At first, Ella did not think Felix would answer. She had long ago developed the skill of watching those around her for clues to their moods, as her stepfamily had such mercurial ones. Although he smiled, she could see him weigh several things in his mind.
It sounds lonely, she immediately thought as he explained the rules in place as he grew up. Not that she had much room to say differently herself. But she still smiled, reflexively, as he described the gamekeeper. The man sounded like someone she would like to know.
And yet, she was very unprepared for Felix's words as he tugged her to a stop. Eyes wide, Ella was already shaking her head as he finished speaking. "You are apologizing to me?" she asked, aghast. "Felix....no. No." She almost regretted that part; she'd very rarely said 'no' to anyone. "I....I tricked you, for all that I did not realize the...the consequences. And what have you given me but a life a thousand times better than what I had before? You have nothing to apologize to me for." She felt so wretched about him feeling guilty to her of all people, she let go of his hand, backing up a step. "Please do not ever apologize for that."