Page 57 of The Girl Out of Time
It was a small mercy she’d somehow mistaken him for Lord Farenham; at least that way, she thought she was kissed by her fiancé, and not herfauxstable boy. A much better outcome.
Even if it didn’t feel like that.
He jumped off the box. Time to focus on the important things. Emmeline would eventually want to examine the pendant, and find it missing, but from what he understood, she didn’t need it for anything, so he hadn’t ruined her plans. He should mail it to Wescott as soon as he could …
But once Wescott got it, would he summon him to London? How soon would that be? And was sending this precious artifact through the mail even safe?
It would be for the best, to leave. But he thought of the day behind him, and Emmeline’s joyous, beaming face as he accepted their partnership …
If he let her, if he could afford to, she could make his life magical. Fantastical.
Chaotic.
He didn’t want to leave yet. He’d only be a friend to her; he’d commit no more stupidities, because neither of themcouldafford it. But he would help her and go along with anything she wanted.
It would make her happy—and that was all he needed.
Chapter 15
Emmeline sneaked to breakfast the next morning as ifshewere a criminal. The duke, the duchess, and Louisa were already in the breakfast parlor, but none reacted beyond the usual greetings when Emmeline assumed her seat at the table. The duchess was pouting in her usual manner, Louisa’s face was hidden by a newspaper, and the duke gave her his usual kind smile.
Perhaps he hadn’t discovered the pendant was missing yet.
Or perhaps he knew very well it was no longer in its usual place, because he’d hidden it himself so that she couldn’t get it.
“Are you all right, dear?” the duke asked. “You’re unusually pensive.”
“I’m fine, thank you.” She lowered her gaze to the table.
“There are new protests against the Corn Laws.” Louisa peeked over the newspaper. “Mama, can we go to Plymouth?”
“Whatever for? If you need more dresses, you can get them in Redbridge.”
“Bonaparte is there, on a boat.”
“And they must report about it in a newspaper?”
“Well, they did, yesterday. I’ll fetch you the article if you want to see—”
The duchess put a hand to her chest. “Certainly not.”
“Oh, please, Mama. Everyone will go see him. And we don’t know what they’ll do with him afterward!”
“Not parade him in front of curious tourists, I hope,” the duke murmured.
The duchess sighed at Louisa. “What have I told you about reading the newspaper at breakfast?”
“But I asked Papa, and he allowed me. Didn’t you, Papa?”
“Yes, dear,” It was unclear to which of his two family members the duke was speaking.
“Do put it down, Louisa. Discussions such as this only ruin the mood,” the duchess said.
“What discussions? You didn’t comment on anything except the unsuitability of me reading the newspaper.”
“Louisa!”
Louisa blew out a loud breath and deposited the paper on the table. “I suppose that’s a no to Plymouth, then.”
