Page 71 of A Duke Reformed
Howard stopped abruptly in his tracks and turned to her. "I am aware that you have dresses, Emma. But none from this season. You've worn them all before. These things matter, no matter how much you wish they didn't. We cannot afford to look fadedor... forgotten in the past. Not when we're already walking a fine line."
Emma stepped in front of him then, forcing him to stay rooted where he stood. "But we are walking a thin line," she whispered. "So shouldn't we be cautious? We don't have the luxury to spend just to make an impression, certainly not when we can still make do. No one will mind if our gowns are a season old at a private dinner party. This is another reason why I would have preferred we don't attend."
"I insist," Howard rasped. "It's the Duke of Montclaire we're talking about."
"Pardon me saying this, Papa but you do not know the man," she said to him with a scoff. "He certainly does not care for appearances."
"How would you know that?"
Emma stuttered. She had said too much. She feared that Howard would begin to connect the dots and realize that she and Solomon had a complicated relationship. Bur before her silence could feed his suspicion, they were interrupted by a familiar voice that made Emma stiffen.
"Lord Lockhart," Lord Pearlton greeted.
Emma turned and surprised herself by nearly sighing aloud in relief. Lord Pearlton stood in front of them, with another lord at his side.
"Lord Caldhurst here was just telling me about a hunting party he is putting together. I suggested he talked to you about it because you know better about these things," Lord Pearlton explained.
Lord Caldhurst turned slightly toward Howard, smiling. "Pleased to meet you, Lord Lockhart. I've heard only good things about you from Lord Pearlton. I hear you're quite the connoisseur when it comes to countryside sport."
Howard chuckled, pleased. "Well, I wouldn't go that far, Lord Caldhurst, but I do know a good bit about the land in those parts. I spent some time in Derbyshire in my youth. My uncle had property out near Matlock."
"Ah, splendid then!" Lord Caldhurst said. "I'm considering hosting a gathering on my estate in early summer. With game, archery, a bit of sport. Perhaps you would be interested in joining?"
As the two men fell into deeper conversation, Emma suddenly became aware of her own silence. She was now left awkwardly standing in front of Lord Pearlton, who – she could tell – was finding it awkward as well. His forced grin was as bright and persistent as ever, and though she disliked him for various justifiable reasons, she could hardly stand there like a statue without saying a word. It would be rude.
Forcing a polite smile, she dipped into a belated curtsy. "Good morning again, my lord. I hope you've been keeping well."
Lord Pearlton bowed in return, his gaze lingering on her for only a second before he cleared his throat. "Good morning, Miss Lockhart."
She nodded once more, clasping her hands before her as silence settled awkwardly between them again. She loathed standing before him. His presence always made her skin prickle, but for once, she was thankful for the interruption he had brought. Anything to distract from the conversation with her father.
"My lord," she said, striving for civility. "What brings you to Hyde Park this morning?"
"Enjoying the air, and making conversation with acquaintances," he replied with a smirk.
She offered a tight smile in response, resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she recalled the frustrating ordeal he had put Cecilia through.
"Though I must confess, my last stroll through this park was far less calming," Lord Pearlton added.
Emma raised an eyebrow, the corner of her lips twitching as she tried to hide her reluctance to continue the conversation. "Oh? Why is that, my lord?"
"I'm guessing you ought to know why that is," he answered and scoffed. "After seeing you with the Duke of Montclaire at Lord Alexandar's Ball last week, it all started to make sense."
Emma tilted her head to the side. "I'm not sure I'm following, Lord Pearlton."
"The last time I was invited to the park to meet with His Grace, I thought he heard about my business triumphs and wanted to forge a partnership," he explained, visible uncomfortable. "Imagine my surprise when the Duke of Montclaire issues me a warning to stay clear from the Lockhart women. Miss Cecilia in particular."
Lord Pearlton inhaled sharply and placed both hands behind him. "Please make sure to let the duke know that I kept my word. It was never my intention to make Miss Cecilia... uneasy. I would prefer not to be on the receiving end of His Grace's disapproval again."
Emma stared at him, utterly stunned. "The duke... asked you to stay clear of Cecilia?"
Lord Caldhurst clapped her father on the shoulder and offered a hearty chuckle, turning Lord Pearlton's attention back to the conversation he was supposed to be a part of.
"Well, Lord Lockhart," Caldhurst said jovially. "I shall send word about the hunting party once we've set a date. It would do me good to have someone with your experience involved."
Her father nodded with an affable grin. "I'll look forward to it, my lord," he said then turned to Lord Pearlton. "We should sit down for a drink one of these days, my friend."
"Certainly, Lockhart," Lord Pearlton answered.
