“I think he presents some interesting ideas. The world he creates is thought out and intriguing.” Emily had replied, hoping the answer would hide the fact that she had never read the book in question.
In truth, she had read none of the books the Duke had mentioned. Not the novels, nor the philosophical treatise, but she could not let him know that.
“Have you read much of Wordsworth?”
“A little.”
“And do you care for his work?”
Emily tried to recall the poems she heard in a reading once.
“I do. His work goes beyond simple description of nature’s beauty, and evokes something deeper. He captures the mundane of the city and contrasts it with deeper truths.” Emily remembered something that Jane had said, though she had no idea how true it was.I have never read him myself.“It was his work that inspired me to journey to the Peak district.”
“The Peak district?” Duke Warren frowned at her. “Wordsworth draws his inspiration from the Lake District.”
“Oh yes, that is what I meant. I always get the two confused. It is a terrible habit of mine.” Emily smiled shyly, doing her best to affect a girlish silliness that might excuse the mistake.
Mentally she kicked herself. Something deep and feral crawled within her chest, and she forced herself to breathe normally, making her shoulders relax. She could not let the Duke see how uncomfortable she was.
“I suppose women are not often as well schooled in Geography as men are expected to be.” The Duke gave her a curious look and she did her best to look innocent and appropriately embarrassed.
The moment passed, and the conversation turned to other topics. Emily’s relief washed over her, soothing her hammering heart.
A knock at the door brought her back to the present with a start. She shook herself, remembering that she was in her own rooms.
“Enter.” Emily called, trying to sound calm.
Emily’s Lady’s maid appeared in the doorway, smiling broadly, her curly brown hair bobbing as she curtsied.
“Good evening, Miss.” Lucy curtsied as she entered, carefully turning down the bed covers and then facing Emily.
“Good evening, Lucy.” Emily smiled at her.
“How has your day been?” Lucy asked. “Did you enjoy your walk with Lady Natalie?”
“It was lovely, thank you, Lucy. The outfit you picked was perfect for the weather.” Emily smiled.
“Did you see Lord Baine?”
“No, but I did run into his brother.” Emily said.
“Oh dear.” Lucy gave her a sympathetic look, which made Emily laugh. “Did you give him a piece of your mind?”
“Actually, we had a rather pleasant time together, playing chess and talking.” Emily smiled.
“Well, that is encouraging.” Lucy beamed. “I knew you would win him over in the end.”
“I have not won him over, at least not yet.” Emily chewed on her lip. “But I am more hopeful that he might think better of me than he did before. “After all, he did say I had a strategic mind.” Emily smiled to herself, feeling her chest warm unexpectedly.
“Well, that sounds like a very good start. With any luck, you will win his approval and his brother’s heart.” Lucy nodded cheerfully. “And then you will be a happily married woman!”
Emily’s chest squeezed. “Hopefully.”
There was a beat of silence and then Emily asked, “Would you mind passing me my embroidery?”
“Of course, Miss.” Lucy handed Emily the dress she had been working on for the last few months. “It is coming along splendidly if I might say so.”
“Thank you, Lucy. That is very kind.” Emily glanced at the dress in her hands.
