“In fairness, that part was all Cressida. You, however, are the one who steered us together.” Jane moved in front of Emily, a fiery determination in her eyes.
“Only because you two could not get out of your own way. You were made for each other!” Emily only just managed not to shout.
“But I did not know that. You did.” Jane gently prodded Emily in her arm. “So, trust me when I say he is utterly perfect for you.”
“I am leaving.” Emily made to move past Jane, but Rose grabbed her arm. “Emily wait-”
A knock at the door silenced all of them, and a moment later the footman entered with the smiling, blond man behind him. Rose kept a gentle hold of Emily’s arm, arranging her face into a calm, collected smile.
How does she always manage to look like the perfect lady?Emily absently brushed another stray lock of hair from her face, hoping that she looked at least slightly presentable.
“Announcing Lord Rodger Baine.” The footman gestured to the blond man, who swept a low bow.
“Lord Baine, thank you so much for accepting our invitation.” Rose strode towards the man as Jane and Emily curtsied. “You have already met my sister, Duchess Caden.”
“A pleasure to see you again, your Grace.” Lord Baine inclined his head towards Jane.
His movement was somewhat stiff, but his tone was warm if a little self-conscious.
“And you, Lord Baine.” Jane curtsied in return.
“And this must be the woman your letter praised so highly? Your other sister?” Lord Baine smiled at Emily, and she found herself smiling back. “It is an honour to make your acquaintance Miss Pembleton.”
“And yours, Lord Baine.” Emily curtsied. “How was your journey?”
“It was good, thank you.” Lord Baine said.
“Your reply said that your brother would be accompanying you, yet I do not see another with you?” Rose peered behind Lord Baine.
“Your brother?” Emily canted her head towards Lord Baine.
“Yes, the Duke of Warren. I could hardly get married without his seal of approval.” Lord Baine said jovially, though he tugged at his collar as he did so. “I am sure he will join us shortly. He was just supervising the unloading of our luggage and such.”
“Does he always take a keen interest in such things?” Emily frowned.
“He just likes to make sure things are done properly. He is rather particular.” Lord Baine shrugged and glanced towards the door.
Emily followed his gaze, but there was no one waiting on the threshold. “And are you as particular?”
“Not really.” Lord Baine replied. “I do not like to deal with people overly much. Not that I mind socialising of course, I just…”
“No, it is quite all right Lord Baine. I understand.” Emily smiled at him. “If you do not care for socialising, what do you care for?”
“Well, I am rather heavily invested in philosophy. Have you read much on the subject?” Lord Baine asked.
Emily shook her head, her chest going tight. “No, I confess I have not.”
“You should. It is really rather fascinating, especially some of the thought coming out of Germany.” Lord Baine began to speak of various philosophers and their merits.
Emily smiled politely, doing her best to seem interested in the subject.Perhaps this will not be so bad, he seems pleasant enough.
“Oh!” Rose turned to Emily. “We have recently acquired some books on philosophy, right there on the shelf. Will you have a look sister?”
“Of course.”
Emily tried to ignore how her stomach twisted, like it always did when the topic of reading was mentioned. She was pretending to look when Lord Baine asked “are you the philosophy enthusiast, Your Grace?”
“Oh no, I rarely have the time to read anymore. They are my sister in law’s—Emily, the books are right in front of you, the red ones!”
