Page 22 of A Game of Hearts

Lady Anne’s smile tightened.

“How very true. Though some lessons can be quite costly to learn. Especially for those who aim... above their natural sphere.”

Before Emma could respond, the dinner gong sounded. She turned from the mirror, keeping her expression serene despite her racing heart.

“Shall we go? We wouldn’t want to be improper by being late.”

She swept past Lady Anne, head high.

But inside, her thoughts churned. Everyone had noticed Lord Limnwood’s attention to her - whether with approval or disapproval. There would be no hiding from the consequences now.

The only question was whether those consequences would lead to heartbreak or happiness.

Chapter Six

The morning dawned cold, crisp and bright, with just enough lingering frost to make the gardens sparkle. Emma stood on the terrace with the other house party guests, trying not to be hyperaware of Lord Limnwood’s presence nearby. After a largely sleepless night spent reliving their almost-kiss in the music room, she felt oddly brittle, as if the slightest touch might shatter her composure completely.

“For today’s entertainment,” the Duke announced, clearly enjoying his role as master of ceremonies, “we have something similar to yesterday morning’s activity, but with a twist. We have arranged a series of riddles leading to various treasures hidden throughout the gardens. Each pair must solve their own unique set of clues, but the paths may cross. The first couple to collect all of their clues, reach their treasure and return here will be celebrated at tonight’s dinner.” Emma felt Lord Limnwood shift slightly beside her. She kept her eyes firmly on the Duke. “To ensure fair play,” the Duke continued, “each couple’s clues will be marked with their assigned colour. Taking another couple’s clue will result in immediate disqualification.” His eyes twinkled. “Though offering assistance to those who seem... confused... is perfectly acceptable.”

Emma’s lips curved slightly, remembering Lord Limnwood’s disapproval of her helping young Lord Henry yesterday. She wondered what he made of the Duke’s tacit approval of such kindness.

“Your first clues await you on the table. When the bell sounds, you may begin.”

Lord Limnwood’s hand touched her elbow lightly.

“Shall we examine our clue, Miss Everton?”

His touch, though perfectly proper, sent warmth spreading through her entire body. She managed a nod, following him to where several sealed envelopes lay arranged on a small table. Each bore a couple’s names in the Duke’s elegant hand.

“The blue ribbons are ours, it seems.” He broke the seal and unfolded the paper within. “‘Where wisdom takes flight, seek the guardian’s sight.’ What do you make of that?”

Emma welcomed the distraction of a puzzle.

“Wisdom... Minerva’s symbol was the owl, was it not?”

“Indeed.” His voice warmed with approval. “And, apart from the owl we found in the temple folly, I believe that I saw a stone owl mounted above the entrance to the maze, yesterday.”

“The maze?”

Emma’s heart quickened. The maze would be very private at this time of year, with the hedges still thick with winter growth... The bell rang before she could follow that dangerous line of thought.

“Shall we?”

Lord Limnwood offered his arm. She placed her hand on his coat sleeve, trying to ignore how the simple touch affected her.

“You’re not worried that I might suggest something improper? Like helping other contestants?”

His steps faltered slightly.

“I... may have been overly rigid in my views yesterday.”

Emma’s breath caught at this admission.

“May have been?”

“The Duke’s words about assistance being acceptable... they reminded me that kindness need not compromise propriety.”

She snuck a glance at his face, but his expression gave nothing away. Still, something in his voice suggested that more had changed than just his view on helping other contestants. They reached the maze entrance, where a magnificent stone owl perched above the archway. Its carved eyes seemed to follow them as they searched the area.