“Well, this is what I need to do. Will you help me without saying anything to Aunt Martha or Rebecca?”
“Indeed, I shall keep your secret.”
“I thank you, Uncle. Your silence will assist me immensely.”
Excitement built in Broderick’s chest, making him impatient to get back to the inn to tell Emiline. He clasped his hands behind him and rocked back and forth on his heels. This was the very thing he needed to be alone with her. The anticipation was almost too much to bear.
*
Emmie pulled herhat lower on her forehead, for fear one of Broderick’s family would recognize her sitting on top of the carriage. She waited while he helped his uncle, aunt, and cousin in the vehicle before he climbed on top and sat next to her.
He smiled at her and winked. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” she said softly, not knowing if his family would be able to hear their conversation inside the carriage. “But I’m more nervous than anything.”
“Well, if it makes a difference, you look perfect for a footman.” He tapped her leg.
She chuckled and shook her head. “I cannot believe you would admit that.”
“Me either.”
“Thank you for finding these clothes for me.”
“You are most welcome.”
He flicked the horse’s reins, and their small journey began.
She folded her hands and rested them in her lap, but the jerky movements of the carriage had her bumping into Broderick much too often, and sometimes she didn’t know if she would fall off or not. Finally, he glanced down at her. “Hold on to my arm.”
Nodding, she did as he asked—then wished she hadn’t. How could she have forgotten his muscular frame? He was built so perfectly, she feared she would not want to release him once they arrived at the party. Still, it was rather nice to sit so close and hold him in such a way. It reminded her of when they came back from her grandmother’s house.
“Broderick?”
He glanced down at her. “Yes, my lady.”
She giggled and shook her head. “You don’t need to call me that anymore.”
“Why? Our wager was for a whole week.”
“I know, but because I cannot dress the way you asked for our wager, I don’t think we should continue it.”
“But it was so enjoyable. I don’t want to stop playing.”
“You are incorrigible.” She smiled.
“Thank you for that compliment.”
She nearly spat out a laugh. “But what I wanted to ask was… Well, do you think I will see my mother tonight?”
“My dear Emiline, I wish your dreams could come true tonight, but I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I don’t know Mr. Goodfellow, so I cannot tell you what kind of people he will have at his dinner party. However, since your mother is a companion of Mrs. Estelle Winterbourne, we first need to know if the old widow was invited. If not, we need to ask who knowsthis lady. Once we find Mrs. Winterbourne, we will find your mother.”
She frowned and sighed. “I don’t think it will be easy, but it’s so hard not to hope.”
“I understand.” He placed his hand over her fingers still clinging to his arm and squeezed tenderly. “If I could make this night special for you, I would.”
“You already have.” She smiled again.
When they came upon the house, she pulled away from Broderick, preparing herself for the role of footman. Once Broderick stopped the carriage, she jumped down and opened the door. Mr. Crampton was the first to exit the carriage. His gaze met hers briefly as he stepped to the ground, but within seconds, he whipped his head around so fast she thought it might fall off. When he met her stare, his eyes widened in shock. Inwardly, she groaned.He recognizes me!
