Page 27 of A Game of Hearts

Emma studied her reflection. At least she looked composed, even if she felt anything but. A tap at her door preceded Lady Beatrice’s entrance.

Her friend took one look at her face and rushed to embrace her.

“Oh, Emma! After I left you here, I saw Lord James in the parlour, just before we went in to dinner. He told me everything. That horrible Lady Anne! Though he says that Lord Limnwood did threaten her quite impressively about not spreading tales.”

Emma’s heart gave a treacherous leap.

“Did he?”

“Yes, though that hardly makes up for denying the kiss in the first place.” Lady Beatrice drew back to study her. “You look lovely. That blue brings out the blue tones in the violet of your eyes beautifully. Though...”

She hesitated.

“Though what?”

“Well, it is the same colour as this morning’s ribbons. People might notice...”

Emma’s chin lifted.

“Let them. I refuse to let Lady Anne dictate my choice of ribbons along with everything else.”

Lady Beatrice’s eyes sparkled.

“Good! Now, shall we go down? Lord James says that the Duke has planned some sort of special entertainment with forfeits for the card games.”

“Forfeits?” Emma’s stomach dropped. “What sort of forfeits?”

“Valentine-themed ones, apparently. Though the Duke assured everyone that they would be completely proper.” Lady Beatrice’s expression turned mischievous. “Even if they do require interaction between partners.”

Emma closed her eyes briefly. Of course they would. Because this evening needed to be more complicated.

They descended to find the drawing room already filling with guests. Emma’s eyes found Lord Limnwood immediately, though she quickly looked away. He stood with his brother near the fireplace, his evening clothes emphasising his height and broad shoulders in a way that made her breath catch.

“Ah, Miss Everton!” The Duke’s cheerful voice drew her attention. “We missed you at dinner. I trust that you’re feeling better?”

“Much better, Your Grace. Thank you.”

“Excellent! Then you’ll be able to participate fully in our entertainment.” His eyes twinkled. “We’re dividing into groups at four tables - you’ll find your assigned place marked with a blue ribbon.”

Of course it was. Emma managed a smile and moved towards the indicated table. Lord Limnwood was already there, though he seemed intensely focused on adjusting his cuffs. Lord James and Lady Beatrice would complete their four, she noticed with some relief. At least she would have friendly faces at the table.

“Now then!” The Duke called for attention. “The rules are simple. Each hand lost requires the paying of a forfeit, drawn from these bowls.” He gestured to where footmen were placing decorated china bowls on each table. “The forfeits must be paid immediately, and no exchanging or refusing is permitted. Though I assure you, all are perfectly proper.”

Emma sank into her chair, keeping her eyes carefully lowered. She could feel Lord Limnwood’s presence across the table like a physical thing.

“Shall we begin?” Lord James’ voice held carefully suppressed amusement. “Though I should warn all of you, I am absolutely terrible at cards.”

“How fortunate then,” Lady Anne’s voice carried from the next table, “that the forfeits will provide such excellent entertainment. Though some might find them rather... challenging.”

Emma’s hands clenched in her lap, but she forced herself to appear unaffected. Lord Limnwood, she noticed, had gone very still.

“I believe it’s your deal, brother,” Lord James said pointedly.

The cards whispered against the green baize as Lord Limnwood dealt. Emma picked up her hand, grateful for something to focus on besides his proximity. The familiar patterns of hearts and diamonds swam before her eyes.

“Your play, Miss Everton.”

She started at his voice - the first words he had spoken to her since that morning.