Miss Emerson cleared her throat as if hesitant to speak, which in itself was curious. She was also markedly somber, a situation he already knew to be rare. “Mischief has been a delight.”
“Good.”
“Though I have learned a most troubling tale, one that prompts me to give consideration to your own advice.”
“Indeed?”
She impaled him with a glance, her eyes so blue that he was certain he might drown within them. “I did not realize that my mother and I were so similar. She died when I was two, in an accident with my father.” She took a breath, as if for fortitude. “It was her error, sir, that caused their untimely demises. Had she not been so reckless in her choice, in her wish to drive thecurricle even though she knew little of such a task, I might yet be in possession of my parents.”
“I see,” Joshua said softly, watching as her tears rose.
Her throat worked. “I had not considered the price of curiosity before our conversation, sir, and I must thank you for your warning.” She lifted her chin, looking both fragile and resolute. “I mean to improve my choices in future.”
“Surely you cannot mean to forgo experiences?”
“No, but I shall endeavor to be more prudent in my choices.” She smiled at him. “Perhaps you are right that I should find a protector.”
Joshua inclined his head. “I am delighted to have made a useful suggestion, Miss Emerson.”
She glanced down at the dog, uncharacteristically hesitant to speak. “Are you quite certain, my lord, that there are no highwaymen in the vicinity?”
Joshua frowned at the unexpected query. “Quite sure.”
“But I thought I saw one last night, a man riding a dark horse and wearing a dark cloak.” She eyed him, as if she knew. “He was quite dashing and rode in the direction of the forest.”
Ah! Had she guessed the truth?
Did she wish for him to reveal himself?
Joshua could not guess, which intrigued him all the more. Few people surprised him, but Miss Emerson already made a habit of it. He spoke firmly. “A highwayman, Miss Emerson, could hardly be considered a suitable admirer for a lady.”
“You are right, of course, sir, but can you not see the allure of a mysterious stranger?”
“I see little appeal in danger, to be sure.”
“Mystery and passion are the very essence of romance, Lord Addersley.”
“Mystery, dangerandromance.” He kept his tone light but shook his head, all the more convinced that she had need of aprotector. “Truly, Miss Emerson, you demand a great deal of any man bold enough to court your favor.”
“Not so much as that. It is all well and good for a man to be responsible and serious, but it is encouraging to see some hint of his ardor. In fact, I think it would be most compelling for a man of great control to show that he is overwhelmed, just for a moment.” She lifted her gaze to his, her manner expectant.
What a beguiling creature she was. “In rage?”
“No, not in anger. In—” she took a breath, evidently rapturous, then exhaled, eyes shining. “In—desire.” This last word rode on a whisper and might have been the most enticing sound Joshua had ever heard. Miss Emerson smiled a little at him, her eyes shining, and he was uncertain he could summon a coherent word to his lips at all.
He cleared his throat, knowing he sounded stern. “You would not be pleased if such a man seized a kiss—or more—against your will.”
“No, I would not,” she agreed readily. “But when a man is always composed, it is difficult to believe that his heart beats at all.”
“If his heart failed to beat, he would lie dead at your feet.”
Miss Emerson laughed. “Do you read poetry, my lord?”
“No. I did when compelled to do as much as a boy, but I find little relevance in it now.”
The lady did not appear to be surprised. “Because poetry is often about yearning and love, even about being overwhelmed by desire. I have always wondered what it would be like to have someone write poetry to me.”
Joshua would never manage that feat. “How might a man otherwise show such an aspiration, in a respectful manner?”
