Page 29 of Sweet Hellion

Molly reached her and said, “Emma, what are you doing here dressed like that?” Her saucer-wide eyes lifted to her face. “Mrs. Henderson is furious that you have not shown up in the kitchen. She plans to tell Mrs. Worsley. She is going to have an apoplexy when she discovers you are here at a guest. Are you here as a guest?”

Emma looked around, then whispered, “I am here to see someone.”

“You want to find your prince,” Molly exclaimed.

Emma shook her head. “Nae, I am here to help someone. Have you seen the major general?”

“The major general? He is your prince?”

“Don’t be silly,” Emma hissed when a woman looked their way. “Oh, Molly, you must trust me. Please, do not tell anyone I am here. I will not stay long.”

A couple stopped and each took a glass of champagne from Molly’s tray, then sauntered away.

“I do not think it matters how long you stay,” Molly said. “Once Mrs. Worsley learns you did not show up for work, she will discharge you.”

What did that matter? She had two men to take care of. “Never mind that,” Emma said. “Just don’t tell. Please?”

Molly smiled. “Of course not. You find your prince. Here.” She handed Emma a glass of champagne. “If you want to fit in, you must drink champagne.” She smiled, then sailed away.

Emma took a fortifying sip of champagne. The bubbles tickled her nose. She wrinkled her nose. She didn’t like champagne, at all. She scanned the crowded room for the major general. There were so many people and the room was so big, she wondered if she might not be able to find him. With a nonchalance she didn’t feel, Emma began a slow walk around the room. She would find the major general, show him Tory’s letter, then they would go straight to the jail and release Rhys. Rhys would be so relieved to learn that Tory lived. Might he suggest that they go to Portugal together to bring Tory home?

Fingers closed around her arm. Emma snapped her head up and met Lord Munro’s gaze.

“Emma, how fine to see you.”