Page 12 of Choosing Her Earl at Last
“Indeed, I do.” Colin nodded, giving her a sympathetic smile.
Being the object of pity caused Emmeline’s embarrassed anger to surge.He knows that I meant his cousin. He knows … Had Michael told him everything that had transpired between them?
Before Emmeline could stop herself, she lashed out. “I must say that I am surprised that the late earl allowed his daughters to marry beneath their rank and station in society.” Emmeline hated herself for speaking the moment that the words spewed from her lips like a viper’s venom.
Rebecca turned astonished eyes toward her sister, hurt and anger warring within their depths. She opened her mouth to rebuke Emmeline, but only a strangled sound of distress came out.
Colin, every bit a gentleman, simply nodded. “It is true that a Baronet and a Baron are lower in rank and station than an Earl, but my grandfather believed that love was a much stronger unifying force than pedigree or wealth. He had a title. He had wealth. Those tangible things of the world, he could provide for his family for generations. What he desired most for them was happiness.”
Emmeline felt truly ashamed. She did not give a fig about titles. She knew that society revolved around such trivialities, but she had never cared about them. She had spoken from a place of anger and jealousy.
“Your mother and aunt were most fortunate to have such a loving father to care for them. If you will excuse me for a moment.” Emmeline arose from her chair and, with as much dignity as she could muster, left the room.
“My lady.” Mr. Hardy immediately came forward upon seeing the tears on her cheeks.
“I am well, Mr. Hardy. Fear not,” she reassured him, brushing the errant tears from her cheeks. “Would you be so kind as tosummon Sarah for me? I believe that she would make a much better chaperone than I at this moment.”
Mr. Hardy nodded in understanding. “I shall fetch her at once, my lady.” Bowing, he left her standing in the hall beyond the drawing room doors.
A shadow fell across the floor from behind her, and Emmeline turned to find Louisa standing in the doorway. She did not say anything in reprimand or condolence, but her eyes told Emmeline that she understood.
“Forgive me, Mr. Barrington,” Louisa said, turning to their guest. “But I find that I am in need of some fresh air. Would you mind terribly if I stole the marchioness away for a stroll? Of course, a proper chaperone will be provided for you both in our absence.”
Colin stood, concern wrinkling his brow. “Of course not. Please, do as you will. Your good health must take priority.”
At that moment, Emmeline’s lady’s maid, Sarah, emerged from the depths of the servants’ quarters. “My lady,” she bobbed a curtsy to her mistress, then another to Louisa. “And my lady.”
“Would you be so kind as to act as chaperone for Miss Rebecca and her suitor, the ever-charming Mr. Barrington,” Louisa requested before Emmeline was able to form the words in hermind. “I wish for her company as I take the air. My own lady’s companion will accompany us.”
Sarah looked to Emmeline for confirmation, and Emmeline nodded in agreement. Sarah bobbed an affirming curtsy. “As you say, my lady.” She walked past them and took her place standing chaperone along the drawing room wall.
“Excellent! All is settled then. Come, Emmeline, let us gather your hat and gloves.” Louisa laced her arm through Emmeline’s as she waved farewell to the courting couple.
Colin bowed in farewell at their exit, then returned to take his seat beside Rebecca. Rebecca shot Emmeline one last angry, accusatory look before turning her attention back to Colin. Emmeline knew that she would pay for her words later when they were alone.
Once Emmeline had gathered her outer garb, Louisa led her from the house and out onto the street. “Bernard,” Louisa commanded her coachman.
“My lady?” Her coachman tipped his hat in respect.
“We do not have a destination. Please be so good as to simply take us along the most beautiful streets until I command you otherwise.”
“Aye, my lady,” her coachman agreed without even a questioning glance at such a strange request.
Louisa ushered Emmeline into her carriage, following after her and taking a seat across from her friend. She sat studying her face for a moment in silence.
“Do you make such requests of your coachman often?” Emmeline asked to fill the silence.
“I do.” Louisa nodded. “I find that it helps me to clear my head when something is causing me concern, such as when I miss my husband.”
Emmeline met Louisa’s eyes in apology. She frequently forgot that other people did indeed miss their husbands when they died.
“I am sorry,” she murmured, leaning back against the carriage seat. “It has been a day for speaking when I should have remained silent.”
“We all have such moments in life,” Louisa reassured her. “I must apologize for my role in your pain. My intentions were to ascertain further knowledge that might aid me in my quest to rejoin you with your lost love, but I appear to have struck a discordant note within your heart.”
Emmeline shook her head. “You are not to blame for my actions. I cannot seem to separate what happened between Michael and I from what is unfolding between Colin Barrington and my sister. I am concerned that she will suffer the same fate.”
“How so? Do you believe your mother to be insincere in her support of the match?” Louisa asked, her brow furrowed in concern at the thought. “Your sister appears to be most besotted with Mr. Barrington, and he with her. Such an event would pain them both greatly, I fear.”
