Page 56 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
“Indeed, your Grace. Lady Emilia would never be so foolish as to court scandal, but sometimes a lady cannot prevent a man from overstepping his bounds.”
The duke rose slowly to his feet, throwing the paper behind him as Frederick waited for the inevitable explosion with suppressed relish.
“That is not to be born. I have an understanding with her father. I was with my daughters for much of the day; I confess I did not see what you described. But I thank you for bringing it to my attention.”
“Of course, your Grace,” Frederick said sweetly. There was a pause that was a little too long for Frederick’s liking as the duke contemplated the carpet beneath his feet, his cigar forgotten between his fingers. “Might I suggest, your Grace, that if you have an understanding with Lord Sternwood, you act upon it forthwith? It is not my place, and I would never presume to tell you how to act, but there have been some comments and gossip over the last few days that have led me to believe it is not only myself that has noticed Lord Bellebrook’s attention.”
The duke’s eyes flashed at that, and he took another long pull of his cigar, blowing the smoke carelessly about him and right into Frederick’s face. It took everything in him not to choke on it.
One more hint, and I think I have him.
“I would not wish to see the great name of Easton courting scandal. If you were engaged to the lady, I am sure this would be cleared up instantly.”
The duke finally stiffened and nodded, stubbing the cigar out on a table behind him and turning back to face Frederick with a look of purpose that the other man welcomed above all things.
“As I say, you have my thanks,” the duke growled. “I had not realised it had reached such a degree. I knew that Bentley had been paired with her a few times over the past week, but I was not under the illusion he had any designs on the woman. She is going to bemywife. Her father has promised her to me. That shall not be put asunder.”
“I am glad to hear it, your Grace.”
“Indeed.” The duke eyed him for a moment, a long look that put Frederick’s teeth on edge, but after a long pause, he gave him a curt nod and left the room.
Frederick watched the duke retreating back, stopping himself from jumping for joy at the success of his plan.
One more push and Adam will lose everything he ever wanted, and that title will be mine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Sternwood Manor buzzed with excitement. The lighting of the Yule Log was the final event before Christmas Day, and everyone was in very high spirits.
Many of the guests were laughing together in the great hall, waiting for Lady Sternwood to arrive to light the log. The hubbub of many voices and the odd shriek of laughter echoed around the corridors as servants flitted about making the final arrangements before it took place.
Emilia and Charlotte came downstairs together, their eyes bright with excitement on the eve of a day that might change their futures forever.
Emilia’s footsteps were soft upon the marble stairs, and she linked her arm in Charlotte’s as they approached the guests, who were chattering happily in small groups. The Cheswicks were speaking to the Pinkertons on the edge of the room, and Seraphina was the only member of the party who seemed visibly out of sorts.
Emilia felt a pang of guilt at the downcast expression on her face, aware that any rumours about the growing connection between herself and the Earl of Bellebrook would have doused Seraphina’s hopes for a match in that quarter.
Emilia’s guilt grew as she was unable to suppress the vicious wave of satisfaction she felt at the knowledge.
As they reached the final steps, Emilia saw Lord Spencer look around, his eyes alighting on Charlotte. If Emilia had entertained any doubts of his feelings for her friend, they were gone instantly with that look. Even Lady Spencer looked delighted to see Charlotte, and it was clear everyone involved approved of the match.
Emilia’s heart swelled for her friend. She was eager to go over to the Spencers immediately, but before she could do so, her plan was thwarted by a footman who approached her to request that she make her way to the drawing room.
Emilia frowned at him in confusion but could not deny the request.
Leaving Charlotte in the capable hands of Lord Spencer, who gallantly came forward to join her, Emilia went to the drawing room, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease wash over her the closer she came to the door.
She pushed it open find her parents standing in the centre of the room, quite alone.
She frowned, the sense of unease growing as she took in her mother’s ecstatic expression and the stoic happiness on her father’s face.
“My darling girl,” her mother said, walking toward her, her skirts sweeping behind her as she took her daughter’s hands. “I am so proud of you. I could weep.”
Emilia stared at her, glancing over her mother’s shoulder to look at her father.
“I always knew things would come good,” Lord Sternwood said happily. There was an air of confidence about him that Emilia had not seen for many years; it sent a chill down her spine. “Finally, I am able to release you to the capable hands of a good man who can secure your future.”
Emilia stared at him, dumbfounded.
