14. Chapter 14 #2
Vivian gave her a strange look but did not comment further.
Emma grabbed Lucy’s elbow. “Lucy, won’t you accompany me to the lady’s retiring room?” She steered her toward the curtains which led out to the hallway, grabbing a glass of wine from the footman on the way out.
“Why are we out here, Emma? I’d much rather be with our friends inside the box.”
“Uncle Charles is here tonight.” Emma took a bracing sip from her wine. “Do you want to introduce him to the duchess?”
“Not if we can help it,” Lucy agreed.
“Let’s take a look around for him. He is probably making his way in this direction.
I know he saw me earlier.” They headed down the hall together.
Sure enough, they had not gone fifty feet from the box when Charles Whittingham came strolling down the corridor toward them.
Tonight, he wore a suit in a peacock blue.
Copious amounts of lace flounced at his throat and from his sleeves.
A powdered wig, still popular with older gentlemen, graced his head, and his ever-present cane lent him a distinguished look.
This evening, he had added a monocle to his outfit, and Emma had to stifle a giggle as they approached him.
Perhaps monocles were coming into fashion?
“My dears, how are you this evening? Imagine my surprise when I looked up and saw the two of you in the Duke of Gilchrest’s box.”
“Good evening, Uncle Charles.” Emma and Lucy each received air kisses on both cheeks, continental-style, from their uncle.
Charles scanned the people milling about in the crowded hallway. He gestured with his cane. “Perhaps we could have a private moment of conversation?” He guided them to a curtain, which partially hid an alcove with a little sofa tucked in it.
As the curtain fell into place behind them, he turned to Emma. “So, you are still working an angle to get to the necklace, aren’t you? I thought I warned you it was too dangerous to take on such a high-profile mark.”
“No, Uncle, I am not working anything. The duchess has been kind enough to sponsor Lucy this season. I would never steal from people I consider friends,” Emma replied.
“Besides, she is not doing that anymore,” Lucy interjected. “She has promised me she is done.”
Charles gave Emma a questioning look. “Indeed?”
Lucy ignored Emma’s silence, barreling on. “Yes, this season I will marry a gentleman of means, and he will take care of all of us. Emma no longer needs to put herself in danger. I won’t have it!” Her cheeks flushed pink.
Charles reached out and took Lucy’s hand, patting it gently. “It’s a lovely plan. I do truly hope you find a gentleman of means to take care of you.” His eyes slid over to Emma. “And you, my dear, will you be finding a husband this season as well?”
“If I ever found a gentleman I could rely on, I suppose I would consider it. But my experience has taught me men like that are quite rare, so it is unlikely I will be marrying anytime soon.”
“Hmm, it is too bad you have given up our little side business, because I did happen to see the most divine necklace around the neck of Mr. John C. Caldwell’s newest paramour this evening.
Caldwell is a young man from Massachusetts.
I hear he was sent to London to gain some polish.
He is gambling and whoring his way through town, spending his father’s money.
The necklace consists of four gorgeous strands of diamonds.
She must make him very happy to have received such a fine gift. ”
“Uncle! Really, must you be so frank in front of Lucy?” Emma admonished.
“Sorry, pet,” he said to Lucy. “My dears, I can see you both are doing well, and so I have done my duty as your guardian for today.”
Emma rolled her eyes at Lucy. Some guardian. He hadn’t even asked after the children.
“Oh, I almost forgot. This is for you, Emma.” He took her aside a few paces and passed her a small envelope.
She raised an eyebrow. How had he known he would see her tonight?
Charles shrugged. “Yes, a little birdie informed me you would be joining the duke and his family at the opera. I was all too curious to see if it was true.”
Charles was keeping tabs on her social calendar? Emma peeked inside the envelope, mentally calculating. Satisfied, she tucked it into her reticule.
Charles took both of Emma’s hands and said in a low voice, “Emma, I have always encouraged you to take care of yourself. Waiting for some white knight to come take care of you, that’s all well and good for Lucy, but I know you can recognize a good opportunity when you see one.
The necklace could help us both live well for quite a while.
Even allow you to pay off that moldering manor house you love.
Think about it. Contact me when you have made your decision. ”
Emma nodded. “Thank you, Uncle.” She kissed his cheek. “Have a good evening.” Emma pulled aside the curtain, and she and Lucy exited, heading toward the retiring room.