Destined For A Duke (Completed)

Chapter 27

Ella woke up feeling warm and protected. She was pinned down by some heavy weight but it felt good. Snuggling closer to the source of warmth, she continued to sleep. Waking up felt like a chore on such a perfect morning.

Max looked at the little kitten tucked by his side. She was adorable. Last night his heart had almost stopped when he saw her. Her curves were deliciously displayed in the flimsy excuse for a gown. The next emotion that hit him was anger, was she waiting for someone? His little kitten stood up to him, defended herself.

It was stupid of him to think that she would even try to be unfaithful, her sister stayed true to an animal. He knew that he behaved like a brute and was no better then his brother in law but he was happy that he was about to correct his mistake.

His only wish was that his past won't taint his future. He wanted to protect Ella from harm. He was still under the impression that being with him might be harmful for Ella. He unconsciously tightened his hold around around her. Instead of waking up, Ella purred and went back to sleep. Max wanted to lie in as well but knew that he had duties to perform. He still had to inform Ella of their journey to his main seat.

As soon as Max started untangling himself from Ella, she woke up. For a brief moment Max way had as she started at him with a confused face. Trying to avoid an awkward confrontation he just whispered.

"Morning kitten!" He saw Ella's eyes widen a fraction before she must have remembered last night.

"Morning. Why are you so cheerful? Don't tell me you are one of those people." She frowned as she pulled the sheets higher.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Did she just insult him?

"Why is the fireplace full of ashes instead of a fire? Where is that maid? It's so cold." She groaned as she folded into herself in an attempt to keep herself warm.

"Answer my question. What did you mean by one of those people?" Max saw Ella raise a single brow in a mocking manner and he became angry. He was not in the mood for a fight but it looked as if Ella wanted one.

"Are you offended? I meant you are one of those cheerful morning persons. People like George and Lord William." Max relaxed and felt himself turn red. He might have overreacted.

"I am sorry. I thought that you were trying to insult me." Max looked so contrite that Ella laughed at him.

"Men and their ego. Let's meet at dawn and solve this the old way. What will it be, swords or pistols?" Ella saw Max shift uncomfortably. It was an unusual occurrence that Max was at the receiving end of a joke.

"Let me change. I will then ring for the maid. I think that I have successfully converted you into a morning person. Look at yourself." Ella smiled at his simple assumption.

"It is commonly said that the more time husband and wife spend together, the more they adopt each other's habits." Ella felt herself blush but tried to look as confident as she sounded.

"I will have to spend more time with you. You need to adopt all my good habits." Max gave her a heart stopping smile before he went behind the screen to change. By the time Ella had regained her ability to speak, Max was already leaving the room after ringing the bell.

"Just so you know, we will leave for my country seat soon enough. My servants want to meet their new mistress." The door slammed behind him as he closed it on the way out.

By the time the poor maid arrived, Ella was angry again. She snapped at her for not lighting the fire during the night.

"Her Grace and Lady Amelia specifically ordered me to leave your room unlit. They thought that I might interrupt something private." The maid blushed furiously. Ella groaned in defeat and decided to search for her sister after breakfast. She was positive that having the same conversation with her aunt by marriage would go so well. After all Aunt Amelia was already more than a little crazy, Ella didn't want to give her any ideas.

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Bella was missing from the breakfast table. Ella decided to visit her in her room. As soon as she entered she saw her sister throwing up in a sink that a maid held up for her. Ella felt guilt and shame at the sight. Her sister worried for her future while she was a mourning pregnant widow. Ella should have been the one doing all the worrying and planning. Bella should be resting.

Ella decided to ignore the request her sister made to the maid and spend the rest of the day with her without complaining. It was a day well spend, especially because Max dropped in at evening and decided to spend the day with his "two favourite girls".

Sorry sorry sorry for procrastinating. I was busy with a cousins wedding. It was so much fun and I didn't have the time to update. Hope you had a Merry Christmas.