Chapter 8
The next day, Miles wasn't surprised that Miss Tibbets was nowhere to be found. During breaks from his guests, he searched his garden and the nearby surroundings, in case she decided to take a walk. By late afternoon, he was so desperate to see her, he asked his butler which room she occupied.
Bosworth, the height of propriety and dignity, responded that he had no idea, but would inquire and report back. While waiting for his butler to deliver the information, Miles returned to his study to complete the never ending estate work that had piled up during the day. Pouring over the ledgers, Miles suddenly knew why his former friend, the Earl of Whitmore, was always such a stick in the mud. If Miles had been forced to deal with all the decision making that went into running large estates at such an early age, maybe he too would have behaved as Colin did to Bethany. It was painful to realize how human his friend was, when it had been so much easier to hate him for taking away his prize.
Hearing a quiet knock on the door, expecting it to be his butler, Miles yelled, “Enter.” Much to his surprise and dismay, Lady Elinore walked in and promptly closed the door. Walking over to his desk, striking what she probably thought was a provocative pose, Elinore batted her eyelashes and murmured, “Is this where you spend all your time, your grace?”
Before she could finish her sentence, Miles stood up and opened the door to his study. Standing by the doorway now, he remarked, “I do spend a great deal of time running my estates, Lady Elinore. I hope you will not think me impertinent when I ask for some privacy to complete my work.” His face was stone, showing no emotion.
Schooling her face into a pout, she asked, “But when will I get to know you if you keep yourself locked away. Come back and sit at your desk and I promise to leave you alone to do your work.”
“If I am doing my work, you will be in no more of a position to get to know me.” His logic was missed on the young woman, who sensing his disinterest, had resorted to the appearance of her being compromised. Narrowing his eyes, he knew far smarter women had tried the same thing and failed.
Bosworth walked into the room, seeing his master standing at the door. Before he could provide his information, he noticed Lady Elinore standing by the desk, trying to look alluring. “Was there anything you needed assistance with, Lady Elinore? I am available to all his grace's guests.” His staunch demeanor drove Elinore into a deeper pout.
Miles, seeing his chance, suggested, “Perhaps you could escort Lady Elinore to one of the many activities that my mother has planned, Bosworth. As you know, I am very busy with my estate ledgers.”
“Of course, your grace.” Turning to the young lady in question, Bosworth said, “After you, my lady.”
Walking to the door, keeping her chin up in a haughty fashion, Elinore brushed up against Miles on her way out. Before walking out the door, she said over her shoulder, “Do not concern yourself with me, Bosworth. I am happy to find my own way.” With that, she was gone and Miles could only feel immense relief.
Closing the door behind her, Miles looked to Bosworth to provide him with the location of the missing companion.
“Miss Tibbets is on the third floor, the first room on the right down the east wing. Do you require anything else, your grace.” Bosworth's practiced drawl made Miles smirk.
“No, that will be all, Bosworth. Perhaps you could keep the other guests away from me for a while.”
Without changing his expression or acknowledging his master even spoke, Bosworth left the room. Miles closed the door and returned to his desk. When should he approach her? Should he go up now, since the young ladies were otherwise engaged? Or should he leave her alone and do as his mother was bidding him to do? Miles knew what he should do, but decided to go and visit Miss Tibbets in her room anyway.