Perhaps she could give him her opinion on occasion. Perhaps nudge him in the correct direction. But…
Yes. Perhaps she’d gone too far.
Hope and fear settled into her heart at the exact time. Hope that she might be able to win back his affections with an apology. And fear that she might not be able to.
Her emotions could not be locked away. Feelings were as much a part of her as her skin, hair, and blood. They kept her alive as much as the beating of her heart. Perhaps even more so.
She hoped he didn’t batter them too violently.
“Any suggestions?” Emily winced. Marcus had been infuriated with her when he’d left their suite yesterday. No. He’d been inflamed.
And today he’d turned into stone.
Cecily tapped her lower lip as she contemplated Emily’s question. “I think you need to get him alone. We’ll be stopping for nuncheon soon. Sophia’s housekeeper sent along a giant basket so that we might have a picnic. Ask him to walk with you in front of Stephen and me. Make it nearly impossible for him to decline. And once you get him alone, don’t be afraid to… well. Use your imagination, Emily.” She smiled impishly.
“I’ve missed you.” What had she done without Cecily all these months? “If nothing else, at least I’ll know you’re nearby.”
Cecily nodded. “We’re going to hope for the best. Now.” She folded her arms over her bosom. “Practice what you’re going to say on me.”
“I’m going to apologize?” Why on earth would she need to practice?
“I know you, Emily. You need to penetrate through the wall he’s put up against you. A simple apology won’t do it. Now, tell me how you will begin.”
Emily pursed her lips. “I’m sorry, Marcus.”
She bit her lip when Cecily shook her head.
“I’m sorry I asked Prescott…” Emily hated this. “To…” Oh, this was ridiculous. “Investigate?”
Cecily laughed. “Because?”
“Because…” Emily had to remember why again. “Because it ought to have been your own decision?”
“Oh, fabulous. That’s fabulous. Now don’t forget that end part.” Cecily twisted her mouth. “But add in something like ‘and I’ll never do it again.’ Except, of course, you being you won’t be able to keep such a promise. But as long as he knows you aretrying.”
Emily smiled unconvincingly. “What if he doesn’t come around?”
“Oh.” Cecily laughed. “He may not come around today. Men can be obtuse like that, but eventually, they figure it out. And they have other inducements for doing so. At least you’ll know you’ve done your part.”
“What if he doesn’t ever come around?” Emily hated feeling at such a disadvantage.
“Then he doesn’t deserve you.”
Emily groaned. This good enough thing was more difficult to embrace than she might have imagined.
Hard to Say I’m Sorry
The carriage drew to a halt at the same time Emily’s stomach emitted a growling sound. How could she feel hungry and yet sick to her stomach at the same time? Normally she’d enjoy taking such a meal outdoors, but not today. The prospect of making her apology loomed ominously.
Truth be told, it wasn’t making the apology that bothered her, rather the uncertainty as to how it would be received.
Mr. Nottingham reached into the carriage first in order to assist his wife with their son, but Marcus made no such appearance to assist his newly taken bride.
Emily ignored the disappointment and climbed out clumsily on her own. As she landed on the ground with something of a thud, Marcus turned and briefly caught her eyes.
What was he thinking? How long could he remain angry?
Cecily likely had the right of it. Emily needed to grovel. She knew the exact meaning of the word and she hated the concept.To lie or move abjectly on the ground with one’s face downward.
