Page 46 of Choosing Her Earl at Last
“I am not,” Michael agreed.
“Your visit to the country should prove to be interesting,” Colin mused.
“I am not certain if this is the right thing to do, but it is the only other lead that we have. I cannot ignore it,” Michael admitted, his heart heavy.
“I will send word the moment that anything changes,” Colin promised.
“Do not put yourself in danger,” Michael warned, pausing in his steps to hold his cousin’s eyes in earnest seriousness. “You will not do Rebecca any good if you get yourself killed in the process.”
Colin nodded. “I will proceed with caution, Michael. Upon this, you have my word.”
Michael nodded. “This is where I leave you.” The men had reached the corner of Michael’s street. “I must go and prepare for departure. I am meant to arrive at the Frampton townhouse straight away.”
Colin nodded, the men shook hands, then parted ways. Michael continued on to his townhouse, mulling over their conversation and what might occur within the days ahead.
When he arrived home, his butler had everything ready for his departure already waiting in the carriage. Entering the house, Michael quickly changed from his tavern disguise to his normal attire before mounting his horse that had been tied behind the carriage and setting off for the Frampton household, his carriage following behind.
***
The journey to Ravenshollow passed uneventfully. Michael rode his horse to avoid the awkward carriage ride north. The Frampton family heir had arranged rooms for Emmeline at inns along the length of their journey so as to avoid any gossip about her traveling with Michael.
He had been in support of their plan and offered any assistance that they might need, while agreeing that it might be best to have Michael’s mother chaperone their visit.
While their father’s heir was family, he was technically an unmarried man who could be perceived as a possible suitor. If Theodocia had been present during their visit, it would not have caused the bat of an eyelash, but without her presence, it put all of their reputations at risk.
Michael’s mother and father greeted them the moment their carriage came to a stop in front of the manor house. While his parents had their own home within the estate’s boundaries, for the sake of Emmeline’s visit, they had temporarily moved back into the main house.
As he had predicted, they were both as kind and hospitable as they would have been with anyone, but there was a slight undertone of uncertainty between the entire group.
“Welcome, Marchioness. Viscountess,” Michael’s mother greeted each lady in turn with the proper decorum of their respective stations. “Your journey was uneventful, I hope?”
“Indeed,” Emmeline returned the greeting graciously. “We thank you for your kind hospitality.”
“Think nothing of it. It has been too long since the laughter of the Frampton girls echoed in these halls,” Michael’s mother reassured her.
A sadness entered both her and Emmeline’s eyes.
“Has there been any word?” She reached out a hand to Emmeline in sympathy, and Emmeline took it in gratitude.
“There has not.” Emmeline shook her head, tears forming in her eyes.
“I am sorry to hear it.” Michael’s mother gave Emmeline’s hand a squeeze before releasing it
“As am I,” Emmeline echoed.
Louisa, clearly taking in the underlying current of the moment, interjected herself into the conversation. “Perhaps some rest before we dine this evening?”
“Yes, of course.” Michael’s mother ushered them all inside as the footmen began unloading their luggage. “I will show you both to your rooms.”
As the women climbed the stairs to their respective rooms, Michael watched them disappear from view.
“You still love her,” his father’s voice spoke softly from beside him. “Does she know?”
Michael shook his head. “No.”
“Do you plan to tell her?”
“I do not know.” Michael sighed. “I truly do not know.”
