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Once dressed, Emma gathered her cloak and money before leaving the room to meet her maid in the front hall. As she waited, her mother descended the stairs, dressed to pay a call. “Where are you off to this morning, Mamma?”
“I must speak with Lady Huntley about this business at Almack’s last night. Did Susan give you any information?”
“No, she wasn’t at home.”
Her mother pursed her lips. “Of course not. She was likely at Almack’s and saw the entire debacle.”
“Mamma, it is not that dreadful. I truly don’t mind if I have to skip Almack’s for the Season.”
Mamma t
ilted her head and stared at her. “You silly girl. This goes far beyond Almack’s. Everyone will believe there is some reason for this rejection. On top of Bolton’s rejection last year, it means fewer invitations and less chance of finding a good husband for you.”
“I did go to Hell last night, Mamma.” Emma held up her hand to stop her mother’s interruption. “I wanted to find out if Mr. Kingsley had any idea about where such a rumor might have started. Perhaps another young lady had dressed as a boy and entered Hell.”
Her mother’s frown turned into a deep scowl. “Emma, you must never go there again. People might have seen you.”
“I am certain some did see me speak with him. But everyone knows that he is Louisa’s brother-in-law.”
“Still, all this nonsense will have the gossipmongers talking again. You may never find a husband at this rate.”
Emma could only hope so. It always came down to finding Emma a husband before she spoiled like a piece of meat. “I understand, Mamma. But with ten thousand on my head, I am sure some poor lord will still come calling.”
“We can only hope at this point. But I haven’t seen Lord Ainsley in days.”
“He went down to Worth to visit Harry and Louisa.” Blast! Why did she say that?
“Lord Ainsley was at Worth, and you decide to return early? What is wrong with you, Emma?” Her mother wrung her hands. “I only want the best for you, and Ainsley is perfect.”
“No, Mamma. Ainsley is not perfect for me.” She might as well admit the truth. “He kissed me, Mamma. I felt nothing for him. It was as if Harry had tried to kiss me. If felt brotherly, not husbandly.”
“You have read far too many silly books by that Mrs. Lewis. The only thing that matters in marriage is security and title. Give the man his heir and spare, and he won’t care what you do after that.”
Emma closed her eyes and counted to ten. There was no point in arguing with her mother. Although, thinking about it, Emma hadn’t read one of Mrs. Henrietta Lewis’ books since Bolton broke their engagement. Those books of romance and adventure had been her entertainment for years and now seemed rather silly.
“Mamma, enjoy your visit with Lady Huntley and give her my best. I am going to pay a call on Susan to discover what she might know.”
“I am taking the carriage, so you must walk. It looks like rain,” Mamma replied coldly and then departed.
“I’m ready, miss.”
Emma stared at her mother’s back as she walked down the steps for a moment longer before she turned to Mary. “Excellent. You’d best bring the umbrella. I do think we may get rain after all.”
As they walked toward the Grosvenor Square, Emma continually glanced up at the gloomy sky. While it was only a few blocks from her home on Green Street, the clouds threatened to release their rain before she arrived at Susan’s town house. Emma turned onto Grosvenor Square as a fat raindrop landed on her hand.
“Miss, I’m having difficulties with the umbrella,” Mary said as the rain suddenly increased.
Emma pulled up the hood on her cloak. “I’ll keep going.”
She put her head down and walked quickly into Lord Bolton. “Excuse...” her voice trailed off as she looked up at the face of her former fiancé.
“Miss Drake, you are getting soaked through.” He covered her with his umbrella. “Are you heading to the Lancasters’?”
“Umm, yes,” she replied, finally finding her voice.
“Here,” he held out his left arm. “Let me escort you.”
“There is no need. Mary is coming. She had some trouble with the umbrella.” Emma glanced back to see her maid walking toward her. “There is she now.”
