Page 73 of An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
“Andrew,” Neville said seriously, addressing his friend. “Are you sure you should both be riding today? I mean, you have both lived through a terrible ordeal. I would understand if you were still too tired.”
“Not at all,” Andrew said swiftly. “Emmeline? You are certain you wish to ride today?”
Emmeline nodded at once. “Very certain.”
Andrew smiled. “Well, then,” he said, turning to Neville. “If you come inside and take some tea in the drawing room, we will dress in our riding attire and join you.”
“Sounds delightful,” Neville said warmly. “How fares your grandmother?” His face was a picture of concern again. Emmeline found herself liking him. He was funny and caring.
“Grandma is well. She is very much herself again,” Andrew said warmly.
“Good. Good,” Neville answered sincerely.
They all walked into the drawing room together.
When they were dressed for riding, Andrew and Emmeline went to find Neville and they all went down to the stables. The groom saddled Starlight and Andrew’s horse, and then they all set out together. Emmeline leaned forward, and Starlight stepped briskly out, easily keeping pace with Andrew and Neville. Andrew fell into step beside her, and Neville rode a little ahead, though he kept on turning around to converse with them,which was a little disconcerting, since it meant he was not looking where he was going.
“I was in London yesterday,” Neville called to them as he rode. This time he was fortunately watching where he was going and talking with his back to them. “I stopped in at the courthouse. The trial will be soon.”
“Oh?” Andrew asked. Emmeline’s heart twisted. She did not want to think about Ambrose, Lydia or the physician ever again. She wanted to forget them—they were insignificant now.
“Yes. I had a chat with one of the solicitors. He shared the opinion that your cousins will be sent to the colonies. And that lying wretch, Doctor Wainwright, too.”
“Good,” Andrew said, though Emmeline could hear that he spoke without much emphasis. They were his cousins, and no matter how great their treachery, it must have been hard for him.
“Did you have a pleasant ride to London?” she asked, trying to lighten the topic.
“I did. I also had a talk to the fellows you wished me to meet with, Andrew,” Neville added. “They said they could not tell me the value directly, but they will communicate shortly with you in writing.”
“Oh. Thank you,” Andrew replied. His tone was neutral, and she could not guess his thoughts.
It was about the treasure. He had it valued by a goldsmith in London, but they both liked the idea of selling at least part of it to a museum. It was of historical worth, after all—if it really was gold from a Spanish galleon.
“I also called in at a tailor,” Neville commented. “My mother insisted,” he added with a wry face. “She said that I haven’t had a new evening suit in two Seasons, and I am quite disgraceful.”
Emmeline giggled. Neville struck her as a very respectable fellow, but she could well imagine that he did not pay much attention to his clothes. He was wearing a perfectly sensible riding outfit in black, his black top hat slightly worn here and there, but otherwise all most respectable.
“Out here in the country, you have no real need of something for the evening,” Andrew commented.
Emmeline tilted her head. “But I have an idea, Andrew,” she began, glancing over at him. Andrew frowned.
“You do?”
“Yes.” She rode closer so that, just for a moment, she could speak to him without Neville’s hearing them.
“Neville!” Andrew yelled when they had decided what to say. “The countess has a suggestion.”
“We will be hosting a ball at Rilendale soon,” Emmeline declared. “To celebrate the renovating of the ballroom.” It was an idea that had dropped into her mind as they rode. “Will you attend?”
Neville blinked at her in surprise, then nodded. “Of course, my lady,” he said firmly. “It would be a delight.”
Andrew smiled and Emmeline grinned at him and the three of them rode on into the countryside.
It was a pleasant morning ride, but when she alighted from Starlight’s back, sudden weariness hit her, and she swayed where she stood. Andrew reached for her with concern.
“Are you all right?” he asked gently.
“I would like to rest awhile,” she said. “Perhaps you might join me in the drawing room?”
