Page 27 of To Heal a Broken Earl
We are working to return as quickly as possible, but we must stay here until we can secure new housing. As soon as we know, we will come and get you both.
We can replace the belongings, but not those precious to us. Thank you for taking such good care of Katie. And thank you, Emma, for saving our horses. Lord Armstrong wrote and said that you rode them to safety,and he has transferred them to his estate for the time being. I know they are horses, but they are special to us and feel like family.
We love you both and miss you both. Katie, please do as Auntie Emma tells you to do. I miss you so much. Mummy and Daddy will be there to get you before you know it!
Much love,
Evie and Martin
(Mummy and Daddy)
After reading the letter to Katie, Emma wiped another tear from the corner of her eye and noticed that the child did the same. Finn jumped up on Katie’s lap and licked her face.
“We are safe,” Emma said. “And we are happy.” She looked at her niece. “You seem very happy. Are you?”
“Yes, very. We’ve had quite the adventure,” Katie said enthusiastically. “But I miss Mummy and Daddy.”
“Of course—webothmiss them. This is a good time to remind you that you and Finn should stay close to the manor house, and have either me or Doris, or even Lord Michael, outside with you. Do not go anywhere without letting me know first,” Emma emphasized. And as much as she hated to add the next, she did. “And if you see that man from the day of the fire, please don’t go near him. Let me know as soon as possible.” As safe as they were, Emma couldn’t dismiss a nagging thought that she needed to stay very aware of her surroundings. Surely it had nothing to do with Michael, who considered it his mission to keep them safe—even though things had heated up considerably when she was alone in his presence. Until the arsonist was caught, she imagined she’d worry.
“Woof!” Finn said, as if to reply,it’ll be all right, Katie.
“You’d like my mummy and daddy, Finn. They give the best goodnight kisses and hugs…” Katie started.
“Miss Katie, Lady Emma,” Doris said, returning, “the modiste has arrived.”
~*~
Later that morning
The modiste, the esteemed Madame Darnelle, entered with an air of elegance, accompanied by two assistants carrying overflowing boxes and bolts of fabric. Their arrival filled the room with an energy Emma wasn’t sure she was ready to face. She still felt awkward having all her clothing, including her delicate garments, replaced by a man she had encountered less than a week ago, and a wave of anxiety coursed through her. Trying to steady her frazzled nerves, she took a sip of Mrs. Peppers’s soothing mint tea, letting the warm liquid calm her troubled mind as she reminded herself to breathe.
Stanhope had prepared one of the larger bedroom suites for the modiste to use, giving both Katie and Emma, as well as Finn, who hadn’t left Katie’s side these past few days, lots of room to work with the dressmaker. Mrs. Peppers had arranged for a carafe of mint tea, a pitcher of lemonade for Katie and the assistants, and finger sandwiches and other tempting treats. She had even provided a meaty bone and a small plate of treats to keep Finn occupied.
“Lady Emma, I am so happy with the canvas I have to work with. May I say that your figure is perfection?” Madame Darnelle gushed, whirling about Emma’s body with a measuring tape, then calling out measurements to one of her assistants.
The other assistant had Katie standing on a footstool, measuring her for several day dresses. There was also a box of shoes for them to choose from. Surprisingly, the shoes andslippers fit both Emma and Katie perfectly—puzzling, to be sure. Had Michael snuck into their bedchambers and measured their shoes while they were asleep? How else would he have known what sizes to give the modiste?
Impossible.He would have sent one of the maids to do it, she decided. That must have been how he did it. Still, his thoughtfulness brought a lump to her throat.
Michael was truly a kind man, even if he pretended to be grumpy, she thought with a private smile. She became even more determined to do everything she could in the time they were here to make over the parlor and any other room that Michael wanted to refurbish. They were off to a good start after they visited the attic. She’d discovered several beautiful pieces of furniture and decorative items that would add warmth to the parlor and make it a welcoming room.
The modiste’s exclamation of delight brought Emma out of her musings and focused her attention once more on the fitting.
“This deep gold color brings out the violet in your eyes, Lady Emma,” Madame Darnelle enthused. “Not every woman can wear this particular shade of dark, golden yellow, my lady; on some women this shade looks like mustard and makes their complexion appear sallow, but those women do not have your coloring. The richness of your red hair, your alabaster skin, and your violet eyes aremagnifiqueand most unusual.”
The modiste’s effusive praise caused Emma’s face to flush. No one had ever given her so many compliments on her appearance—except her sister Evie, who constantly reminded her how much she resembled their beautiful mother. Mama had passed away so early in their lives that Evie had been both sister and mother to Emma.
“Would we be able to stop for a few minutes? I’d love to have a cup of tea,” Emma said an hour later. She had beenstanding on a stool, holding her arms out, for almost the entire time, and suddenly felt the need for more soothing mint tea.
“Of course!” Madame Darnelle replied. “It will give me time to show you some of my readymade garments we just finished, which I correctly guessed would be perfect on you and your niece. We can make any adjustments while we are here.”
Emma nodded with a smile as she stepped down from the stool.
“Look, Auntie Emma! Finn is standing too,” Katie said as she hopped down from her stool. “He’s ready for his measurements to be taken. I think he’d like one of those vests that Lord Michael wears.” She giggled and clapped as Finn stood up on his hind legs and hopped in a circle.
“I think he is ready for the circus,” Emma said from the table where she was pouring tea for everyone, pleased that Mrs. Peppers had prepared such an abundant feast.
“Mon Dieu, I have never seen a dog with such talent,” Madame Darnelle said with amusement.
