In His Eyes(79)

“Oh.” She wrinkled her nose. “Has my wardrobe become an area of concern for you?”

His jaw twitched. “I merely think that as the lady of this house you should be attired appropriately.”

An uneasy feeling slid through her. There could only be one reason he worried over such things now. He was preparing to leave. She’d known such a time would eventually arrive, yet had grown lax in her efforts to guard herself against it. Despite her determination to feel otherwise, the thought of him departing tugged at her heart. “I see. May I assume, then, that you are getting ready to return to duty, and you will honor your agreement to hire me as an overseer for the house?”

Instead of answering right away, Westley turned to the picnic basket and plucked two plates out, handing one to Ella. “You are partially correct. I sent a telegram to my superior officer, and it has been decided that I will take a position in the western territories.”

Ella accepted the plate and set it in front of her. “The western territories? I have heard that is dangerous.” She lowered her voice and leaned closer. “There have been tales that redskins will cut the scalp from your head.” She shuddered.

Westley chuckled. “Precisely why there is a need for men to go, and when I volunteered, they were all too happy to accommodate me.”

Ella’s mouth went dry. “You volunteered for that?”

He regarded her closely. “I did. Three days ago when I went to see Colonel Larson to settle Belmont’s debts.”

Ella clasped her hands in her lap. It was no business of hers where he chose to go. “I see. Well, Major Remington, I will pray that you remain safe in all your endeavors.”

The little muscle in the side of his jaw twitched, which Ella had come to learn meant that something she’d said upset him.

“I leave in three days.”

“Three?” she squeaked, horrified that her emotions could so easily be read. She turned her gaze away. “I thought you stated your furlough lasted for months, and it has hardly been that long.”

“I know. Furlough has been cut short.”

By orders, or his own request? Ella tried not to let the idea that he would rather return to the army than stay here with her hurt, but her heart disregarded her wishes. As though to soothe it, Ella reached up and fumbled with the lapels on her gown.

Westley’s features tightened as he pulled thick slices of fresh bread, slabs of ham, and a jar of pear preserves from the basket. He set about fixing the plates, and Ella watched him somberly. She had no reason at all to be upset. He had agreed to hire her, and she would have more luxury here than she’d ever known. And the position of lady of the house would offer her some manner of security.

“Ella, I have been meaning to ask you something….”

An odd tone to his voice had her setting down the fork she’d been fidgeting with and looking up into his eyes. He stared at her, flashes of emotions she could not place sparking in his intense gaze. Ella’s breath caught.

“Why is there a goat by the cistern?”

Her breath left her in a whoosh. “Pardon?”

His shoulders slumped. “I…wondered why there was a goat in a makeshift pen by the cistern.”

She blinked at him.

He cleared his throat. “I asked Sibby about it, and she said I should take that up with you.” He cocked his head. “Where did you get a goat?”

“Sibby gave it to me.”

“Where….” He shook his head, his eyes suddenly brimming with amusement. “What is the goat for, Ella?”

She glanced at Lee. “Milk. In case for any reason something was to happen, I would still be able to care for him.”

Concern chased all traces of humor from his eyes. “You worry that you might be in a desperate position?”

Ella bit her lip. “Well, I have learned that one never knows what tomorrow may hold. I find it prudent to prepare as much as possible.”

Westley plucked a slice of fluffy bread from the plate and tore off a chunk, rolling it in his fingers. “As much as I am able to do so, I have determined that I will protect you and be sure that you are comfortable and secure.”

Warmth spread through her, and she quickly doused it. “I’m afraid I don’t understand. Did you not just say that you would be leaving in three days?”

“I did.”

“And you shall offer me all of these things while you are all the way out in the western territories?” The bite in her tone surprised her, and Ella had to tamp down her emotions before they found their way farther out of her mouth.

Westley watched her, his intense gaze searing into her. “Ella, I—”

Ella held up a hand. “Forgive me, Major. That was entirely inappropriate of me. I do not know what possessed me to say such a thing.” She conjured a smile and forced it to take up residence upon her lips, though they seemed to balk at the effort. “I am deeply grateful that you have allowed me employment and a place of residence at Belmont. Of course those things have given me a great measure of security.”

He leaned back on his hands, his plate now as forgotten as her own. A breeze lifted bits of his sun-kissed mahogany hair and sent locks dancing across his forehead, and Ella found herself wishing that he were not so handsome. She crossed her arms and looked away. Though she must admit that even if he were not such a physically appealing man, she would still be attracted to him. Something deeper than his refined looks and muscular build called to her.