Page 89 of A Dangerous Game (Regency Spies & Secrets 2)

Emmeline clasped her hands in front of her as she shared, “I hope it is all right, but I intend to travel to Whitstable tomorrow.”

“Why is that, dear?” Harriet asked.

“I would like to tour Lockhart Manor,” she revealed.

Jane frowned. “But Whitstable is a full day’s journey in a coach.”

Emmeline bobbed her head. “I intend to stay for a few days, as well.”

“Have you told Oliver about your plans?” Harriet asked.

“I have not,” she replied, “but I only just decided to make the journey.”

Harriet eyed her with concern. “Did something happen at the ball that we are not privy to?”

Bringing a smile to her face, Emmeline said, “I just think Oliver and I might benefit with some time apart, at least for the time being.”

“And you think that is wise?” Harriet asked.

“I do,” Emmeline responded, her smile dimming, “and I am confident that Oliver would feel the same.”

“Perhaps you should delay your journey until after you have spoken to Oliver,” Harriet suggested.

Emmeline shook her head. “I intend to depart tomorrow morning,” she said firmly.

Jane spoke up. “Would you like me to travel with you?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Emmeline replied. “I will be traveling with my lady’s maid. She is seeing to packing our trunks now.”

Harriet pressed her lips together. “I daresay that this is not a good idea,” she remarked.

“I shall return before you even notice that I am gone,” Emmeline pressed.

“Since I see that I won’t be able to convince you otherwise, I believe I shall retire for bed,” Harriet said.

As Harriet walked up the stairs, Jane leaned in and whispered, “What did my brother do?”

“Nothing,” she lied.

Jane arched an eyebrow. “Clearly, he did something for you to be running away from him.”

In a low voice, she confessed, “I told him that I had feelings for him, and he informed me that he didn’t feel the same.”

“My brother is an idiot,” Jane muttered under her breath.

“I won’t disagree with you.”

“And that is why you are running away,” Jane said knowingly.

Emmeline nodded. “I just need some time to sort out my feelings.”

Jane gave her a pointed look. “I understand, but you must promise that youwillreturn.”

“I can promise that, but I can’t say how long I will be gone.”

“Just don’t stay away for too long,” Jane asserted. “I will miss you.”

A genuine smile came to Emmeline’s lips. “Thank you for being my friend.”

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