Page 6 of Revealing a Rogue
“And that would be?”
Emma grabbed her upper arms. “Bronwyn Cadby, stop bein’ a goose.” Releasing Bronwyn, Emma grabbed a swath of silk. “I’m goin’ to create ye the most stunnin’ bridal gown and fill yer trousseau with dresses that all the ladies of the ton will envy.”
Bronwyn glanced at the divine pink silk held in her best friend’s hand. She wanted to screamLord Hadfield should be marrying a lady. Instead, she glared at Emma and said, “I’m not a lady. Countesses are ladies.”
Lifting the fabric up to Bronwyn’s cheek, Emma said, “Ye are a woman worthy of becomin’ Countess Hadfield. Plus, it was his choice to make, and Lord Hadfield chose ye.”
“Don’t you find that odd?”
“No. Ye’re beautiful, smart, trustworthy, and loyal.” Emma pulled her arm away and turned to assess the material she had amassed before them. “And,none of those hoytie toytie ladies have any of the skills a wife to the Head PORF needs.”
“What qualities do you suppose I possess that they do not?”
Emma placed both hands on her hips as she swirled about. “Well…”
“See. You can’t.”
“Give me a moment! Not everyone can rattle off arguments as fast as ye.”
“He doesn’t even know I’m part of the Network!”
“Blimey! All these years and ye never let it slip. Ye’re the bloomin’ master of disguise. See, ye proved it. There is not another woman better suited than ye to be his wife.” Emma giggled then added, “Ye know I’m right.”
Bronwyn released a sigh and flopped down upon the chaise. “If I accept, I’d be placing my family and closest friends in grave danger.”
“All right.” Emma threw her hands up and then slapped them against her thighs. “Ye’re right. Ye should say no. Happy now?”
“Hmm…” Bronwyn draped her arm over her eyes.
“Wot is wrong with ye? I thought ye’d seize the bleedin’ opportunity to rule over me.”
“That would be one advantage. But…”
Bronwyn abruptly sat up, hitting Emma’s forehead. Simultaneously, they said, “Oww.”
Emma reached for Bronwyn’s hand. “Is it Lord Hadfield?”
“Not exactly. Besides being aware of how Landon takes his tea and coffee, and that he is a brilliant barrister, what do I really know of him?”
“Lor! Wot do ye need to know?” Dreamy-eyed, Emma tilted her head. “He’s kind, a bleedin’ excellent leader, and oh, thosedimples!”
“Why don’t you marry him then?”
“I would’ve if he had askedme. But marriage ain’t for me.” Emma released Bronwyn’s hand and stood by the table of buttons and ribbons.
“That is utter rubbish. You simply haven’t met a man worthy of your love.” She walked over and gave her best friend a brief hug. Emma was the eldest child and had always placed her family’s welfare before her own. Opening up the modiste shop had meant working many hours and left little time for courting.
Emma grabbed a handful of buttons and let them filter through her fingers. “I don’t understand yer hesitation.”
“He’s titled. There will be social engagements, balls, dinners, and such.” Bronwyn ran a finger over a wide emerald green ribbon.
“Lady Theo will not let ye fail.”
Bronwyn added, “We know nothing of each other.”
“Ye worked for the man for years, and not once did ye ever utter a complaint about him. Ye will have the rest of yer lives to learn each other’s preferences and habits.”
“When did you master the art of counter-arguments?”
