Chapter 275: Pure intentions (2)
"Are you trying to use me to get rid of the ladies courting you?" Rue asked.
Elijah frowned. He should have known better.
"No," Elijah answered. "I have pure intentions. I need a day with some fun, and since Penelope is taking up Tyrion’s time, I need someone else to steal."
"Oh, so now you’re the thief? Very well. I will go along with it. Weren’t you in a hurry before?" Rue remembered.
"Yes, I need to get dressed quickly before I am late to dinner," said Elijah.
"You are not late since the duke is not home. That is why we are having treats in Lily’s room while we wait for the duke’s return. They were certain you were home, so no one noticed your absence. Oh, how dreadful," Rue said, trying her best not to laugh.
Rue walked by Elijah, needing to get the water to her friends. "Unfortunately, you have been caught by the duchess," she whispered.
Elijah turned around to find his mother coming down the stairs. She eyed him with suspicion.
With just one look, Elijah knew what was going through Alessandra’s mind.
Rue curtsied when she reached the duchess. "We were feeling parched."
"Dinner will be served in a moment. I cannot keep you waiting any longer. Inform the girls that they can proceed to come down," said Alessandra.
Alessandra looked at her sneaky son as Rue hurried off.
"It is not what you think," Elijah said before Alessandra shared her thoughts.
"Is it not? I was thinking you need to soak. What do you think was on my mind?" Alessandra asked, dancing around what she truly thought.
Elijah ran his tongue along his teeth. "You will not trip me so easily, mother."
"I believe I already did, son," Alessandra replied.
Alessandra saw it after only getting a glimpse of the interaction between Rue and Elijah.
"It appeared like you two were having a good talk. You once used to complain about our home being filled with so many women. It is good to see that you are enjoying yourself with Rue," said Alessandra.
Alessandra walked down the stairs, wanting to go by the door to wait for Edgar’s return.
"Mother," Elijah whined.
"Yes?" Alessandra played innocent.
"It is not as you think," said Elijah.
"You will need to say more so I can understand. What would I think about you and Rue?" Alessandra wondered.
Elijah smiled, knowing his mother was acting aloof. "I think I should move on," Elijah replied.
"Perhaps it is best. Hide it if you wish, but I shall not meddle. I think Rue is a lovely young woman," Alessandra said, revealing her thoughts.
"Mother," Elijah said, not wanting to speak of this with his mother.
"Right, right. We have agreed to move on. Your father might be most suited for this kind of talk. After all, you were not thinking of marrying anyone. I think I have raised you to be a good boy, so I should not need to worry about you doing something to have Rafael after you," said Alessandra.
Elijah followed his mother to the door, where her chair awaited her.
"You won’t need to worry about what Rafael will do since it is not as you think," Elijah said, going to stand behind Alessandra.
"You must get your denial from me, or maybe you are right that I am thinking too much about it. The choice is yours, and like I said, I will not meddle. I will not rush you to decide sooner, though it would save me from the ladies approaching."
"I apologise for you being approached by many. I am swarmed by many mothers and daughters around the town, but I must take my time to make it. You have always spoken of how we mustn’t rush this," said Elijah.
"Though," Elijah started to say. "One of your children didn’t listen to you."
"Penelope didn’t rush. She and Tyrion have been in love with each other for a long time. The timing was right for them both, and I cannot speak ill of it since your father and I also had a rushed wedding. It worked out for us, but I wish it to be better for all of you," Alessandra explained her reasoning.
Elijah looked out the window, hoping to see his father’s carriage returning.
"I don’t know about the other two, but I will choose well with my wife. I only ask that you see something and don’t speak of it, mother. You know how your daughters can be," said Elijah.
It would only take Isabelle to speak more than she needed to scare Rue about something which wasn’t of any concern.
"I will not speak of it since you say it is nothing. Good luck," Alessandra wished Elijah. "I hope your plans work."
"What plans do you speak of for your mother?" Elijah asked, curious what she had in mind.
"I fear that if I share what I think, you would become upset. If you need help or ideas, I am always here. If you find it hard to speak to me, then go to your father," Alessandra advised Elijah.
"He’ll tell me to be a man and do it myself," Elijah replied.
Alessandra laughed since it was possible. "I am most certain that if you show how serious you are, your father would offer you advice. Honest advice, which you should be grateful for. Your father won’t tell you a lie."
"He also wouldn’t spare my feelings," Elijah added.
"It is because it is Rue you are trying to court," Alessandra said, getting it out. She tried not to laugh at Elijah’s reaction since he was caught. "Rue means a lot to this family. Her father is your father’s close friend."
"As I said, it isn’t what you think," Elijah answered.
"Right," Alessandra said, going along with Elijah being in denial. "I must ask, Elijah. Do you ever find yourself in trouble with anyone?"
Warren was on Alessandra’s mind, but not for the reason Mark wanted. Alessandra needed to know if there was anyone Elijah had a conflict with, so she would know where to find him should he not show up.
"Not that I know. Did someone say something to you?" Elijah asked.
"No," Alessandra shook her head. "I just wanted to know if you were well. You should continue to sneak off to change your shirt for dinner. Your father will be home soon, and dinner will start."
Elijah was curious about what ties his parents had with each other for his mother to be so certain his father would soon be home.
Elijah leaned forward to kiss Alessandra’s forehead and said, "I will be back down soon, mother."