Being the gentleman Emmie knew him to be, Broderick bowed. “My lady, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
She smiled and curtsied. “If my little Emmie was your footman last night, then you must be Mr. and Mrs. Crampton’s nephew.”
“I am,” Broderick replied. “And I would like you to meet Mr. Daughtery.” He looked at his friend. “This is what Emiline looks like wearing a dress.”
Although they all chuckled, Emmie knew Broderick’s remark was meant to hurt. She curtsied and smiled at his friend. “It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Daughtery.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” He bowed.
“We were all out for a stroll on this lovely afternoon,” Daphne said. “Would you two like to join us?”
“I thank you for the offer, Lady Langston,” Broderick quickly answered, “but I must decline. My friend and I have some business matters to take care of. I hope you understand.”
“I do.” Daphne smiled. “Once again, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again soon.”
“I’m sure you will.” Broderick and Phillip bowed again before walking away.
Emmie watched them leave, her heart dropping with each step. Then he glanced back, and her heart lifted. But seeing his frown and distrustful, judging eyes made her want to cry. She broke the contact by looking ahead of her as she continued her walk with her mother and brother.
“Strange, but I don’t remember Henry or Martha telling me they had a nephew with a title.” Daphne’s forehead crinkled in confusion.
Emmie shook her head. “Broderick was offered a title, but he hasn’t decided on whether he wants to use it or not.”
“Indeed?” Elias asked. “So then why did he introduce himself as the Marquess of Wilshire last night?”
“I’m assuming it was because he wanted to look important and powerful in front of you so that you would leave me alone.” Emmie chuckled.
“He should not have done that.” Elias pouted.
“Why? It worked, didn’t it?”
Both Emmie and her mother laughed while Elias rolled his eyes, turned, and walked ahead of them.
Daphne linked her arm with Emmie’s and patted her hand. “So, tell me, my darling daughter. What are your feelings for Mr. Worthington? Is there something I should be concerned about?”
Emmie’s throat tightened. The only thing between them was that she loved him with all her heart. “What makes you think I have any sort of feelings for him?”
“My dear, I’m not blind. I can see you both have feelings for each other.”
“No, Mother… Wehadfeelings for each other. Broderick is upset with me right now, which I’m certain was obvious by the way he looked at me.”
“Why is he upset?”
“Because I never got the chance to explain to him why I lied about who I was.”
Daphne slowed her steps and looked into Emmie’s eyes. “Then you need to find the chance to tell him, or both of you will be miserable. What if I invite him to Mrs. Winterbourne’s home tonight, and—”
“No, Mother. I doubt he will come.”
Daphne frowned. “Then we shall give him a few days to think about how miserable he is before he realizes he wants to see you again.”
Emmie couldn’t stop the smile sneaking on her face. “Yes, I think that is a splendid idea. And it will serve him right to be miserable right now.”
As they continued their walk, she prayed that she would find a time—and a place—to speak with Broderick. And she hoped it would be soon. She couldn’t go on being so happy with her mother, yet at the same time unhappy because of Broderick.
*
It was late,but Broderick didn’t care as he walked toward his room at the inn. The run-in with Emmie earlier this afternoon had left him in a fit of despair.
