Page 35 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
“No, indeed. I would not wish to deceive my aunt, but I have been becoming increasingly concerned thatanyattention to Lady Seraphina will lead me down a dangerous path. Perhaps we can agree that we will not allow ourselves to be cornered by… undesirable members of the party.”
That surprised a laugh from her, and Emilia covered her mouth, concerned about being overheard as Adam gave her an answering smile.
“Yes, that might suit me very well.”
“The duke is a persistent man,” Adam stated, his voice lowering, his expression darkening.
“Indeed. And the marquess’ daughter speaks enough words for the whole party put together.”
Adam snorted, straightening as he collected himself, his eyes full of mischief. There was palpable excitement and happiness between them now, and Emilia felt as though she could float away into the night and never have another care in the world.
“Thank you for your honesty, my Lord,” she said sincerely. “I appreciate it more than I can say. And I have truly enjoyed your company. I can only hope we will have a good partnership.”
“I hope the same. More than you know.” He glanced behind him furtively. “We should return before we are missed. You should precede me, and I will walk around the other side. I would not wish anyone to see us together unchaperoned; I would hate for it to cast even a shadow upon your reputation.”
Emilia smiled and nodded. “I suppose I shall see you inside, then.”
“Indeed, you shall. Might I request the honour of the next dance? I shall endeavour not to tread upon the toes of my intended.”
Emilia’s fluttering laugh came easily, and she could not help but smile as she made her way to the door.
“I should be very pleased to dance with you, Lord Bellebrook.”
“Then I shall look forward to it, Lady Emilia.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
It took a moment for Emilia to remember where she was the following morning.
There was the chirp of birdsong outside her window and a bright light all around her room. She lay silently in her bed, listening to the world waking up around her, wondering why she felt so content.
Then the conversation with Adam came back to her.Lord Bellebrook,she reminded herself with a small smile.
She was still stunned that it had taken place at all. It was astounding to her that this unassuming and kind man liked her enough not only to tell her he was captivated by her, but to offer her his hand in marriage.
She pushed back the blankets on her bed and stood, walking across the cold wooden floors to the windows. It was the same view she had admired only days before, but somehow the world looked better and brighter this morning.
I am finally free of the duke,she thought in ecstasy.
The feeling was wonderful but bittersweet. Emilia knew, that no matter how much she liked and admired Lord Bellebrook, this was a marriage of convenience. He would no longer have to be pushed toward Lady Seraphina Cheswick—a fact that gave her vicious pleasure—and she would not have to marry the Duke of Elderbridge.
She sighed, looking out into the wintry day before her and feeling festive with the joys of the season. Thinking to the night before reminded her that she needed to speak with Charlotte. It might be unwise to share what had taken place with the earl just yet, but it was not only that which she wished to speak with her friend about.
She had noticed that Charlotte and Lord Spencer had maximised their opportunities on the dance floor, hardly parting for the remainder of the evening, and had never seen Charlotte laugh so heartily.Thatseemed like a love match if ever she had seen one.
She thought of Adam’s kind face, his twinkling eyes, and his mischievous smile. Perhaps she could hold some hope that, given time, he might feel that way toward her. Until then, she had to go downstairs and face a household of guests who she would be lying to for the majority of the next few days—including her own parents.
She thought of Charlotte, guilt weighing heavily within her at keeping the truth from her, but she was unsure if her friend would be able to keep it to herself around Lord Spencer. If it were to get out she would have far more trouble on her hands than she needed.
A gentle knock on the door announced the arrival of her maid and she began to get ready for the day, a spring in her step and excitement in her heart for the first time in weeks.
***
Adam sat beside Lionel in a daze. He had some eggs and buttered toast on his plate, but nothing felt real.
What on earth have I done?
There was no denying that the moment Emilia had agreed to his proposal, he had felt elated. That feeling still lingered, but it was mixed with the guilt that swirled about his mind every day.
