“Find what puzzling?”
“All of our interactions. I am not used to someone behaving as Jane does. I find it confusing that she seems one way one moment and then entirely different the next.”
“We all wear masks, Your Grace. Some of us more than others. The problem, of course, becomes when one loses sight of what is the mask and what is the truth.”
Something about her statement struck home, and he took a step back. He surveyed Emily, taking her in for the first time. She was very similar to Jane, but also very different.
“It would seem there is rather more to you than meets the eye, Miss Emily.”
“It is a family trait, Your Grace.” Emily smiled at him and then glanced at the sky overhead. “I think it is high time I get back to the castle. I thank you for indulging my curiosity. You have given me much to think about.”
Blake asked, “And what exactly have I given you to think about?”
“I am still processing it. I am sure we will see each other again.” Emily inclined her head towards him and began to walk away, before she hesitated and called over her shoulder, “Try not to be too hard on Jane.”
“I—what?”
But Emily had already turned away.
For a moment, Blake considered going after her and trying to find out what she meant. He had taken half a step forward when he caught himself.
What did it matter if Jane’s sister had ended their conversation on some enigmatic note? It was not as if he was inclined to turn their acquaintance into something more.
“Better I stay away from the whole family,” he muttered to himself, but even as he did, he knew there was no chance of it. At least, not until the wedding was over.
“This is going to be a long few weeks.” Blake sighed and made his leisurely way towards the castle.
ChapterNine
The Games Continue
“It will be fun!” Cressida said, beaming at the assembled crowd.
Jane was standing with the rest of the wedding party in the entrance hall. She had been planning on going for a ride but had been waylaid by her friend, who had insisted that she go to the entrance hall at once.
Cressida had not even allowed Jane time to change into something more suitable, and Jane suspected her announcement was the reason why.
It does not matter. I am not trying to impress any of these people, and I suspect riding clothes will be an asset to me today.
Cressida stood on the stairs, smiling down at them all, with Richard at her side.
“A scavenger hunt?” The Duke raised an eyebrow. “You cannot be serious.”
“As serious as the grave, Rochester.” Richard grinned. “And as a little incentive, we have a bottle of fine wine for the victor.”
“This scavenger hunt will be a test of how well you know us, your wits, and your willingness to bend the occasional rule,” Cressida said.
“Well, that’s you out of the running, Miss Pembleton.” The Duke grinned at Jane.
“I was about to say the same of you. After all, it is a test of wits,” Jane retorted without thinking.
You are supposed to be trying to be civil to each other—you need to be the bigger person, Jane!
Richard cleared his throat and spoke loudly over Jane and the Duke. “Your first clue can be found on the grounds. You must find the tree where I first saw my darling wife-to-be. In its branches, you’ll find the first part of the treasure you seek.”
“Good luck!” Cressida called.
The party descended into chaos as everyone made for the main door. Jane, who had taken pains to find alternate ways out of the castle as a means of avoiding the Duke, decided to avoid the throng and take one of the other exits.
