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“Because it isyou,” she replied simply.
Oliver slowly released her hand and said, “I shall have to think on it.”
“I understand.”
He took a step back. “I will go speak to the constable, and I shall return before supper.”
“I still believe this to be a foolhardy idea.”
“Duly noted.”
“But it still won’t change your mind?”
“No.”
She sighed. “Then go, but you’d better not get yourself killed.”
“Now it is you who is vastly underestimating me.”
Emmeline watched her husband depart from the room and hoped, not for the first time, that Oliver would start to confide in her. What is holding him back, she wondered. She returned to her seat and picked up the book she had been reading.
A short time later, a knock came at the door.
“Enter,” she ordered.
Mary stepped into the room with a concerned look on her face.
“Whatever is wrong?” Emmeline asked.
“Lord Taylor is in the drawing room, and he has requested to speak to you,” Mary said.
Emmeline stared back in disbelief. “My uncle is here?”
“He is.”
“Will you inform him that I will be down shortly?” she asked.
“As you wish.” Mary turned to leave but stopped. “Would you like me to accompany you?”
“I don’t believe that to be necessary.”
Mary tipped her head. “I wish you luck, milady.”
“I knew that this day would come,” she admitted, rising. “I just wish that it hadn’t arrived so quickly.”
Once her lady’s maid had left to do her bidding, Emmeline walked over to the dressing table and smoothed out her pale blue gown.
How she wished that Oliver was with her. She felt as if she could do anything with him by her side.
Emmeline exited her bedchamber and walked down the hall with dread in each step. She knew this was going to be a most unpleasant conversation.
As she passed through the entry hall, she stopped outside of the drawing room and peered in. She saw her uncle standing next to the fireplace with a drink in his hand. He didn’t appear agitated, so that bode well for her.
She walked into the room and greeted him politely. “Good afternoon, Uncle.”
His eyes perused the length of her. “You are looking well, Emmeline.”
“Thank you.”
