“Yes, we were, and it was very important,” Emilia responded, her words rushed.
Anette, looking rather curious, glanced between them as she ventured further into the room. “Interesting,” she muttered. “When Fredrick failed to return, I was worried that he had gotten distracted.”
Fredrick shifted uncomfortably in his stance, afraid of what Anette saw in him. “I was just about ready to depart.”
“There is no need,” Anette said with a wave of her hand. “I decided to just come see for myself if Emilia needed anything for the ball.”
Emilia shook her head. “No, all preparations have been seen to, and my ballgown arrived this morning, as promised.”
“Wonderful,” Anette declared. “Shall we celebrate by going to Gunter’s for an ice? My carriage is out front.”
Emilia’s eyes lit up. “I think that is a grand idea.”
Anette shifted her gaze to Fredrick. “Would you care to join us?”
It was on the tip of his tongue to refuse but then he glanced at Emilia. He wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to her. “I would be happy to accompany you.”
Emilia smiled in response, and Fredrick felt a curious flutter in his chest. What was happening to him? He had never been so wholly affected by a woman before.
“Shall we depart?” Anette asked, bringing him back to the present.
Fredrick realized that he had been caught staring at Emilia and he quickly turned his head. “Yes, that is a fine idea.”
He offered his arm to Emilia, and he was pleased when she readily accepted it. They didn’t speak as he led her towards the waiting carriage.
Once they were situated, the carriage merged into traffic and Fredrick retreated to his own thoughts as Anette and Emilia engaged in conversation. He didn’t feel much like talking, considering he had made an utter fool of himself in front of Emilia. He had been far too vulnerable, too raw, and he couldn’t help but wonder what Emilia thought of him. He stole a glance at her, attempting to discern any clues from her expression.
It was evident that she cared for him, but she only spoke of friendship. Which was good. He wouldn’t offer her anything more- he couldn’t.
The carriage came to a stop outside of Gunter’s and Fredrick exited first. Then he assisted the ladies out onto the pavement. As he led them into the shop, the sweet aroma of confections filled the air, eliciting a delighted gasp from Emilia.
He leaned closer to her and asked, “What shall you try?”
Emilia bit her lower lip. “What do you recommend?”
“The mango ice is my favorite,” Anette shared. “But the lemon ice is quite popular amongst the patrons.”
“I am more of the adventurous type,” Fredrick admitted. “I will try whatever looks the most exotic.”
A server approached them. “How can I help you, my lord?”
Fredrick turned towards the ladies and asked, “What shall it be?”
“The pineapple ice,” Anette promptly replied.
Looking a bit hesitant, Emilia said, “Raspberry, please.”
The server tipped his head in acknowledgement. “And for you, my lord?”
“I believe I shall have the burnt filbert,” Fredrick responded.
It wasn’t long before they each had their treats in hand and were making their way back towards the carriage. Once settled,Fredrick couldn’t resist watching Emilia as she dipped her spoon into the glass and brought the frozen delicacy to her lips.
A bright smile came to her face. “This is delicious,” she said, looking down at the ice.
Fredrick chuckled. “I won’t disagree with you.” He flicked his wrist at a worker. “I need a bag of your dry sweetmeats.”
As the worker hurried to fulfill his request, Fredrick explained, “It is for my mother. It is the one indulgence that she has and I don’t dare stop her from eating them.”
