Page 72 of Three Scandals for the Wild Duke

“I feel as though I have brought this upon Emma,” George continued. “Because of my inability to stay away from her, I have embroiled us in a scandal. She might have to face the consequences despite our marriage.”

“I do agree that society can be unforgiving,” Jane said. “But if you had stayed away from Emma, you would never have found your heart, much less followed it, and she would have likely ended up marrying that old Marquess. Would you have wanted that fate for her, George?”

“I would be damned before that ever happened,” he responded.

“Then that is all you need to know that you did the right thing and are more than capable of protecting her,” Jane reassured, her tone gentle.

George gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you, Aunt Jane.”

“Olivia is already making plans for the wedding breakfast,” Jane laughed and clapped her hands.

“Why, someone running faster than you in party preparations? Unbelievable,” George teased.

“She’s learning fast,” Jane chuckled. “I’m proud of her,” she added, and they laughed together, the sound filling the room with warmth. “I best leave you to those ledgers now.” Jane got to her feet.

“Splendid idea.”

“Do not tempt me to sit back down, George.” She scowled at him, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. George laughed once again. “Oh, and Seymore.” She paused at the door. “Do not allow fear to keep you from giving her your truth. In all its forms.” Her gaze softened as she said that.

Long after Jane’s exit, George found himself mulling over her last words to him. Perhaps he did owe Emma the truth. All sheknew was what society had fed her. It was time she heard it from the source.

He would call upon her, he decided.

“Oh, I cannot remember the last time I had such a breathable meal without your father’s suffocation,” Caroline said as they shared a drink in the drawing room after dinner. Shortly after George’s departure earlier, her father had stormed out of the house in indignation and was yet to return.

“I cannot agree more,” Emma said. Considering she had skipped breakfast and found herself quite famished by evenfall, she had indulged quite a bit in the most sumptuous meal of mutton, potato soup, and cheese pudding.

“How do you feel?” Caroline suddenly asked.

“Well, I am not marrying the Marquess of Neads. I think that summarizes everything,” Emma let out a shaky breath, still unable to believe it all.

“Indeed,” her mother agreed happily.

“It feels unreal, Mother,” Emma sighed, her emotions a whirlwind of relief and disbelief.

“A most fortunate turn of events,” Caroline said dreamily. “Oh, Emma, I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am for you. Seymore cares about you, and I know he will make you an excellent husband,” she added just as the butler appeared with the announcement of a caller.

“This late?” her mother said in surprise.

They were even more surprised when George was announced.

“Forgive my late and unexpected visit,” he said, bowing slightly as he entered.

“Oh no, not at all,” Caroline was beside herself. “Would you like a glass of port? Or perhaps some tea would be better?” she offered.

“I think I would prefer a walk in the gardens instead, My Lady,” George said, his eyes meeting Emma’s with a silent question. “Emma?” he offered, extending his hand.

“Oh, as a matter of fact, Emma was just talking about getting some air before you were announced,” her mother was quick to answer in her stead.

“A convenient coincidence then,” George gave Emma a look that told her he knew differently. She couldn’t help but return his surreptitious smile.

Emma accepted his proffered arm. “It is a beautiful evening,” she remarked as they walked through the garden.

“So much so that I could not stay indoors,” George agreed, his tone light.

“Is everything all right, George?” Emma asked, her voice tinged with concern. She could not help the sudden worry that came over her, wondering why he had called at such an hour. Surely his visit was not without a purpose?

“Quite all right,” he reassured her, but then grew pensive. Just when she began to despair of him speaking, he finally said, “I came to apologize to you, Emma.”

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