Sophia looped her arm through Emma’s before she had a chance to respond and pulled her down the cobbled street. “I surely am. Let us not delay a moment longer.”
They made their way toward the shop and pushed the door open, stepping aside to allow Mr. Graveley to exit with a tip of his hat.
“Good day, Rector,” Sophia said.
“Good day.” He paused at the threshold, towering over them. “Miss Darling, I am glad to see you. My household would like a visit the next time you have a spare minute on your hands. I have heard a few whisperings here and there, and I dare say a word or two from you will alleviate some concerns among the womenfolk at the rectory.”
Mrs. Clifton, undoubtedly, chief above all. She would likely want to know that Emma’s heart was still intact despite Owen’s prolonged presence at Buckley Place.
“I will do my best to visit soon.”
His smile broadened. “Thank you, my dear.”
“Have you received word about the new organ?”
“It is set to be delivered next week. We only have one more off-tune Sabbath on our hands, I believe, and then we shall be spoiled with the gift of a beautiful new instrument.” His grateful expression swung to include Owen. “Your generosity was greatly appreciated, Captain.”
Owen coughed. “My uncle stipulated?—”
“He said nothing about new hymn books or replacing thesouth-facing window.” Mr. Graveley’s eyebrows hitched up, and he looked to the others. “This man has been generous; make no mistake.”
“That does not surprise me,” Emma said. “It is in his nature. If you’ll excuse us, Mr. Graveley, we are meant to complete an errand.”
“Of course. Do not let me keep you.” He bowed before walking away.
Owen held the door while they filed inside. Emma walked directly to the counter lined with jars of sweets, the peppermint swirls of white and red taking up her attention. But she felt Owen’s gaze searing her neck.
And she rather liked it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Owen satat dinner that evening with his parents, the vast table spread out before them, much of which was covered in shadows. The end they ate at was framed with a lovely bouquet in a grand vase and flickering candles, which gave them plenty of light to see by. Owen took up the head of the table between his parents, making him distinctly uncomfortable.
“We ought to begin putting thought into a ball,” Catherine said, cutting into her ham and chewing as though the idea had only just dawned on her, and not like she had been waiting for the perfect moment to drop the idea on Owen.
“Is that not uncouth?” he asked.
“It might have been considered so six months ago; certainly it would have been a year ago, but now Edward’s death is so far in the past. You are well and truly out of mourning. The ownership of the estate has been transferred. There is no reason not to throw a ball, is there, Matthew?”
Father took a swig of his wine. “I suppose not. Edward would not expect us to mourn him forever.”
Owen had not thought so, either. But even if the mourningperiod was long over,hehad only been at Buckley Place for a month. To immediately entertain in such a manner felt insensitive. As though he felt he was owed the right to step into the ownership of the estate.
“There are Aunt Clara’s feelings to consider.”
“I thought of that.” Catherine focused on her dinner, cutting it into small bites as she spoke. “We will invite her to be the hostess, of course. It will appease her feelings, and it will put your discomfort at ease as well. Surrounding gentry can have no qualms with the ball if Clara is seen to be in support of it.”
Owen’s shoulders tensed.
“If Clara is assisting with the plans, who could possibly be against the scheme?” Catherine asked. “You will not refuse me a ball, will you? Not when we have missed you so dearly.”
Oh, the guilt. She played it like a powerful hand of cards. “It is not that I wish to refuse you anything, Mother. I care only to tread lightly.”
“Which is admirable of you, darling.”
Somehow, Owen felt he was being placated, not heard.
“Clara would not refuse you anything you truly wanted,” Father cut in. “You can speak to her about it tomorrow, and if she isn’t happy about the idea, we will wait a little longer.”
