Page 23 of Healing the Duke's Desires
He was enjoying himself with another woman so much that he did not think of his late wife even once.
Chapter 13
The scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air as laughter and chatter filled the surroundings. The sun’s warm rays seemed to add a touch of liquid gold to the scene, casting long shadows as the afternoon wore on, with the invitation to all the guests to partake in a fun game of shuttlecock.
Emily wasn’t really in the mood to be running about, not with her heart in the state it was in, breathless and palpitating. But Sarah would not have it any other way.
“Shall we give it a try?” she asked, sounding hopeful that she would be placed on a team with Henry, or perhaps playing against him. Emily knew her sister would enjoy either.
She hesitated for a moment, glancing at the makeshift court, then back at Sarah. It was impossible not to share in Sarah’s infectious excitement or not be drawn to her bubbling energy. With a smile, Emily finally nodded, agreeing to the game.
“Why not?” She shrugged, acquiescing. “It’s been a while since I played.”
The two of them joined the group on the court, picking up rackets and preparing for the game. As the shuttlecock was tossed into the air for the first serve, Sarah’s focus sharpened, and her movements became fluid and precise.
Emily found herself quickly getting into the rhythm, her reflexes kicking in as she returned the shuttlecock back over the net. It had really been a while since she played last, but it was easy to get back into the game, especially when one was having so much fun.
Alexander was nowhere to be seen, but even in his absence, Emily could not focus on anyone else. She wanted to materialize his presence with the sheer power of her thoughts, and strangely enough, she always felt a pair of eyes watching her somewhere from the darkened corners. Only, she wasn’t certain whose eyes they were.
Instead of questioning this strange sensation, she endeavored to focus on the game at hand, at least for a short while. Her movements were smooth as their friendly match continued, each point exchanged with laughter and good-natured banter, that seemed to draw everyone in.
“That is a point for us!” she heard Sarah exclaim as her sister’s eyes focused somewhere over the net.
A moment later, Emily could see at whom those words were directed. Henry was on the opposing team, and he seemed to be having a wonderful time as well. Neither could take their eyes off of the other, wanting to be the victorious one so they could later tease each other about it. The energy between them was palpable. No one could deny it.
For a moment, Emily felt envious of the bond between her sister and this young gentleman. Her own fate seemed to be much more convoluted, with the desires of her own heart being refused any audience that might grant them. But there was no point in lamenting her fate. On the contrary, she wanted to be an active participant in her own life instead of simply a bystander. And right now, she wanted to be in Alexander’s company more and more.
As the afternoon progressed, the guests transitioned from outdoor games to various card games and even more mingling. It was as if these well-mannered games brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, and small groups huddled together, playfully attempting to outwit one another. Emily had no group of her own, so while the garden party seemed to weave a tapestry of memories for her sister and Henry, her own path was far less bright.
“Emily?” Sarah leaned closer to her, her voice dropped to a whisper. Emily turned to her, intrigued by her sister’s conspiratorial tone.
“Yes, Sarah?” Emily smiled at the twinkle in Sarah’s eye. She was absolutely certain what her sister’s following words would be about. Or better yet,whothey would be about.
Sarah glanced around discreetly before continuing in a hush, not wanting to risk someone overhearing them. “I have to tell you something… something very important. I think… no, I know that I am utterly infatuated with Henry… I mean, Mr. Wilcott.”
Emily chuckled at the way her sister wanted to say everything at the same time, explaining herself but also allowing her emotions to flow freely. After all, they were sisters and there were no secrets between them. Well, maybe just those that protected one of them.
“I think the circumstances would allow you to call him by his first name,” Emily replied playfully.
Sarah’s cheeks flushed a mixture of embarrassment and excitement. “Whenever he speaks, I… I feel like my heart skips a beat. I cannot seem to think about anything or anyone else.”
Emily knew exactly what that felt like. But this was her sister’s moment. Her heart warmed at Sarah’s confession, although this was already more than obvious, and it was rather endearing of Sarah to think it was still a secret to those around her.
“I am truly happy for you, Sarah.” Emily took her sister by the hand, squeezing it gently. “Mr. Wilcott seems like a fine young man, and I’m sure he will make you a very happy woman.”
“Oh, I do hope that will happen.” Sarah squealed in delight, which was a rather difficult feat as she was still inclined to keep this conversation a secret from everyone else.
“I have no fear it won’t,” Emily assured her as only an older sister could. But she knew what Sarah was mostly frightened of, and that was their father’s final decision regarding the young man in question. “Father is concerned about him lacking a title, but it appears that young Mr. Wilcott is very well-to-do, which makes him a good marital prospect even in Father’s eyes.”
“It does?” Sarah’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief, and utter joy. She clearly couldn’t believe what she was hearing, and Emily was happy to be the bearer of such good news.
“But shhh,” Emily urged her, pressing her finger to her lips. “Don’t tell Father that you know of this. I overheard them speaking about it.”
“No, no.” Sarah shook her head, squeezing her lips tightly so that they were but a slit on her pretty face, symbolizing her silence on the matter. “I shall not say a single word.”
The sisters shared a heartwarming moment, their sisterly bond growing even stronger as they exchanged unspoken empathy. Emily’s heart swelled with joy at witnessing her sister’s burgeoning emotions and the exciting prospect of love entering her life.
They exchanged a few more words before their parents joined them, and Emily seized the moment to disappear off through a hedge maze, hoping for a few solitary moments away from the commotion of the garden party.
