Page 30 of The Earl's Hired Bride
“How did you make your selection for tonight, Miss Latham? I was surprised by your choice. An American devotee of Mr. Burns?”
“I am indeed a devotee, my lady. He speaks to something inside of me.” She paused. “Thank you for the loan of your copy of his works. I’m glad there is someone else here tonight who enjoys him.”
“Oh, I do. I was wondering, however, if you have traveled to Scotland?”
“I hope to, very soon,” she hedged.
“You will love it, I feel sure. In the meantime, are you enjoying your stay in London?”
“I am. London is a wonderful city—full of so many layers.” She wasn’t strictly lying, but still, she hated the subterfuge. The baroness did not deserve it.
“It is, at that.” The other woman cocked her head. “Do you find yourself homesick?”
Emily gave her a crooked smile. “I miss my mother dreadfully.”
The baroness nodded. “Family is a wonderful thing, is it not?” She watched Emily closely, as if the question were an important one.
“Family iseverything,” Emily answered that one easily.
“I am glad I am not the only one who thinks so.” Lady Ellesworth nodded toward the surrounding crowd. “But friends are important too.”
“Some friends become the family that you choose,” Emily agreed, thinking of Jasper.
“Indeed—as do husbands.” The baroness gave a melting look towards her own, across the room.
Emily flushed and buried a sharp pang of longing. “If one is lucky enough to choose the right husband.”
Lady Ellesworth’s gaze snapped back. “Did you not choose Lord Hartford?”
She hesitated, unsure what would be best to say. “He was chosen for me,” she said at last, “but I accepted him.” She sighed and gave a shrug. “And I’m glad I did.”
The baroness raised her glass. “Here’s to family and friendship.” She drank, and then smiled. “I like you, Miss Latham.”
Emily tipped her own glass. “Likewise, Lady Ellesworth.”
The readings began and soon enough it was her turn. She took her spot on the dais and opened her book of poems by Robert Burns.
“I’ve chosen one of my favorites,The Flowering Banks of Cree,” she told the audience. “I hope you will enjoy it.”
The room grew quiet as she began and she tried to do the sweet words justice. She had reached the line
At once ‘tis music and ‘tis love
when she feltthe first tingle. All the hairs on her neck and arms stood up in a sudden, sensual awareness. She glanced up to see Hart at the back of the room, his gaze intent on her. She read on, and when she reached the lines welcoming love, she raised her gaze again, to meet his full on.
She took her bow at the end, but the polite applause was dulled by a thick fog. He was here—and the shimmering, dancing energy between them was the only thing that cut through the haze.
He came forward and took her hand as she descended, leading her to the back of the Lady Ellesworth’s music room. When she would have taken a seat in the back row, he tugged her onward.
She followed and he led her toward the back of the house to a tiny parlor.
“This is likely for the family’s use and not a guest room at all,” she objected in a whisper.
“Yes, which means that we’ll be left alone here,” he returned. “I have a gift for you and I wished to give it in private.”
“A gift?” She frowned past a surge of excitement. “That wasn’t part of our agreement, my lord.”
“I think you’ll forgive me. Close your eyes.”
