Page 57 of Playing the Scoundrel

Chapter Twenty-Five

It was easy to be happy at a wedding breakfast, especially when it was to celebrate a dear friend’s marriage. Emma was lucky enough to be present for Laura’s wedding ceremony in St. George’s church, then joined her family at Mr. Thorne’s parents’ house for the festivities that followed. Though it was only for a short while, for they would soon leave to start their lives at his parish in the country, and then enjoy a honeymoon by the seaside in Brighton.

But it did bring Emma joy to see her friend so happy. Though perhaps not with the person she’d expected, Laura accomplished what she came to London to do, and was leaving with a husband. It was all any girl could want after coming to town for the season with such high hopes, and Laura would not be disappointed.

Emma’s thoughts frequently turned to the status of her own heart and who would join her in matrimony, but she kept pushing the notion away. She didn’t want to think of the decision she would have to make someday soon, so she focused instead on the present company, and her friend’s happy day. She talked with Mrs. Dunn and her friends, ate some of the delicious rum cake, and tried to catch a moment to give Laura her best wishes.

Suddenly, the conversations ceased, and the crowd approached the doors, an indication the bride and groom would be off. Emma hurried to push through, only to find Laura pushing back straight for her.

“I’m sorry I could not find you before,” Laura said, with all the glow of a newlywed.

“Don’t fret, you’ve been rather busy, seeing as it’s your wedding day. But you must write to me and tell me all about your life as a vicar’s wife.” Emma pulled her into a fierce embrace. “I’ll miss you, but I’m exceedingly happy for you, my friend.”

“Thank you. I will.” Laura nodded with a firm smile. “And may your own happiness soon follow.”

Then she rushed off, her husband helping her into the open carriage. As Mr. Thorne took the reins, he gave his wife a side glance, watching her get settled. The look in his eyes was of unguarded adoration, which made Emma catch her breath. Laura was a lucky girl indeed, to have such an affectionate husband, and Emma was certain she would want for nothing.

It was obvious how truly well they were matched together, and it brought Laura’s own words to mind:He understands me. To be so completely seen and understood, to the point of being accepted, even desired, that the two can no longer live without the other and make a promise before God to seal that affection… did Emma feel that for Mr. Bernard?

The immediate distaste was answer enough. He did not understand Emma so thoroughly, nor did she fully understand him. There were still secrets between them, and his dismissal of her interests seemed like reason enough. Though he was handsome and amiable, and met all her other requirements, though her respect for him had been high, her affection for him was minimal.

And what of Henry? Just the thought of his given name brought to mind the quiet moment shared over the telescope, his touch setting fire to her skin, his voice urging for a different kind of intimacy than he may have sought before. There were no secrets between them now. He knew everything about her sister, her fascination with science, and her impetuous faults, and still he passed no judgment. In fact, with the gift of the telescope, he encouraged her passion, proving just how well he knew her. He understood her and accepted her as she was, more than Mrs. Dunn, more than Laura, more than her own parents. And when she thought of how much she enjoyed and sought out his company, she was coming to see that he might be the one she preferred over all else, the one she truly wanted to spend the rest of her days with.

The realization brought a lump of emotion to Emma’s throat as she blindly pushed through the crowd, making her way back to Mrs. Dunn’s side. But what could it mean? Despite her mistreatment of him and her harsh rejection, his affections had not decreased. He still sought her out, complimented her, made it clear he desired her, but could she convince him she wouldn’t refuse him again? That she would accept his suit? Judith would likely faint clean away at the news, if Emma chose a reformed rake as a husband, for she had been convinced of men’s inability to change. But Emma was not convinced of the same. She had seen the change in Henry, and knew what an outstanding gentleman he was, despite his reputation. If he continued to see the good in her after how she’d treated him, then she was determined to see the good in him. And try to find a way to get him to ask her again.

“Have they gone?”

Mrs. Dunn’s voice shook Emma from her thoughts. She had not realized she had already arrived at the table.

Emma nodded. “They are off.”

“Then we shall be as well. Come along. These old bones desire tranquility.”

Indeed. Emma wanted nothing more than a silent room to sort out her own thoughts.

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