Page 41 of Playing the Scoundrel

Chapter Seventeen

Emma sipped on her tea, waiting for the niceties of the conversation to pass before she could excuse herself and beg a moment alone with Laura. She did not consider herself a gossip, but when it came to the details of her friend’s life, Emma found herself somewhat in the dark, and she didn’t like the feeling. Mrs. Dunn was asking Mrs. Roberts about the recent remodel of their dining room, and Emma knew they could carry on that conversation for an eternity, so when Laura glanced up over her teacup, Emma cleared her throat before Mrs. Roberts could respond.

“Excuse me, might I steal Laura away for a moment? There’s a book in particular I’ve been meaning to show her.”

Mrs. Roberts blinked. “A book of interest to my Laura? I can’t imagine what, but as you wish, my dear.”

Emma and Laura stood silently, linking arms as they left the parlor.

“Heavens, I thought we’d never be rid of them,” Laura whispered. “You’ll need better excuses next time aside from books.”

“Yes, I should have known better.” Emma giggled, pulling her down the corridor that was lined with servants. “But you must tell me everything!”

“Shhh, once we’re in the library.”

They arrived at the large oak doors, which Emma pulled open and then closed themselves in before turning. “So what’s happened? Are you engaged?”

Laura grinned as if she couldn’t help it. “Not quite yet.”

“But there is an understanding? Between you and Mr. Thorne?”

“I’d like to think so.” Laura turned to sit in a large armchair. “He’s called frequently and invited us to dine often with his family. He’s mentioned more than once that he finds me beautiful and is excessively fond of me.”

Emma’s own heart fluttered. To hear such praise! And likely in an intimate situation where they had to fight for a moment alone. Mr. Thorne was a vicar and undoubtedly a respectable gentleman, but he was clearly a romantic, which made Laura a lucky woman, indeed.

“It sounds perfectly lovely, to be courted so diligently.” Emma sighed.

“What of you?” Laura asked, leaning forward. “What of the man I saw you with?”

“Mr. Bernard.” Emma inhaled, wondering why she didn’t feel as fluttery about him as she felt about a relationship that wasn’t her own. “He’s a very nice gentleman, but not nearly as effusive as Mr. Thorne seems to be. And you seem to match each other so well.”

Laura nodded. “I never could have imagined a better match. He understands me in ways that shock me, more than Mama, more than you, even.” Emma wasn’t offended by the statement, for it was something she’d always hoped for in her own future spouse. “And we make each other better. He’s given me a little more refinement, and I’ve brought a little silliness out of him.” Laura cast her gaze off to the side and smiled. “We’re rather perfectly matched, actually. And to think none of it would have been possible without your fast thinking that first night.”

Emma laughed. “Well, I’m no matchmaker. I only remembered seeing the forlorn look in your eyes, and I did what any friend would do to try and make you happy again.”

Laura placed a hand over Emma’s. “And such a good friend you are.”

“I’m very glad to have done it. Though I have to wonder,” Emma paused, choosing her words carefully, “for as much as you’d talked of him, and for so long, I expected you to mourn Mr. Godwin for quite a while.”

Laura flushed. “I don’t like to think of it, or even talk of it, for all the embarrassment.” She shook her head. “I was quite enamored with him, but his rejection gave me a clear understanding of where we stood. It was my pursual of him that had me convinced he cared for me and made me blinded to the reality of the situation.”

“His rejection at the ball?”

“Yes.” Laura nodded. “Well, and I found him later that night while you were out dancing. I gave him an earful for standing me up, which he did apologize for. But when I pressed him for more, he clearly explained that he was not the man for me, and that I needed to give him up. He was quite sweet and civil about it, and I’m grateful he did not lead me on further.” Laura looked up with a soft smile. “I’m almost happy with how it all happened, else I never would have met Mr. Thorne. I never asked how you two know each other.”

Emma couldn’t keep from smiling. “He’s a friend of Mrs. Dunn’s.” As was the whole of London, it seemed. Including Mr. Godwin. Emma thought back over the many weeks of her stay thus far. Despite her ridiculous plot of revenge, Emma had rather enjoyed herself, and she had Mrs. Dunn’s efforts to thank. Especially for introducing her to Mr. Bernard. In fact, she should be more grateful for that introduction than the other, but she couldn’t examine that thought too closely.

They walked down the corridor and returned to the parlor, where Mrs. Roberts announced it was time to go. Emma gave her friend a squeeze, knowing it wouldn’t be long before she was an engaged or a married woman. Emma needed to work just as diligently to achieve the same goal, but she found the thoughts on that count gave her more confusion than encouragement.

“What a lovely visit,” Mrs. Dunn said, relaxing in her chair after they’d gone. “How was your little chat with Miss Roberts?”

“Most invigorating. I’m certain she will be married before long.”

“I see.” Mrs. Dunn reached for her teacup. “And what of you? Will you be married before long?”

The faces of two gentlemen filled her mind, making her swallow and glance to the floor with worry. One had confessed his love and been rejected in dramatic fashion, and the other was quietly and consistently pursuing her, but had not yet spoken a word of love or marriage. Emma felt such different things for both of them.

“Well?”

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