Page 41 of Tempting a Gentleman
Sweeping the drawing room door open for her, he whispered, “My felicitations on your betrothal. We are proud of ye.”
Emma met the old man’s gaze that shone bright with pride. “Me thanks. I hope Christopher survives his meetin’ with the council.”
Bronwyn’s quick, slippered footsteps were nearing, and Emma braced herself for an embrace. Except her best friend didn’t engulf her in a hug from behind; instead, the lady grabbed her hand and tugged her into the room. The soft click of the door echoed through the large drawing room.
Face-to-face with her best friend’s scowl, Emma masked her disappointment. “I’ve come to share the news of my engagement to Christopher and to—”
Bronwyn narrowed her gaze, squeezed Emma’s hand, and said, “While I’m overjoyed at the news, I’m befuddled as to exactly how this all came about.”
“Ye don’t look happy.”
Releasing Emma, Bronwyn gracefully sank down into a chair and waved to the settee. “Sit.”
Emma perched herself on the edge as she had last time she visited. “Wot has ye in such a foul mood this morn?”
“Your mum paid me a visit on her way to the council meeting. Before Christopher arrives, I need to know why you agreed to marry.”
Since her mum had already popped by, Emma repeated the reasoning she gave her mum. “I love him.”
“Emma Lennox, you just met Christopher not long ago. Are you sure there is no other reason?”
Of course her best friend wouldn’t simply accept a declaration of love. Using the tactic of avoidance, one of Bronwyn’s favorite devices to deflect her opponents, Emma said, “The other reason I’m here is to tell ye I’ve changed me mind, and I’ll be attendin’ yer bloomin’ ball after all.”
Hereford had asked for her assistance, and Emma hadn’t the heart to refuse. She’d given her word to watch out for Arabelle at the blasted event. Hereford was a fine negotiator. It was no wonder he excelled as an advisor to the King and Prinny. A burst of pride radiated within Emma and her lips curved into a smile.
Bronwyn leaned forward and pinned Emma with her gaze. “Why do I suspect that your change of heart about the ball and your betrothal are somehow interrelated?”
“I’ve no clue wot goes on in that head of yers. Aren’t ladies supposed to offer tea or refreshments?”
The faint sound of Christopher’s footsteps in the hall had Emma jumping to her feet, nearly tripping over her own blasted skirts. “Christopher has arrived.”
Bronwyn looked to the door. “How do you know it is Christopher and not my husband?”
“First, the staff scurry when Landon is about. Second, Landon favors Hessian boots, which have a heavy heel, and Christopher has taken to wearing the new shorter-heeled boot designed by Wellington and made by Hoby. Does becoming pregnant make ye deaf?” Emma moved quickly to stand near the far window. Her feelings for Christopher remained a jumbled mess. She wasn’t prepared to see her betrothed. Not having time to fully sort through all her mum had shared with her this morn, Emma instinctively slipped back into the shadows
“Not at all. You have always had better hearing than I.”
Emma muttered, “Or now ye are a lady, ye’re getting’ soft and not payin’ attention to wot’s goin’ on?”
Bronwyn snapped back, “I heard that.”
Emma positioned herself so the drape partially concealed her form but allowed her a clear view of the door and her friend. Bronwyn was carefully arranging both her skirts and her features. The door flew open, and Christopher marched in.
Bent to give Bronwyn a hug, he asked, “How are you feeling today?”
Christopher was dressed in a royal blue jacket with a plain white waistcoat and cravat. The ends of the navy cravat that no doubt went with his ensemble but was instead in Emma’s hair brushed against the back of her neck. She clutched the edge of the drapes. The urge to be near him was at odds with her training to remain undetected.
Bronwyn’s smile was strained. “I’m well.”
“Liar.”
“I am not.” The ladylike curve of Bronwyn’s lips was gone, replaced with a grin that held a challenge. Emma wanted to warn Christopher to be careful, but Bronwyn released a heavy sigh and said, “It’s not my pregnancy that has my stomach in knots this morn.”
Blimey. They had been raised to be mistrustful of others, and it was a rarity that Bronwyn ever let her guard down. Yet Christopher, in a matter of moments, had disarmed Bronwyn and had the woman confessing the truth. Hadn’t he charmed Emma just as easily? Egad. She would need to be cautious, or she, like Bronwyn, would lose her edge.
Bronwyn reached into her skirts and handed Christopher a box. “This arrived for you hours ago.”
Christopher inspected the box, but his features gave Emma no indication of what might be inside. “Perfect.” He placed the box on the side table and flopped onto the settee as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
