She remembered how the ton had gossiped about her sudden disappearance — she had not been seen for many months, and everyone seemed to have a theory about her whereabouts, each more salacious than the next.
“Let us go down and see what she has to say,” Harriet spoke with an urgency laced in her voice. She led the way downstairs, while Simon pursued her step.
“Did you know she was visiting?” Simon kept peppering her with questions, which did not help her already anxious state.
In earnest, her heart was now beating out of her chest as she grappled with the possibility that Emma might have information about Catherine that they had been seeking this entire time.
“Your Grace, she is awaiting you in the drawing room,” the maid informed them.
Right before Harriet walked through the doors, she paused momentarily and shared a worried glance with her husband.
“Simon,” she began, knotting her fingers into little twists, “Remember that we must keep an open mind about whatever Emma has to tell us.”
Simon let out a laborious sigh. “What I hope is that she has some genuine information — not that she has been hired by my brother to feed us even more lies.”
As soon as they entered the drawing room, Emma Spencer stood up to greet them, curtsying slightly.
“Your Grace,” she nodded. “And Your Grace.”
“Please sit down,” Harriet said. She had never met Emma before, but now seeing her in person for the first time, she could understand why she was victim to so much scandal over the years.
The woman was beautiful. She had perfect almond shaped eyes, and hair that went down well past her waist. It was no wonder that the ton envisioned her having sordid affairs with several men — she certainly had the looks to attract them.
Up close, however, Harriet could see the nervousness on her face. It was palpable.
Upon noticing how closely both the duke and duchess were observing her, she grew shy and trained her gaze on the floor.
“Your Grace…” she began. “Thank you for allowing me the chance to come and speak to you. I have… I have been meaning to do so for a while now, it has just taken a bit longer to gather up the courage.”
“Please, waste no time in formalities,” Harriet said, feeling the curiosity gnaw at her insides. “What is the reason for your visit?”
At the question, a profound sadness seemed to settle on Emma’s features. Suddenly, she appeared as she was made of glass. Fragile enough to break.
“It concerns Catherine,” Emma’s tone softened at the mention.
“What is she to you?” Simon stepped into the conversation for the first time. His voice was laced with the same protectiveness that Harriet had whenever she spoke of Catherine. “I apologize if my question appears blunt to you, but we must establish this at the outset.”
Emma nodded, gathering herself. She seemed like she had been expecting the question.
“Your Grace, Catherine is my daughter. I named her after my great grandmother. I was the one who left her at your doorstep three months ago.”
Harriet felt as though her knees would give out, and even Simon was startled by the confession.
All this time, they had been endlessly searching for the mother, and here she was, having come to their estate all by herself.
“And what is the reason that you decided to tell us now?” Harriet asked. “It is just as strange you leaving the child at our doorstep, if not more.”
Harriet did not mean to be harsh, but noticed how guilt dawned on Emma’s face at her words.
She clasped her hands tightly in her lap, her knuckles white as she gathered the courage to speak. “The last three months have been… unbearable,” she began, her voice trembling. “I’ve missedmy baby every single day. Every night, I wondered if she was safe, if she was loved.”
My baby.
Harriet felt a flicker of something at the words. Suddenly, she began to feel very much like a place-holder. Yes, she had taken care of Catherine ever since she arrived. But now, her real mother had appeared.
Pushing her personal turmoil aside, Harriet leaned forward and decided to listen to Emma’s story first. Her emotional reaction could wait.
“Emma, I cannot imagine the circumstances which led you to make a decision such as this,” Harriet gulped. “So, please. Explain to us. We are out here in the dark — you left us nothing but a note.”
