Page 111 of The Curious Story of the Missing Lady
“I guess I set my course. Uncle Roger was right. A person should set her course and not think when she is tempted to change it.”
“You’re not thinking of changing it again, are you?”
“No, Lizzy. Of course not.”
Lisbelle knelt down and straightened the bottom of her dress. “Thank heaven for that.”
#
She wanted nothing more than to speak to Emily. She would be careful not to flaunt her romantic success before her sister. That was a positive jest. If her sister only knew what lay in her heart, she would have nothing to envy anyway. But Madeline needed to speak to her before the ceremony.
Emily’s door was closed. Upon approach, Madeline thought she heard weeping within.
“Emily?” she called. “Sister, is everything alright?”
The door opened, and there was Emily, looking radiant but for recently moistened eyes.
“Emily, what is the matter?”
“’Tis nothing,” she said. “My emotions are running rampant this morning, what with the wedding and such.” She stepped aside and allowed Madeline to enter. “You need not concern yourself with my silliness. You are getting married today, dear sister. That is your sole concern, and it is a joyous one.”
She wrapped Madeline in a tight hug and kissed her cheek.
“May I have a word with you, Emily?”
“Of course.”
Madeline offered the edge of the bed to her. “Sit, please.”
Emily did so with rapt attention.
“Emily, you and I are close friends, and yet, we have fought more terribly over the years than the worst of England’s enemies.”
Emily chuckled. “This much is true. But you know I love you, Madeline.”
“Of course, and I love you. As a matter of fact, I don’t think you realise how terribly much I adore you. This is why I am here. I want to tell you something. Ethan told me that one’s years in life are to be savoured as if one has thousands of years to live. I agree with him. But you must understand, I don’t think he meant it in the way I originally thought he did. He meant that one must be true to one’s heart. And if that means it will take a lifetime to find the mate to your soul, then so be it. For it is better to spend the intervening years enjoying everything else that life has to offer. But if you spend those years with someone who is not a good match for you ...” She threw her arms down at her sides. “Oh, Emily, I sound like a fool! What I am trying to tell you is, do not settle for a marriage of convenience, ever, should the opportunity arise. Seek out the one that is perfect for you, even if it takes a lifetime. Do not make a mistake. It is not worth the erosion of your heart!”
Emily buried her face in her hands and wept bitterly.
Madeline caressed her shoulder. “Sister. Oh, sister, please do not weep. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“You don’t understand,” Emily said through sobs. “I am in love with Oliver. Madeline, it is I who should apologise, but if I kept it in any longer, I think I might burst at the seams and never be restored. Forgive me, Madeline. Please ...”
Madeline didn’t hear the rest but for her own laughter and subsequent singing.
Chapter 78
The sight of Emily’s face transforming from abject sorrow to pure rage enriched Madeline’s laughter even more. She shouldn’t laugh, she knew that. She’d feel bad about it later. Right now, her heart was about to explode with the purest joy and relief she’d ever felt in her life.
“Madeline!” cried her sister. “Stop that this instant! Really, Madeline, you confound me!”
“Hurrah, Emily! This is indeed the happiest day of my life. And yours!”
“What are you talking about?”
“We’re not meant for each other, Oliver and me. I broke it off with him once already, in secret. Don’t you see? This is a providence! Meant to be, sister.”
“I don’t understand. You don’t love him?”
