Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 16

Ella woke up early the next morning but Max had already left by then. She called the maid to help her dress and pack the remaining clothes. When she felt satisfied with her appearance, she made her way to breakfast. Everyone was already there, only Max and William were missing. Feeling self conscious, Ella asked Brandon,

"Where is Max? Have you seen him?" Brandon gave Ella a knowing smile.

"Missing him already? He's with William. They are planning a different route to London, one that is not well known. Remember what happened the last time?" Brandon turned serious at the end.

"Actually, I don't. I joined the party much later and no one said anything about it." Ella was confused, what could have happened?

"Will's saddle was sabotaged by the same men who took George's mother and George had the displeasure of coming across a nasty cousin. They are trying to come up with a plan to keep everyone safe." Ella nodded before continuing her breakfast in silence.

When Ella was almost done eating, Max and Lord William entered the dining hall. Max took his place beside her while Will went to the head of the table. Butler filled their plates and served them breakfast. Lady Dalton was the first one to question the two men.

"Well? What have you decided? Tell us." Her impatience was obvious in her voice.

"We tried to find the best route but there are only two roads that go from here to London. Together, all of us are easy to spot. We will go in different groups. First Max, Gabrielle, Lady Isabella and Lord Stanford. I will follow with George and Emma. Brandon will come in the end with mother, Lady Amelia and Lady Malcolm." Lord William stated matter of factly.

"You did that on purpose. You still don't trust me. William, enough is enough." Brandon complained like an indignant child before leaving the room. Emma shot William an outraged look before following Brandon out.

"What? I want to sit with George on the journey to London." Emma's figure came into view again.

"Well, you are travelling with mother then. We can't have the future bride and groom traveling in the same carriage with only me as a chaperone. Do you want a scandal? Brandon will travel with us." Emma raised her brows as if daring her brother to contradict her.

"Fine." William unwillingly said.

"I always knew you would come around. Come on dear, I think I need another cup of tea." Brady smiled at Will while he escorted Emma back to her place.

"Are we all satisfied now? Anymore changes that I should know about?" William glared at everyone.

"Tell them about security." Max spoke up beside Ella. She was so surprised by the sudden contribution of her husband that her fork slipped from between her fingers. Max picked it up and gave it to the maid before asking for a new one.

"Yes. The no of footman with each vehicle has been increased. If you want to go somewhere, always inform someone else of your where abouts. Ladies, please don't leave the safety of your carriage or room without a man. Anything else you want to know?" William asked around the table before his eyes came to rest on George's raised hand. His gaze softened and he gestured for her to speak up.

"I have I question. I want to know..." George turned to look at Max, "what did you do to Ella? She lost her grip on the form when you spoke and then she blushed when you looked at her. If I hear about you doing anything...." George's lecture was effectively stopped by Lady Malcolm's glare.

"What did I do? Ella needs someone to stand up for her." George didn't notice her friend turn a deeper shade of red.

"What they do or don't do behind closed doors is none of your concern. Mind your own business. If Ella needed your help, she would have asked for it." George was no longer listening to her mother. Instead she stared at Ella and Max with wide eyes.

"Has he ruined you?" Brady choked on his drink while Lady Malcolm made an outraged sound. Lady Amelia laughed so hard before saying something that sounded suspiciously like "glad I came".

Ella was waiting for the ground to open up and swallow her. Apparently Lady Malcolm was her only alley as Max sat unperturbed. He kept on eating his breakfast. Even when Lady Malcolm forcefully dragged her daughter from the room.

I am trying to make up for not posting regularly. I hope you like it.