Chapter 4: Oreton Hall. The summer of 1852

Two years had passed since that fateful autumn in Ellie's young life and she was now almost eighteen years old. Her meetings with Alfie were infrequent enough; the families seemed to convene less often than in her childhood. When questioned, her mother told her that it was because they were all so busy and engaged with other matters.

'As you know, Ellie, Lord Dillinger has much responsibility with his new government post. He has hopes of climbing even higher. Between you and me, he aims for Prime Minister one day and I am convinced he has all the qualities for such a position. Lady Mary, therefore, has much entertaining to do in London. Papa, of course, is also heavily occupied with his legal affairs. So, as you see, my dear, there is less time these days for long and pleasant holidays at Oreton Hall.'

Sometimes, of course, the families met up socially in London but it was impossible for Alfie and Ellie to do more than steal a kiss now and then or hold hands surreptitiously when no one observed them. They were never able to go off alone or meet in any way that was unsupervised. This made the flame of their desire and longing for one another even more intense and desperate. Whenever the lovers could manage it, they stole away to the woods or barns at Oreton Hall and made love with all the passion of their first encounter.

Time and custom made it easier. Ellie felt less disgrace and became more abandoned with her lover. The thrill of such forbidden fruit tempted her as it had tempted Eve in the past. She yearned to speak of her love - she was young and eager; she was overflowing with delight and fearful excitement. Yet she was obliged to keep silent because Alfie demanded her silence. He kept telling her they were both too young, that their parents would object to such an early attachment and that his father had in fact hinted that he should not think of women yet but concentrate on his examinations. She hated these restrictions and rebelled inwardly but was obedient to Alfie's whim. It was hard. Especially when she was with her cousin, Anne Templeton. Anne wanted to chatter about all the young men of their acquaintance who showed any interest in them and could not understand Ellie's disinterest in so enthralling a subject.

'What's wrong with you, Ellie? Don't you care for Thomas Williamson at least? Is he not the handsomest of things? I swear you mean to be a nun, sometimes, you show so little interest in any of the gentlemen who come calling.'

Ellie smiled to herself. A nun indeed!

'But I don't care for any of them, Anne. They're all shallow, stupid fools. They have no passion. I want passion in a man. You can have those milksops, you can have them all.'

'Oh, la, you're so particular. Well, Thomas will be mine then - if I can persuade him to leave you alone.'

'I'll tell him to do so, if you like, and advise him to transfer his affections to you as a far more deserving cause.'

Anne went pink. 'Heavens, don't you say any such thing! I would die of shame. You're so bold, Ellie!'