Free Ladies of Deception 02 - Misleading Lord Martineau by Ginny Hartman Page B

of Lords, it would be good for you.”
    Elliot laid his spoon down gently in his bowl, causing a soft clinking as the metal hit the porcelain. “I’m pleased that you’ve taken a newfound interest in parliament, but I cannot even pretend to share in your excitement.”
    “That’s a shame, I think if you’d actually attend a session you might be surprised at what you could learn.”
    Suddenly Elliot remembered what he had meant to talk to Hope about yesterday when she had visited his house before the conversation had turned to Miss Ogglesby and his original goal had been forgotten. “I actually don’t intend to be around much longer so attending parliament is really a mute point.”
    Elliot was aware that all three heads turned suddenly to gape at him then, all three mouths hanging open in surprise. Pierce was the first to speak, “What do you mean you won’t be around? Are you planning a trip?”
    “ I’m actually thinking of relocating, at least for a time.” All three pairs of eyes widened at his admission.
    “ What do you mean?” Hope stammered.
    Turning to her he said, “I’m thinking of moving to America.” Hope, Pierce, and Miss Ogglesby simultaneously gasped as he continued. “That’s why I asked you about Soren yesterday. I was wondering if you knew when he planned on being back in England and when he was set to sail again.”
    Hope’s brother-in-law Soren, married to her twin sister Noelle, was an American who owned a shipping business. Elliot hadn’t given him a second thought since meeting him at Pierce and Hope’s wedding last year until Hope had come to visit him yesterday. He was eager to speak to someone who was familiar with the country and who might be able to assist him with his travels and relocation.
    Hope gently set her glass of wine down before folding her hands in her lap. “This seems so unexpected and—sudden. Are you sure you’ve had time to think this through?”
    He knew that she was most likely disappointed with the news, figuring that it meant that he had no intentions of securing a future with her ward. “Yes, I’ve thought about it for some time.” He rationalized to himself that a full day was plenty of time to make a reasonable decision, “And I think I’m ready for a change in my life, a way to forget the past and move on.”
    Pierce looked at his good friend with concern. He knew that he had been encouraging Elliot to move on for some time now, but he had been insinuating that he find a new love interest not a new country. “Are you certain this is what you want?”
    “Yes, there’s nothing for me here.” His eyes briefly flicked to Miss Ogglesby before looking back at Pierce.
    Hope had taken the hint, “Well if you’re certain that there’s nothing we can do to convince you to stay—”
    “I’m certain. I need to get out of London, at least for awhile. You all needn’t look so forlorn, I’m certain I’ll be back someday.”
    Miss Ogglesby perked up then, “Well Lord Martineau, I think it’s a wonderful idea.”
    “You do?” Pierce and Hope replied in unison.
    “ Of course, everyone could use a little adventure in their life. If there’s nothing here for you, then by all means you should go. I think going to America sounds grand.” The light in her eyes at the mention of adventure was unmistakable. For a brief moment Elliot wondered if there was more to Miss Ogglesby than he had ever realized.
    Her reaction puzzled Elliot, he wasn’t sure if he had expected her to be sad at his admission or completely impartial, but his ego wasn’t sure how to handle her seeming excitement and encouragement of his plans. He decided to just be grateful that she didn’t seem upset.
    He smiled at her gratefully, “Well said. I’m getting too old to still be trying to decide what to do with my life. I’ve made a decision for my future and that decision is America.”
    Pierce interjected, concern still etched on his face. “Look man, are you certain