08

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, sœur ? »

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. »

After his sister had left the study, Dorian Don Ashford turned to poor himself a healthy glass of brandy. He drowned the distilled liquid in one swallow and slammed the glass down with enough force to shatter it. He swept a hand through his dark tresses as he pondered over their ‘houseguest’.

He could not deny his beloved sister anything and blast the wee brat for she knew it. His hardened heart was guarded against everyone and everything except his younger sister. He loved her more than life itself and couldn’t imagine life without her. He had not been accepting of her betrothal to Philip Sussman but her apparent happiness slowly encouraged him to allow the young lad to marry his sister.

It wasn’t until the death of her husband and that of her unborn child that she succumbed to sorrow and grief, becoming a mere shadow of herself. It tore him apart to see her suffer. On that reason alone, he agreed to allow the child to stay for he could see a change in Eloise, a spark of life that had not been there when he left seven months ago. Though he disapproved greatly of it, mayhap it would be a healing remedy for his sister.

Eloise was indeed a beauty, a spitting image of their docile mother but nothing like her in spirit. Their mother had been timid and meek, where as Eloise was willful and resolute. He admired her bravado for only she could walk away unscathed after their exchange of heated words.

He settled into the leather seat at his desk and leaned back to stretch his long legs as his thoughts darkened. Just as quickly as they surfaced, he dismissed them, not wanting to dwell on the past. His mind turned to more important matters such as business. The weather had proved to be dreadful on his voyage, prohibiting his efforts in trading. Gratefully, the wintry season was almost at an end. In the duration of several weeks, he could return to sea. In the meantime, he would have his laborers in preparation for planting season.