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Emmeline ran her finger along the edges of her book as she asked, “How do you think your friends will react to our elopement?”
“They will be surprised, as will most of Society,” Oliver answered. “But I have never been one to care what others think.”
“I hope this won’t affect your reputation too harshly.”
Oliver felt a trickle of sweat roll down his back. “Generally, it is the woman’s reputation who suffers from an elopement, not the man’s. But you need not fear about that.”
“Why do you say that?”
“My family and I will keep you safe from the slander and gossip,” he encouraged. “No one will dare give you the cut direct, I can assure you of that.”
“That is a relief.”
Finding himself curious about one thing, he asked, “How did you manage to escape your townhouse?”
A mischievous smile came to Emmeline’s lips. “I climbed down the exterior wall from my bedchamber.”
“You climbed down the wall?”
“I did.”
“How did you learn to do that?”
Emmeline shrugged one shoulder. “It is quite simple, actually,” she shared. “I started climbing walls when I was younger, much to the chagrin of my parents, and I find it comes naturally to me.”
Oliver rubbed his hand over his chin. “That is an unusual pastime for a lady to have.”
“I spent nearly every Season at the townhouse, and I found I did not like sitting idly by as my parents went to social events,” Emmeline explained. “I tried to be active and engaged in some kind of pursuit.”
“Have you tried needlework?” Oliver teased.
Emmeline grinned. “I assure you that I am proficient at embroidery. You need not fear in that regard.”
“I never questioned that.”
“My governess ensured that I learned all types of needlework.”
“You didn’t attend boarding school?”
Emmeline shook her head. “I did not,” she replied. “My mother couldn’t stand the thought of me being sent away to be educated.”
“Jane attended boarding school, and I can only imagine the mischief that she got herself into.”
“I have no doubt,” Emmeline remarked. “That is why your sister will always remain one of my dearest friends.”
Oliver grimaced as he said, “I should warn you that Jane does not think highly of me at the moment.”
“Why is that?”
“She does not approve of my reputation as a rake,” he responded, “and, frankly, neither does my mother.”
“Has your mother said anything to you?”
“No, but I can see the disappointment in her eyes.”
“If that is the case, then why do you continue on as you have been?”
Oliver pressed his lips together, then said, “I’m afraid you wouldn’t understand my reasons.”
