Page 20 of A Duke Reformed
Cecilia clutched her side, unable to control her laughter. "Oh, Emma, that's priceless. I can't decide if it's endearing or utterly ridiculous. Why can't he just call you... darling, or love?"
Emma put her hand to mouth, trying to control herself, but the more Cecilia laughed, the harder she laughed too. As theirgiggles subsided, Emma realized that they hadn't laughed like this in a long time. Not since before their mother had passed.
The carriage had barely come to a stop before Emma was out the door. She didn't bother to remove her gloves or bonnet as she made her way down towards the house. Breezing past the open heavy oak door, she made her way straight to her father's study, her footsteps echoing in the quiet hall. Cecilia did nothing to stop her. Her intention and motivation was clear.
She found him exactly where she expected, slumped in his favorite armchair by the fireplace, a half-empty glass of brandy in his hand. The room smelled of tobacco and alcohol, and the air was thick with the stench of his despair. Howard looked up as she entered, his eyes bloodshot and his face flushed.
"Emma," he said, his voice slurred. "You're back early. How was the... the thing? Was it a ball?"
Emma closed the door behind her and sighed. It was difficult to stay angry at the man when all she felt for him was pity. "Thethingwas fine, Papa. But we need to talk."
Howard blinked, his brow furrowing as he set his glass down on the side table. "Talk? About what?"
Emma crossed the room and crossed her hands tightly in front of her. "About the Lord Pearlton."
"Ah, yes. Lord Pearlton. Fine man, isn't he?" Howard said, struggling to rise to his feet.
Emma's eyes narrowed. "Fine man? Father, the man is practically stalking Cecilia. She told me she confided in you about his behavior, and instead of putting a stop to it, youencouragedher to court him. What were you thinking?"
Howard sat back down on his chair, unable to stand his gaze avoiding hers. "Now, Emma, let's not exaggerate. Lord Pearlton is a gentleman of good standing. If he's taken an interest in Cecilia, it's only natural that she should encourage him. After all, we need all the help we can get."
"Help? Father, the man follows her everywhere. He sends her letters, shows up to events, and practically hovers over her like a vulture. That's not courtship, that's obsession. And instead of protecting her, you're pushing her into his arms!"
"You are exaggerating, Emma," he said to her. "And I will not stand and let you insult a titled man. He is a wealthy man with connections. Getting acquainted with him could solve all our problems."
Emma stared at him, her heart pounding with anger. "At what cost, Father? Cecilia is terrified of him. She only agreed to entertain his advances because you told her it was her duty. How could you do that to her?"
Howard's expression softened, and he ran a hand through his graying hair. "Emma, I'm not forcing her to marry him. I'msimply suggesting that she keep her options open. Besides, staying close to a man like Lord Pearlton could increase her prospects. And ours."
"Increase her prospects? At what cost, Father? Cecilia deserves better than to be pushed into a match with a man she's afraid of. She deserves to be happy."
"I know Pearlton," Howard said. He tried to stand again, and this time, he succeeded. "He might come on a bit strong, but he is a good man. You of all people should know that the more interested a gentleman shows in a lady, the better her chances of securing a better match."
Emma slowly dropped her arms. "So, you are not trying to force Cecilia to marry him?"
"Of course not," Howard said, leaning heavily on the table. "My goodness, we don't even have her dowry yet. How could I force her into anything? I'm just trying to keep our options open. Lord Pearlton may not be ideal, but he's shown interest, and that's more than most have done. If Cecilia can secure a better match, all the better. But for now, we need to play the hand we've been dealt."
Emma sighed, her shoulders slumping as the fight drained out of her. Although she still hated the idea, she could see the sense in it. Her father was just a desperate man trying to keep the family afloat however means necessary. While she didn't agree with his methods, she could understand his reasoning. Still, that didn't mean she had to like it.
"But you have to promise that if he does anything inappropriate...that if Cecilia ever comes to complain about him to you again, you will stop this," she said finally, her voice quieter now.
"Emma, nothing is going to happen," Howard said, pouring himself another drink.
"Papa, I understand what you're trying to do. But I won't let Cecilia be pushed into something she's uncomfortable with. If Lord Pearlton continues to put pressure on her, I'll handle it."
Howard raised an eyebrow. "Handle it? And how do you plan to do that?"
"I'll make it clear to Lord Pearlton that his attentions are unwelcome. If it ever comes to that, I wouldn't care what it does to us."
"Fine," was all Howard said, bringing his glass to his lips.
Emma wanted to say something to him about his drinking, but she stopped herself and made her way out of the room. Since she knew how Cecilia truly felt about Lord Pearlton's name, she decided she would be the guard dog she had always been. She would make sure Lord Pearlton never got the chance to do anything inappropriate to her sister. It was just one more thing to take charge of, one more burden to shoulder. But she was used to it. After all, she had been carrying the burden of her family's troubles for a while now.
What was one more?
CHAPTER EIGHT
"Your Grace! What a pleasant surprise."
