Page 109 of Wicked Designs
Cedric caught sight of his sisters. “There you are! Come over here and meet Emily.”
The elder, Horatia, was taller, with more classical features, a long neck and sharp cheekbones that reminded Emily of a swan. Though shorter, Audrey was just as pretty, her face rounder and more childlike, but not in a way that hid the intelligence in her eyes.
“Emily, this is my sister, Horatia. Horatia, this is Miss Emily Parr. And this is Audrey.” Cedric chucked his littlest sister under her chin.
Horatia gave a warm smile. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Parr.”
Emily released her grip on Godric’s arm and smiled back. “Please call me Emily.”
“Then you must call me Horatia.”
“You have a lovely home, Horatia.” Emily looked about the expansive marbled floors and gilded furnishings of the hall.
“Oh, Horatia, allow me to introduce you to my half-brother, Jonathan St. Laurent.” Godric prodded Jonathan forward to bow for his introduction.
“Surely you jest, we both know your valet, Mr. Helprin. Shame on you for such a weak attempt at a joke, Your Grace.” Horatia shifted nervously.
“It is a long and sordid tale, Miss Sheridan, but I assure you it is true. He is my brother.”
“It’s a pleasure, Miss Sheridan.” Jonathan bowed overHoratia’s extended hand and brushed his lips over her fingers. She blushed.
Next to Jonathan, Lucien narrowed his eyes. Emily looked back and forth between Lucien and Horatia. Was that the glitter of jealousy?
Cedric suggested they proceed to the parlor, but Horatia fixed her brother with a black look. “Cedric, you and the other gentleman will freshen up first. Half of you smell like horses.”
“You’ve never minded the smell before,” said Cedric.
Horatia raised a brow. “You’ve never brought so many guests before. It’s like a stable in here. Emily may stay, she clearly rode in a carriage.”
Emily enjoyed watching the sparks fly between brother and sister, but at last Ashton interceded. “She’s right, Cedric. We’ve ridden too long today to subject these ladies to the aromas of the country.”
“As if London smells any better,” grumbled Cedric, and lead the others upstairs. The women headed to the parlor, free of the men for a short while.
Audrey and Horatia surrounded Emily on the couch and assailed her with questions. It did not take long to coerce the full truth of Emily’s abduction. They even knew the intimate goings on between her and Godric.
A rosy blush blossomed in Audrey’s cheeks as she shyly asked, “Is it true Godric…compromised you?” It seemed the reach of their gossip exceeded those of the Lady Society column, but they vowed to keep silent.
Audrey took a deep breath. “What was it like?”
Horatia pinched her sister’s arm. “Audrey!”
Audrey scrunched her nose. “It’s a valid question.Cedric never tells us anything. We have to learn from someone.”
Emily’s face reddened, but she decided to be open with them. “It is hard to describe. It is terrifying at first, like you are about to die, but you don’t. I doubt I could have been with any other man than Godric. You must trust the man you are with. Otherwise, I don’t think you can feel safe enough for…” Emily trailed off.
“Dying?” Horatia asked breathlessly.
“Yes. Well, I really shouldn’t talk about it. I sound like some lightskirt.”
Audrey steered the conversation to a safer harbor. “So you will stay with us here?”
“I believe so. Those blasted men have all been tightlipped about their plans, even Jonathan. They barely said a word on the carriage ride over, and they made me leave Penelope behind.”
“The foxhound Cedric bought you?”
Emily’s smile wilted. “Yes, poor thing. She barked and bit Jonathan when they took her away. I hope I can return to her soon. Simkins must be having a dreadful time keeping the carpets clean.”
Horatia leaned forward and laid a slender, elegant hand on Emily’s. “Well, not to worry. There are plenty of animals running about here. We have two old cats hiding somewhere upstairs.” She giggled. “Mittens and Muff.”
