Page 38 of A Duke Reformed
"It's only temporary," she said, glancing at him. "Just for a few weeks. I know these lessons are important to you, and to me, but I need to divert my attention to something else for the time being. At least until it's sorted."
"I am confused, Miss Lockhart," he said and scoffed. "You explained to me that these lessons help you pay for your sister's dowry, and for yours. Do I take it that you've made enough money to cover it?"
"Not at all," she said. "But like I explained, it's only going to be temporary."
"What could be more important than this?"
Emma pressed her lips together, shifting her gaze toward the trees ahead rather than meeting his eyes. "It is simply something I must do."
"Emma, speak plainly," he said to her, throwing his hands in the air. "Give me a good reason."
Emma folded her arms, her fingers gripping the fabric of her gown as though anchoring herself. "My family requires my attention at present. That is all I can say."
Solomon's lips pressed into a firm line. "That is all you will say, you mean."
She exhaled sharply. "Yes, if you prefer it that way."
His frustration flared. "Ducky, I do not enjoy being given half-answers. If there is a problem, why not tell me?"
Emma relaxed her shoulders, almost giving in to the urge to tell him about Lord Pearlton. But she figured it wasn't his problem. It was hers.
Solomon exhaled, his tone shifting, softening. The sharp edge of his frustration dulled, replaced by something quieter, almost careful. He took a step forward and met her eyes.
"Emma, if you require more funds, I am willing to help," he said.
In a fleeting moment, her guarded lowered a bit. She had expected him to be annoyed, perhaps even dismissive. Instead, he was offering assistance, not with condescension, but with what seemed like genuine sincerity. She turned her face away, eyes fixed on the gravel path beneath their feet.
"It is not about money," she said, her voice quieter than she intended.
"Then tell me what it is about," he pressed. "Let me help."
"That is not what this is about," Emma said with a frustrated sigh. "I appreciate the concern, but this is something I must handle on my own. I don't need help. It's personal and I need some time."
Solomon exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face before leveling her with a pointed stare. "That is a ridiculous excuse."
Emma's brows snapped together. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," he said. "You need some time? That is the best you can give me?"
Her temper flared. "And I thought you were a man who respected decisions that were not his to make."
He let out a short laugh. "Respect your decision?" He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "How am I meant to respect a decision when you won't even tell me why you're making it?"
"Because it is none of your concern," she shot back, her frustration mounting. "It's my decision to make and you're making it personal, Your Grace."
"It is when you are throwing away our arrangement without reason," he countered. "I don't think it's fair that you want to jeopardize our arrangements. Now you suddenly decide you have more important things to do?"
"Yes, why is that such an absurd thing to ask of you?" she questioned. "I would have hoped that you'd understand."
Solomon stared at her, as if searching her face for the answer she refused to give. The tension between them crackled like a storm,neither willing to be the first to back down. Unable to bear his heavy gaze any longer, Emma curtsied, preparing to leave.
"If you would excuse me, Your Grace," she said. "I must return to my siblings."
Emma barely made it two steps before she felt the firm grasp of his hand around her wrist, halting her retreat.
"Your Grace," she said, low and urgent, refusing to look at him. "Let go."
He did not.
