13
Callum refused to be deterred. Hewouldsee Emily today, no matter how many times he had to call upon her. Hell, he’d camp on her front doorstep if need be. Talking to her was the only way forward.
Having her butler inform him that she wasn’t in yesterday evening, had been like a slap to the face. He’d known she was there. He’d seen her bonnet and gloves on the foyer table behind the butler. Which meant she’d refused to see him.
Callum could only think of one reason why this might be. She had arrived at the part ofSeductive Scandalhe’d written.
He cursed himself for the millionth time for putting those references to their relationship in there. How stupid he’d been, yet at the time, he’d not really cared if Emily read it or not. Whether she took offense hadn’t mattered back then.
Now was a very different story.
He wanted her in his life and for that to still happen, he’d have to apologize, explain, and grovel. Callum was prepared to do all three. He’d stopped by the hothouse to purchase a massive bouquet of flowers during his walk to Rosemont House. Anyone who saw him would know he was desperate.
Upon reaching his destination, Callum took a deep breath in an effort to slow his racing heart and calm his nerves. Never before had he been made to rely so completely on saying the right words. It was imperative he get it right when he saw her. Somehow, he had to make her believe in him. In them.
Deciding he’d never be ready to face what awaited beyond the Rosemont front door, he forced his feet forward and gave the knocker three solid raps. At just after two in the afternoon, he’d arrived within acceptable calling hours. Hopefully someone would be here and he would be granted entry.
Callum just hoped he wouldn’t end up in the parlor with Emily’s father.
The door was opened by the butler who gave him a very acerbic look. “Yes?”
“I’ve come to call on Lady Emily,” Callum said while attempting to stop his bouquet from pushing against the butler. “Will you please let her know the Duke of Stratton is here?”
Of course the man knew who he was, but Callum believed the mention of his formidable title might lend the kind of weight that would ensure he met with success.
He could not have been more wrong.
The butler didn’t budge. “I regret to inform you that Lady Emily isn’t at home.”
“That’s what you told me last night.”
“And the same is true now, Your Grace. I’ll be happy to relay a message on your behalf.”
“Thank you, but I’d rather speak with her in person.”
“In that case, I would suggest you return at a later date. If you’ll excuse me.”
The door started to close. Callum stepped forward and used his foot to block it. The butler raised a questioning brow, looking extremely critical of this complete lack of manners. Callum gave him a hard scowl.
“What about the Earl and Countess of Rosemont? Are either of them home? For if they are, I’d like to see them instead.”
“No,” said the butler. “They are not at home either. The entire family is out.”
“Do you know when they are expected back?”
“I do not.” The butler pushed at the door, squeezing Callum’s foot. “Your Grace, I believe you’re coming dangerously close to overstaying your welcome.”
“Lady Emily is my betrothed,” Callum told the blasted gatekeeper. “I merely wish to know if she is well.”
“I cannot say.” The butler kept pushing.
“Oh, for the love of all that’s holy,” Callum shouted in a display that lacked all decorum. “I can’t leave as long as my foot’s stuck. You’ll have to open the door.”
The butler glared at him but eased the door open. Callum thrust the bouquet of flowers at him. “Please make sure these are placed in water and that Lady Emily receives them. I’ll see you later when I call upon her again.”
“No need to do so today,” the butler said, his exasperation with Callum finally cracking his flawless veneer. “I don’t know when she’ll return, but it shan’t be tonight. Good day, Your Grace.”
The door slammed shut, though not before Callum was able to notice something important. It shocked him that he’d not seen it sooner, but he supposed the butler had hindered his view. Additionally, his purpose in coming had kept his attention upon his goal. But as the door closed and the butler stepped sideways, Callum had noted the black crepe adorning the foyer.
