Page 89 of Sense and Suitability
Aunt Bean sputtered, her voice tangled in her protest, but Mrs. Thornbury did not wait for a response.
“Miss Lockhart.” Mrs. Thornbury turned her attention fully to Emme, her smile welcome. “You remind me very much of your mother. She, too, had a remarkable strength of character. I am certain you will navigate these waters with grace, no matter what the gossips say.”
Emme inclined her head, uncertain whether to be encouraged or chastened by the comment. Mrs. Thornbury’s words, though kind, carried an unmistakable point in them.
With a polite nod to Emme and a final deliberate glance at Aunt Bean, Mrs. Thornbury stepped away, leaving the elder woman to stew in the wake of her remarks.
But Emme wasn’t finished. How could she leave Simon’s aunt to think Emme held any similar view to her own aunt?
It was only a moment before Emme followed. “Mrs. Thornbury,” she called softly, hastening after her. “I must apologize for my aunt’s remarks. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect mine.”
Mrs. Thornbury’s brow arched slightly. “Do they not?”
“No.” Emme’s cheeks warmed beneath the woman’s steady gaze. “I hold Lord Ravenscross in the highest esteem.”
Mrs. Thornbury’s expression revealed nothing, though a flicker of interest danced in her eyes. “Thehighest esteem,” she repeated, her tone so neutral that it left Emme wondering whether she was amused or incredulous. “So much so that you would assist in finding him a bride?”
The question, posed with disarming calm, caught Emme off guard. Still, she refused to look away. “Yes, though not solely for his sake. His siblings—his family—deserve security and comfort. A strong and thoughtful alliance would provide that.”
Mrs. Thornbury regarded her, the silence stretching just long enough to make Emme’s pulse quicken. “A strong and thoughtful alliance,” she echoed softly. “Indeed, you are not wrong. But you must know, Miss Lockhart, that the history you share with my nephew is not easily forgotten—by society or by Simon himself.”
Emme straightened, refusing to let the words unnerve her. “I understand the risks of gossip, but I assure you, my intentions are honorable. It is because of our shared history that I wished to help. I understand... him and the situation with a unique perspective.”
But even her attempt at an explanation failed to convince her own heart. She’d offered, in part, with selfless motivation, but in hindsight she’d wanted to be near him—and perhaps somehow make amends for all the horrible thoughts she’d had about him in his absence, before the truth of his situation became clear. She almost laughed in her realization. “Helping him find happiness offers mesome measure of perspective as well. It’s terribly inconvenient for my own hopes. But I see the good of it for everyone involved, especially Lord Ravenscross.”
Wasn’t that the essence of love? To find joy in another’s happiness even at the cost of your own heart?
Something shifted in Mrs. Thornbury’s gaze—so slight Emme might have imagined it. “Your loyalty to him is... notable. And yet, loyalty can be misconstrued. Have you considered that your efforts, however well-meaning, may complicate his path forward?”
Emme merely nodded her head in assent. She hadn’t voiced her plans to anyone but Father and Aster. “I plan to leave St. Groves by the end of next week.”
Mrs. Thornbury blinked, the faintest hint of surprise softening her reserve. “Leave?”
“Yes.” She forced a smile. “It has never been my intention to cause rumors or to distract. I have family up north I’ve neglected far too long. A lengthy visit will do me good.”
The older woman studied Emme, her gaze probing. “You are leaving St. Groves,” she said slowly, “for my nephew’s sake?”
“It is the choice of a... friend.” Emme lowered her gaze, the bridge of her nose tingling with warning. “A friend who wants what is best for him and his family.”
At the sudden silence, Emme raised her gaze and found the woman studying her with an unreadable expression. Finally, Mrs. Thornbury’s lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. “You are an intriguing young woman, Miss Lockhart. I can see why my nephew speaks of you with such admiration.”
Emme’s breath caught, but before she could respond, Mrs. Thornbury inclined her head, her voice returning to its composed, measured cadence. “I do hope your path leads you to happiness, wherever it may take you.”
The words, though kindly meant, were like a dagger to Emme’schest. She nodded politely, refusing to betray the sudden pain coursing through her. “Thank you.”
Barely waiting to regain her composure, Emme fled around the corner of the hallway into a small alcove. Fresh evening air wafted in through the open window, carrying the scent of hyacinths—likely the blue ones the groundskeepers nurtured at the base of the Assembly Room stairs. A humorless laugh shook from her. Blue hyacinths meant sincere care.
Sincere.And if she cared sincerely, she knew the good of her choice.
Emme exhaled, sagging against the wall and stilling the tears threatening release.
She’d experienced almost every imaginable emotion within the span of an hour.
No wonder she detested balls.
But amid the turmoil, a quiet certainty settled within her, ringing louder than any whispered gossip or distant sweet memory.
Goodbye, St. Groves.
