None of them had even met their father’s heir. He was a second cousin of their father’s. Would he be willing to bear the financial burden of an unmarried woman? Or would she be left homeless? She felt a prickle of fear steal across her.
“I…” Emily began again, but she stopped herself from saying that she could live with one of them.
I will not be a burden.
Rose moved towards her, and hugged her gently. “Jane and I will always be there for you, but even if we provide for you financially, I am not sure we can continue to do so all your life. Especially not as our own families grow.”
“I could learn a trade or…” Emily trialled off.What skills do I even have?
“Trading or manual work is a hard life, and hardly befitting a member of the ton. I know you care not for propriety, but even so, you know what that would mean.” Jane pointed out. “You would be isolated from society.”
Isolated from them.Would her sisters still want to see her if she was that much of a social pariah? How much money did one even need to live comfortably?
“It is not an option, dearest Emily.” Rose said. “Especially not with your reputation as it is.”
“There are plenty of eccentric women in the ton, why the Dowager Duchess Caverton –” Emily began but Rose cut her off with a firm shake of her head.
Her oldest sister said, a tired note in her voice. “- is so wealthy no one would think to slight her. And more to the point, the woman has been married thrice. A widow is more acceptable than a spinster.”
“A spinster’s life is a hard and lonely one, especially without truly spectacular wealth. Which unfortunately neither of us have to spare.” Jane added, her cheeks flushed with colour.
Emily had never thought to enquire about her sisters’ finances. In truth she had never really paid much attention to any kind ofmoney matters. The whole thing was beyond her.I am a fool. There is no way I could manage as a spinster, especially not as I am…
“I… I had not thought of that.” Emily moved to the window, hugging herself with her arms.
“We are just trying to look after you.” Jane explained.
“You need a husband.” Rose added.
Emily nodded, even as her heart squeezed in her chest.What if it all falls apart again? How am I supposed to go through yet another failed courtship?“What makes you think he would even be interested in me? You yourselves have just pointed out the issue of my reputation.”
“Which is very easily put to rest, provided you both meet and get to know each other.” The relief and encouragement was clear in Rose’s voice. “Anyone who spends time with you will soon see the truth of the matter.”
Emily shrugged. “Either that or he is simply desperate for a wife.”
“Do you really think Jane and I would set you up with some bottom of the barrel man? Who wants nothing more than a wife?” Rose raised an eyebrow at her.
“No.” Emily admitted.
“Just get to know him a little, I am sure you will see what we see.” Rose insisted
“Which is?” Emily canted her head towards her sister.
“A nice, handsome young man, who will no doubt bring you untold happiness.” Jane winked at her
“Fine. I suppose I can meet him once I have returned to Pembleton in a fortnight. Then I will – ” Emily caught sight of her sisters exchanging a look with each other... and then heard the tell-tale sound of a carriage approaching.
She moved to the window, a suspicion forming in her mind. She saw a finely gilded carriage stop, and out of it stepped a blond man with a kind smile.
“You did not invite me here for a fortnight to spend time with my nieces and nephews, did you? You invited me here to arrange my marriage!” Emily felt rage and embarrassment swell within her. “I cannot believe you lied to me.”
“We knew if we told you the truth you would not come.” Jane made a calming motion with her hands, clearly trying to sooth Emily’s obvious agitation.
“Of course not! I cannot believe you have done this. Honestly, the two of you are as bad as mother.” Emily threw up her hands in exasperation.
“It is hardly sneakier than any of the things you did when we were at Cressida’s wedding.” Jane pointed out, and Emily felt her cheeks redden.
“It was barely more than a nudge here or there. Hardly the same as trapping you in a house with a stranger you barely know for a fortnight!”
