A blush stole across the maid’s cheeks. “Well, perhaps I didn’t know what I was saying. Thinking anddoingare two entirely different things.”
Emmie chuckled. “Indeed they are. But you are doing fine.” She nudged her maid’s arm. “Besides, you look more like an earl’s daughter than I ever did.”
“No, I don’t.” Anna shook her head. “I bet you are glad you made me wear this fancy traveling dress. Otherwise, Mr. Worthington may have been suspicious.”
“Indeed, I’m very grateful. I knew we would reach Mr. and Mrs. Crampton’s house today, and now we won’t have to worry about first appearances.” Emmie patted Anna’s clasped hands. “No need to fret. Nobody will know the difference.”
The clip-clop from the horses’ hooves and the swaying of the vehicle lulled Emmie, causing her eyes to droop. Yet her mind wouldn’t sleep. Many ideas swam in her head, and excitement danced in her body, keeping her awake.
Originally, she had abhorred her father’s plan. But now…
She wanted to accomplish so much without the restrictions of being an earl’s daughter hanging over her. She would finally get to ride through the countryside without one of her father’s servants escorting her. She could talk the way she wanted, pretty muchdowhatever she wanted, without seeing her father’s scowl or hearing his raised voice when he scolded her for being hardheaded and having her own mind.
How would it be if a man could look at her as a woman and not as a wealthy lady? Plenty of men had vowed their loyalty and love to her, but none she believed. How could she when she knew it was her dowry they were after?
Closing her eyes, she leaned back on the seat. A man’s face appeared in her mind, and she smiled.Mr. Worthington.Would she ever meet him again? Although he rode in the coach of someone who had money, he certainly didn’t act like he was usedto being waited on. When he’d volunteered to help turn over their vehicle, and then said he would drive the coach himself, Emmie was certain he didn’t hold a title.
When the coach slowed, and surprised voices rang out, Emmie snapped her eyes open and peeked out of the broken door. The old trees lining the drive appeared as if they had been tended with care throughout the years, as had the acreage of manicured lawns rolling out as far as she could see. She gasped in awe of its beauty. When a manor came into view, she gazed upon the two-story building that looked like a cross between Gothic and Tudor styles. This, she had been informed, was where the Crampton family liked to spend their off-season.
As the vehicle came to a stop, the front door to the house opened, and an older gentleman, tall, stocky, with thinning brown hair, hustled out. Not far behind him came a woman about the same age, tall and thin, wearing a lovely blue gown. She adjusted her bonnet as she aimed her gaze at the coach.
Emmie smiled. These must be her father’s friends, Mr. and Mrs. Crampton.
Anna stirred on the seat. “Have we arrived?”
“Indeed we have, Lady Sarah.”
Anna blinked as she looked at Emmie. “Do you know how hard it is going to be for me to answer to that name?”
“You shall do fine. Just remember to call me Miss Emmie.”
As the driver hopped down, Emmie prepared herself for a new adventure. Freedom from Society’s rules was in her grasp, at least for a little while, and she planned on taking advantage of a perfect opportunity.
Chapter Three
Broderick submerged hisbody fully into the pond. Holding his breath, he hoped the water would not take away his new hair color. The old widow, Mrs. Baker, had changed his hair color to brown and even given him a cut. Gratefully, he had walked out of her house looking like a new man. Now, if he could just keep away from large crowds, all would be well in his world. At least for a few months. He prayed things would get back to normal soon after that.
During his much-needed break, he didn’t want to think about the problems in his life. He didn’t want to have to constantly look over his shoulder and wonder who was a spy—and especially who might know his true identity. Unfortunately, he couldn’t relax now. Not since he knew the niece of the wretched lord chancellor was visiting the Cramptons.
Before the air in his lungs ran out, he rose out of the water and breathed deeply. He swiped his fingers through his hair, pushing the strands back on his head and out of his eyes. Wiping the excess water from his face, he blinked and focused on his surroundings. His uncle’s country estate was the perfect place for his sanctuary, and during the next few weeks, he would take advantage of what the property had to offer, which at the moment was peace and solitude.
Sometime while he was here, he would also get to know Lady Sarah a little better as well. He couldn’t really blame her forwhat her foolish uncle had done, but he would definitely become close to her to see if she knew about the man’s plans, because Broderick would surely put a stop to them. The man needed his title removed, and soon.
Taking the brick of soap, he scrubbed it over his face. Within seconds, his eyes began to sting. He cursed, tossed the soap on the grass, and then splashed water on his face, but his eyes still stung and blurred.
The rustle of bushes and snaps of twigs pulled his thoughts away, and he swung around to face the intruder. Ready to give them a sound thrashing, he scowled when his vision didn’t quite cooperate. Through his impaired vision, it looked like someone was peeking through the bushes.
The burning sensation in his eyes only intensified. “Please, I need your help. If you will, I need you to bring me that towel over there.”
When the person didn’t move and continued to stare, irritation flowed through him. “Are you going to stand and ogle my body, or can you hand me that towel?” He pointed to the rock where he had left the towel.
Finally, the person moved out from the bushes, heading for the rock. Broderick splashed his eyes with water again and rubbed them harder.
“Actually,” the stranger said, “I thought ogling your body would help pass the time on this dreary day.”
Stunned, Broderick exhaled sharply. Words vanished from his mind, and he blinked, trying to focus. The blur finally formed into a person… a woman with her hair wound tight on the top of her head and who appeared to be wearing a baggy dress.
Embarrassment washed over him quicker than the cool water had a few moments ago. What was a woman doing peeking at him while he bathed? Unless… He had known the younger widow from his uncle’s neighboring property, and she wasalways a little forward. Perhaps it was Mrs. Fisher. Inwardly, he groaned. Now wasnotthe time to try to fight off her advances.
