Page 44 of Choosing Her Earl at Last
“I am sorry to hear that, but what about Rebecca? Surely you do not place your family paintings above my sister’s well-being?” Emmeline was concerned, confused, and fighting a deep anger that seemed to always be just shy of spilling over when she interacted with him since her return to London.
“Of course, I do not place paintings above your sister’s well-being.” The look in Michael’s eyes was a mixture of offense with true pain. “I am surprised that you would misjudge me so.”
“I am sorry,” Emmeline murmured, bowing her head in shame. “I am distraught and have too few options.”
Michael nodded in understanding. “I would never leave you alone with this if there was any hope at all that we might find Rebecca, but if there are no further clues as to her whereabouts, I must follow this lead.”
“Lead?” Emmeline cocked her head to the side, even more confused than before.
“I believe that it is possible that this Mr. G may be the very same man who has orchestrated the art thefts that have been sweeping the country,” Michael explained.
Understanding dawned within Emmeline’s mind, and she felt even more ashamed of herself for thinking the worst of him. “I see.”
Michael’s expression changed from one of pain to compassion. “I know that this is difficult for you. I swear to you that I am doing all within my power to bring your sister back home safely to you.”
The change in the way that he was looking at her caused Emmeline’s heart to stutter in her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered, tears filling her eyes.
“Come with me,” Michael offered, his eyes holding hers with an intensity that caught her off guard.
“Leave London?” Emmeline shook her head. “How could I possibly leave with Rebecca still missing?”
“You have been complaining that you have not been able to accompany the men on their investigations,” Louisa reminded her, her eyes glancing toward the painting on the wall with the hidden map. “I am certain that it would do you some good toreturn to the countryside for a time. It has been years since you set foot on the family country estate.”
The hidden meaning behind Louisa’s words lifted Emmeline’s spirits. “Indeed, it has, but someone should remain here for word of Rebecca.”
“I shall remain.” Theodocia Frampton entered the room in her usual elegant, stately manner. The only sign of her inner distress was the dark circles under her eyes, amplified by the pallor of her skin. “You should go, Emmeline. If there is any chance that these thefts have anything to do with your sister, you should go.”
“And what of your belief that the magistrates and runners should be the ones to handle the investigation?” Emmeline asked her pointedly.
“You will be safer outside of London,” her mother dismissed Emmeline’s petulance with a flick of her wrist. “You also have your father’s eye for art. You may see something that others have missed. It was he who acquired a great many paintings for the former Earl of Ravenshollow, after all.”
The unexpected compliment from her mother shocked Emmeline into silence. “However,” Theodocia eyed Michael with warning. “Do not do anything that might tarnish her reputation.” The unspoken words,so that you do not ruin any future marriage prospects,hung in the air between them.
“It is settled then.” Michael nodded his head in approval. “I shall have my parents prepare for our arrival.”
“Should anyone ask about our absence…” Emmeline began.
“I shall inform them that you have gone to the country to visit relatives for your health during this difficult time,” Theodocia reassured her. “I will send word to your father’s heir to expect you.”
Emmeline was not convinced that it would halt the gossip, but she left that to her mother to smooth over. “As you wish.”
“My mother will act as chaperone, I assure you, Mrs. Frampton,” Michael reassured her mother. “I will have her send an official invitation to Mr. Frampton’s nephew to have the ladies stay with us. She often waxes nostalgic for the days when we were children and running about the estate. She will be certain to stave off any gossip.”
“As she should.” Theodocia nodded, then turned to leave the room once more. “I shall have the maids prepare for your departure.”
As her mother left the room, Emmeline gave Louisa a questioning look. “What was that about?” she breathed, herheart pounding from the thought of returning to her childhood home.
Louisa shook her head. “I do not know. Perhaps she fears that if you remain here in London that you will be next.”
“I have a similar fear,” Michael admitted. “When those men followed us last evening, I feared that we might lead them to you next.”
Emmeline’s heart fluttered in her chest nervously.Does that mean that he would care? Does that mean that he does care?
“As have I,” Louisa admitted. “It is why I stayed here last night.”
“I do not wish for you to fear for me,” she informed her friend. “Come with me,” Emmeline offered. “It will do my heart good to have you by my side as I return to our family estate.”
Louisa gave her an understanding smile. “Of course, I will accompany you. It would also help to keep the gossips at bay to have me as your chaperone along the journey.”
