Page 56 of Sense and Suitability
“Would you truly wish to hear me preach a sermon?”
He gave her a hard look, a twinkle lighting in his eyes. “Complete with adventure, dangers, mystery, and romance? No, because you may very well show me up, and then I’d have no income.”
“Unlikely,” she retorted with a snicker, rising to her feet as Thomas did the same. “You are an excellent preacher and, usually, the one proposing acts of service and magnanimity.”
“For good or ill, I believe you’re particularly inspired in this case.” His frown deepened, so she pressed forward quickly with her idea.
“I’ve written to Miss Lane to see if she is currently seeking employment.”
“Miss Lane?” Both of his brows rose in unison. “Your former governess?”
Emme nodded. “With her mother having passed away three months ago, she may be ready to resume a position somewhere. I know her mother did not leave her very much money, and she’d be an excellent recommendation for Lord Ravenscross.”
Thomas regarded her for a long moment before shaking his head. “You truly are relentless.”
“Determined,” she corrected, unable to tame her smile. “And entirely justified.”
“Certainly, if anyone knows how to guide fanciful and headstrong young girls into womanhood, it would be the indomitable MissLane.” Thomas braided his hands behind his back and started down the hallway toward the door, Emme at his side. “Do you think Lord Ravenscross will agree?”
“Well...” Her grin spread as she followed him to the entryway. “It would be very practical and responsible for him to do so.” She quoted back his earlier words.
Thomas shot her a mock glare. “I shall remember never to give you ammunition.”
“So you will go with me to Ravenscross tomorrow?”
He paused at the threshold, his expression turning serious as he studied her face. “I will. But Emme, this is not one of your stories. The daring hero will not abandon his responsibilities for the lesser-known and poorer damsel. He will choose for status, money, and family. Are you prepared for that reality?”
She held his gaze, embracing reality with a painful hold. “I am.”
He nodded and opened the door. “Then I believe I can help you.” He hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly. “As long as there are no other surprises.”
“I think those are quite enough, and then I’ll know I did my part.”
“More than your part.” He searched her face with complete skepticism. “And that isall?”
She shifted her gaze away from his. Why was he asking her that as if she weren’t being completely forthright? “Of course.”
“Just be careful, Emme,” Thomas said, his voice low and steady. “Putting your heart on the page is one thing. But placing it close to someone who has already wounded it? That is far riskier. Take care not to step into a situation that breaks it all over again.”
A knock at the door pulled Simon’s attention from the letter he’d just finished, written to secure a date for Mr. Tarleton to fell some of histimber—the first real sign of hope in his situation. It lightened the tension in his neck, though not enough to fully dissolve the strain of too many problems and not enough solutions.
“Come in.”
Mrs. Patterson entered, clearly a bit discombobulated at having to attend the door as well as the rest of the house when Mr. Stokes, the butler, was engaged elsewhere.
“You have visitors, my lord.”
“Visitors?” Simon cast a glance at the clock on the wall. Was it noon already? “I wasn’t expecting anyone.”
“No, sir.” Mrs. Patterson dipped her head, almost apologetic. “It is the new rector, Mr. Bridges.”
The rector? Why on earth would the man come to Ravenscross without invitation?
“And Miss Lockhart, my lord.”
His chest collapsed with a silent exhale. So much for not seeing her often. He pushed the rising interest beneath a shield of iron will and rose to his feet.
“Please lead them to the drawing room, Mrs. Patterson.”
