“Mr. Worthington, I don’t believe it’s any of your business, but no, I havenevershared a bath with a man.”
“I don’t suppose you would want to start your first experience now?”
“I would not,” she said pertly.
“Is there any way I can convince you otherwise? I assure you, I will show you a most enjoyable time.”
“My answer is still no.”
“Then alas, my work here is of no avail. I suppose I shall have to leave. Have a pleasant bath, Miss Emmie.” He gave her a wink before turning and leaving the woods.
Slowly he made his way to his horse, thinking the whole time that maybe he should go back and spy on her. No, that wasn’t like him. When a woman said no, he accepted that as the final answer. However, he quite enjoyed riling her.
He wished he knew why she brought out his wild, rebellious side.
As he mounted his horse and rode off for the house, he realized that today’s run-in with Miss Emmie, brief as it was, had certainly brightened his day.
Chapter Seven
“Broderick? Would youcome here for a moment?” Henry called as Broderick stepped outside through the side doors, preparing to head toward the stables.
He swore under his breath.Not again!It had been a few days since he had talked to his uncle in the study. Broderick didn’t want to have to rehash the same words.
Hesitantly, he turned away from the stables and made his way to the green patch of lawn where his aunt, uncle, and cousin stood with Lady Sarah playing trundling hoop and roll. Henry looked dashing in his tan coat covering a white shirt and matching tan breeches. Indeed, he looked as if he was headed to a political meeting instead of playing outdoor games with his family.
Aunt Martha always dressed properly in her silver and white day dress with white neck lace kerchief covering her neck and shoulders, and a bonnet sitting on her head. Rebecca wore something similar to her mother, just without the kerchief, and her sleeves were not as long. In fact, the bodice of her gown was lower cut, as well. Ringlets circled his cousin’s head underneath her bonnet. To be sure, Rebecca appeared most wanton in her attire, and Broderick pitied the man who wound up married to his cousin.
By far, Lady Sarah’s gown was of a more expensive cut, and almost fit her too tight. She wore the neck lace kerchief, yet hecould tell it didn’t do her justice because it didn’t hide how her bosom almost spilled over the top of her bodice.
He walked toward Henry, who came his way. “What can I do for you, Uncle?”
“I thought you would like to play a game with us. Lady Sarah mentioned she had learned a new game that expands on trundling hoop and roll, but she doesn’t quite remember how to play.” Henry ran his fingers through his salt-and-pepper hair and gave Broderick a crooked smile. “With your traveling abroad so much, I was hoping you had learned this game as well.”
Broderick moved beside his uncle toward the little group and stopped beside the earl’s daughter. “Good day, Lady Sarah,” he greeted her with a smile and a bow.
“And a good day to you, Mr. Worthington.” She curtsied.
“My uncle tells me you are having a problem remembering the game.”
She laughed lightly. “I must admit, I cannot recall exactly how to play, but it was very enjoyable.”
“Do you remember who played this game with you?”
She nodded. “I was with Emiline… er, I mean Miss Emmie, and she taught me… um…”
She stopped abruptly as if she had said something wrong. Broderick was happy to learn the companion’s full name—although Emmie suited her much better for some reason.
All eyes turned toward Lady Sarah as they waited for her to finish her story.
Broderick’s cousin, Rebecca, snorted a rude laugh. “Your companion taught you how to play? Are you saying this game is aservants’game?”
“Uh, well… yes, she taught me—however, I don’t think it’s a servants’ game. I haven’t played in a couple of years, but I remember it was so much fun.” Lady Sarah frowned. “It is mostunfortunate she isn’t here right now. Perhaps she would do a better job of teaching it to us.”
Broderick slapped his hands together and laughed. “I think that’s a splendid idea.” Everyone swung their head toward him, and their eyes widened. “Lady Sarah? Where is Miss Emmie? I shall fetch her at once and bring her into the game.” Suddenly, the idea of having to play this insipid game didn’t seem as boring.
Henry held up his hand. “Oh, but Broderick, I don’t think—”
“But Uncle, it’s a perfect suggestion. As it stands right now, I’m the odd man. If we bring Lady Sarah’s companion into the game, it will make our game even with players.”
