Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 8

The next morning Max and George were waiting for her when she reached the dining room. They were done with breakfast and we're ready to leave. Instead of making her companions wait, Ella decided to skip eating.

In the carriage ride Max kept on trying to knock her hat off. Ella had to swat his hand away everytime. She lost her temper twice and hit him with her reticule. George's scowl kept on deepening with every second. As soon as they left the carriage, she snapped.

"Quit it! The two of you are worst than toddlers, I feel like I am the only grown up here. I want the two of you to go and resolve your differences like adults that you are. Not another peep out of you, just go." George heatedly pushed them away and stood with her arms crossed until the two of them were out of sight.

Max made sure that George was in sight and guided Ella through the crowd.

"Are you sure we did the right thing by leaving her alone? These places are full of rogues looking for innocent girls." Ella asked concerned.

"That's why we are following her. We are watching over her, but from a distance." Max replied

"But what about her reputation? A Lady should never leave her home without a maid or a companion. Do you know how much gossip mongers will love this?" Ella continued voicing her fears for her new found friend.

"Oh please! It's not like George has to worry about anything. William loves her and a few old gossiping women will not change his heart. I have been looking after George since we were kids, nothing untoward has ever happened." Max replied defensively. He knew that Ella was concerned but didn't she trust him at all?

George was about to enter the area where animals were showcased when she stopped. Ella and Max turned to see what had made George pause and saw William. Ella saw a murderous look cross William's face before he started walking towards George.

George turned away from William and the fair. She started walking towards the vegetation. William and Ella started to follow. Before Ella could get far, Max took hold of her arm and started directing her in the opposite direction.

"What do you think you are doing?" Max asked in a whisper.

"Making sure that my hard work pays off. I had to put up with you for all this and I don't trust your friend. He can make the stupidest mistakes." Ella escaped Max's clutches and started walking in the same direction as she saw George disappear.

"I will not let you invade their privacy. They will sort this out themselves. William doesn't need your help anymore." Max held her waist and started redirecting her.

"How can you be so sure? And why will they need their privacy? He's just going to confess his love, no funny business." Ella stepped on Max's foot before kicking his shin and making a run for it.

Max cursed loudly before he followed her on unsteady feet. The pain was excruciating. The minx knew a thing or two that might help her in London. When he finally reached her, she was hiding behind vegetation. He sat beside her to look at the couple and was met a teary eyed George.

George was crying so hard while William tried to console her. Looks like the minx was on to something. It looked as if William needed all the help he could get.

"I don't want to gloat about such matters but I told you so. You men are idiots. Matters of state are your domain, leave the matters of heart to woman." Ella said triumphantly.

Her victory lasted for only a few minutes.

"I am so sorry. I am in love with you and with everything going on lately, I have become a watering pot." George said between hiccups.

"And you were saying?" Was the immediate rely that Max whispered. Ella felt childish and pinched him out of spite.

"You are the bravest woman I know and not a watering pot. I have seen you bravely fight for your mother's good name and to participate in search for her. A watering pot would have just cried, with no useful contribution. I admire you because you are brave and hopeful, such horrific things have happened to you lately and you still manage to laugh, to care about others and to still believe in goodness. I will try to become a better man for you, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" William tenderly asked

Ella could see the love on William's face and hoped that someday a man might love her like that. She knew that for someone like her, it would never happen. It was just a dream that she will only see with her eyes closed. She turned to look at Max and realized that her vision was blurry with tears. Cleaning her tears from the sleeve of her gown, she turned her attention back to the couple. George was silently smiling at William.

"Yes." She said with a smile before standing on her toes and pulling William down with his neck cloth to give him a kiss.

Ella always thought that it was men who initiated all such activities and was fascinated with what George did. Was it possible for woman to demand such things? To enjoy them? To not give a damn? May be London would be interesting after all. Ella got so excited that she revealed her hiding place by standing and clapping. Her movements jolted Max out of stupor and he started demanding that the two of them immediately stop kissing.

William and George were so engrossed in themselves that they did not even hear Gabrielle's clapping and giggling, nor Max's demands to stop kissing until William was pulled back by Max.

"I want her to be virgin when the two of you marry and I want you to properly court her for the prescribed period. We leave for London soon, the two of you can start your courtship then." Max said with a glare at his two friends.William punched Max on his shoulder.

"Just like you will do, right Max?" William's scowl showed his displeasure.

"Thank God I will never let a woman trap me." Max received another punch from George who started walking in the direction of fair. Ella was confused, didn't Max need heirs? Why will he never marry?

The rest of the party started following George. Ella ran to catch her and started congratulating her. William whistled happily while walking. They found Brandon and Emma in the fair and quickly told them the good news. Emma was happy for her brother and friend, they deserved happiness.

They were eating candy when an out of control carriage entered fair. The drivers face and carriage windows were covered. Max fearing the worst, asked men of his party to protect the girls.

Instead of driving their way, the carriage slowed down near the animals and threw something out before speeding away. Before the thrown bundle was surrounded by village folk, George saw who it was and screamed

"Mother!" William and George ran towards the bundle while Max decided to follow the carriage. He took a random horse that he could find and followed. Ella stayed where she was and watched Max's retreating back. She prayed to god that nothing bad happens to him.

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