During these times, she thought of her father. She prayed he fared well in this time of turmoil, but in the back of her mind, she wished it would all come to an end. She worried that someone would know she was the lord chancellor’s niece, and they would blame her for the double role she played.
She noticed that Broderick also played double roles. Although he acted interested in Anna, he also tried to keep Emmie entertained. Because she had to accompanyLady Sarahwhenever Broderick took her on a ride or a walk, sometimes it seemed he talked more to Emmie than Anna. During these times, her heart softened, and she became weak in the knees. The steamy kiss they had shared not too long ago was permanently in her mind, and it wasn’t healthy to daydream so often.
And the pond…
Sighing, she slipped farther down into the cushions of the couch, lifting the book to cover the cheeks she knew were flaming from the memory. She didn’t know how much of her body he had seen, but it was so very improper. Yet why did she receive flutters in her stomach every time she thought about how he’d wanted to take a bath with her?
Loud footsteps echoed in the corridor outside the library, and she straightened to see who was coming to invade her private time. When Rebecca and Anna walked inside, Emmie sat up straight and slipped back into her role.
Anna’s brown eyes jumped with excitement, but before she could say anything, Rebecca smiled haughtily.
“Miss Emmie? Might I have a word?”
“Certainly, Miss Rebecca.”
“My father and mother are taking Lady Sarah and myself to London tomorrow to do some shopping, and then to see anopera afterward. We will be gone for two, perhaps three days. I need you to get trunks packed for the journey.”
Emmie’s heart picked up rhythm. London for the opera? How thrilling. She tried not to express her joy but kept a pleasant smile when she nodded. “Lady Sarah and I will be ready, I assure you.”
Anna stepped to her and clasped her hands. “Oh, Emmie, this will be so fun. I can hardly wait. We will have the grandest time—”
“We?” Rebecca cut in.
Anna glanced at the other woman. “Yes. My companion and I—”
“Heavens no, my lady. Miss Emmie will remain here.”
Emmie’s heart dropped to her stomach, and although she wanted to ask why Rebecca didn’t want her to go, Emmie already knew. That woman was so mean and selfish, Emmie would probably spend most of the trip teaching her manners, she was sure. She glanced at Anna and frowned.
Anna shook her head. “Miss Crampton, Emmiehasto come.”
Rebecca’s false smile pricked Emmie’s temper, making her want to physically lash out at the obtuse woman.
“Miss Emmie won’t be needed, since you will be with me and my parents.” Rebecca threw a glare toward Emmie then quickly diverted her attention back to Anna. “Our maid Nancy will be traveling with us, and she’ll help you however you need. Besides, Nancy is used to hard labor and will do an exceptional job.”
Anna’s happy expression disappeared when a frown claimed her face. Emmie pursed her lips tight. Apparently, Miss Crampton didn’t think Emmie worked very hard.
She nodded to Rebecca then looked at Anna. “I will have your things ready, Lady Sarah.” Then, before she was tempted to put Rebecca in her place, she quickly spun around and left the room.
Storming into Anna’s room, Emmie yanked open the closet doors and pulled out the trunks. “I’m not used to hard labor?” she mumbled to herself as she stuffed a dress into the trunk. “Who does Miss Crampton think she is to judge me so harshly?”
The bedroom door opened, and Anna flew in. She ran to Emmie and grabbed her hands. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know—”
“Anna,” Emmie interrupted. “I realize what Miss Crampton thinks of me. Most of the Cramptons’ servants think I am slothful, too, so it’s only natural for Miss Crampton to think her maid can do more.”
“But what should I say to change her mind?”
Emmie shook her head. “There’s nothing you can say. Leave it alone. I will be fine right here at the estate. You go and have fun for the both of us.”
“But it’s not right.”
“I know that, but we must let the matter rest. There is nothing either of us can do or say, since we are both guests here.”
Frowning, Anna nodded as she moved to one of the armories and pulled out a gown. Emmie didn’t stop her, only because she lacked the strength to say anything as discouragement sat heavily on her heart. They both packed the trunk in silence. Once in a while, Emmie glanced at Anna, but when she noticed her friend’s watery eyes, she quickly looked away before she started crying, too.
Soon, the swishing of petticoats against the skirt of a dress was heard in the hall. Seconds later, Rebecca stood in the doorway holding two teacups. Her expression wavered between happiness and irritation. Emmie wished she knew she could read the other woman better.
“There has been a change of plans,” she said. “Apparently, my father thought it best that we invite Miss Emmie to go with us.”
