After Anna climbed into bed for the night, Emmie quickly left the room and made her way down the stairs. Her maid had said she had a forgiving heart, but Emmie didn’t feel like she did at that moment. She wanted to know the truth. Who was this so-called relative of Mr. Crampton’s? And why was her mother killed so violently? The mystery of her death was never fully explained.
Outside, the cool air stroked Emmie’s face, relaxing her slightly. Breathing in deeply, she hoped it would cool her temper as well. This whole night had been an emotional ride for her. First watching Mr. Worthington woo Anna, and now hearing the news about the relative.
If they had only stayed at home instead of coming here, none of this would have happened. Her father wouldn’t have had the insane notion of Emmie playing the role of lady’s companion, and she wouldn’t have had to discover Anna’s talent for acting. Moreover, they wouldn’t have met the very handsome Mr. Worthington, and she wouldn’t be having these strange feelings of jealousy. Emmie always envied her friend for being pretty but had never let it get this far out of control.
In her wandering, she found herself on the back terrace. Most of the guests from the party had left, and only a fewservants milled about cleaning up. Luckily, a few lamps were lit on the lawn, giving her the lighting she needed for her walk. Pausing, she leaned against the railing and looked up at the moon. It appeared so big tonight, much larger than she had ever seen, and that was something she’d peered at quite a bit in her lonely life.
“Now, why am I not surprised to find you out here this late after dark, and all alone?”
The man’s deep voice from behind made her jump. She whirled around to face the intruder. When Broderick walked closer, her heart pounded faster. Automatically, her hand flew to her bosom as if to stop the wild beating beneath her chest. Being alone with him out here was certainly not proper. Yet leaving was not an option.
“Mr. Worthington, you frightened the wits out of me.”
He chuckled. “Forgive me, but I thought you would have heard me coming. I made enough noise to wake the neighbors.”
She grinned. “I suppose I was lost in thought and didn’t hear.”
He moved closer until he stood next to her, leaning his hip against the railing. “What, may I ask, were you thinking? It must have been enthralling to keep you from hearing my loud entrance.”
“No. It was not that intriguing. I was just thinking of home.”
“Are you homesick?”
She nodded. “I have never been this far away.”
“I’m sorry. Is there anything I can do to help you keep your mind occupied?”
A teasing glimmer sparkled in his eyes, letting her know he wasn’t serious in trying to give comfort. This look was definitely different from the way he’d looked at Anna tonight. “I thank you for your thoughtfulness, but there is nothing you can do.”
He grinned then glanced over her attire. She shifted, uncomfortable under his close scrutiny, yet a heated shiver ran over her, warming her considerably.
“I have to admit,” he said, “you do look different somehow.”
She arched her eyebrows in question. “Is that good or bad?”
He laughed deeply. “If you don’t mind my candidness, I think your dress looks slightly outdated, and it’s a little large on your petite frame. This particular style of dress doesn’t match your bold personality. Your outfit at the pond definitely fits you much better.”
She couldn’t hold back from laughing. Wouldn’t he love to know why? “Well, I’m sorry you don’t approve. Maybe Lady Sarah and I can travel into town tomorrow to find a dressmaker. Would that make you happy?”
He shrugged. “I would have to see what style of dress she picks for you first.”
She shook her head. There was no point trying to convince him what kind of dress she would look better in. It would just waste her time. She ran her gaze over his attire, noticing he had discarded his coat, making her realize just how broad his shoulders really were. Very masculine, indeed.
She grinned. “I hope you don’t think I’m forward in saying that you look just as superb in fancy clothes as you do when donned in a towel.”
His eyes widened mere seconds before he tilted back his head and howled with laughter. “Oh, you are a humorous one, Miss Emmie. And although it was rather forward of you to say, I appreciate your boldness. It’s not very often I find a woman who is so openly honest.”
One side of her mouth lifted in half of a grin. “Now, isthatgood or bad?”
“That is good.”
She smiled fully. “I thank you, then.”
He continued to boldly scan her with his enticing gaze, wearing his all-too-cocky grin. “You probably noticed I spent a lot of time with Lady Sarah tonight.”
Emmie lost her smile. “Indeed, I did.”
He turned, leaning his back on the railing as he looked up into the night sky. “Lady Sarah is a very beautiful woman, but you have probably heard men say that about her before.”
