This was where she belonged. Along with Inez Macy. Mr. Whitmore could hang. She’d had one disaster of a marriage.What need had she of a man who didn’t even keep to the very edict he himself had issued?
She nearly gasped aloud. She had no cause to think of him and marriage in the same sentence!
Hope House was truly a house of hope. And not for the young girls who needed saving. It was time to start planning the party she’d suggested to Gabriella to raise money. Between Rose, Gabriella, and Rebecca, they were certain to raise plenty. She plopped her chin on her fist, thinking.
She didn’t require the devil in a merchant’s mask to assist her. He needed her considerably more than she needed him.
Her brother was a duke and Rebecca had him wrapped about her little finger.
Rose also had friends. Perhaps…Lady Harlowe, Maeve could assist them. Of course, her mother Lady Ingleby could toss plans into disarray, but Maeve could be most unconventional.
In a small ancient escritoire located in the corner, Rose found a quill and penned her ideas to paper.
It would be perfect.
~~~
Emerson lugged his bag up the stairs to his old chamber and dropped it on the floor. He planted his hands on his hips, staring at the narrow bed.
Behind him, Ben snorted, and Emerson turned to see him peering in the room. “I’m not staying here,” Ben declared.
“And just where do you plan to stay?”
“At Hallandale. The old man is dead. Who’s to stop me?” He shrugged then turned on his heel and clattered down the wooden staircase, the sound echoing against the walls.
Emerson opened his mouth to refute the claim, then snapped it shut, scooped up his bag and quickly followed. Ben was right. There was no reason not to stay at the main house. They were there to learn what, if anything, had happened to Oscar. Hethrew his bag on the boot and jumped in, slamming the door behind him. “I take it Amir is aware of this change in plans?”
In answer to Emerson’s question, the carriage jerked into motion.
The ride, of course, was short. He ignored the amusement lighting Ben’s eyes.
He glanced out at the passing grounds, images of Rose entering his mind unbidden. What was she doing? She was furious with him no doubt. His actions practically screamed disrespect. And, certainly, a lack of regard.
The carriage drew to a stop. Emerson followed his brother from the vehicle and grabbed his valise. “Get your bag, Benjamin,” Emerson told him. “I suspect there are no servants in residence after all this time.”
Ben scowled but did as Emerson instructed.
Just as they reached the door, it flew back, revealing a face Emerson recalled from the past. “Sedgewick? Good to see you. We are here for a short visit.”
“Very good, sir.” He glanced at Ben and cleared his throat. “Sirs,” he amended.
Even knowing Ben couldn’t see his face, Emerson hid a grin.
“We’re here to learn something,anythingof Oscar,” Ben said with a bite in his tone.
“LordHallandale, I regret to inform you, is out,” Sedgewick said. Ben had been a bit of a pill as a child. Apparently, Sedgewick held a grudge.
“What do you mean out? I thought him out of the country. Had he arrived in time to see the old man?” Emerson asked.
“I regret that was not the case. ’Tis my understanding he made every attempt to reach the elder Hallandale. But, alas, he was several weeks late, sir.”
“But hewashere…in England?” Ben snapped.
Clearly that was the case, but Emerson held his tongue.
“Aye.” Sedgewick inclined his head.
Emerson wasn’t sure, but he sensed a mocking tone. Time to put this to rest before the old man decided to launch an attack. He let out a long breath. “Perhaps you could ready chambers for us?” Emerson’s calmness seemed to soothe the butler, who was long past his dotage.
