Page 19 of The Earl's Hired Bride
“Very well,” his mother relented. Hart thought he caught a glimpse of approval in her eye.
“Word has spread regarding our arrival,” his mother said, turning to him. “No more girls falling on the walk, but the invitations are stacked on my desk.” She quirked a corner of her mouth at Emily. “When word ofyougets out, I expect they’ll double. We must get you ready.”
“I’ll engage a dancing instructor,” Hart told her. “Just to make sure Emily is current.”
They both nodded and the conversation devolved into a discussion of wardrobe, modistes and shopping plans to start as soon as the next day. Hart considered taking his leave, but he delayed when the maid came back for the tray, and kept an eye trained on Emily.
She didn’t stare this time, but instead reached out and touched the maid’s arm.
His mother made a sound of distress.
The girl gasped and jumped back as if she’d been burned.
“Hello,” Emily said in the friendliest fashion. “What is your name?”
The maid cast a frantic look at the countess, then bobbed a curtsy. “I’m Molly, Miss. If you please.”
“Please don’t look so frightened. I’m sure we’ll get to know each other over the next few weeks, but for now I must say that I noticed the swelling of your jaw. Have you a bad tooth?”
Hart gaped as the girl clapped a hand over her face. “Oh! I swear, I haven’t complained too much, Miss, nor let it interfere—”
“Of course you haven’t,” Emily soothed. “I only ask because a friend of mine recently dealt with the same situation. Have you an appointment to have it seen? I assure you, the sooner you have it dealt with, the better.”
“Oh, no, Miss. I’m using the cloves that Cook give me. I’ve only the half day off on Wednesday, you see.”
Hart looked closely. He could see the swelling now. It must hurt like the devil. He hadn’t noticed before. Would he have? “Of course, you must have it seen to.” He looked at his mother. “Surely she could be spared . . .”
His mother wasn’t examining the girl, but instead was giving Emily a good, long look. Then she slid her gaze over the maid and smiled gently. “I’m very sorry I didn’t notice your distress, Molly. Miss Latham is right, however. The sooner you see to such a problem, the soon you will feel better and the fewer lasting effects you will suffer.” She nodded a dismissal. “Take the tray to Cook, then run along to Mrs. Hanshaw. She’ll make you an appointment and will be sure someone will go along with you, too.”
The girl dipped once, twice. “Oh, thank you, my lady.” She shot Emily a look of adoration. “And thank you, Miss Latham.”
Emily nodded cheerfully. “My friend was as right as rain as soon as he had it out. I’m sure you will be, too.”
When the maid had gone, Hart watched the two women sizing each other up again.
“I gather that was not what I should have done?” Emily straightened her shoulders. “I apologize, but I did not wish to see the girl suffer—”
“It was well done,” his mother interrupted. “I’m only ashamed I did not notice, myself.” Unexpectedly, she raised her cup in a mock toast. “To our enterprise,” she said with a smile. “I think we will do very well.”
Emily visibly relaxed. She raised her own cup and shot him a challenging look. “What of you, sir? Do you feel we’ll pull it off to your satisfaction?”
He stared. Earlier he had felt every confidence. But he realized now it was because he’d only been thinking of himself. But this girl—she made it impossible to forget she was part of the equation. More than that. She had spirit, and abundant curves and a kind heart—and an ignorance of Hartsworth—and she held his fate in his hands.
He’d taken too long to answer. Her smile faded and concern and consternation invaded. “If you have doubts,” she began.
“No. Forgive me.” He raised his cup as well. “I was just thinking that you are unlike any young woman of my acquaintance.”
Her shoulders lowered and she tossed him a grin. “I believe that’s why you hired me, Hart.”
God help him, she was right.
* * *
They were definitely not livingin each other’s pockets. Emily’s last several days had been filled with shopping and planning. She’d grown more comfortable with the earl’s mother and managed to sneak in a few moments with her own at Madame Lalbert’s shop. But she scarcely caught a glimpse of Hart.
She told herself that she didn’t mind. This was the arrangement she’d agreed to. But she found herself listening for his arrival and eagerly anticipating the start of their masquerade.
“Our first foray will be to call on the Marchioness of Feltham,” the countess informed her at last. “She’s my sister. We haven’t seen each other in months, and she’s just arrived in Town, so we’ll spend the afternoon catching up and receiving callers with her, instead of limiting ourselves to the usual fifteen minutes.”
