AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“If you will excuse me, I need to go speak to Emmeline,” Oliver said, brushing past his sister.
Jane’s next words caused his heart to drop. “Emmeline isn’t here.”
“Where is she?” he demanded.
Crossing her arms over her chest, Jane didn’t appear to be affected by the curtness of his words. “She went to go speak to her aunt and uncle.”
“By herself?”
“A maid did accompany her,” Jane informed him.
Oliver ran a hand through his hair and asked, “Do you know if she intends to return to Hawthorne House?”
“I would imagine so.”
“But you aren’t certain?”
Jane shook her head. “We did not discuss whether or not she would return, but I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t.”
“Why do you say that?”
“The first evening after you return home from eloping with her, and you spent it out with friends,” Jane said. “At least, I assume it was with friends and not another woman.”
Oliver blinked. “Do you believe me to be so cold-hearted that I would betray my wife?”
“I don’t know what to think about you anymore,” Jane replied. “You certainly haven’t given me any reason to think highly of you these past few years.”
Corbyn cleared his throat. “I apologize for interrupting, but I should be going.”
Jane’s face softened as she turned her gaze towards Corbyn. “My apologies, Lord Evan. It is always a pleasure to see you.”
“Likewise, Lady Jane.”
“How is your family?”
“They are well,” Corbyn responded, smiling. “I would ask how your family is doing, but I believe I already know the answer.”
Jane returned his smile. “You must return for dinner one evening when we have this mess all sorted out.”
“I would be honored to,” he said, his eyes lingering on Jane’s face.
“Then I shall be looking forward to it,” Jane said with a barely discernable blush on her cheeks.
Corbyn averted his gaze and bowed stiffly. “If you will excuse me, I shall see my way out.”
As Corbyn went to exit the main door, it was opened, and Emmeline stepped into the entry hall, and relief washed over Oliver.
She met his gaze and offered him a forced smile. “Oliver,” she muttered. “I am glad to see that you have finally returned home.”
He closed the distance between them and asked, “May I speak to you privately for a moment?”
“I suppose that would be all right,” Emmeline replied softly.
“Would you care to take a turn around the gardens?”
Emmeline’s eyes lit up. “I have yet to see the gardens at Hawthorne House.”
“Then I shall give you a tour,” he said, offering his arm.
