Page 28 of An Arranged Marriage with a Cruel Earl
“Here,” Emmeline murmured, passing her a glass of water.
Andrew watched as Grandma sipped the water slowly. She was breathing more easily and after a moment or two, she spoke.
“Sorry. I swallowed too quickly...” she began. Andrew shook his head.
“No need to be sorry,” he said at once. “I am so relieved that you’re unharmed.”
Grandma smiled. Her eyes were a little watery and she drank the water and turned to Andrew.
“I am too, dear,” she said.
He laughed.
Emmeline picked up the fork and passed it to her. Andrew smiled at her in thanks. She and Grandma’s friendship was good for Grandma in so many ways—not just because it seemed to have considerably cheered her up. Emmeline was also very good at responding quickly when someone needed help.
Andrew’s heart twisted in gratitude. He had been terrified—something about the situation reminded him so terribly of Grandfather and in that moment, he had been as helpless as when he was watching Grandfather lying on the floor, gasping for breath. Were he to face it alone, he was not sure what he would have done.
“I’m all right,” Grandma was saying to Emmeline, who was pouring her tea.
Emmeline nodded. “I know,” she said gently. “I’m sure you are.”
Grandma accepted some tea and added some sugar, but Andrew noticed she did not eat any more of her cake. She continued chatting with Emmeline and excused herself after she had her second cup of tea.
“I will retire to rest before dinner,” Grandma said as she stood up. Andrew stood, as was polite, as Grandma walked to the door. Then he turned to the table.
“Thank you,” he said, his voice rough with feeling. “You were very helpful.”
Emmeline looked up at him with surprise, as though she was not expecting to be spoken to.
“Of course,” she said at once. “I am very fond of your grandmother.”
“I noticed.” His lips lifted up in a smile.
Emmeline smiled back and his heart tied itself up. She had such a lovely smile, it seemed radiant; her cheeks flushed, her eyes bright.
“We were rather deep in conversation.”
He nodded. “Indeed, you were.” He laughed. She smiled again and he took a breath, feeling like he was floating.
“Would you like some tea?” she asked him.
He tensed, suddenly feeling shy again. He had thanked her, and that was enough. He should not get any closer to her. He did not want to harm her--or himself—by being too close.
“No. Thank you. I must go to my study. There are correspondences that I must write before I come to dinner.”
“Oh. I see.” She looked down at her plate and he frowned. She looked almost disappointed. He looked away.
Nonsense, he told himself firmly. She’s probably glad you’re going to give her some peace. She thinks you’re some wicked murderer.
He faced the door.
“Good evening,” he said politely, and went out into the hallway.
He did not hear her answer and he hurried to the study and shut the door, then sat down heavily on the chair.
What is the matter with me?He asked himself in the silence of the room. The strange feelings—the longing, the joy—were as peculiar as the confusing way she behaved sometimes.
I just need to make sure I do not become fond of her, he told himself firmly.That would be dangerous.
