Page 43 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Leopold stood and led the way into the dining room. This would not be the end of the matter. He would have other opportunities to speak with Easton.
Later that night, when Leopold was preparing for bed, he wondered about Emma. What was she doing? What was she thinking? Did she have any regrets? How would he cope without her? He rolled back the covers and crawled into bed. He put one hand behind his head and gazed at the ceiling. Rather than thinking about Emma, he should probably be thinking about himself. His conscious mind told him that this was what he needed to do to grow and become a stronger man who did not live his life guided by fear. Everything that had happened thus far motivated him to become the ideal version of himself. He was open to the possibility that he could change and that change would be for the better.
Leopold turned to one side, then the other, before he laid on his back, staring at the ceiling. He could not help but wonder what it was that Emma wanted. What did she expect from him? He wanted to know, yet he had never asked. How would Emma react when she received his letter and understood he would not return to Adlington Hall?
Sleep evaded Leopold as he tossed and turned. When he finally drifted off, he dreamed of Emma.
CHAPTER 18
Adlington Hall, Cheshire
Emma sat in her bedroom reading a novel. Or, more accurately, pretended to read a novel. She found it quite hard to concentrate, try as she might. It had been two days since she returned to Adlington Hall, and she was surprised to learn that Leo was not in residence. Cora had written to her to tell her he had returned to Staffordshire. His decision hurt her. Dr. Benedict kept Leo apprised of her recovery and informed Leo that she would be returning to Adlington Hall. He did not return to welcome her.
Her siblings had been there to greet her. Emma was so happy to see them that her eyes shimmered with tears. She felt loved. When Emma gazed at the children’s adoring eyes staring back at her, she felt guilty that she had abandoned them to go to the hospital. The decision was entirely hers, and she was fated to live with the consequences. All of them. She was not quite sure what that meant for her marriage. Emma realized that Leo had an ideal of her, and she had shattered it. She did not know whatshe should do. She was certain she did not wish things to remain as they were.
“I miss you, Leo. Why are you being so stubborn about this entire affair?” Emma reverted to speaking to herself. “Why are you not understanding? Why have you not given me a chance to explain?” Emma sighed in frustration.
As she had grown closer to Leo, Emma thought they had developed a deep connection. That was true. Apparently, there was something more because if not, she would not feel so torn, bereft, and alone, although she was surrounded by people who loved her. She wanted to understand Leo. She wanted him to be the person she most trusted in this life. She wanted to be the person closest to his heart and for him to trust her implicitly. She knew what she wanted was possible, but it would take time. She knew this could never be achieved if she remained at Adlington Hall and Leo remained in Staffordshire.
She was not a naïve young girl who believed marriage was always good and happy.
“No. There are sad times,” Emma whispered.
Leo had an abundance of sadness in his life, and as his wife, she wanted to be sure to support him emotionally. She must be the chosen companion with whom he could share his joys and sorrows. She could not stand to think he would find such comfort with another woman. Would he take a mistress? Gentlemen did not discuss mistresses with their wives, and Emma did not know if Leo had one. She had not thought about it until now. It was unequivocal. She would not tolerate it.
Leo had his anxieties, doubts, and aspirations. She was beginning to have a better understanding of what they were.It was one thing for her to know, but what the devil would she do about it?
Emma’s parents had a successful marriage, which was why her father grieved so much. They shared a close emotional bondand several children. When her father wanted a respite from work, politics, or other matters of the state, her mother was there for him. Her parents were quite affectionate with each other, and there was romance in their relationship. She was never keen to wed, but now that she had, she wanted what her parents shared. She did not want a husband who would be a stranger to her. She would not settle for anything less. There was a harsh rap on her door.
“Come in,” Emma said.
“I thought I would find you hiding here.” Cora closed the door behind her. She was a nervous ball of energy. She had only just entered the room, and she was bobbing around. “How are you feeling, Em?”
Emma gave her a reassuring smile. “I am fine, thank you.”
“Were you sick this morning?” Cora studied her face as she waited for a response.
Emma tried to reassure Cora. “I was, but I am feeling much better now. Please do not worry.”
Cora sat on the edge of Emma’s bed. “How long will this dreadful sickness last? You are not much fun when you are ill.”
“Oh, Cora. Dr. Benedict said it could go at any moment, or it could be a few months,” Emma replied.
“I certainly hope not,” Cora said as she flopped backward and stared at the ceiling.
“As do I,” Emma said wistfully.
“I suppose you have not heard from Lord Adlington,” Cora said.
“I have not.”
Cora sat up and pinned Emma with her gaze. “Will you not write to him?”
Emma drew in a deep breath and exhaled before speaking. “Cora, Lord Adlington wanted time alone. If he did not, he would have been to see me.”
Cora’s face fell. “This is not good.”
Emma gazed through the window. “I fear that I have angered him, Cora.”
