Page 21 of A Game of Hearts

James grinned.

“Lead on, brother.”

*****

“Emma.” Lady Agatha’s voice pulled her back from her thoughts. They had reached the bottom of the stairs, but her aunt’s hand on her arm held her back from entering the dining room. “There’s something else you should know.”

“What is it?”

“I’ve heard... whispers. About Lord Limnwood’s cousin, Lady Charlotte. It might explain some things about his behaviour.”

Emma’s heart quickened.

“What sort of whispers?”

“A few years ago, before her marriage, she was nearly ruined by an unsuitable attachment. Lord Limnwood himself prevented the scandal - he caught them just before they could elope. The man turned out to be a notorious fortune hunter.”

“How terrible!” Emma’s mind whirled. “No wonder he’s so concerned with propriety.”

“Indeed. Though from what I understand, Lady Charlotte went on to make an excellent marriage. Sometimes what seems like disaster can lead to something better.” Lady Agatha’s shrewd eyes studied Emma’s face. “If one has the courage to keep one’s heart open.”

“Even when it might be broken?”

“Especially then.” Her aunt squeezed her arm gently. “Now, shall we go in? Though perhaps you might wish to repair to the ladies’ retiring room first? You look a touch flushed.”

Emma nodded gratefully and slipped away to the retiring room. Inside, she found Lady Beatrice in close conversation with Lady Mary.

“Oh, Emma!” Lady Beatrice broke off quickly. “We were just...”

“Discussing this afternoon’s events, no doubt.” Emma managed a smile. “You needn’t stop on my account.”

“We were just saying how well you and Lord Limnwood dance together,” Lady Mary offered. “Though Lady Anne seems quite put out about it.”

“Lady Anne seems put out about many things.”

Emma moved to the mirror, pretending to adjust her hair while listening intently.

“She was quite vocal about it in the drawing room earlier,” Lady Mary continued. “Going on about proper behaviour and suitable connections. Though if you ask me, she’s just jealous. Everyone can see how Lord Limnwood looks at you.”

“Mary!” Lady Beatrice protested. “You shouldn’t...”

“Well, it’s true! I’ve never seen him so animated as when he’s arguing with Emma. Even when he’s disapproving, he’s more alive somehow.”

Emma’s hands trembled slightly as she smoothed her skirts.

“Lord Limnwood’s opinions on proper behaviour are quite fixed, I assure you.”

“Are they?” Lady Mary’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Then why did I see him heading for the music room right after you left? And why did Lady Beatrice come back looking so flustered?”

“I... that is...”

Lady Beatrice stammered, her words trailing off. Then the door opened, admitting Lady Anne. The conversation died immediately.

“Ladies.” Lady Anne’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Discussing the afternoon’s entertainment? It was most... instructive, was it not? Though perhaps not in quite the way that Monsieur Girard intended.”

Emma met her eyes in the mirror.

“Indeed. One learns something new every day about people’s true characters.”