Page 11

CHAPTER 11

ELLA

“E lla. Another bunch of flowers arrived for you. The same boy delivered them.” Clara set the flowers on the table.

This was the third one Ella had received in the past three days. First came a bouquet of wildflowers, then dark purple lilies. Now this one, all white and the largest of the three.

“Who are they from?” Sissy asked, touching one of the satiny petals.

Clara rolled her eyes. “ I wonder. Poor William is going to have to sell the mill if he keeps sending you flowers. These must have cost him a fortune.”

Ella searched the large bouquet for any hint as to who it was from. A note lay between the white roses and lilies. “ Sissy , can you find something to put these in?” Ella sat down at the table, opening the note. It read:

Not in the world I live in.

Meet me at the old mill at dusk.

“Well?” Clara tried to read the note.

Ella tucked the note in her pocket. Not in the world I live in. Those had been her words to Thane . True to his word, he had not been in her bed when she woke, and no one mentioned seeing him leaving her room. That night she had dreamt of castles with no roofs and Thane . She assumed it was because it was his heartbeat she had fallen asleep to.

“You were right. It’s William .” That was easier than trying to explain why a man she barely knew had been sending her flowers. And why William hadn’t. Both of which she wondered herself.

“Here.” Sissy set the pitcher down on the table. The bouquet was so big, Ella couldn’t see Clara , who sat on the other side of the table.

She hadn’t spoken to William since the night in the rain. He hadn’t come by, and she hadn’t sought him out. Partly because she wasn’t ready to admit the truth. And partly because she was hurt by what he said. She wouldn’t make a very good wife. But William would make a good husband. He was loyal, kind, and had more to offer.

“So.” Clara pushed the flowers out of the way. “ What did perfect William do?”

Ella dug her nail into the wood grain of the table. These past few days, she had thought about what her life would look like with William . It wouldn’t be bad. They had been friends before they were lovers. And she had missed his friendship these past couple days. She would make Sissy and Clara show her how to do the things they knew how to do. If she could learn how to read, she could learn how to sew and cook. She hoped. “ Mr . Garvey has to sell the mill.”

“So?” Sissy frowned, sitting down. “ Why would that make him send you flowers?”

“Because without the mill, William and his bride would have to find work elsewhere,” Clara pointed out. “ Do you want to talk about it?” Clara’s features softened.

“What is there to talk about? It doesn’t affect Ella .” Sissy sipped her tea.

“It will when she marries William and they have no way to support themselves. What does William think you’re going to do? The inn will be closing in a few months. And there are very few jobs here in Riverton . I know because I have been looking.” Clara picked a rose petal from one of the roses.

“Lillian offered me a place in her household. I would take care of Mrs . A and Darby’s mother. Maybe William can find work in Morro ?” The card in her pocket felt warm against her skin. It was time to let go of her silly fantasy with Thane . She wasn’t what he wanted. He wanted the woman he had lost. She was just a sad replacement. Like William was to her.

“No! Darby’s mother is a raging bitch. My cousin worked for them for one summer and quit to wash sheets at a brothel,” Clara said, shaking her head.

“I don’t understand.” Sissy frowned. “ Ella , you can’t marry William . He’s not your kind.”

“Why are you so odd?” Clara picked at the leftover chicken. “ William is one of the best-looking single men in Riverton , and until today, he could support a wife and children. But now…”

“No. Ella , you can’t marry William . Whoever is missing you will come soon. I bet he shows up at the Moon Festival .”

Clara stood. “ Your mother has put too many absurd thoughts in your head, Sis . Ella is just a pretty girl with real problems. I can ask my cousin if the brothel is hiring.”

“Clara, Ella can’t be a whore.” Sissy turned to Ella . “ You can’t. Trust me. It’s written in your stars. My mother said so. Well , she said that someone in my life is going to reveal themselves and they will need my support.”

“How do you know it’s not me?” Clara cleared the rest of the dishes.

“Because I have known you for years, and the only thing you have revealed is your ability to drive off men. Which is because you were mean in a past life. You won’t find a husband until you atone for those past life mistakes.” Sissy nodded matter-of-factly.

“The only reason I don’t have a husband is because Thane hasn’t asked me yet.” Clara winked as she walked out of the room.

Ella touched her pocket. Tonight , she and Thane would talk. He would see that this wasn’t good for either of them. But a small part of her wished it would work out. That he would give up searching and they would start a life together. Why else had he come to her room last night? And if he asked, she’d go with him.

And that would break William’s heart. There are consequences for breaking a heart. Ella shoved that fear away. “ Come on, Sissy . The dishes aren’t going to do themselves.”

* * *

Ella bathed and changed into a dark blue skirt and undyed shirt with matching embroidery. She left her hair down. Mrs . A wouldn’t like that she was meeting with Thane without a chaperone, so Mrs . A would have to be kept in the dark. Ella opened the small window in her bedroom and stepped out onto the back roof. The bright oranges and pinks of the setting sun gave way to the sharp teeth of the darkness. After a careful walk across the spongy roof and down the ladder leaning against the wall, Ella was free.

Once on the ground, she ran through the small yard and past the garden, through the clover, down the muddy path to the old mill. Sissy said she thought it was a remnant of the old castle that used to stand on the river. She said old magic still clung to the stone foundation.

The old door creaked as she pushed it open and slipped in. Fireflies danced with dust motes in the empty space. It looked different in the setting sun. Moss and midnight jasmine hung from the rotting rafters. The broken glass on the dusty floor shimmered like wishes. The stairs she’d raced down three nights ago were at the far end of the room. Regrets clung to them.

“Are you in the habit of sneaking out to meet strangers?” a voice called from the shadows.

“Are you a stranger?” Ella’s breath caught when Thane stepped out of the shadows. Gods above, he was beautiful. His gray clothing had been tailored to fit every part of his exceptionally perfect body. “ I shouldn’t be here. What will people say?”

“Your secret is safe with me. Come , I have a surprise.” Thane reached out his hand.

This was it. If she went with Thane , there would be no more William and the security he offered her. That was the problem with the life William offered. Everything had already been decided. There was nothing left to chance. To fate. With Thane everything felt chaotic and uncertain. And that’s what she craved.

She took his hand and followed Thane down a narrow hallway. The moonlight shone through the holes in the roof. Willow and oak branches pressed through the empty windowpanes.

“Where are we going?” Ella ducked to miss a branch.

“You’ll see.” Thane turned and smiled. “ Do you trust me?”

“Yes,” she said, not sure why.

“Close your eyes.” Thane stood behind Ella .

She did. Thane’s breath was warm on her cheek as he reached past her to open the door. A cool breeze hit her face.

“Open them.”

Ella paused for a heartbeat before opening her eyes.

What lay on the other side of the door took her breath away. A stone patio surrounded by overgrown apple and pear trees glowed in the last light of the day. The air was heavy with the smell of fruit and flowers. The short stone wall was covered in white and black night jasmine. Tiny white marsh flowers grew up between the cracks, and thin vines spiraled out and around the stone. The oak and willow trees were so tall they almost enclosed the space. Just a small sliver of night sky was visible.

“It’s beautiful.” Ella stepped through the door, inhaling the sweet scent. “ I didn’t know this place existed. How did you find it?” She turned back to Thane , who leaned against the door frame. This would probably end with him breaking her heart, but until then she’d enjoy this moment.

Thane pushed off the door frame. “ Sometimes what you need is hiding in plain sight.”

A blanket and basket sat amongst the flowers and vines. She swore that it wasn’t there a minute ago. “ Who are you?”

Thane took her hand and pressed a kiss to her wrist. “ That is a hard question to answer.”

Her skin tingled where he kissed her. She found herself leaning closer to him. “ No , it’s not.”

“Come, the moon will rise soon.” Thane stepped away and knelt by the basket. He pulled out a bottle of wine, two glasses, and a tray with meat, cheese, and fruit.

“I don’t think I should drink around you. I tend to lose entire days.” Ella stepped further into the garden.

Thane poured two glasses of wine. “ I promise there will be no dead men tonight. One drink, and then you can leave.”

A feeling that she had done this before pressed against her memories. Not enough for her to know for sure. Just enough to give the odd sensation. Ella sat down, taking the glass. “ One drink.” The wine seemed to sparkle in the low light. It was pale and sweet, yet a bit tart. “ Where did you get this?”

Thane looked at the bottle. “ I brought it with me. It comes from a special grape that only grows in my homeland.”

Ella picked at the food, realizing she knew very little about the man she was alone with. “ And where is that?”

Thane stretched out, leaning back on his elbows. “ A long way from here. I had to cross the night sky and the space between day and night to get here.”

Ella stopped chewing.

“I’m teasing. I have heard the two maids whispering about me. I am not some Fae prince come to steal you. I’m a god.”

If the way he looked stretched out next to her was any indication, she would believe him. “ You’re funny. And please forgive Sissy . She means no harm.” Ella took another sip of wine. It was strangely intoxicating.

“I know.” Thane plucked a flower from the vine and held it to his nose.

He looked dangerous, reclining amongst the white flowers. His dark hair was a mess of waves and curls against his cheek and forehead. She’d stay for a couple drinks. Who would fault her? He claimed to be a god.

“Are you going to tell me what happened the other night?”

Ella swirled her wine around. It shimmered in the moonlight and made her head feel fuzzy and free. “ Are you going to tell me who you are?”

Thane shrugged. “ My family is very wealthy, and, well, I may have done something that made my father very angry with me. Which is why I’m here, waiting out his wrath. He thinks I don’t appreciate what he has given me. That I don’t understand what I could lose if I don’t do as he says.”

“So you are a prince,” Ella teased him. She had no idea who the royal family was. Clara had mentioned them a couple times, but Riverton was so remote, whatever was happening there had no effect on the small village.

“Something like that.” Thane frowned.

“Are you serious?” Ella ducked to see his face. She watched him struggle with how to answer that. She had never met a prince. Or at least she didn’t think so. “ Thane .”

“Ella.” He took a deep breath.

“Gods above, you must have really messed up. What girl would turn down a handsome prince?” It was meant to be a tease, but she watched him stiffen. “ I’m sorry, that was cruel of me. I’m sorry she left.”

“You think I’m handsome?” He twirled the flower between his fingers.

Ella leveled her gaze at him. “ Thane , I am sure Death would find you handsome.”

“He doesn’t. And it’s true, I did mess up. Though I’m not sorry that my father threw me out. He never did like me.” Thane shook his head. “ But enough about me. Are you going to tell me what happened the other night? Did it have anything to do with Albert or William ?”

“No,” she lied.

“Really? So the fact that William demanded I stay away from you was just a coincidence?”

“When did he say that?”

“That night. I was saying good night to my driver. He accused me, us, of… Well , he was not happy with me. He said you belonged to him.” Thane looked over at Ella . “ Do you?”

“No.” Ella ran her hand over her face, remembering what William had accused her and Thane of doing. “ I’m so tired of everyone thinking they know what’s best for me. Mrs . A thinks I should marry Albert . William thinks he loves me and I should marry him. Lillian thinks I should take care of her mother-in-law. No one has asked me.” The words tumbled out of her mouth faster than she could think them. No one would listen to her like this. They were too busy telling her how she should feel, and Sissy thought she was a fairy princess.

Thane turned to face her. “ And what do you want, Ella ? Tell the stars.”

She looked up. “ I want… I want to be happy. I want to know my name. I want to remember who I am. I want…” She looked over at Thane . She wanted to taste his kisses. To know what it was like to be desired by a man like Thane . “ I want what I had then, before I was Ella .”

“You have to wish it.” Thane looked down at his glass.

She opened her mouth to tell him that was silly when a star shot across the sky. “ Look .” Ella pointed to the night sky.

“The stars must have been listening.” Thane didn’t look up.

“Hurry, make a wish.” She squeezed his arm.

He didn’t look at the sky only at her. “ I wish things were different. I wish I hadn’t messed everything up. But mostly, I wish you would find what you are looking for.” A crooked smile crossed Thane’s face.

“I wish the same for you.” The reason why Thane was here burned as bright as the star. He was here to find the woman he loved. Not whisk her off her feet. It was time for Ella to go back to her life. She set the wine down. “ We can’t do this anymore, as much as I have enjoyed my time with you. And your friendship has been eye-opening to say the least.” She took a breath, hoping to keep the tears at bay. She didn’t want him to leave. “ But I think you and I both know how this is going to end.”

“How is that?” Thane cocked his head. “ Can you see into the future?”

Ella touched the soft white petals of the flowers that surrounded them. “ Yes . I mean, you aren’t here for me. Your work is done, which means you will be leaving. I’m surprised you’re still here.”

“I’m here because I enjoy spending time with you. Being with you makes me forget that there is another world out there. A world that I don’t always enjoy being in.” He lay down and looked up at the stars. “ Can I tell you something I’ve never told anyone?”

“Yes.”

“I’m afraid.”

His fear took her by surprise. “ What could you have to fear?”

“Her.” He looked over at Ella . “ I haven’t been completely honest with you.” He looked back to the sky. “ I’m afraid that she may have found a new life, one that I no longer fit in. That’s why I have been asking about you. To see how much you have changed in this year.”

Ella lay down next to him. “ You could have just asked me.”

“Wouldn’t that have seemed a bit odd? Excuse me, miss, I know that you’re struggling to fit into this life, but could you reassure me that the woman I am looking for hasn’t changed so much that she won’t love me?”

Ella laughed. “ You could have worded it differently. But yes. We are friends, right?” She bit her lip, waiting for him to say no. Or that he wanted more than a friendship.

“Are we?” He looked over at her.

“I would hope so.” The sadness she heard in his voice was the same she felt. They lay there in the quietness, watching the stars above. “ Do you think our wishes will come true? Even if we said them out loud.”

“That’s a silly thing for you to believe. I mean, who you tell has nothing to do with if a wish will be granted.”

Ella rolled over and watched him in the white light of the moon. “ How do you know?”

“I knew someone who could talk to the stars. She told me.”

“Is that who you lost? A girl who could talk to the stars?”

Thane looked over at her. “ Yes .”

The world around them seemed to fall away when she was with him. All the worries and stress of life floated away like her wish. Thane had no expectations of her. He understood the pressure of being something you weren’t.

“Do you want to hear a story?” Thane asked.

“Yes, but only if it’s a happy one.”