Page 40 of Three Scandals for the Wild Duke

Olivia’s eyes widened. “Oh, but you have George and Alex’s attention, Emma.”

This made Emma wince and she shook her head. “They are not courting me.”

“But they could.” Olivia took her hand. “You have become dear to me, Emma, and I would so love to have you in our family.”

Their tea arrived just then, granting Emma time to consider her answer. Olivia couldn’t know that she was after her brother, and the thought of lying made Emma feel very sick.

“Allow me to pour,” Emma offered in an attempt to distract herself. She filled the first teacup, then looked up. “Sugar?”

“And milk, please.”

Emma added them and handed Olivia the cup before pouring herself a cup. “My parents do not approve of the attention I have.” Emma’s words were carefully thought out and they were true. Her parents disliked George.

Olivia blinked. She must have been thinking about what manner of parents Emma had. “Whyever do they not? One is a Duke and the other an Earl!”

Emma laughed despite herself. “George has their disapproval because of his ‘reputation'.”

“Oh, I see.” Olivia frowned slightly. “You asked to be certain that he is a good man, did you not?”

“I can see that he is a good man, Olivia.”

She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Do you know something, Emma?” When Emma inclined her head, Olivia added, “I thought you and Alex would make a lovely pair, but Iam beginning to think that you and George might be perfect for each other.”

Emma had successfully confided in Olivia without telling any blatant lie. This should have made her feel better but it didn’t. “I think so, as well.”

Olivia’s eyes misted. “This is why you have been so distressed, is it not?”

“It is.” Emma sipped her tea, hoping the warmth would revive her. It did not.

Olivia set her cup down and hugged her. “I am sorry, Emma. Please, allow me to help in any manner that I can.” She pulled away and looked at her. “Would you like me to speak to your parents, to vouch for George?”

“No, please!” Emma replied quickly. “It would be better if George defends himself.”

“He is too proud to,” Olivia pointed out with a sigh.

“I know.”

Her friend believed an impossible love story here. Whether or not that was a good thing was yet to be determined.

“We should speak of something else,” Emma suggested.

“Oh, yes.” Olivia picked up her cup again. “Aunt Jane is considering hosting a final picnic before the party ends. What do you think?”

“That is a splendid idea.”

“She is very fond of you, Emma.”

“I am very fond of her, as well,” Emma confessed with a smile that felt very genuine. “How long have you lived with her?”

“She was married to the late Earl of Amberton for three years before he died. I heard he fell off his horse. Aunt Jane was inconsolable. Father, who was her brother, brought her to live with him, Mother, and Alex. Mother died during my birth, and Aunt Jane decided to raise us instead of remarrying.” Olivia smiled wistfully. “She says Lord Amberton is her only love.”

This was the sort of love Emma dreamed of. Even though Lady Amberton lost hers, she had true love.

“She seems happy now,” Emma observed, reaching for a frosted biscuit. “I suppose you complete her life.”

“She tells us that we do. George was very reserved when he came to live with us after his parents’ death. He was ten, Alex was eight, and I was two. Aunt Jane drew him out, and then he grew charming and decided to lord over all of us.” Olivia animated that with a roll of her eyes, and Emma laughed.

“He became our older brother, and he knows more about the affairs of the Firman earldom than Alex. I would even venture to say that he is both Duke of Seymour and Earl of Firman for how responsible he has been for both realms. Alex would rather be left alone with his plants.”

---