Page 11 of Three Scandals for the Wild Duke

“As a matter of fact, Miss Lovell, I planted the very tree on the grounds myself,” Firman replied, his voice filled with passionand pride for his horticultural endeavors. Only then did she realize she had given her thoughts a voice.

“It is fruiting marvelously. Francois is beside himself,” the Earl continued, his eyes lighting up with the mention of his estate’s successful harvest.

“I am sure his talents would work wonders with citrus, too,” Emma smiled, aiming to engage further on the topic she found genuinely interesting.

“Oh, wait until you taste his tarts, and orange cakes.” This response came unexpectedly from Seymore.

Emma was not impressed by his intrusion into her conversation with the Earl. He was always wedging himself into discussions in the most inconveniencing of ways. She gave him a displeased look, only for him to return it with another grin that served to infuriate her more. Yet, despite herself, a part of her couldn’t help but find him quite fascinating—the treacherous part.

Emma decided to ignore the Duke and returned her attention to Firman, hoping to redirect the conversation. “What other fruits do you have on the property, My Lord?”

“There are lemons and apples. Strawberries in the greenhouse…” Seymore listed once more before the Earl could respond.

Emma felt her fingers curl tighter around her fork. He was doing it again. And that impudent grin remained pasted on his face.

“That is correct, Miss Lovell,” Firman confirmed with a nod. “I have some blueberries, black currants, and some plums, as well.”

“Impressive,” Emma managed to say, trying to keep her tone even. “Do not tempt me to spend my springs and summer here.”

“You are more than welcome to, Miss Lovell, and my sister has taken a liking to you.”

Symore cleared his throat. “Firman has some dried figs and bananas imported from around the world. I am sure he will grow them once he discovers a way to make them thrive in English soil.”

“What do you not have, My Lord?” Emma chuckled, purposefully making sure to avoid Seymore’s gaze and pretend as though he hadn’t just spoken. She was also attempting to be flirtatious.

“I should show you the nursery sometime, Miss Lovell,” Firman unexpectedly suggested, his invitation had her blinking.

“Oh, that would be lovely.” Emma tried to hide the wave of guilt that coursed through her with a smile.

“I haven’t been in there a while. I should join you,” the Duke suggested, inserting himself into the invitation.

“We can all make a visit then,” Firman decided, much to Emma’s dismay.

She nearly groaned aloud in frustration. She reached for her steaming mug of coffee in an effort to distract herself from her anger. Perhaps she should declare war on the Duke, for a more irksome human being she had never met.

“What a lovely day to be outside!” a woman’s voice suddenly joined them in the breakfast room. It was Lady Amberton, her presence always marked by a vibrant cheer. “I’m having the carriages prepared. I think we should put the clement weather to use and take a trip to the village,” she declared. The Earl nodded in agreement before turning back to Emma.

“You see, Miss Lovell, the weather here is excellent for an orchard. I try to take advantage of that,” he said to her, his voice infused with a passion that was nearly tangible.

“Oh, I can definitely see it,” Emma chuckled, her gaze sweeping over the lush greenery visible through the window. “With such sweet oranges, even I would plant more,” she added playfully, lifting her glass of orange juice to her lips. The Earl laughed heartily at her remark, clearly pleased with her appreciation.

“Oh, Firman, did I tell you that Miss Lovell here found my lost brooch?” Lady Amberton said, her eyes sparkling with gratitude as she turned toward Emma.

“Is that so?” The Earl’s interest was piqued as he directed his attention at Emma.

“It was my pleasure,” Emma replied, her smile genuine. Finding the brooch had been a fortunate accident, but she was glad it had endeared her to Lady Amberton. The woman was agreeable.

Why did you truly do it, Emma? To win their favor?She immediately quieted the probing voice.

“Oh, you saved us a great deal of trouble, Miss Lovell.” the Earl folded the newspaper. “We would have never heard the end of how she lost her precious brooch.” He grinned at his aunt as he finished his coffee.

“Indeed, her lamentations would have been endless, and now she will never stop talking about you, Miss Lovell,” Seymore said mischievous glint in his eyes.

Lady Amberton sent a playful glare in his direction at his remark. In response, he blew her a theatrical kiss, which only caused the Earl to laugh even more. Emma found herself caught up in the jovial atmosphere, her earlier frustrations momentarily forgotten.

After their mirth had subsided, Lady Amberton said, “I shall pair you with Miss Lovell here for our outing, Firman.” Emma sucked in her breath. She ought to be satisfied with the arrangement, yet she was left feeling ill at ease. She looked at Seymore and found him looking almost displeased. Despite herself, she decided toplay his game and grace him with a wide, smug grin. His eyes flashed at the challenge.

“Did you say you were paired with the Earl?” Caroline clapped her hands together in ecstasy in Emma’s bedchamber. “We must get you dressed to impress,” her mother went on, choosing a dress for her with the lowest neckline she could find.

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