Page 37 of Scarlett

“Would you like to go for a walk with me this evening?”

His question startled her and Scarlett blinked before attempting a poised response. “That would be lovely.”

When he frowned, it seemed as if her answer was not the correct one. “Of course if you prefer not to...”

“I would love to go for a walk together,” Scarlett interjectred.

They went to the front door and Emmett assisted her with her shawl. His standing so near was a bit discomfiting, as he’d rarely done so. Scarlett managed to keep a calm façade despite his proximity.

As they walked out, Emmett held his arm out and she threaded hers through it. They made their way down the center of town. It was a nice evening, although there was a chill in the air. Scarlett welcomed the freshness of it.

“I have been remiss in spending time with you. I’d like to take you out to Elias’ ranch. I own land out there as well and would like to show it to you. We may consider one day building a house and moving out there.”

This time her breath caught. He spoke of a future, of their future. One she’d stopped thinking of. “Do you wish to leave town eventually?”

Emmett shrugged. “I have always lived in either a city or town. Not sure how I would adjust.” He turned to her. “What about you?”

“May I be frank?”

He gave a soft nod.

“I fear I’d be horribly lonely. Here in town I have people that I can visit with...talk to.”

“I understand.” He spoke good-naturedly. “Although I am not much for conversation, I don’t like being idle.”

They continued to walk until reaching the train station. Once there, Emmett led her to a bench. “Let’s rest a bit until we go back.”

It was best she speak to him now that he seemed open to conversation. Scarlett took a breath. “I know you told me from the beginning not to expect love. I have come to accept that. However, why have you been so resistant to getting to know me?”

He stiffened, his jaw clenched and Scarlett braced herself for the aloofness to reappear. Instead he lowered to sit next to her and took her left hand in his.

Emmett’s gaze met hers and held it for a long time. “I have been unfair to you. I was made to see that I’ve been punishing you for what others did to me in the past.”

“I see.” Scarlett looked away. This was not what she’d expected. Instead she’d thought he’d tell her not to expect friendship. This new side of him was quite unsettling.

He took her chin and turned her face toward him. “Will you forgive me?”

All Scarlett could do was nod. What did this mean? Was there a softer, kinder Emmett Jones emerging? Even when his brother was around, Emmett had barely waivered from the austere disposition.

As they made their way back home, Emmett continued to ask questions and kept the conversation flowing. They spoke of her parents and how she’d found out about mail order brides from Lady Price.

That night at bedtime Scarlett felt self conscious when he climbed into bed. He’d said she was too thin. Did it mean he didn’t find her appealing? If anything, the physical aspect of their marriage had been the one constant.

He slid under the bedding and turned to her. Then pulling her close, he took her mouth with his kissing her fully until she became breathless. “You are a beautiful woman Scarlett. The prettiest lady I’ve ever kissed.”

“Do you mean that?”

“On my honor.”

“How many women have you kissed before me?”

He pondered and began counting off on his fingers until reaching ten. Scarlett’s eyes widened. Her husband had been quite a rake.

“Four.” He said with a soft curve to his lips at seeing her widened eyes. “If you count my mother.”

Scarlett nudged at him playfully. “Well then, I accept the compliment.”

It was different that night with him.

They bantered and even laughed, his deep chuckle making Scarlett giggle.

Finally as she fell asleep in his arms, Scarlett prayed that he’d remain this way. She hoped her husband and she would finally learn to be better partners to each other.

She did not wish for their marriage to remain as it had. It was too hard and painful.

Hopefully she’d hear back from Lady Price as she’d written asking for advice. At the time she’d written the letter, a part of her had hoped the woman would ask her to return and offer her a temporary home.