Page 9 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Emma closed the door as soon as the marquess’s equipage was out of sight. When she had almost collided with him and their eyes locked, she felt a shock run through her. She hardly had time to recover from the sight of him when his deep voice made her insides tingle with excitement. Her bodice felt unusually tight, and her heart ached beneath her breasts. Emma was beginning to question her sanity. It was inappropriate forher to think of a gentleman with a questionable reputation in this way. This was the very gentleman she refused to entertain at the ball.
Emma hurriedly ascended the stairs. She must determine the purpose of Lord Adlington’s visit. He said it was a business meeting with her father. What business could that be? It was too much of a coincidence that he came to her home after their uncertain encounter. Emma did not believe in coincidences. She knocked on the library door, and her father admitted her.
“There you are, Emma. I missed you at breakfast.” Her father stood and kissed her cheeks.
Emma gave him a warm smile. “I had a late start this morning, Father, and I am sorry I did not join you.”
Her father regarded her for a moment before he spoke. “It is just as well that you came to see me because I needed to speak with you.”
“Does this conversation have anything to do with Lord Adlington?” Emma asked. “I ran into him just as he departed.”Literally.
She blushed at the memory of his eyes traveling all over her. Pushing aside the reaction, Emma sat in the armchair across from her father’s desk and clasped her hands in her lap.
He knitted his brows. “It does, my dear Emma. There has been a lot weighing on me. Things have not gone well for me, not since your mother died. She was the strength that held me together, and when she passed away, I struggled to cope with her loss. It was fortunate for me that I had you. You took on the responsibility of ensuring your siblings were cared for.”
Emma sensed that her father was choosing his words carefully, which did not bode well. She had the strange feeling something ominous was about to happen.
“I did what any dutiful daughter would have done, Father. We all suffered such a terrible loss, yet it brought us closer together,” Emma said.
Her father stood and poured himself a drink. Emma did not wish to have one. “We have had this conversation several times, my dear. I have been remiss in not giving it more attention, but you do need to find a husband.”
This was not news to Emma, for they had discussed it on several occasions. “That is why I am actively engaged for the season, Father,” Emma said, her heart quickening.
Her father sat behind his desk and gave her a knowing gaze. “Actively engaged, you say? Then why have I not seenanygentlemen coming to call on you? You are not courting when you should already be wed.”
Emma would rather not have this conversation because it always led to the same place. Frustration. “But what does this have to do with Lord Adlington?” Surely, it could not be what Emma was thinking.
Her father sat forward in his chair and placed his elbows on his desk. He regarded her, closely watching her reaction. “As Lord Adlington explained, he was taken with you when you met at the Livingston’s ball. He has asked for permission to court you with a view to marriage.”
Her heart lurched. “What? The marquess could not possibly be so bold when he is mired in a scandal. Have you not heard of it, Father?”
“I have indeed, but Lord Adlington gave a perfectly reasonable explanation. I am prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt because polite society has welcomed him,” her father explained in a tone that told her he would not easily be dissuaded.
Emma supposed that these conversations took place in aristocratic households from time to time. Surely, not all theladies of thehaut tondesired marriage, and of those, most would be forced to do their duty. She could not ignore the fact that she had to think not only of herself but also of her siblings. They were relying on her. Her sisters were not yet on the marriage mart, but it would not be long before they were.
Emma had given it a great deal of thought, and if she had to marry, she would seek a partner who would support her need to continue with her healing activities. Further, he must be respectable enough to aid her in launching her sisters when they come of age. Having put these two things together, it would be no mean feat to find a husband. If she was to have what she wanted, she could not choose anyone, which is what her father was threatening.
Emma already knew what Lord Adlington thought about her pursuits. He would also expect his wife, as a lady of such elevated status, to not work or bring scrutiny to their titles. She could not blame him, for society established the norms, and she supposed it would be terribly difficult to find a gentleman who was prepared to go against them. Still, she may find one if she looked hard enough. It would just not be the marquess. He would certainly forbid her to do any healing, and she would have no choice but to give it up.
But how could she?
She had not spoken, so her father filled the silence. “I was hoping that I would not need to mention that a marriage to Lord Adlington would greatly benefit this family.”
Emma throat felt tight. “I understand that, Father.”
She had sisters that must be launched into society and brothers that needed to be provided for. What would become of the loyal servants and the families on the estate who relied on her father? Refusing Lord Adlington was not a luxury she possessed.
“You are not still yearning to be a healer, are you? Do not answer that. I trusted that you had given up on that ridiculous notion. Imagine! You are a young lady of thehaut ton, one of quality, and you know very well that you will never be able to peddle a service! The very thought is absurd. How would you be welcomed into polite society if you did such a thing? How would you provide for yourself after I am long gone? If you want independence, you could never achieve it this way.” Her father had a stern expression that caused his forehead to crease.
Emma’s belly twisted into a knot. She knew what she wanted, but there would be no point in aggravating her father in the process. After all, there was another way to go about it.
“Very well, Father. Since it is what you wish, I will receive Lord Adlington.” Emma said as she lifted the corners of her lips in a smile that did not touch her heart.
Her father sighed. She supposed he was relieved.
His voice softened. “I know this healing brought you great comfort when your mother passed. She would not have wanted to see you live your life as a lady of reduced circumstances and that, my dear, would be your predicament. I am pleased that you will receive Lord Adlington. I will send word to him.”
“If that is all, Father?” Emma said as she stood. She dropped her gaze slightly so her father would not see a spark of defiance in her eyes.
