“I’m so sorry.” Emily stepped forward and wound her arms around him in an affectionate hug. Releasing him, she said, “I was hoping I might be able to see her again.”
Grandpapa tilted his head. He glanced at Stratton with an assessing look that brooked no nonsense. “You’ve every right to, Emily, but why on earth would you bring the Duke of Stratton with you?”
Emily blinked. She’d believed her grandmother might have mentioned their conversation, but it seemed this wasn’t the case.
She raised her chin. “The duke and I have been secretly courting these past two weeks. Mama and Papa don’t even know, but it’s the reason I turned away Millfield. I wasn’t planning to say anything yet, but in light of what’s happened, I’d like to share the news with Grandmama. It will please her to know that I’ll soon be settled.”
Grandpapa frowned. “I agree, but I don’t understand the secrecy, Emily. Stratton’s an excellent match, unless there’s a reason your parents do not approve?”
“Oh no.” She waved a hand while trying to think of an explanation. “It’s not that. It’s just…um…”
“Lady Emily and I have had our differences in the past and have only recently become reacquainted,” Stratton said, stepping forward. He placed his arm around Emily’s shoulders and drew her close to his side. When he spoke next, the warmth in his voice turned her legs to mush. “We wanted to get to know each other properly without the attention and fuss we’d face if our courtship were publicly known.”
“This may surprise you,” Grandpapa said after a brief hesitation, “but I rather approve of that notion. It’s important to know who you’re planning to spend your life with. Figuring that out is far more easily done when you’re not under scrutiny.”
“Our thought exactly.” Stratton spoke so convincingly Emily almost believed they truly were courting.
It’s just pretend. You mustn’t forget that.
“So you’ll keep this a secret until we’re ready to make a public announcement?” she asked even as her heart gave a few extra beats.
“Of course.” Grandpapa’s eyebrow’s dipped. “Your grandmother’s maid was tending to her when you arrived. I’ll go and see if she’s finished so you can be shown up.”
He departed, leaving Emily alone with Stratton and Georgina, who remained some distance away, near the door. Emily glanced around, feigning interest in the room despite being very familiar with the space. She was keenly aware of Stratton’s proximity. One small step to the right and she’d bump into him.
It was strange how bold she’d felt in his presence while in the carriage. Now that they were more or less alone – or at least out of anyone’s earshot if they chose to whisper – their flirtation, if that was what one might call it, made Emily feel awkward.
She supposed the incident needed addressing, only doing so would be acknowledging that she might possibly harbor some deeper feelings for Stratton. The whole situation was made worse by the fact that she was the one who’d placed her ankle against his boot. He’d simply stretched out his legs.
Should she apologize?
No, she did not dare.
Instead she said, “The explanation you gave Grandpapa was very inspired. Thank you.”
“It wasn’t much different than the truth.”
She glanced at him then and saw that he was studying her with sharp interest. A shiver slid down her spine. She quickly averted her gaze and went to admire the porcelain figures that stood on the fireplace mantle. They’d been gifted to Grandmama by her parents when she was a child.
“She’s ready to see you,” Grandpapa said, returning a few moments later.
Emily turned and saw that Stratton offered his arm. She crossed the floor to where he stood, ever conscious of the heat flooding her cheeks. Unable to look him directly in the eye, she kept her gaze firmly upon the door as she linked her arm with his. Together, they followed Grandpapa from the room and climbed the stairs in the foyer.
They’d almost reached the upstairs landing when Stratton slowed his pace, holding Emily back. He dipped his head and when he spoke next, the low rumble of his voice had the most delightful effect on her nerves.
“Regarding what happened between us in the carriage…”
He wished to speak of this now?
Emily shot him a hasty look. “Nothing happened.”
“I disagree.”
“Our legs touched, that’s all.” She’d returned her attention to Grandpapa, who’d stopped to wait for them outside Grandmama’s bedchamber door.
“Yes,” Stratton agreed, “but it was the way in which they touched that demands addressing.’
She knew he had a point, but she really had no wish to discuss it. Certainly not now. “It will have to wait until later.”
