Page 49 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
Taking the letter from the man’s hand, Emmeline smiled her thanks at him, examined it. She felt her heart flutter. It was from the Benwick house. Had Ann came around? Opening it, she read:
Dear Lady Emmeline,
Please note my daughter has been the recipient of a courtship proposal from your brother, the Duke of Leverton. She is adamant that she will not accept his offer if you are still estranged from us. Therefore, I am giving you permission to continue your friendship with my daughter.
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Arthur Benwick
Emmeline didn’t know what to think except that this woman had some nerve, “Giving meyourpermission? What gall.”
Dropping the letter on the table, Emmeline continued with breakfast. She huffed under her breath and rolled her eyes at George’s hypocrisy while buttering a roll.So, I must tell him all my doings, but he can’t spare a moment to tell me that he is going to court my best friend?
Even with her irritation, Emmeline realized that this was a perfect opportunity to go see Noah. But she had to do it craftily.
Though anticipation was running through her, Emmeline calmly finished her breakfast and went to see her mother. The grandiose house felt so empty to her even though there were a dozen maids, numerous scullery girls, several footmen, cooks, stable hands, coachman, and gardeners that inhabited the Manor and its grounds.
The Duchess of Leverton was sitting up in her bed with a book in her hands when Emmeline visited her. Pleased that her mother was looking healthier than before, she carefully examined her—her skin had lost most of its sallowness and her face was filling in.
“Mother,” Emmeline smiled, “I have received some wonderful news. George is courting Ann, and her mother is allowing me to see her again.”
A smile curled the Duchess’ lips, “That is wonderful news dear, after all that kerfuffle with you, the Duke of Newberry, Ann, and George. I am delighted to hear this.”
Nodding, Emmeline sat beside her and smiled, “I am planning to go see her, this day. I know it’s not proper but I can go alone to the Benwick’s.It is not that far from us and I’ll be back this eve.”
A small look of consternation evoked a furrow between the older woman’s brows, “Oh dear, that is most perilous. Can you send for Catherine?”
Shaking her head softly, Emmeline replied, “It would take too much time, Mother, and it’s only a quick visit. I will be fine. The coachman is good enough protection.”
The Duchess still looked unconvinced but nodded, “I suppose he must do, but take care, Emmeline, and come back before dusk.”
Smiling, Emmeline kissed her mother on the cheek, “I will.”
Leaving the room, Emmeline paused in the middle of her step to rethink her plan of going to see Ann, and then sneak out to see Noah. It was a bit hazardous but then she nodded in finality. She met a maid in the corridor and ordered her to tell the coachman to ready the carriage, while she went to prepare to meet Ann.
In her quarters, she donned a cloak and a bonnet, slipped out of her kid slippers and into hardier shoes, while arming herself with a reticule and some money.
Fastening her cloak, Emmeline took up the half-empty box of chocolates Gorge had given her two days ago and left the room. She descended the stairs and stepped outside, right under the eaves, just as the carriage pulled up.
The coachman, a Mr. Allen, alighted and bowed to her, “Good morning, My Lady.”
The man’s soft folksy Scottish accent always charmed her and she smiled as he pulled down the carriage steps. “Good day to you, too, Mr. Allen, just a quick ride to the Benwicks this morning, thank you.”
“Right-o, My Lady,” the coachman nodded, as he helped her up into the carriage, “We’ll be there in no time.”
Casting a look to her home as they drove away, Emmeline smiled in satisfaction. The sun was shining brilliantly over the grandiose structure and she hoped the house would stand to the end of time.
* * *
“Thank you,” Emmeline nodded stately to Mrs. Gibbs as she was led to the second-storey parlor. She had just suffered through a stifled conversation with Mrs. Benwick but brushed it off–the matriarch was the least of her worries.
The door to the room opened and before Emmeline could say a word, her arms were full of a babbling Ann. The younger woman’s face was so animated with rosy red cheeks and bright eyes that Emmeline didn’t have to ask to know that Ann was deliriously happy.
“Ann,” Emmeline soothed, “Ann, calm down. I cannot hear a word you’re saying.”
Ann gasped in a deep breath, “I’m going to be your sister, Em. After so long I am going to be your sister, not by wishes alone, but by law!”
“You have made up your mind to marry him, then.” Emmeline replied while leading them both over to a chaise. She was glad that her brother and her best friend were getting married. Finally, there was one thing she could be glad about.
