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Emma let out a sigh. “You did not tell him about the carriage races?”
Susan’s brown eyes widened. “Oh no,” she cried. “How could I have forgotten about the one thing that might get you killed!”
Not wanting her friend to send Kingsley a note, Emma added, “He already knows about that one. I confessed it to him when he retrieved me from Mr. Bowles’ home.”
“Thank goodness for that,” Susan replied with a nod. “Now that you completed with your list, we can find you a decent husband. Other than that mess at Almack’s, which Mother is trying to resolve, your reputation is intact.
”
“Yes, dear, but I must run. I did promise Bolton the first set tonight.”
“Are you certain you want to dance with him? We could hide in my bedroom for the first set.”
Emma laughed. “Yes, no worries. I won’t lose my head to that man again.”
“Better Bolton than Mr. Kingsley.”
“I have no wish to marry either man, Susan.”
Chapter 18
“Why is Miss Drake dancing with Bolton?” Simon asked as he handed his brother a glass of brandy.
Harry acknowledged him with a nod and a frown. “I am not quite certain.”
Simon only attended the Lancaster ball because Harry had requested his company. While Simon knew he would see Emma, he hadn’t expected to see her dancing with her former fiancé. “If Louisa saw this, she would have Bolton’s head.”
“I don’t think that’s the part of the body Louisa would choose to remove.”
“Fair enough.” Simon chuckled. Another reason to stay away from Emma.
“Should I interfere?” Harry sipped his brandy.
“And incur the wrath of Miss Drake? I certainly would not.” Simon stared over at her as she danced with her former fiancé. The look of pleasure on her face made his stomach roil. Could she still be in love with Bolton?
“While I’ve never heard Emma raise her voice, if she takes after her sister in any manner, I believe it might be better to let the dance play out,” Harry finally commented.
Simon smiled, thinking about the times Emma raised her voice at him. Whether Harry knew it or not, Emma did have a feisty temper. Time ticked by in excruciating minutes as they progressed to the second dance in the set. Bolton held her far too close as they waltzed.
“I do believe they may be dancing a tad too close, Harry.”
“Perhaps. Still, while a complete arse, Bolton is a good catch.”
Simon turned and stared at his brother. “Have you lost your senses? Bolton is a terrible match for Emma. The man ignored her for the three months they were engaged. The man never even kissed her. His own fiancée.”
Harry’s brown brows furrowed. “And exactly how would you know all that?”
Damn. “Emma told me while we were at Worth Hall.”
“I see,” his brother said in a very ducal manner. “I suppose that was your reason for kissing her?”
“She told me Bolton never kissed her. She asked for a kiss.” Only a slight lie. Harry didn’t need to know that she requested the kiss from Ainsley.
“I cannot believe Bolton never kissed Emma,” Harry whispered. “That man is a bigger arse than I realized. Perhaps, I should break up their dance.”
“Let them dance.” Simon’s gaze returned to Emma, who had a sweet smile on her face as she looked up at Bolton. Simon’s stomach clenched. He’d never been the jealous sort, but the sight of them together caused his anger to soar.
“Your Grace,” a footman interrupted, “You have a missive.”
