Page 50 of The Odd Riddle of the Lost Duchess
“How could I not?” Ann sighed, but then picked at her gown with her eyes lowered, “That night Em…when you asked me to help you with the Duke of Newberry, was the best night of my life. When George kissed me, I knew it could only be him. I am sorry for the pain it caused you but…” Ann trailed off with her eyes brimming with sorrow, “I’m happy.”
Emmeline pushed back her own melancholy. Her life wasn’t nearly as glittery as Ann’s was about to be, but she marshaled her emotions into steadfastness. “And I’m glad for you. Ann, I need to send a message to Noah from here, because I dare not do so at home. May I get one of your men to carry it to him?”
Ann’s nod was frantic, “Of course, Emmeline, let me get you some paper.”
Feeling a bit mollified that her friend had agreed to help her, Emmeline took the paper and writing materials and quickly scribbled out a note. Folding it tightly, she took a shilling from her reticule. “Here, find someone quickly.”
Without a word, Ann left the room. Emmeline stood and went to the window, counting her heartbeats until Ann came back, looking a little rattled and red cheeked.
“Mother almost saw me telling one of the servant boys to ride off but I evaded her,” Ann said before flopping in an unladylike manner onto the chaise. “You’re set on the Duke of Newberry, then?”
Emmeline nodded, “I love him, Ann, and despite the obstructions we face, I do believe there will be a way for us to be together.”
Ann reached over and clasped Emmeline’s hands in hers. “I hope so, too, so our children can play together and we can be a big loving family.”
Smiling with her, Emmeline nodded, “God willing.”
* * *
The pronounced frown on Noah’s face was getting deeper and deeper until his eyes were narrowed to slits. The trade proposal Leverton had submitted to him was skewed. How was it that his people should do much of the reaping work, but Leverton would control the sales and the payments?
Rubbish,Noah thought, as he dropped the sheaf of papers on his desk.Does that damned Leverton think I’m an idiot? This has monopoly written all over it.
He was reaching for his stationery to send a scathing reply when there was a light tap on the door.
“Enter,” Noah called out absently.
The butler came into the room, bearing a tray with a letter on it. “Your Grace, this was just received for you. It is from the Benwick house.”
Derailed from his course of writing back to Leverton, Noah felt muddled. The Benwicks? What business did he have with them? As far as he was aware, their daughter Ann was banned from even speaking his name.
“Thank you, Cole.” Noah sighed and took the missive from the man. Leaning back into his chair, Noah opened the letter and seeing the familiar script of his love, he read with pleasure.
Noah,
I have some leeway to see you this evening, I cannot stay long as I am supposed to be with Miss Benwick.
Yours
Emmeline
The note wasn’t long but it was poignant and the best part, that hooked Noah and reeled him in like a fish on a line, was the wordyours.She was his—proffered by her own words—and he was going to do all he could do to make her his for eternity. Glancing at the grandfather clock in the corner of his study, Noah noted it was just shy of ten o’clock in the morning.
This eve,Noah thought pleasantly,this eve will be ours, my beloved.
* * *
“Come again,” Ann smiled as she hugged Emmeline just after a filling luncheon. “You are not a stranger here anymore—my sister.”
“I will be sure to.” Emmeline smiled while taking pains to ignore the heavy stare coming from Mrs. Benwick. “Goodbye for now.
Fastening her cloak and righting her bonnet, Emmeline bade a civil goodbye to the older woman and left for her carriage. With the coachman’s help, Emmeline stepped into the carriage and sat, with a small satisfied smile on her face.
“I wish you all the best Ann,” Emmeline spoke to her friend who was waving from the top of the steps.
Facing forward, Emmeline called out, “Home now, Mr. Allen.”
“Right away, My Lady,” the coachman replied, and guided the horse and carriage up the road.
