Page 41 of A Game of Hearts

She could face them all - could face him - with perfect composure.

She had survived near scandal and near poverty and society’s cutting judgment before. She would survive this too.

Even if her heart felt like it might never beat properly again.

A tap at her door made Emma’s spine stiffen. She wasn’t ready, not yet...

“A note from Lady Agatha, Miss.”

Susan’s voice held relief at having something helpful to offer.

Emma’s hands trembled slightly as she broke the seal.

My dearest niece,

Do not rush to join the others. Take what time you need - I have informed the Duke that you are resting before the tableaux, and he quite understands.

Remember this, my dear - things are not always what they at first appear, particularly when certain people take great pains to arrange deceptive appearances. Your own character is beyond reproach, and will be proven so.

Trust in yourself, even if you cannot currently trust in others. And know that I have seen more than some might think.

Your loving aunt.

Emma read the note twice, her mind catching on certain phrases. ‘When certain people take great pains to arrange deceptive appearances.’

Something in her aunt’s wording suggested that she knew more than Emma did about what had happened in the library.

But how? She had been alone with James when...

A memory flickered - James’ odd gesture, as if trying to tell her something. Had there been someone else in the library? Someone who had seen... And… hadn’t she heard another voice, just as she strode out of the library, under all of those disapproving eyes?

She shook her head. It hardly mattered now. Whatever her aunt might have witnessed, it couldn’t change the fundamental truth - that Nathaniel had believed the worst of her without a moment’s hesitation.

Still, her aunt’s words steadied her. Yes, her character was beyond reproach. She had done nothing wrong. Let them whisper and watch - she would show all of them what dignity in the face of unfair judgment looked like.

She tucked the note carefully away, smoothed her skirts one final time, and moved to the door. Whatever came next, she would face it with her head high.

Even if her heart lay in pieces on the library floor.

Chapter Eleven

Dawn crept into Emma’s chamber, finding her already awake and dressed. She had barely slept, spending the night alternating between composing and rejecting possible excuses for avoiding company. In the end, the simplest solution had presented itself - a megrim. Society expected young ladies to suffer from delicate heads and nerves, particularly after emotional upheaval.

Though in truth, her head did ache somewhat from a night spent trying not to cry anymore.

“Your breakfast, Miss.” Susan entered carrying a tray. “And Lady Agatha sends word that she’s informed the Duchess that you’re indisposed this morning. She suggested that rest and quiet might help your megrim.”

Emma’s throat tightened with gratitude for her aunt’s understanding.

“Thank you, Susan. Has... has everyone else gone down?”

“Yes, Miss.” Susan’s hands were careful as she arranged the tray, her voice deliberately casual. “Though Lord Limnwood was asking after your health when I passed the breakfast room. He seemed quite concerned.”

Emma’s hands clenched in her lap.

Concerned now, was he? After publicly assuming the worst of her character?

“How fortunate that my indisposition saves him from having to maintain proper behaviour in my presence,” she said, unable to quite keep the bitterness from her voice.