. He hasn't done it in a long time. For too long, Ellie realizes it, and she promises that she will make her marriage work. If she has a family of her own, her children should not be afraid to tell their feelings to her parents. He hoped Billington would think the same.