There was no time for more conversation, for they stepped through the doorframe to wait for the room’s notice.
“Just remember,” he said from the corner of his mouth, “all you see before you were once badly bruised and cut young boys.”
“And the lady?” she asked with a half-smile.
“Equally as well.”
“Then, though I may not make a grand first impression, they may know a bit of sympathy for my condition.”
Sympathy, he supposed, was what was expected, though he did not think Lady Emma would customarily accept sympathy so easily. It was not in her nature to look for excuses. From what he knew of her, she was a leader, not a follower, though he supposed each person experiences those feelings of inadequacy.
Three of the four men at the table scrambled to their feet. They each presented Lady Emma a quizzical look, but not an obvious one, though both Beaufort’s and Thompson’s gazereturned often to the large bruise on the side of Lady Emma’s cheek.
“I assume it should be me to make the proper introductions,” Richard said. “My lady, beginning on your left, you will find Lord Marksman. The lady seated beside Marksman is Lady Theodora Duncan, followed by Lord Thompson, our host, Lord Duncan, and his nurse, Mrs. Braylon, on the right, and closest to where we will sit is Lord Beaufort.”
Richard found Mrs. Braylon seated at Duncan’s right hand very telling. For as long as he could recall, no one was seated in that particular place at any of Duncan’s homes. Yet, there was no time to consider the situation. Instead, he said in a conspiratorial manner, “Warning, my lady, Beaufort is Irish. Though he also has an English barony and represents Ireland in the Lords, you may note his sentiments within our conversation.”
“The worst kind or the best kind?” she asked with a grin.
“I fear a bit of both, my lady, depending on the circumstance,” he responded, glad to hear some of her sassiness remained.
“Ah, a mixture customarily means the best kind,” she remarked.
Richard stood before his friends with pride. Though beaten badly, Lady Emma’s instincts remained strong. “All, this is Lady Emma Donoghue.”
Before anyone could ask a question or comment on why Lady Donoghue was to join them in breaking their fast, Duncan said, “You may serve, Mr. Fields.”
Richard seated her between him and Beaufort, once they were at the table, what passed for normal conversation at Duncan’s table resumed.
Emma spoke across the space to Lady Theodora. “I am blessed by your generous gestures, Lady Theodora.”
“I am pleased the gowns fit you somewhat,” the girl said awkwardly. “I was not aware Lord Orson held your acquaintance, my lady.”
Thompson said around a mouthful of eggs and a grin, “Orson once bet those at White’s his hands would fit about Lady Emma’s waist, Dora.”
“You did what?” Lady Emma demanded.
“I was angry that you blocked the White’s entrance for three days in a row,” he admitted in embarrassment, along with a silent promise to know revenge on Thompson. “Someone said I should have lifted you from my way.”
“And you thought it would take little to nothing to move me?” she asked, but the lady was smiling. Richard had never thought Lady Emma would be so easygoing.
“No, my lady,” he said obediently. “I anticipated a black eye or two.”
“So, you are a bit afeared of me?” she asked.
Before he could respond, Lord Duncan cleared his throat, and they all sobered quickly. That is, all except Lady Emma, who looked Duncan in the eye to say, “I was not insulted, my lord. It was... was... joyful to hear the sound of family. Mine has been gone so long, I fear I will not recognize my own mother and father if I pass them on the street, and they shall most assuredly not recognize me. If what Lord Orson says is true, we have been separated for some ten years. I cannot recall the last time I sat down to a meal with those comfortable enough to tease with a give and an acceptance. Likely never, though I cannot know such with confidence.”
Richard had never viewed Duncan so dumbfounded. It was absolutely wonderful.
Lady Emma continued as if she did not comprehend the order in Lord Duncan’s household. “Pardon when I say,” she waited for Mr. Fields to fill her cup with steaming tea beforecontinuing, “I am truly humbled that each of you dropped everything to assist Lord Orson in discovering who attacked me.”
“We did not...” Marksman began, but Beaufort said, “Yes, we did. Now might we enjoy our meal while we learn what Orson meant when he asked for our assistance?” Emma reached for Richard’s hand under the table, and he gladly accepted her fingers laced with his. “As I cannot recall whether I had supper last evening or not,” Lady Emma continued, “I would prefer we simply enjoyed this first encounter and the fabulous efforts set before us by Lord Duncan’s staff. Afterwards, Lord Orson may explain why he sought your assistance, while I speak with Lord Duncan and his lovely daughter. I imagine his lordship wishes to know all the things I cannot recall, but we shall work through it together. Most assuredly, we understand each other, as his lordship and I have both known trauma, of late. Am I correct, my lord?”
Richard watched as the frown disappeared from Duncan’s forehead. “Your suggestions hold great merit, my lady.”
