AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mr. Barrow cleared his throat, eyeing Jacob. They were playing chess. Why? He waited for Barrow’s next words as the man leaned forward. “The family hid it well, but Miss Cranston is very short on funds.”
Jacob held completely still as though this information wasn’t shocking in the least. Mr. Barrow watched him for several seconds before he eased back in his seat. So sweet, tempting Emily was without a protector or money? Fuck. “How short?”
Mr. Barrow shrugged. “She’ll need to find a relative willing to provide for her until her brother can be found.”
Inwardly he cursed a streak that might make a sailor proud. “But you just said she was fine.”
“I didn’t wish to worry her.”
“What has been done to locate Ashton?” The man had gone on a tour of Europe a year before. He’d been expected to return to England months ago and the fact he wasn’t here…
“I’m not privy to those details,” Mr. Barrow’s gaze shifted away, his mouth pinching.
Jacob’s fist clenched against his thigh. The situation was worse than he’d imagined. “Rest assured, Mister Barrow, that while our engagement was not public, nor will it be until her mourning period is over, I shall see Emily well protected until her brother returns and can finalize our arrangements.”
Mr. Barrow gave a quick jerk of his chin to acknowledge Jacob’s words before he rose. “Excellent.”
For the briefest moment, Jacob wondered at the distinct frown that marked Mr. Barrow’s brow. Was there more he should know? Did Mr. Barrow have reason not to support Jacob’s suit? It was fake, of course, but Mr. Barrow didn’t know that. And the other man had likely heard of Jacob’s reputation.
Hell, not even his own mother liked him, why would Mr. Barrow?
Then again, it was a risky maneuver claiming engagement and one that had the potential to backfire. Had this been too morally grey? He shifted, wondering if he’d really erred and put Emily at risk.
Jacob lifted his hand to show the man out and then started across the hall to see how the lady in question fared and decide what happened next.
Hell, even he didn’t know. This was his first time pretending to be engaged.
CHAPTER TWO
Emily sat with her eyes closed, drawing in several deep breaths. Though she ought not, she flipped the veil up, allowing cool air to fan her face. She needed to think and breathe.
Mr. Barrow had said she had money, at least. That was a relief. But he’d also insinuated that her brother might not come back…
Her breath quickened, her pulse soaring with it as she pulled the comb that held the veil from her hair and tossed it to the side.
Next came the gloves. Those landed in a heap on the floor too and she stood, beginning to pace.
Her aunt would not be able to travel here, let alone help Emily attend a season once her mourning period was done. She’d hardly left her estate in the last decade, her joints bothered her so.
She pressed her hand to her stomach as she attempted to draw in a deep gulp of air.
“Emily.” Robinson’s smooth baritone washed over her, and she ceased pacing. His voice made her insides hectic, a not entirely welcome reaction and so she didn’t look back at him.
“Is my brother dead?”
“Barrow doesn’t know anything about your brother. Not any more than anyone else, anyway.”
Her shoulders drooped, wilting in a bit of relief. “Do you think Ashton’s dead?”
“No.” Robinson said, moving closer. “He’ll return home.”
“What will I do if he doesn’t?” she whispered. “My distant cousin will inherit the title. I’ve only met him once. Do you think he’ll support me?”
There was a pause, Emily felt it in the air, his hesitation, and she turned around to finally meet his eye. “Lord Robinson?”
He let out a long breath, looking tired and a bit tense. What was wrong? “You might as well call me Jacob.”
“Jacob?” she asked, studying his tense features. “Please tell me…what did you learn?”
