Page 16 of Emma & Edmund

She had half a mind to just leave. To let the cabin disappear into the forest, fading away to nothing but an odd memory. Maybe she would even be able to blame it on her injury, now pounding at her temples with the thought.

Yet, when her eyes locked with his, she found herself pausing before crossing the threshold.

"I...ah," Emma stuttered before gathering herself. "Thank you, Lord Lockhart. I appreciate what you have done for me, and I wish you the best in your search."

"Thankyou, Miss Emma, for the most entertaining time I've had in years."

"Hurry along, Miss Thompson!" Mr. Anthony called from up the trail.

"Well, goodbye, then." Forcing her eyes away from him, Emma stepped onto the soft, wet ground, picking up her soiled skirts just enough to dash to Anthony.

She couldn't help the small glance she took over her shoulder, nearly gulping when she saw Edmund still in the doorway, hands in his pockets and watching her retreating form. Noticing her look back, he offered a small wave. She gave a small smile in return.

It was almost a shame they would never meet again.

The odd pair walked in silence, with only the sounds of the woods and the squish of the ground under her shoes filling the space. It had only taken a minute before Edmund's cottage was hidden by branches and leaves, and there was no sign of Belmont ahead.

If he had wanted, Anthony could lead her right off the edge of the Earth and she wouldn't know any better.

It wouldn't even be too far-fetched, either. She now knew of a deeply kept secret that Anthony had invested in keeping hidden. What better way to do so than be rid of the outsider who knew their secret?

"Are you all right?"

Emma jolted when Anthony's words hit her ears, having wandered down her thought's dark path for a bit too long.

"I think so. Although, I would not be if Lord Lockhart hadn't found me."

Emma almost ran right into the butler's back when he came to a sudden halt. Only then did he start walking again, seeming to take great pains to keep them step in step, side by side. It was odd and uncomfortable on the thin path, with her elbows scraping occasionally against reaching twigs.

"And what were your thoughts on the young lord? I realize it must have been a shock."

Emma huffed out a laugh. "To put it lightly. I'm surprised you didn't hear my scream at the house. Even so, I would be a fool to not realize I'm alive because of him, despite his oddity."

"You seemed rather amicable when I arrived."

"There was no reason not to be. He bandaged me, fed me, and was nothing but a gentleman. After he told the story of his birth, how could I-"

"He told you?" The volume of Anthony's words bounced off the trees and sent birds flapping into the air.

"Was he not allowed to?"

"It's not that, it is just," Anthony took in a deep breath, seeming to steady himself before continuing. "Lord Lockhart's existence is a tightly kept secret. One that I have dedicated my life to protecting. Yesterday, I failed my duty and your paths crossed. In the blink of an eye, should you choose, the secret can become gossip and then, eventually, violence. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to keep this knowledge where it belongs."

Oh God, Emma thought, hewasleading her to her death!

"And so, when we are back at Belmont, name your price and we will pay it."

"Oh, thank God!" Emma gasped, a hand slapping against her breast as the fear-laced air was released, easing the tension in her chest.

Anthony looked at her as if she had just sprung a second head.

"Are you sure you're all right, Miss Thompson?"

"Yes, yes," Emma let out a nervous laugh, "I just thought you were leading me to the gallows, not the checkbook."

It was Anthony's turn for a small chuckle. "Lord Lockhart seemed quite benevolent towards you, and I loath to see him upset."

A hush fell over them for a few more steps, numbers rolling through Emma's head. Just how much is her silence worth? Enough for a new dress? Enough to fill her dowry? Perhaps she should write to her father for guidance?

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