He could do that. And then he would never have to see Miss Emily Pembleton again.
Chapter Seven
“Ido not think I will ever forgive my sisters for this.” Emily exclaimed shaking her head.
“For what?” Natalie asked, canting her head towards Emily.
The two of them had decided to walk together in the gardens, each wanting to take a brief break from the chaos of Emberly castle. Natalie had suggested they walk to the lake, and Emily had accepted.
The birds were singing and there was a gentle breeze in the air. She breathed in deeply, hoping the scent of late summer would calm her. But it did not.
“Neither of them consulted me about this. They simply decided that this was the best course of action.” Emily made a disgusted noise.
“Did you consult Jane when you matched her with Duke Caden?”
“No. But that was different. They had already met and I could see the sparks between them. When she was with him, she came to life.” Emily smiled, remembering how she had watched her sister return to the person she had used to be. “All I did was help them see what they were too stubborn to admit.”
“Perhaps your sisters feel they are doing the same?” Natalie offered. “After all, I am sure they only have your best interests at heart. They are your sisters.”
“I just wish they had thought to talk to me about it instead of tricking me into the whole affair. Sometimes it feels like –” Emily caught herself and shook her head.
“It feels like what?” Natalie asked.
Like they do not know me at all. Like they only accept my presence because we are related. I am simply tag-along Emily.She sighed. She knew she could not say that aloud so instead she said, “it feels like they forget I am my own person. Like they do not trust me.”
“I am sure they do. Although I will admit, it is rather irritating when a sibling decides to interfere in your life.” Natalie grimaced. “I can only imagine how annoying Alexander will be once I am out.”
“Rose will probably temper some of his more brotherly instincts.” Emily smiled, thinking of the stories Olivia had told her of Alexander’s brotherly ways when she had been falling in love with Nigel.
Natalie laughed. “Hopefully. Still, that is two years away and I need not worry about it now.”
“That is true, though it is never too early to start preparing for your first season. At least, that is what my mother always says.” Emily glanced down at the girl.
She was as tall as Emily – all the Emberlys were tall – but seemed far less self-conscious than she had been at that age. She walked with an easy, effortless grace and was not afraid to speak her mind. She had fire and passion which was probably why Emily felt so comfortable with her.I hope the ton does not beat this out of her.
“When did your mother start preparing you for yours?” Natalie asked.
“Well, she was rather more focused on Rose if I am honest. There were some troubles and well, if Rose did not find a good match, it was likely none of us would.” Emily tried to keep her voice nonchalant, even as she felt the familiar sting of in her chest.Rose was her one chance, her crowning jewel.“Besides, I think my mother found me rather more rebellious than my sisters.”
“I think it is the youngest child’s prerogative to be a little rebellious.” Natalie laughed.
“I quite agree.” Emily could not help but laugh as well. “Though perhaps if I had been less so I would not now be in such a frustrating situation.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well not only do I have to win the approval of Lord Baine, but I have to somehow win over his dratted brother as well.” Emily shook her head. “How am I supposed to win over a man like that?”
“Like Lord Baine?” Natalie began to pluck daisies from the grass and work them into a chain.
Emily made a dismissive gesture. “No: Duke Warren.”
“But you are trying to marry his brother.” Natalie pointed out.
“Who will not marry me without his brother’s approval.” Emily explained.
“Do you really want to marry a man who is so beholden to his brother that he would let him stand in the way of his own happiness?” Natalie’s eyes narrowed in suspicion and she wrinkled her nose.
Emily felt a tug in her chest as she said, “It is not really about what I want. You are young, not yet out, but… Well, there are not many options left to me Natalie. I need this marriage to work.”
