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Emmeline reached for a pillow and brought it in front of her. “But he wouldn’t have remained faithful.”
“You don’t know that.”
“My cousin was adamant that Lord Oliver would never stay true to her,” Emmeline said. “That is why she broke the engagement with him.”
“People can change.”
“Not that much.”
Mary shook her head. “You have known Lord Oliver for a long time,” she started, “have you ever thought he would betray you?”
“No,” Emmeline replied, “but we have only ever been just friends.”
“Your cousin might have been wrong about Lord Oliver.”
“I don’t believe that to be the case,” Emmeline said. “His words are too smooth, too calculated. At times, I wonder if he’s being genuine or not.”
Mary gave her a curious look. “What do you mean?”
“When we were alone, Lord Oliver was different,” she shared. “He made me feel special and valued. But his entire demeanor changed when he was around other people.”
“Which one do you suppose is the act, then?”
Emmeline frowned. “Or did I read into something that wasn’t there?”
“I don’t know, but you should have at least considered his offer,” Mary said. “It would have saved you from the duke.”
“Can you imagine the scandal if I jilted the duke and eloped with Lord Oliver?” she asked. “My reputation would never recover.”
“But you would have had the protection of Lord Oliver’s name.”
“True,” Emmeline said as she ran her fingers along the fringe of the pillow. “Perhaps I was too hasty in refusing his offer.”
“Perhaps you can convince him to still marry you.”
Emmeline’s hand stilled. “How would I accomplish that feat?”
“Go and inform him that you have changed your mind,” Mary suggested.
“That would never work.”
“Why not?”
“For starters, it is not as if I could call on Lord Oliver,” Emmeline said. “A lady must never call upon a gentleman.”
“Go under the ruse of seeing Lady Jane.”
“And say what?”
Mary smiled. “Do I have to think of everything?”
Emmeline placed the pillow to the side and rose. “I suppose I could always say I was confounded at his proposal, and I have had time to consider it.”
“That sounds perfect,” Mary encouraged.
Emmeline winced. “What if he refuses me?” she asked. “It would be mortifying.”
“But isn’t it a chance worth taking?”
