Page 34 of Playing the Scoundrel

Chapter Thirteen

Emma strummed her fingers on the desk, an empty piece of paper before her bearing nothing but the opening line ofDearest Judith.How the rest of the letter would go, she hadn’t the faintest idea, for she didn’t know how much to disclose. Emma was certain her sister would not approve of the revenge plot she’d concocted, but it was the thing that occupied most of her time and thoughts, so the letter would feel rather empty without that information. Still, filling in her sister about developments with Mr. Bernard would probably be more encouraging and well received, so Emma picked up her quill with a sigh.

Dearest Judith,

You’ll be pleased to know my time in London with Mrs. Dunn has not been in vain.I think I have done fairly well for myself, all things considered. Almost the first night we arrived, Mrs. Dunn picked out a particular gentleman for me; Mr. Amos Bernard. He has been a most attentive suitor, one whom Mrs. Dunn approves of highly. As for myself, I find him to have a mild temperament, good manners, wealthy enough and plenty handsome. We’ve gone to the theatre together, invited him to tea twice and dinner once, and he has asked me to dance at various balls. This afternoon he’s invited me to join him for a ride in Hyde Park, which is making a statement to be seen together during the fashionable hour, so I can only think it to be more promising. I shall write again when I have more news, but for now, things seem to be moving along better than we could have hoped. Please give my niece a kiss for me, and perhaps when I see you again, I shall be a married woman, and we won’t have to stay apart for so long.

Your affectionate sister,

Emma

Giving it a read over and nodding in satisfaction, Emma folded the note and scrawled the direction that she knew by heart. Judith’s location of a country cottage was not a secret, but sending communications from London only to receive a response from her ruined sister opened up the possibility of discovery, especially when Mrs. Dunn had done her best to keep Emma’s disgraced family connections hidden. But Judith had been cast off for so long, and she deserved to know what was happening with her only sister.

When Emma looked out her window, the sun had finally made an appearance behind the gray clouds, which meant the buildup of snow along the road was finally beginning to melt. It had not been a painful or difficult winter, but Emma was anxious for the return of spring and summer all the same. She hoped her ride with Mr. Bernard would be warm enough. She wasn’t sure if he was the kind of gentleman who would offer her his coat or closeness for warmth, but she didn’t think so. Especially not the way a man like Mr. Godwin would.

No, indeed.

Her maid helped her change into a dress that would be appropriate for riding out in public, and then Emma made her way downstairs. She hadn’t heard any announcement about Mr. Bernard’s arrival, but he stood in the entryway talking with Mrs. Dunn. When they both looked up, Emma smiled in greeting. “Good afternoon.”

“There she is,” said Mrs. Dunn.

Mr. Bernard smiled, seeming pleased as Emma approached. She kept her eyes on him, and Emma was grateful she had at least earned his interest thus far. Mrs. Dunn’s goal was certain to be achieved if Emma had anything to say about it, and Mr. Bernard was such a good match. She just needed to get to know him a little more, pull out some semblance of his character, which he seemed to keep close to the vest. Once the season was over, and she had secured the engagement, and Mr. Godwin was out of her life for good, Emma would have nothing to complain about.

“Good afternoon, Miss Follett,” he said as she arrived by his side, taking her gloved hand and kissing it. “How lovely you look.”

Emma flushed under his praise. “Such a charmer, Mr. Bernard.”

“Well, off you go. The hour will pass quickly enough, I’m certain.” Mrs. Dunn motioned toward the front door. “And I won’t have you late arriving or returning.”

“Of course, Mrs. Dunn.” Mr. Bernard bowed in departure. “Thank you for sparing her for the afternoon.” Then he opened the front door of the townhouse and led Emma outside.

Waiting on the street was a muted yellow curricle led by a pair of dark horses. Mr. Bernard helped Emma up into her seat, before rounding the horses and pulling himself up. After taking the reins from the footman, he smiled at her. “Shall we be off?”

Emma nodded. “Yes, indeed.”

They pulled out into the street, the horses trotting through traffic and around people before they grew close to the Hyde Park borders.

“Have you heard from your family of late?” he asked.

“Actually, just before you arrived, I was penning a letter to my… mother. I imagine I will receive a hearty response from her soon. She is anxious to know how things go for me here in London.”

“I can imagine. And it’s only your parents back at home, correct? I believe Mrs. Dunn mentioned you once had a sister, but she had passed some years back.”

Emma swallowed. She did not have Mrs. Dunn’s society-savvy ways to protect her now, but she did not love the thought of portraying her sister as deceased to improve Emma’s chances at a match. The truth would have to come out at some point. “Yes, it was quite a sad time.”

“That’s understandable.” He nodded but said nothing more.

“And what of your family?” Emma asked, the sound of the turning wheels filling the silence.

“You’ve already met my mother, but I also have three younger sisters and a small brother.”

“And your father?” Emma asked.

He paused for a moment before responding, not giving her even a glance. “He also passed.”

“I am sorry to hear it.”

His words were growing short, and Emma could tell it was a sore discussion point for him, so she did not press for more. She remembered how Mrs. Dunn had mentioned he had family scars of his own, and it made Emma want to shake her head. What a pair they were. She, keeping secrets about her sister who was very much still alive, and him likely not telling the whole truth regarding the death of his father. And just when she’d been trying to create more of an understanding, get to know him and be his friend.

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