Fredrick hoped that his words would offer reassurance and support to Emilia. He couldn’t explain why Sir Charles had made the choices that he had, but he genuinely meant what he said. Sir Charles had cared for Emilia enough to change her life for the better, and he wanted her to realize her true worth.
Emilia’s expression softened. “You are right. He chose me.” Her words seemed to lift the weight from her shoulders, and the uncertainty faded from her eyes. “I just hope I can live my life in a way that will make him proud.”
“You already have,” Fredrick informed her. “Opening up the boarding school is admirable, and your father would have been proud.”
A bright, genuine smile graced her lips, one that Fredrick wanted to etch into his memory forever. It was the epitome of true happiness. “Thank you,” she said. “That means a lot to hear you say that.”
“It is merely the truth,” he responded. “But you asked about what your father was like.”
“I did,” she replied.
Fredrick felt his lips curve into a smile as he shared, “Your father was a good man. He had a commanding presence about him that would make lesser men shake in their boots. Although he was not one to easily smile, given his serious nature, there was a kindness about him that only a select few acknowledged. His acts of goodwill were discreet, performed in private to avoid drawing attention to his good deeds.”
“Do you suppose that is why he named the boarding school after my mother so as not to draw attention to himself?”
“I cannot speak on that, but everything he did was done for a reason,” Fredrick replied. “He was a man of few words, but his heart was always in the right place.”
Emilia grew silent. “He sounds honorable.”
“He was, and I consider him my mentor. I owe part of who I am to him.”
“Thank you,” she murmured. “I have been trying to get a sense of who my father truly was, but I was afraid to ask.”
“Never be afraid to ask me anything. You may not like what I tell you, but it will always be the truth,” Fredrick remarked.
“I am most grateful for that,” Emilia said.
As they continued along the path, Fredrick realized that he was in no rush to return home. Yes, he had to track down two French spies but, for the time being, he would cherish this precious moment with Emilia.
Fredrick realized that he hadn’t been this content in a long time, and he suspected it had everything to do with Emilia.
Botheration.
Deep within him, something stirred, and he had a sinking suspicion that it might be feelings for Emilia. Which was an inconvenient notion, for developing such feelings for her would undoubtedly lead to complications. Complications that he had no desire to act upon. No, it would be best to keep Emilia at arm’s length from now on.
Chapter Eleven
Emilia sat atop her horse, desperately attempting to look graceful but she knew she was failing miserably. It was rather difficult to ride sidesaddle, but it had to be done. She couldn’t simply ride astride in the middle of Hyde Park; such behavior would be far too scandalous.
Glancing at Fredrick, she noticed that his jaw was clenched, his focus steadfastly directed forward. Something had shifted between them, but she didn’t know what it was. One moment, Fredrick was engaging and poignant, and the next, he appeared aloof.
She questioned herself if she had done something wrong. It was entirely possible that she had said or done something that had upset him. She was well aware that she lacked the refinement of the young women he was accustomed to.
As she racked her brain on what she could have done, Fredrick spoke up, drawing back her attention. “It is a fine day, is it not?”
“Yes, quite fine,” she replied, thankful for the conversation, even if it revolved around such a mundane topic as the weather. At least he was speaking to her, which was a start.
“Perhaps we should head back,” he suggested.
Emilia felt a stab of disappointment at his words. She didn’t want to return home, at least not yet. She rather enjoyed being in Hyde Park with Fredrick, despite the discomfort of riding sidesaddle. But what could she say that would engage him in conversation once more?
“Before we go,” she started, “will you tell me about…” Her voice trailed off. What did she want to know? She could ask him anything, literally anything, but her mind went blank. The only thing that came to her mind was the one thing she blurted out, “Cheese.”
Fredrick looked over at her with a bemused expression. “Cheese?” he asked.
She felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment, but she couldn’t just pretend she hadn’t asked about cheese. “Yes, I am quite fond of cheese and I was wondering your thoughts on it.”
Good heavens, could she have asked a more pointless question? What must he think of her?
