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Louisa finished her second plant. “How did you end up buying a gaming hell?”
Simon sighed, but whether in frustration at the questions or the gardening, Emma could not say.
“I left home at sixteen and started working for a man who owned a gaming hell. He taught me everything I needed to know to start my own place. Hardy suggested I buy the old church and refurbish it into a gaming hell after winning a substantial amount of money. I think Hardy might have hoped for a partnership, but I wanted my own establishment.”
“You must have been quite young for such a venture.”
Kingsley grimaced. “I did what I had to. And you never did tell me how this was good for me.”
She smiled, staring down at the dirt in front of her. “Fresh air and your hands in the dirt. It clears the mind and spirit.”
“You’re not trying to save me, are you, Miss Drake?”
“I would never try to save you, Mr. Kingsley. Once a devil always a devil.”
“And yet, what was Lucifer but a fallen angel.”
WITH THE SOUND OF RAIN battering the windows the next morning, Emma wanted to throw the coverlet over her head and stay in bed until Friday when she was supposed to leave. Her interactions with Kingsley left her confused. A gentleman one moment and a scoundrel the next. She had to admit she enjoyed their time in the greenhouse transferring plants. But it was the afternoon in the conservatory two days ago that left her wondering. Why would he think he was going to kiss her? She would never allow such an affront. Besides, she was saving her first kiss for someone worthy like Ainsley or Stanton. Certainly, not the King of Hell.
“I have your breakfast, miss,” a soft voice called from the hall.
“Come in.” So much for hiding today. At least she didn’t have to eat breakfast with him. Since today was the anniversary of the last duke’s death, she hoped Kingsley would spend the day with his brother.
The maid entered the room with a smile. “Good morning, Miss Drake.”
“Good morning, Bridget.” Emma looked down at her breakfast and smiled, seeing the strong coffee her sister knew she loved. “This looks heavenly.”
“The duchess was very particular with your breakfast.”
Emma picked up her cup of coffee and inhaled the delightful aroma. Just the smell of it made her believe she could survive the day. As she sipped her drink, she closed her eyes and savored the flavor.
“Is the striped yellow muslin good for today? Or would you prefer the blue?” Bridget asked as looked inside the linen press. “I thought the yellow would be lovely on such a gloomy day.”
“Yes, that would be perfect,” Emma replied before taking a bite of a strawberry pastry. Her sister knew her weaknesses far too well. Strong coffee with a sweet pastry, and Emma could face almost any day.
Once finished with breakfast and dressing, she crept downstairs, hoping to avoid Kingsley for as much of the day as possible. A day without his handsome face might help break this strange spell he seemed to have woven over her.
As she reached the last step, the footman said, “Her Grace is waiting for you in the salon.”
“Thank you.”
Emma walked into the salon, and her hopes for a day without the gentlemen were dashed. “Good morning, everyone.”
Harry and Kingsley sat near each other, both looking rather somber, which she supposed was to be expected on the anniversary of their father?
?s death. Louisa sat near the fireplace with a book in her lap. The men rose as she entered the room.
Louisa smiled over at her. “Come sit near me and the fire. Dratted weather. I had hoped for a beautiful day to have a picnic and maybe a good ride. Now we shall be stuck inside all day. Whatever shall we do to take our minds off the gloominess that seems to be surrounding us today?”
“Drink,” Kingsley replied.
Louisa giggled. “I don’t think you mean your coffee, do you?”
“Hardly.”
“I believe you and Harry should wait until at least three before you drink yourselves into oblivion. And thank you for bringing the coffee with you,” Louisa added before looking at Emma. “Did you enjoy the blend? I found it far too strong for my taste.”
Kingsley's gaze turned to Emma. “You drink coffee, not chocolate in the morning?”
