“Why did she do that?”
Broderick shrugged. “I wish I knew. After my uncle told me of the switch, I didn’t care to hear any more.”
Phillip blew out a heavy breath. “Indeed, this is quite a shock.”
“That it is.” Broderick drank the rest of his ale. “But why am I so surprised that she lied to me? After all, I haven’t met a woman who knows how to be truthful.”
Phillip leaned in closer. “Did you tell her about Captain Hawk?”
Broderick scowled. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“So, you lied to her as well. Two wrongs don’t make a right, you know.”
“But Ihadto lie to her. I cannot have people know I’m the fearsome pirate,” he whispered.
“Then I assume she has her reasons for keeping the truth from you.”
Broderick smacked the table. “Why are you defending her?”
“I’m not. I’m trying to make you see that sometimes people have reasons for lying to those they love.”
Growling, Broderick pushed both hands through his hair, wishing the confusion in his skull would disappear.
Phillip slapped Broderick on the back. “Come. Let me get you out of here before you are too drunk to walk.”
Nodding, Broderick dug into his pocket and threw some coins on the table to pay for both of their drinks. “I would appreciate that.”
As Broderick stood, the room tipped for a moment. Groaning, he rubbed his forehead. He shouldn’t have had that last mug of ale. Slowly, he walked to the door. When Phillip opened it, Broderick squinted against the bright light and moved outside. He inhaled several deep breaths of fresh air before proceeding to walk.
After a few minutes, his head began to clear, and when it did, thoughts of Emiline returned, as did the pain in his heart. His heartache and frown would be his constant companions until he figured out how to forget about her.
“Um, Broderick. You had better prepare yourself,” Phillip muttered, glancing up the street.
Broderick focused in that direction until his fuzzy vision cleared. Up ahead, he saw Emiline walking with her mother and another man. She was wearing the same dress as that day they left her grandmother’s house—the same one that had him tongue-tied and feeling like the most fortunate man alive.
He certainly didn’t feel that way now, and he didn’t want to see her, let alone talk to her. Unfortunately, her little troupe was heading right for him. Fortune wasn’t on his side today, because her gaze met his and held.
How could he get himself out of this?
Chapter Nineteen
Emmie saw himand held her breath. Although he wasn’t glaring at her as she’d suspected he would, the pain of betrayal was evident in his dark eyes and rigid jaw. Her heart clenched in sorrow. She really needed to talk to him in private. But they couldn’t do that now.
When Elias noticed Broderick, he waved and quickened his step until he stood in front of him. “Good afternoon, Lord Wilshire.”
Broderick’s frown eased slightly into a smile. “Good day.”
Emmie and her mother stopped beside Elias. Broderick looked dreadful, wearing wrinkled clothes—the same ones he’d worn last night—with unkempt hair, and—she took a deep sniff—smelling like he’d bathed in ale. Her heart broke even more, knowing he was this way because of her.
“I hope you remember me from the party last evening.” Elias beamed.
“I do.”
“Let me make proper introductions, then. I’m Elias Langston.” He bowed.
Both Broderick and his friend’s eyes widened in shock.
“And this,” Elias continued as he pointed to Daphne, “is my mother, Lady Langston. And this lovely lady is—” He stopped then chuckled. “Oh, but I suppose I don’t have to introduce my sister to you, since she was your footman last night.”
