Page 34 of Tempting the Earl
Philip let out a surprised chuckle before he commented on her healthy appetite. “Most ladies avoid food in an attempt to remain slim. You obviously have other secrets to staying slender, since you are not a stranger to eating.”
Emily appeared unsure if she should be complimented or insulted, so she just smiled serenely and continued eating, much to Philip’s chagrin. He had been hoping to engage her in a lively argument, but she refused to rise to the bait. So, he let it go for the time being.
“You and my mother seem to be quite popular. There’s already a stack of notes and invitations waiting for the two of you. They are in the library if you wish to review them.”
Emily turned a bright smile upon him. “Truly, my lord? There are notes for me as well?” she questioned eagerly.
Philip was surprised by her enthusiasm but he answered mildly, “Yes, Emily, there are a few of the notes addressed to Miss Spencer. Others are to the both of you, or just to Lady Clara.”
Emily jumped up, thanked the footman, and excused herself from his lordship in a rush. She then dashed into the hall only to realize she didn’t know where the library was. She asked another footman and he directed her to the end of the hall where she quickly stepped into the manly room. She looked around quickly and spotted the pile of letters and invitations on a platter on the desk. She gathered them up and then began to look around the room.
It was an impressive sight with the ornate furniture and artwork interspersed between shelves displaying another exquisite collection of books. She knew she could spend countless enjoyable hours here pouring over the volumes. She had the bundle of papers clutched to her chest with one hand while the other was lovingly caressing Chapman’s translation of Homer’s Iliad when Lord Philip entered the room and stood watching her. So absorbed was she in her perusal of the shelves that she did not even notice he was there until he spoke. She let out a little squeak and almost dropped her bundle while she blushed rosily. Philip laughed and repeated what he had said. “You are welcome to make yourself at home in here whenever you would like, Emily. I know how much you enjoyed the library at Yorkleigh.”
She was surprised at his kindness. “I would not want to disturb your work, my lord.”
“That’s all right, Miss Spencer. Besides, I do not spend as much time in this library as I do at home. Please, feel free to make use of it at any time.”
“Thank you, my lord. Of course, I don’t know how much time I will have to be in here, either. The countess and I have ever so many plans. I don’t know if there are enough hours in the day.” She laughed. “Well, I should take these notes up to her.” She excused herself and fled from his disturbing presence.
Emily had such conflicting emotions in her heart. She felt a profound distrust of the earl, knowing he was in association with Edwin, and yet she was still powerfully attracted to him. He apparently had many kind qualities and none could deny his dashing handsomeness. It was a dilemma that she knew would take some time to sort out. She shook her head at her conflicting reasonings as she stood outside Lady Clara’s door and scratched softly. She was admitted by Smitty, who was assisting the countess with her toilette.
“My lady, look how many notes have arrived for us!” she exclaimed happily, waving the sheaf of papers in the air triumphantly. “Most are for you, or you and me combined, but there are actually a few for me,” she continued in wonder.
“Well of course, my dear. You did make some friends during the house party, you know.” The countess laughed.
“Yes, I guess I did.” Emily realized. She was filled with a renewed zest for life. She had lived a rather solitary existence most of her life and was amazed at the opportunities opening before her. She nearly bounced with delight as the two women began to open the many missives bearing their names.
“But, milady, many of these invitations are for the same dates, what does one do in a situation like this?” Her question revealed her lack of experience, and the countess laughed before answering patiently.
“We either pick one and send our regrets to the others, or we attend multiple gatherings in one evening. Notice, too, that some are for the afternoon, and others are for the evening. We shall be very busy, Emily. You’re going to have to get used to town hours and train yourself to sleep later in the morning since you won’t be getting to bed until the wee hours most nights.”
Emily was filled with anticipation at the thought. Her cup of excitement ran over with the countess’ next words. “Oh, Emily, I almost forgot to tell you, Philip has arranged for us to have a box at the theatre for the season. So whenever you like, we may go. No doubt he has a schedule of which performances are on which evening, so we can make our plans.”
Emily’s composure fractured and she burst into tears, much to the countess’ dismay. “Whatever is the matter, Emily? I thought you would be happy.”
“Oh, Lady Clara, Iamhappy, you’re being ever so good to me. I just cannot believe I am going to enjoy a London Season. And my mother isn’t here to see it,” Emily sobbed.
The countess was at a loss for words. She and Emily had never discussed her personal history in any detail, and she wasn’t even sure when Emily’s parents had died. It was clear Emily was still mourning her loss, and Lady Clara had not even been aware of it. She patted Emily’s shoulder rather awkwardly while the girl pulled herself together.
“I’m sorry, milady, I think I am overwrought with the journey and all the excitement. Perhaps I will just go to my room and wash my face. I’m fine, really. Please don’t worry about me. Maybe you can pick which invitations we shall accept, since I have no idea about such things. I will meet you in the salon in a few minutes.” With that Emily gave the countess a wobbly smile and left the room. Lady Clara just looked at Smitty and shrugged. What could she do?
Emily escaped to her room, sobbing, and her grief seemingly inconsolable. She threw herself onto her bed and wept heavily for some time. She realized she had not truly grieved the loss of her dear parents; things had been too chaotic since their death. Being here in London made it all seem so fresh since this was what they had wanted to provide for her themselves. They would be so happy to see her here, but they would have wanted to be with her, to watch over her and protect her. Well, she had to protect herself now, with the help of Lady Clara and Lord Yorkleigh. She went to the looking glass and it was as though she could see her mother’s face. It was a comfort and she was able to dry her tears and wash the stains from her cheeks. She patted her face dry and felt once again ready to face the world. She left in search of the countess, determined to wring every ounce of enjoyment from this experience despite the private grief deep in her heart.
Emily found the countess in the small salon at the front of the house going over the invitations they had received as well as the schedule Philip had provided for the theatre where they had a box. Emily dropped a brief curtsy to the countess.
“I’m sorry for losing control like that, milady, I think all the excitement has finally gotten to me.”
“That is perfectly understandable, my dear. Now look, I have made a plan for us, if you will agree to it. We shall go out shopping this afternoon and visit the modiste to ensure our wardrobe is all that it should be. None of these invitations are for this evening, so what do you say to going to an opera?”
“That sounds fantastic,” Emily enthused with a return of her usual spirits.
“Excellent. Tomorrow afternoon we are invited for tea to the Fitzgeralds’, and the Waddells are hosting a ball that evening. It gets even busier after that, but let’s take each day as it comes. I have made a list of those we need to reply to, with yea or nay after each. Could you please take care of those for us?”
“With pleasure, milady.”
“Good, and we can leave for shopping in about an hour, then.”
After their shopping expedition and a short nap to refresh themselves, the countess and her companion donned their finery and set off for the opera. Lord Philip had declined their invitation to join them, but the two ladies were content with each other’s company. They were very excited to see the performance. Emily had never been to the opera and it had been quite some time since Lady Clara had enjoyed the treat either. They were in great high spirits as they were assisted down from the carriage by one of the footmen.
