Page 58 of The Girl Out of Time
“Perhaps you need to find your daughter a husband, Madam,” the duke said. “Then she will no longer bother you with ‘such discussions.’”
Louisa sighed and slumped her shoulders, looking at her mother. “See what you did now?”
Emmeline cleared her throat. “Uhm, there is a matter we should discuss at your earliest convenience …”
“Earliest convenience is now.” Louisa winked at her and mouthed a “Thank you.”
“What is it, dear?” the duchess asked.
“Regarding my departure …”
“Ah, yes. You will be leaving us in a few days.”
“Yes, that.” In her sudden nervousness, Emmeline scrunched up a napkin. “I’ve received word from my family that they’d fallen ill. Nothing serious, but they advise me to stay for a tad longer, to not catch the illness myself …”
“Oh, dear. I do hope they recover soon,” the duchess said, the worry in her voice not overcoming her standard politeness. “You may stay as long as you need.”
Daniel strode into the room, whistling. “Good morning.” He sat down, rubbing his hands as he examined the breakfast offerings of buttered toast, poached and fried eggs, and an assortment of jams.
“My, someone is cheerful today,” Louisa said.
Emmeline’s cheeks grew warm. Was his good mood due to the kiss? It had been different—much, much different from the first kiss he’d given her. That one wasn’t bad,per se, but it couldn’t compare to last night. Just thinking about it made her insides flutter and blood rush to her face.
“Perhaps it’s a good day,” Daniel said. He met Emmeline’s gaze and gave her a light smile.
Of course, he had to pretend last night didn’t happen. They were already walking the line of propriety while they resided under the same roof—even if Emmeline was only visiting, and they were never left alone together.
If someone found out about the kiss last night … well, it would beabsolutely scandalous.
“What were we talking about?” Daniel asked.
“Miss Grey will be staying with us for a little while longer. Her family is indisposed,” the duchess said.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Daniel said. “But I’m certain nobody will mind an extended visit.”
Louisa beamed at her, as if she couldn’t wait to plan more activities.
“How long do you plan to stay?” Daniel asked.
“I—uh—I don’t know.” A small voice reminded her she was just delaying the inevitable, but it was very small, indeed—easily overpowered by more pleasant thoughts. Exploring more of the castle ruins, finding Lady Scarlet, figuring out what the duke was up to—and maybe getting another stolen kiss.
She’d still have to write a letter to Maria’s family, though, and tell them she was offered to stay longer. Maybe pretend she was one of the family members, writing it, since the Greys would see the writing wasn’t Maria’s.
“Say, Mother.” Daniel leaned his elbow on the table, stroking his chin. “Why don’t we move the wedding up while she’s here?”
Louisa spit out the tea she’d been drinking. The duchess dropped her fork.
“What is the minimum time you need for the banns—three weeks to call them? That means we could get married at the end of August.” Daniel’s tone was as casual as if they were scheduling a horse riding competition.
The duchess finally came to her senses. “But that would put your wedding outside the season!”
“Exactly. I don’t want it during the season. Let’s do it and be done with it.” He looked at Emmeline. “Forgive my insensitive wording.”
“Of course,” she whispered.
Did he like the kiss so much he wanted to marry her as soon as possible?
Her stomach churned, but she couldn’t quite discern that extra emotion, besides nervousness. Until now, the wedding had been somethingintangible, far removed from her reality. She hadn’t considered it could happen.
