Emma looked up. “One can only hope, Mrs. Dunn.”
A knock on the door saved Emma from any further interrogation and the butler entered the room. “Mr. Godwin here to see you, mum.”
Mrs. Dunn raised her eyebrows. “Well, well. Show him in.”
Emma straightened in her chair, the man of her very thoughts appearing as if she’d summoned him herself.
Mr. Godwin walked into the room, but without the same swagger he used to have, and once again, he held two large bouquets of flowers.
“What’s this, my boy?” Mrs. Dunn asked. “Delivering the flowers of atonement?”
“Indeed.” He winked, placing one bouquet in her lap. “My apologies for staying away so long.” Then he turned to Emma and lowered his voice. “Along with a many great other things.”
His eyes were calm and soft like a sage leaf, and it melted Emma’s heart. He smiled, but there was a sincere sorrow in his expression that tugged at her, making her want to stand and hold him and confess everything and apologize herself. But she settled with resting a gloved hand over his on the flowers, and saying, “Thank you.”
“Won’t you stay for tea?” Mrs. Dunn said loudly, teasing the bouquet to make it more robust.
“Unfortunately not. I was only passing through, for I have been summoned to see my father.”
The tone in his voice changed, and Emma watched him carefully. He looked at the floor, his smile somewhat forced, which brought to mind a memory where he’d mentioned his father before. He didn’t seem fond of the man, or perhaps they had a strained relationship. Was it something that contributed to his rakish behavior?
Mr. Godwin stepped toward the door and Emma suddenly felt a rush of concern. “But you will return to visit us?” she found herself asking.
He paused and turned to give her a small smile. “As soon as I can.”
When the door finally closed, the room seemed less bright somehow. He’d hardly been in jovial spirits, but Emma found she missed his company and longed for him to return.
And it didn’t make any sense.