Page 61 of The Earl's Christmas Deal
Everyone had gathered in the parlour room to wish each other joy.
But despite the brightness of the room and the merry garlands all around them, the company was a sombre group.
Adam had been touched by the obvious concern of so many. Lord and Lady Fairfax had asked if there was anything they could do and had summoned the family physician who lived close by to tend to Emilia.
Lord and Lady Pinkerton had been suggesting different tinctures that he might employ to alleviate Emilia’s symptoms.
Adam’s mind was stuck on one image in a cycle: Emilia's crumpled form. Her lovely face against the cold marble, her body limp in his arms.
He sipped his mulled wine, staring out of the window, trying to ensure that his face did not betray his inner turmoil. He wanted to be alone in his study in the silent company of books and wished he had never come to this damned house.
Just like that, the thought solidified in his mind.I must leave.
He knew that Elderbridge would be crowing about his betrothal as soon as Emilia was well again—or perhaps even sooner if he knew the duke as he believed he did. Adam gulpeddown the last of his wine and walked slowly from the room, not wishing to attract any unnecessary attention.
He found a footman in the hall and instructed him to prepare his carriage. Walking up the stairs to his room, he staunchly avoided looking at Emilia’s bedchamber door and made his way to this room.
Villiers looked startled as he entered. The man had been cleaning his shaving brushes and looked up in consternation as his master re-entered the room. He hastily put down his things and stood.
“My Lord, my apologies. What can I do for you?”
“Pack my things, Villiers, please. I will be leaving this morning.”
Adam knew it was damnably unfair to his faithful valet to make him travel on Christmas Day of all days, but he could not bear to remain for a moment longer.
Before he could instruct any further action, however, the door opened, and his aunt burst into the room. In the way of quiet authority she always had, she waved Villers back as the valet bowed to her. He retreated into a side room to pack Adam’s things, and Adam watched his aunt close the door, looking at him with an expression of stoic determination.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I am leaving. What does it look like?” Adam said with a clipped tone he knew would rile her instantly. His aunt scoffed loudly as he walked to his bedside, picked up his book, and began to pack the travelling case stored beneath the bed.
“You are running away, you mean?” his aunt asked, and Adam paused, glancing up at her. She was tense, her stare unmoving, distant, and fierce.
“I amleaving,” he said with more anger than he had thought he possessed.
“It is Christmas, Adam,” she implored, her expression softening as he rummaged through the room. “This is a time for family. Please. Stay for the day. You do not know what has—”
“I was a fool to open my heart again. I know that now. I was mistaken about Lady Emilia, and I will pay the price for it.”
“Do you truly believe that girl knew what the duke would announce?”
“She accepted him, did she not?” Adam spat, the fury coming to the surface so fast he felt like hurling something through the window.
“You are being a fool,” his aunt returned, taking a step toward him. “You will honestly leave without speaking with her?”
“And what should I say? Everything is already settled.”
Augusta laid a gentle hand on his arm. “I do not believe she would treat you this way.”
“You do not know her,” Adam said, throwing her off and walking to the middle of the room, looking about helplessly for something to occupy him.
“Butyoudo,” his aunt insisted, and Adam closed his eyes. “Do you believe this is how she would conduct herself?”
“It does not matter,” Adam said bitterly. “She has made her choice.”
He continued packing, his aunt a silent force by the bedside, but she said no more. Adam would not be reasoned withandwas determined to leave as soon as possible.
He would put Sternwood Manor and all the happiness he had felt within its walls behind him, and he wouldnotlook back.
