Page 60 of Truly, Madly, Daring

Emmeline had left Wrexham waiting in his study, a room he knew like the back of his hand and one he could be at ease in, though he did not look entirely at ease as she entered with her parents. He stood, stiffly formal, by the fireplace, but in the circumstances that was only to be expected. She went to him, taking his arm as he moved further into the room to greet them.

“Lady Helena, Mr Knight, welcome to Cawston Hall.”

Papa was still looking fierce, but Mama answered, easing the way before he could open his mouth. “Thank you, Lord Wrexham, and what a splendid place it is. I confess I knew little about it, and did not realise Cawston was so magnificent.”

“Thank you, my lady. I remember well what exquisite taste you had, so I take that as a great compliment,” Wrexham said, smiling.

“Yes, well, now the niceties are done with, what have you got to say for yourself, Wrexham? Or did you wish to comment on the weather first?”

“Papa!” Emmeline protested. “You promised.”

“I did no such thing,” Gabriel retorted, folding his arms.

Emmeline opened her mouth, but Wrexham placed his hand over hers. “No, pet. Your father is well within his rights. I have no doubt he’d be rolling up his sleeves if not for my indisposition. Though I still have a handy right hook if you prefer to go a few rounds, only you may need to keep still to allow me a fighting chance,” he added, lips quirking.

“Don’t tempt me,” Papa said darkly. “What do you mean by involving my daughter in this business?”

“I ought never to have done it,” Wrexham said, his voice low. “I know that. I knew it then, and if I had not felt so desperate, and if Emmeline had not been so very kind and brave, perhaps I would have resisted. But I don’t regret it. It was the best decision I ever made, or ever will make. My only concern, besides not getting murdered or put in an asylum myself, is keeping her safe.”

“We shall keep each other safe,” Emmeline said, squeezing his arm. “And I shall never regret it.”

“Hmph.” Papa glowered. “That sounds most endearing, but I would rather have a plan of action, a lot of capable men and preferably some guard dogs thrown in there too, if you don’t mind, Emmeline.”

“Not at all, Papa.”

Emmeline smiled, knowing that her father’s bark was always far harsher than his bite. She suspected the worst was over, and that was not because of what Wrexham had said, but how he had said it. They must have heard, as she had heard, the tenderness in his voice, the adoration, perhaps even love. She had married him on faith, believing she knew the kind of man he was, that she could love him enough for both of them, and because he needed her. There was no denying she had always wanted a marriage like her parents had. It was not one where they never exchanged a cross word, far from it, but they adored each other, stood by each other, and always settled their differences because they admired and understood each other. Over the past days, Emmeline had caught glimpses of that future for herself, with Wrexham, and she would let nothing, and no one take it from her.

“Why don’t we all sit down and discuss things like rational people?” Mama suggested.

“Forgive me, my lady. I am remiss. Please do, take a seat. Of course, you will stay at Cawston Hall for as long as you wish. My people are seeing to your belongings. I imagine you will wish to change for dinner, but for the moment, may I offer you a drink?”

“God, yes,” Papa said fervently. “I’ll take a glass of cognac.”

“Of course. My lady, a sherry, perhaps?”

“Cognac,” Mama said firmly. “It’s been a trying day.”

Wrexham’s lips quirked, and he inclined his head. “Quite understandable.”

Emmeline followed Wrexham to the tantalus. “May I help?” she asked softly.

He chuckled and shook his head. “Pouring myself a drink was one of the first things I learned to manage, though I should be obliged if you handed them around.”

“Of course.”

“And you, pet, what will you have?”

“I am a married lady and can do as I please in my own home, so I shall have cognac too, if you aren’t too horribly shocked,” she added with a smile.

“Oh, horribly,” he added gravely.

Unable to stop herself, Emmeline leaned in and kissed his cheek.

“What was that for?” he asked, turning towards her.

“Just because,” she said softly.

“Do it again,” he whispered.