Page 18 of Tempting a Gentleman
“Bronwyn was concerned Emma would not eat tonight. My wife also informed me it was you who brought to light the challenges Emma might face.”
“Didn’t Emma seek out Theo for advice?”
“She did. Emma asked I pass this along to you.”
Christopher took the parchment from his brother.
Mr. Neale
Me thanks ye fer yer help, but I no longer need a dance teacher.
Emma
She didn’t need him. Bitter, Christopher said, “Well, she’s not one for flowery words.”
Landon frowned. “She took extra care to pen the note herself. Bronwyn offered to write it for her, but she refused, stating she needed to tell you herself. It was a huge undertaking for her, and it appears you are not deserving or appreciative of her efforts.”
“She runs one of the most sought-after dress shops, and you are telling me she can’t write.”
“Emma was never taught to read nor write.”
“But she has a bookshelf full of books in her store.”
“For her patrons’ enjoyment.” Landon paused, and his eyes fell upon the discarded drafts of Christopher’s sketches. Landon raised an eyebrow and asked, “What are those?”
Christopher answered, “Instructions for Emma.”
Remarkable. The woman couldn’t read, yet she’d interpreted his rather rudimentary drawings, excelling in executing the various positions with ease. The reminder of her in his arms last night reinforced his desire to see her again. But first, he had to be rid of Landon.
His brother continued to stare at sketches with acute interest.
Organizing the papers into a stack, Christopher asked, “Do you agree with her decision?”
“It was Emma’s choice. No one involved wants to see her hurt. Least of all Bronwyn.” Landon eased into the chair and crossed his legs. Drumming his fingers upon his knee, he continued, “But I admit I was surprised. Emma has the will of an ox, and I’d not thought she cared a whit about what the ton thought of her.”
Christopher flipped the top drawing over and clasped his hands on top of them. “So, you suspect she is doing it to protect Bronwyn.”
“Or someone she cares about.” Landon’s fingers stilled. “Why do I get the feeling you are not sharing information?”
“I’m not withholding anything from you.”
“The muscle in your right cheek twitched. You are not being entirely honest with me. Mama made some obscure insinuation that you attempted to kiss my wife’s dearest friend, but Emma believes it was only due to her resemblance to Lady Arabelle. What say you?”
Christopher took a moment to subdue the urge to lunge across the desk and punch his older brother. “I’m not a rogue going about town debauching innocent women.” Releasing a sigh, he added, “I’ll admit for a brief moment during our first meeting, I may have been confused by Emma’s resemblance to Lady Arabelle. However, I see Emma with such clarity now that there is absolutely no confusing her with another.”
“Is that so?” Landon nodded to the illustrations he had been working on. “And those?”
“A medium to expel the images from my mind is all.”
“It is your wish to banish Emma from your thoughts?”
“The damn woman is a conundrum. Confounding. Bewitching.”
“Sounds to me you have much to consider, little brother.” The annoying dent in Landon’s cheek appeared as an all-knowing smile formed on his brother’s smug face. “Both Bronwyn and I appreciate your attempts to teach Emma how to dance.” Narrowing his gaze, Landon added, “Emma did share with me your agreement.”
His scheme to spend more time with Emma had failed. “I shall hire an assistant by week’s end.” If he had a capable secretary in place, it would free his time. Time he could spend getting to know Emma better.
“My thanks, brother.” Landon patted one of the large stacks of files upon his desk. “It does appear you are in need of help. Should I return tomorrow?”
