Chapter Thirty #2
“That is certainly good news.” He relaxed into the chair.
“The rumors swirling about last evening were dreadful to hear. Especially when your father spent the whole of the evening ensconced in his study with Lords Wyldewood and Ashcroft. Word is that your brother was absent from whatever discussions were taking place. And now, Lord Wyldewood has gone to London on mysterious business.” The grin that flitted across the man’s handsome features gave Emily pause.
Obviously, he was searching for any nugget of information she would supply, but she refused to indulge Patrick’s curiosity.
“I’m not sure what they might have discussed, other than maybe an expression of gratitude to Lord Wyldewood for ensuring my safe return.
I was unseated from my mare during the thunderstorm and injured my wrist,” she explained blandly.
She’d not seen her brother since that hazy moment Wylder had carried her into the foyer.
That he had not sought her out made her more than nervous.
Emily did not blink as she regarded the man.
“I’m very fortunate that Lord Wyldewood came by when he did.
Otherwise, I faced a very long, unpleasant walk home in the rain. ”
“I see,” Patrick murmured, cocking his head as he studied her intently. Then he brightened, his tone turning almost jovial. “Are you well enough to attend the ball this evening?”
“Most certainly. Of course, I will refrain from taking part in any of the dancing, but there is little reason why I cannot visit with guests and stroll about the ballroom and the terrace. ’Tis only my wrist that pains me…
not my feet. And if the binding remains tight so that I cannot move it, it should be fine. ”
Patrick’s gaze dropped to her wrist once more, the corners of his lips quirking upward as though she’d uttered something amusing.
A twinge of unease settled in Emily’s stomach as she realized the man found something intimate in her words.
Wylder exhibited a fascination with tying her up.
Perhaps Lord Bashear was interested in the same pursuits.
She felt her cheeks turning pink, the flush warming her entire face.
“I look forward to escorting you on your strolls this evening, Lady Emily.” His charming smile was meant to put her at ease, but it failed miserably. “And if you are feeling up to it, perhaps a waltz may be attempted?”
“That would be lovely.” Hopefully, Wylder would return in time to prevent that from happening, but until their engagement was announced, Emily was left no choice but to politely accept the offer.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Charlotte enter the parlor.
The countess’s gaze skimmed the room’s inhabitants, her face lighting up with a smile once she caught sight of Emily.
Just as quickly, Charlotte’s brows knitted together when she realized Patrick was seated with her.
“Very good.” Patrick rose from the chair, taking Emily’s uninjured hand and pressing a quick kiss to the back of it.
“I’ve more reason now than ever to look forward to this evening.
Now, if you will please excuse me, I must inquire of my aunt if she needs my assistance.
Some of the gentlemen are engaging in a game of billiards this afternoon, so she may find my absence unsettling.
” He bowed a second time and took his leave as Emily sighed in silent relief.
Once Patrick sauntered off, Charlotte hurried over to Emily and sank into the chair he had just vacated. Grateful to see her new friend, Emily scooted closer along the chaise so that the two of them might carry on a more private conversation.
“It’s a good thing Wyldewood was not here to see that,” Charlotte said with a grin. “If he is anywhere near as possessive as Lucien, we might have had a true brawl right in the middle of your mother’s pretty parlor.”
Emily stifled a laugh. “Do you think Wylder would actually do that?”
“I believe he would.” Charlotte smoothed a hand down the front of her dress.
“In my own personal experience, once a rakehell falls in love, he finds himself overcome with the need to protect. And that includes fending off any threats, both real and perceived, to his claim on you.” She gave Emily a half-serious smile.
“I only mean to warn you, in case you are shocked by your rakehell’s inevitable behavior. ”
“I am aware,” Emily replied in a more somber tone. “Wylder is definitely the possessive type.”
“The two of you have come to an understanding, then?”
Emily nodded. “He came to my room late last night.” Her features softened with remembrance of the magical time Wylder spent in her bed that morning. “He says he loves me and has asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes.”
“Lucien told me Wyldewood left for London early this morning. It seems he will seek to obtain a special license. And being the son of a duke, as well as having high-ranking friends and being a powerful earl himself, he’ll have little problem receiving one.”
“I can hardly believe it’s true.” Emily smiled and explained, “You see, I’ve been in love with him forever, and while it was obvious he had an affection for me, my brother worked very hard at keeping us apart.
” She ran a finger over the edge of the bandage around her wrist before asking, “I’ve not spoken with Simon about any of this.
He’s been so determined… I worry Simon’s over-protective anger will escalate into something horrible.
I hope I may speak with Lord Ashcroft and see if his intervention will prevent that from happening. ”
Charlotte smiled sympathetically. “Lucien is aware of the issue. Before I came here to speak with you, he told me he was going to speak with Simon and try to make him see reason. Hopefully, he succeeds.” She paused and gently changed the subject. “How is your wrist?”
Emily grimaced. “Sore, but if I admit that out loud to anyone but you, my mother or Wylder will place me on bedrest for a month.”
“You are most likely correct about that.” Charlotte’s bright blue eyes twinkled with sudden mischief. “However, there are certain benefits to such a scenario that you cannot fully appreciate yet. A month in bed with your husband? You will soon find that to be something to look forward to.”