Emilia could sense Mr. Rymer’s skepticism in his expression, but instead of arguing with her, he simply tipped his head. “Good day, Miss.” With that, the solicitor headed back to his office, leaving her to contemplate her decision to provide Clarissa with a dowry.
She was sure that she was doing the right thing. Well, mostly sure.
Lily stepped into the room and said, “Dalby just informed me that Lord Chatsworth has arrived and is waiting for you in the drawing room.”
Emilia felt her heart begin to race at the mere mention of Fredrick’s name. She reached up and smoothed back herelegantly coiffed hair. “Do I look all right?” she asked. “Is anything amiss?”
Her friend gave her an understanding look. “You look perfect. Just perfect.”
“Am I being silly?” Emilia asked. “Lord Chatsworth doesn’t care what I look like.”
“I think he does.”
Emilia shook her head. “We are friends, even he has said so,” she said. “I still find it quite extraordinary that I am friends with an earl.”
Lily’s lips twitched. “A very handsome earl.”
“Is he handsome?” Emilia asked. “I haven’t noticed.”
“Then you would be blind,” Lily joked.
Walking towards the door, Emilia said, “I mustn’t keep Fredrick waiting for too long. He is a very busy man.”
“Fredrick, is it?” Lily inquired.
Emilia could hear the teasing tone in her friend’s voice but she didn’t dare explain what she was feeling. In truth, she wasn’t entirely sure herself. She held Fredrick in high regard, but it was preposterous to entertain the idea that he might feel the same about her. Besides, she didn’t want to do anything that would risk their friendship.
“Yes, Fredrick gave me leave to,” Emilia explained. “Now, if you will excuse me, I mustn’t keep him waiting.”
Lily laughed. “You can go. But do not think for a moment that this conversation is over.”
Emilia assumed as much but she didn’t feel the need for a response as she left the study. She had taken great care with her appearance in anticipation of her outing with Fredrick. She wore a lovely pale blue gown, its net overlay adorned with embroidered flowers. It was one of the finest gowns that Anette had graciously loaned to her. A coral necklace hung around her neck, and she even put a little rouge on her cheeks.
As she approached the drawing room, a mix of nervousness and excitement stirred within her at the thought of seeing Fredrick. This would not do. He was her friend, and she had no right to harbor feelings for him. But she couldn’t quite convince her treacherous heart of this.
She entered the room and discovered Fredrick was not alone. Lord and Lady Roswell were standing next to him, engaged in conversation.
Emilia felt a stab of disappointment at seeing Lord and Lady Roswell. Not because she didn’t enjoy their company, but she had been looking forward to spending time alone with Fredrick.
Fredrick turned his attention towards her and offered a courteous bow. “Miss Sutherland,” he greeted.
She dropped into a curtsy. “My lord,” she murmured.
Anette perused the length of her and said, “You look absolutely lovely. That gown suits you rather perfectly.”
Emilia, holding out the sides of her skirt, expressed her gratitude. “I’m truly grateful for your generosity in lending me your gowns while mine are being commissioned.”
“You are more than welcome. Besides, it was the least I could do,” Anette remarked.
Fredrick cleared his throat and met Emilia’s gaze, his eyes holding approval. “I must concur with Anette,” he said. “You are looking enchanting.”
And with those words, Emilia felt more beautiful than she had ever felt before.
Emilia worked hard to keep the blush from forming on her cheeks. It would do no good to show her emotions. She must hide them or else Fredrick would see right through her.
“Shall we travel to the Royal Menagerie?” Lord Roswell asked.
Anette nodded. “I think that is a lovely idea, Husband.”
