As he stepped away to search for Emiline, his cousin huffed. “Father, I don’t think this game needs teams.”
Henry grumbled irritably, “It doesn’t.”
Broderick chuckled but hurried away before someone tried to stop him. He only had to ask two of his uncle’s servants before finding Miss Emmie’s whereabouts. It surprised him to think she was spending time in the library. But then, he was certain that most lady’s companions were bored easily.
When he stepped into the library, he spotted her immediately. Today she wore an ugly brown dress—so very drab, and it didn’t suit her at all. And, as before, it practically hung on her petite frame. Apparently, she hadn’t made it into town to visit a dressmaker.
She sat curled on the couch with her legs tucked underneath her, shoes gone from her feet and lying haphazardly on the floor. Miss Emmie looked deeply engrossed in a book, and guilt overrode his emotions. He couldn’t believe he was going to interrupt her private time just sohisday could be more enjoyable. She made such a lovely picture all cozy on the couch, wearing a serious, but pleasant expression. He liked the soft color in her eyes, and the way her lips parted slightly.
He stepped closer and cleared his throat. “Good day, Miss Emmie.”
Her head snapped up and she rested the book against her bosom. He was suddenly jealous of the object so close to her heart.
“Good day, Mr. Worthington.” She scrambled to her feet, the book now resting where her bottom had been only moments before. “Forgive me for reading, but I was caught up with my duties, and I… um, well, I—”
“Miss Emmie,” he interrupted her. “No need to fret.”
“Is there something Lady Sarah needs?”
“I’m not sure about Lady Sarah, but I need you.” Had his voice really deepened just now? Heavens, why had he said itthatway? Her cheeks reddened and her eyes widened. Although he loved teasing her, he decided he’d better tell her why he’d sought her out. “My family requests the pleasure of your company in a game they are playing out on the back lawn.”
She blinked slowly. “They do? Why?”
“Lady Sarah inadvertently let it slip that you taught her how to play a more entertaining game of trundling hoop and roll. Can this be true?”
Emmie stared at him for the longest time, her chest rising and falling at a fast clip. “It is true.”
“Then you know the game well?”
“Yes.”
“So, you wouldn’t mind playing with me… um, I mean, us?”
“Are you certain your family requested my presence?”
“They will be delighted to have your company.”
Taking a deep breath, she nodded and slipped on her shoes. Broderick remained standing where he was until she finished, and then he held out his elbow for her to take. “May I escort you outside, then?”
She looked him directly in the eyes before her gaze slipped to his mouth. A blush stole across her and she quickly looked away. “Mr. Worthington, you needn’t escort me as if I were a lady of nobility. In case you have forgotten, I’m her companion—just one of Lady Sarah’s poor relatives who needed employment.”
Actually, he had forgotten, although right now, he didn’t know why. Nonetheless, he wanted her touch on his arm. He wanted her so close he could inhale her sweet fragrance of roses—the same fragrance he had smelled that night they kissed.
“Fine, you don’t have to hold on to my arm, but will you walk beside me?”
Slowly, she nodded. “I can do that.”
He smiled. “I would like that very much, Emiline.”
She stumbled and bumped against him and then quickly righted herself. The color in her cheeks had left, and her eyes now were laced with panic. “Who told you my name was Emiline?”
“Lady Sarah let it slip. Is there a reason you don’t want me to use that name?”
“Uh, no, that’s fine. Just make certain you refer to me as Miss Emmie in front of your family.”
“I can do that. I think your name is lovely, and if you ask me, it suits you better.”
Side by side, they walked outside to the lawn where Lady Sarah waited with his family. Broderick noticed how uncomfortable Emiline seemed when all eyes were upon her, and he thought it was probably the first time his uncle, aunt, and cousin had really gotten a good look at the woman. She tugged at the waist of her dress then smoothed her hands down the material.
