“Lord Baine! Duke Warren, wait a moment.” Natalie called after them.
Emily’s head whipped to her friend. And Natalie studiously ignored her.
“I was wondering if you might tell us your favourite colours?” Natalie gestured around them and affected an innocent look. “I find I am somewhat overwhelmed with choice.”
Lord Baine flushed and said, “I do not think I would be much help, Lady Natalie. I do not really have a favourite colour. I rather like brown, and beige. And certain shades of grey can be rather striking.”
Emily had never been more grateful for the time her mother had spent teaching her how to hide her reactions. She made herself smile and nod, but took pains to avoid Natalie’s gaze.
“If I might offer a suggestion, Lady Natalie,” Luke said to Emily’s surprise. “Choose a colour that makes you feel good.”
“I am surprised you would advise such a thing.”
“And why is that?”
“It is rather a sentimental way of choosing fashion.”
“Propriety may dictate many things, but I find fashion is almost always the realm of sentiment. And more often, a woman who has chosen a colour she feels good in is more apt to make a good impression.”
“And what would you say Duke Warren, if a woman walked away from a fabric she looked radiant in?” Natalie flashed Emily a grin, and she only just managed not to stamp on her friend’s foot.
Luke let his gaze linger on Emily for a moment, before he turned to Natalie. “Does she feel radiant in it?”
“I would say so.” Natalie replied.
“Then I would ask her why she is so afraid of her own radiance.” Luke said simply. “And with that, I fear I must take my leave of you.”
He inclined his head towards them, and took his brother by the arm. “Good day.”
As the door swung shut behind them, Natalie turned to Emily, a curious expression on her face.
“I did not think the Duke could be so sentimental.” She said.
Emily nodded, unable to trust her voice as Luke’s voice reverberated around her head.
“Did you feel as good as you looked when I held the fabric to you?” Natalie asked.
“Yes.” Emily said.
“Then that should be what you wear.” Natalie gestured to the fabric. “After all, you are the one who said this could be your last chance. What have you got to lose?”
Emily did not say anything. Something heavy settled across her chest, and a fidgeting restlessness filled her.I am not afraid.
The words sounded hollow, even to her.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“And what are your thoughts on the subject, Miss Pembleton?” Luke asked, nodding at Emily.
They were in the gardens of the castle with Rodger and Marie. It was a few days after their breakthrough with the music, and Luke was pleased at the progress they were making. They had even started reading a novel together.
The sun was high in the sky, and Emily had proposed a promenade and a picnic, inviting Marie so that she would not be alone with two men.
“On what?” Emily asked.
“On the novel Lady Marie mentioned.” Luke explained as he gestured to Marie.
“The mysteries of Udolpho.” Marie added for clarity, before she looked at Rodger. “Lord Baine was making a rather interestingpoint about the way in which themes of the unknown and mystery parallel to the Platonic concepts of knowledge and knowing.”
