Page 26 of Dancing with an Enigmatic Duke
“We do not have to tell him.” Emmeline clasped her hands together with a smile.
Jasmine shook her head. “I would not stand for it. You should not be doing my work, Miss.”
“Very well. But if you do get through before the evening meal, then you know where to find me.”
Emmeline was not surprised the maid would not allow her to help. Harcourt and his staff held very English standards for what ladies should and should not do. At home, Emmeline had the liberty to do as she pleased. But here she was expected to do things such as needlework or read.
Emmeline heard voices coming from the library. She peered in and saw her brother with Lord Torrington. She had no way to announce herself, so she rapped on the door gently.
The men turned. Harcourt waved for her to come in. “Did you need something, Emme?”
She shook her head. “I was coming to read.”
“Do not let us stop you,” Lord Torrington said graciously. “We were merely looking over maps.”
She joined them at the table. “For your trade routes?”
Harcourt sighed. “If you must know, yes.”
“I do not have to know. I merely asked, Harcourt.” Emmeline flipped her braid over her shoulder as she turned haughtily away, sinking into an overstuffed chair where she had left her book of philosophy the previous day.
Harcourt grunted. “There she goes getting angry over nothing. That will win you no dances.”
“Then I shall not dance,” Emmeline whispered spitefully.
Harcourt turned to Lord Torrington. “We can take these maps to the study.” He gathered up the maps in his arms. “Shall you follow?”
“I shall be right along. Let me find that book I was telling you about earlier.” Lord Torrington walked to the shelves, leaving Harcourt to nod his acceptance. Once Harcourt was out of the room, Lord Torrington turned his head toward her. “Are you out to make him accept the merchant’s offer?”
“I am merely tired of the way he speaks to me.” Emmeline raised her philosophy book to block out the sight of him.
Lord Torrington pushed down on her book with his finger, causing her to look up at him. “Have you thought more on what I said?”
Emmeline pressed her lips together. She had done little except think on the man’s offer. “I have,” she whispered. “I think it has promise. I do not see how we will discuss it further. There is little time.”
“Take a walk tomorrow, down by the old oak that is due to be cut down,” Lord Torrington whispered in conspiracy. “It is out of sight, and I can enter unseen from the other side of the garden.”
Emmeline laughed. “That sounds rather scandalous.”
“I cannot help that.” Lord Torrington shrugged with a smile. “What we are attempting is just a little bit scandalous, is it not? I have a trusted servant who will keep secrets, but I fear your Francesca will not.”
She laid her book in her lap with a sigh. “She has been after me most fiercely since she spotted us talking in the garden.”
“That might help us with the illusion of it all in the long run.” He straightened. “But I have to make haste, or your brother will be back. I shall be out by the oak mid-morning.”
Emmeline could do little but blink before the man scooped up a book and was gone. “What an odd duke you are,” she whispered. She lifted her book and tried her best to put it all out of her mind.
***
Despite the fact that that Emmeline thought she might escape without too much interference from Francesca, the woman seemed determined to stay with Emmeline. “Francesca, I merely wish to have a day of solitude to gather my thoughts for the coming ball next week.”
“You should not wind yourself up so by thinking of it.” Francesca was pulling on her shawl as she followed Emmeline.
Emmeline stopped at the door to the stone patio. “Francesca, I do not require your assistance today. Honestly, I am as ready as I am going to be. You have been a marvellous help, but need some time by myself. I wrote to my lady’s maid at home, and I have received a reply. I would like to read it in privacy.”
“You should have said, My Lady. Of course you may have privacy. I hope all is well with your friend.” Francesca, despite her words, did not look pleased. She did, however, turn and go back up the hallway.
Emmeline breathed a sigh of relief. It was early, far too early for the duke to be waiting. She stepped outside into the crisp air that had a hint of warmth behind it.
