When Broderick’s cousin reached his aunt and uncle, their whispers couldn’t be heard. He grinned at Emiline as she made her way back to him. Chuckling, he shook his head. “I don’t know what you are trying to prove with my cousin, my dear Miss Emmie, but I’m having the most enjoyable afternoon watching you.”
One side of her mouth lifted more than the other. “Prove? Pray tell, what would a merelady’s companionwant to prove with your cousin?”
“Oh, I don’t know, unless it’s showing you are not afraid of her.”
“I don’t fear many people, Mr. Worthington, and most assuredly not your arrogant cousin.”
The game continued, and to Broderick’s greatest delight, the winner was Emiline. He held himself back from taking her in his arms to give her a congratulatory hug, only because he worried that once she was in his arms, he’d want to do more than just hug her.
He quickly shook the thought from his head. What was wrong with him lately? Why couldn’t he stop thinking about the charming woman? Had he basked in their kiss that much?
He grinned. Apparently so.
“That was a splendid game,” Henry cheered. “What shall we do next?”
“As much as I hate to leave this cheerful group,” Broderick answered, “I have other duties that need to be dealt with at this time, so I shall wish all of you a good day and see you at evening meal.” He bowed slightly and turned to leave.
“I, too, have things to do in order to get Lady Sarah’s dress ready for this evening’s social,” Emiline added quickly. “Thank you, Mr. Crampton, for including me in this game. I really do appreciate your kindness, but I need to get back to my duties.” She bowed and turned toward the house, passing Broderick on her way.
“Emiline, hold up there,” he called.
She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Mr. Worthington, I really need to go—”
“Emiline, I just wanted to tell you what a good game you played, and I wanted to thank you for teaching my cousin a lesson.”
She stopped and faced him. “I taught your cousin a lesson? When did I do that?”
“Dear Becky couldn’t stand the fact that you won the game.” He laughed. “I thought it was the best medicine she had ever tasted.”
A small smile tugged on the corners of Emiline’s tempting mouth. “If you think that is a good thing, then I’m certainly glad I was able to help.”
“My cousin needs to be brought down a notch or two in her life, and I was happy to see it happen.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckles. “Especially from you.”
Her gaze dropped to his mouth, and once again, she blushed profusely.
“I thank you, Mr. Worthington,” she said, stepping away from him as she reached to open the side door. “I really mustbe getting back. I promised Nancy I would help her get Lady Sarah’s dress ready, and give her some tips on how to style her hair correctly.”
The statement struck him as funny. Miss Emiline knew how to style hair correctly, when hers was always pulled back so tight her eyes nearly popped out?
Shaking away the confusing thought, he stepped past her and took hold of the door. His hand brushed against hers, and she quickly withdrew. Her eyes sparkled as she looked into his eyes. There was a certain glow about her, and it wasn’t due to the sun shining on her face. Curses, she was pretty!
“I thank you, again,” she whispered.
“Yes, well, I’m sorry for keeping you. Have a good afternoon, and I shall see you later.”
Her smile widened as she curtsied and then quickly walked into the house. Although she was a mere companion—a poor relative, as she kept reminding him—he felt like a grand gentleman while holding the door for her. He looked forward to doing things for her just to see her radiant smile. And her eyes…
He took a deep, cleansing breath. Those mesmerizing eyes could make a man weak in the worst way.
Chapter Eight
With a sighof apathy, Emmie closed the book she’d finished reading and rested it on her lap. It had been three weeks now since arriving in Greenwich, and as the days lagged on, she realized just how dull the life of a lady’s companion was.
She attendedLady Sarahlike a dutiful companion—well, at least as well as she could. She helped Anna dress every morning, since the Cramptons’ maid was busy with Miss Rebecca. Emmie accompanied Anna downstairs for breakfast, but usually, they were the only ones in the room eating, since Mr. and Mrs. Crampton had already partaken of the meal, and Rebecca was still dressing. After breakfast, Emmie and Anna took a stroll through Mrs. Crampton’s flower garden, but after that, Rebecca controlled Anna’s time pretty much the rest of the day.
Slouching on the sofa, Emmie parted her legs in an unladylike manner underneath the overly large dress as she slid her stockinged feet on the polished wooden floor, thinking about what to do next. Did her boredom stem back to her masquerading, or did the useless feeling come from watching Broderick court Anna? Lately, she’d been thinking about asking him about Mr. Crampton’s relative—Captain Hawk. But would Broderick be so open with her about the notorious pirate?
For some reason, Mr. Crampton had given Emmie permission to ride his horses any time she wished. It seemed odd that he would say that, but she wasn’t about to argue. She lovedriding, even if it was sidesaddle—although she did prefer astride—but after weeks of riding, even that became boring.
