05

Ginelle remained silent as Eloise took her hand once more and they continued down the boisterous street teeming with life. She slipped closer to Eloise's side, seeking her protection as Eloise walked proud and unfettered by the utter chaos of the townsfolk.

The sun was beginning to descend, casting subtle hues of dusk across the sky as they made their way back to the plantation. Ginelle's body felt heavy with exhaustion from the earlier happenings of the day and eagerly sought sleep. She peered over at Eloise who sat straight in the leather seat, staring out the window, her eyes staring past the line of trees as if deep in thought.

As they pulled to a halt in front of the house and the coachman assisted them from the carriage, Ginelle tensed as Lucile came bounding from the house towards her mistress, her face pinched with anxiety.

"Milady." She called, casting a fearful glance in Ginelle's direction. "I must speak with you."

Eloise rushed forward to intercept the older woman and they exchanged a few words. "What is wrong, Lucile?"

"Tis Master Dorian, he's here." Ginelle's heart dropped at the older woman's apparent distress in her somber tone.

"Already?" Ginelle turned to look at Eloise who appeared far more excited than her worried maid. "Lucile, help Ginelle to her room and assist her to bed. We have had a trying day."

Lucile stood concerned as she stared at her mistress retreating back, than slowly turned to look at Ginelle, "Come child." She said and as Ginelle moved forward she caught the glint of alarm in the woman's dark eyes.

Ginelle settled onto the large bed and stared at the door where moments ago, the elderly maid, Lucile had departed. A heaviness settled in her chest and her heart beat to the rhythm of fear. Master Dorian had returned home. Though Lucile had tried to conceal her obvious distress, it was quite clear that the older woman was frantic on the inside. She peered down at her hand that had been cleaned of all blood and bandaged. She flexed her fingers across the cotton of her nightshirt and sighed, struggling against tears. Eloise had been so kind but she didn't belong here. She had willingly agreed to consider Eloise's proposition, but the reality of it was simple. Now that the Laird had returned, she had to leave.

She got to her feet and turned to admire the lovely canopied-bed. For a moment, she fancied it her own. She moved to the window and leaned against the frame, staring out into the vast approaching darkness. She gripped her mother's necklace and shuddered at the thought of returning to those dark, desolate streets where the threat of Pierino was consistent. For a short time, she had thought herself safe from him for he would have never thought to look for her here.

A single tear slipped from beneath her lashes. Eloise had done so much for her; had catered to her as though they were kindred. She couldn't continue this farce pretense. Eloise had given her silks and ribbons and filled her stomach and warmed her blood but most importantly, she had given her a moment of true happiness, even if it were for a short period of time. But what could she give Eloise in return? A street rat such as herself had naught to offer. Eloise's generosity knew no bounds and she couldn't allow herself to willingly accept her charity any longer.

Her chest felt heavy with the loss already. She would lose Eloise. She had only known Eloise for a short time and was accustomed to loss, and yet it still pained her deeply. She quickly swiped at the tears and stepped away from the window. She turned to survey the room, realizing her peasantry clothes were gone. She found Ingrid's dress lying across the arm of the sofa. Knowing the maid had reluctantly agreed to lend it to her; she decided she had no other option but to keep the gown, for the time being. She would return it once she found a set of garments for herself.

Ginelle lifted her head and studied the room one last time. None of this was real to her but the limitless pain, that deep hollowness in her chest. She quickly dressed and made her way to the door. She paused as her eyes settled on the cloak dispersed across the bed. The thought of having to endure the unforgiving winter sent a tremor through her. She scooped the garment in her arms and slipped out of the room, vowing she would return it as she stepped into the darkened hall.

Eloise stopped abruptly as she came to the open study, immediately her eyes fell on the tall, formidable frame standing by the window. Her heart somersaulted as an image of their father rushed to mind for the man cast in shadow was a sheer replica of Clayton Ashford. As if sensing her presence, he turned and those piercing blue eyes regarded her with sudden warmth, quickly casting aside the frightening image.

"Dorian." She gathered her skirts and crossed the room to her elder brother, easing into his comforting embrace. Those strong, secure arms wrapped protectively around her, holding her tenderly as he had done when she was younger.

He planted a kiss atop her head as he said, "I have missed you." His deep resonant voice soothed her soul. Only she knew her brother's gentle nature for he rarely displayed it to others. To many, he was the dangerous and dark laird. His word was law, yet he could not resist anything when it came to his little sister.

She stepped away to peer up at him, taking note of the lines of fatigue around his eyes and mouth. "Was the trade successful?" she inquired.

He smirked, "Do you suddenly have an interest in my profession, soeur?"

Eloise smiled as she stepped back, "Tis no secret that I disapprove of it."

"Indeed." He said, watching her curiously. "You are hiding something." It wasn't a question but an assertion as those distinct, inquisitive blue eyes studied her intensely.

She moved to put space between them, bracing herself for his anger for she was certain he would disfavor the idea of their house guest. "I went to the market yesterday."

A dark brow arched as he said, "Alone? That does not please me." His voice dropped to a dangerous lilt.

Dorian would never hurt her of that she was certain but his temper was to be feared. Cautiously, she continued. "I came upon a child." She lifted her azure gaze to stare more firmly at her brother as realization settled in those lucid eyes.

"Eloise-" he began earnestly, "Pray tell that you did not bring a stranger into my house." There it was, she thought, that simmering rage just beneath the surface.

She stood her ground, determined to do what she could for Ginelle, even daring to challenge the Laird. "She needs a home, Dorian." She stated firmly, lifting her chin defiantly. "And I am willing to provide her a home. She is my concern."

"In what sense?" Dorian growled.

She forced herself to not flinch against his sudden rising anger. "She needs me."

His hands curled into fists at his sides, his jaw set into a dangerous line. "Damn it, I will not permit it and you will not defy me in this."

"What do you know of this stranger?" he waited and than said. "It is out of the question."

Eloise narrowed her eyes at her brother, "You speak nonsense. What of the criminals and thieves you purchase to work in your fields? They are far more of a threat than that of a mere child."

"Those criminals and thieves sleep outside these walls a field away and are heavily guarded."

She fell silent as she regarded her brother with smoky, blue eyes. She had expected his imperious manner but the girl was merely a child. "Dorian." She said more softly, her eyes blurring with unshed tears. "Please grant me this request."

A heavy silence settled between them and she feared he was certain in his decree.

"The child may stay under certain circumstances." He paused so she could absorb his words. "The child is your responsibility. She is to stay clear of the fields and my men. She is not to interfere, is that understood?"

Eloise nodded, resisting the urge to smile.

"One more thing." His face darkened before adding, "She is to stay clear of me."