Page 9 of An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
Chapter 4
“What on earth do you mean?” Emmeline said softly. “Amelia, dear...surely, you must be mistaken?”
Amelia shook her head stiffly. “No, Emmeline. No, it is true. TheTonall speak of it as common knowledge. The fellow killed to inherit his estate. Everyone knows, but somehow, he has never been brought to court to answer for it.” She swallowed hard, terror plain to see on her face.
Emmeline’s brow furrowed. “But, if everyone knows, then your father also knows,” she said slowly. It wasn’t possible that Amelia’s father could do such a thing. He loved his daughter—and only child—with fierce care, and he would never allow such a thing to happen.
“Papa will not heed my pleas,” Amelia whispered, tears soaking her pale face. “I beg of you, Emmeline. You have to help me.”
“I will talk to Uncle Henry at once,” Emmeline declared, a flush of anger rising in her cheeks. It was wicked of her uncle to make such a decision without asking Amelia first. And even if he was absolutely sure that the rumour was not true, he should prove it, so that Amelia’s mind was at ease. “Has your father any proof, then, if he’s so sure?” she asked, anger flickering through her like fire.
“He did not say,” Amelia whispered. “Please talk to him?”
“I certainly shall,” Emmeline said forcefully. “Right now, if you please,” she added, marching to the door. She was completely ready to confront Uncle Henry. Ever since they were little girls together, she had protected Amelia from every sort of danger. Amelia’s temperament was gentle and retiring, and Emmeline had many memories of arguing with parents and tutors on her behalf when they were younger. If Uncle Henry wouldn’t stop this madness, then she would step into the fire herself.
“Emmeline, wait!” Amelia said softly. Her dark eyes widened. “You can’t talk to him now. Lord Rilendale is on his way here.”
“Today?” Emmeline asked, feeling foolish, her voice high-pitched with surprise.
“Yes. We didn’t know you’d be here today. We thought you’d be here tomorrow,” Amelia explained quickly. “I’m sorry, Emmeline. I didn’t mean to trouble you,” she added, as Emmeline paced to the window. Emmeline turned around and took Amelia’s hands in her own, gazing into her eyes.
“No. No, dear. You don’t need to be upset. We will do something. It should be easy to convince Uncle Henry. And even easier after he’s met him. I’m sure the fellow is a horrid, cold killer. It’s not possible your father will not believe it.”
“Emmeline, you are right.” Amelia paused. “I do not know how to prepare,” she whispered.
“You mean, you don’t know what you should wear?” she asked. “Is he coming to dinner?” The idea was terrifying. How could Uncle Henry have a murder suspect in his house, sitting down at the table with them for a meal?
“No,” Amelia murmured. “Papa said afternoon tea. He’ll be here any moment,” Amelia added, her eyes round and wide.
“Well, I can barely believe he has allowed that. But since he did so, we have to choose something to wear.” Emmeline said, tilting her head and considering the gowns.
“I thought mayhap the green?” Amelia asked.
“It looks rather friendly,” Emmeline said with a frown. She looked at the gown, which was pale green muslin with a little pattern of dark green leaves. “I’m not sure you wish to appear friendly. Mayhap this one?” she suggested, selecting a white gown that was elegant but conveyed a certain aloofness.
“Yes. Yes! That is a grand idea. Fashionable, yet it maintains a certain reserve,” Amelia agreed, understanding at once. “Would you be so kind as to ring the bell?” she asked. Emmeline went to the bell pull.
Her maid appeared almost instantly; a friendly woman a little older than them both. Emmeline went to the door to go out, back to the drawing room. Amelia’s gaze met hers, her eyes wide and imploring.
“Should I stay?” Emmeline guessed.
“Please.”
Emmeline sat across the room while Amelia had her hair styled. She had chosen an elaborate chignon and Emmeline watched as her dark hair was drawn back into a bun, decorated with two or three little pearl-ended pins. Not too many—it was an afternoon party, and the pins were more suited to a ball. The effect was beautiful—distant and imposing, but lovely, nevertheless. The white pearls glittered, and her pale skin was pearlescent in the white gown. Her big, dark eyes were tragic with worry.
“I feel frightened,” Amelia admitted as they went through the door into the hallway.
“I’m sure,” Emmeline agreed. “There’s no need to be, though. We’re in the middle of the house with your parents and my Mama. We are quite safe,” she added, feeling her own stomach twist nauseatingly. She could not imagine how it would feel to face a murderer.
They walked down the hallway to the drawing room.
“Ah! There you are,” Aunt Patricia greeted them as they entered. “Amelia! You look lovely. I was just explaining to your aunt that we will have a visitor in a few minutes. I trust Amelia has explained to you, Emmeline, dear?”
“Yes. She has.” Emmeline’s voice was icy. She would have said something right then, but the butler appeared. Emmeline saw Amelia tense and her own heart raced faster.
“My lord, my ladies,” he began politely. “I apologise for the interruption. Your guest has arrived. Should I show him in?”
“Pray do,” Uncle Henry replied.
