“But you are so pretty.” Natalie’s brow furrowed. “And you are clever and really funny.”
“I wish that were enough to secure a good husband. Or any husband at all.” She tried to sound as though she were joking, but bitterness came out all the same.
“Even a bad husband?” Natalie teased.
“Well, no, preferably not a bad husband.” Emily admitted “But at this point, beggars cannot be choosers.”
“You are hardly a beggar.”
“I am starting to fear that if I do not marry Lord Baine, then I will be condemned to the life of a spinster. I will be a burden on my family and at the mercy of the next viscount.” Emily felt panic claw at her chest. It was as though the spring air were suddenly icy cold, and far too thin.
She forced herself to take slow, deep breaths, relaxing her shoulders as she did so.
Her eyes were full of determination as she said, “I have to make this work, Natalie. I just have to!”
“You do not love Lord Baine then?” Natalie sounded sad.
“Love is not a luxury I can afford. Lord Baine seems pleasant enough. I am sure in time we might form some kind of friendship.” Emily tried to convince herself of the truth of her words.
In her mind’s eye, she imagined all the books Lord Baine had read. The constant discussion of philosophy. He clearly thought she was capable of such things, but he would learn the truth of it soon enough.No, I will not think of that now.
Natalie surveyed Emily for a moment and she had the sense that the girl was holding something back. Eventually she said, “well I suppose we shall just have to figure out how you will win the Duke’s approval. Then you can marry Lord Baine and you will be safe and secure.”
“The question is how? He is so straight laced it is a wonder the man can even breathe.” Emily exclaimed.
“He does seem rather more formal than I am used to. Is there a way you might meet in the middle?” Natalie finished making her daisy chain and placed it upon her head like a crown, and then began to make another.
Emily frowned at her. “What do you mean?”
“I do not think you should become someone else simply to get his approval, especially as you are not marrying him but hisbrother.” Natalie explained. “But perhaps you might find some common ground, or some kind of compromise that might allow him to see your point of view and you to see his.”
“Perhaps. I suppose it can hardly hurt to try.” Emily privately thought she might struggle to see the Duke’s point of view, but there was no harm in trying.
“Exactly.” Natalie looked around them. “I think I am going to go for a ride, would you like to join me?”
“No, I should get back to the house. But thank you, Natalie, this has been really lovely.”
“You do not need to thank me, I enjoy our talks.”
Emily embraced her and then set off towards the house. Natalie was probably right. There had to be some kind of middle ground between her and the duke. She just had to find it.
“And the knight goes there.” A familiar voice floated towards her as she entered the house and passed the library.
Curious, she peered into the room and saw Duke Warren poised in front of a chess board, frowning as he moved his knight. She moved closer, watching as he moved the pieces of both the white and black sets.
“Are you so starved for competition that you must play against yourself?” Emily asked.
The Duke looked up, startled. Emily kicked herself.So much for trying to find common ground.
“I am simply practicing.” The Duke returned to his game.
Emily sighed and watched as he moved the black bishop. “I would have moved the queen to that square instead. That would have allowed you to take the white knight and freed the castle to claim the white bishop.”
The Duke shook his head. “That would have left my own king vulnerable and I would have lost.”
“Well there is only one way to find out.” Emily sat down opposite the Duke. “We shall simply have to play them both.”
Duke Warren stiffened and for a moment, Emily thought he would walk away. His blue eyes met hers, and she felt an odd tug in her chest.
