Page 25 of A Game of Hearts

Emma’s eyes filled with tears.

“Even when it leads to disaster?”

“Especially then.” He patted her hand. “Rest now. But don’t give up hope entirely. Even the most rigid tree may bend in the right wind.”

She watched him walk away, his words echoing in her mind. Trust her heart? Her heart had led her straight into the one situation she had sworn to avoid - falling in love with a man who could never put feelings before proper behaviour.

Though the memory of his kiss suggested that perhaps proper behaviour wasn’t quite as important to him as he claimed.

*****

Nathaniel stood rooted to the spot long after Emma disappeared up the path, his hands clenched at his sides. Every fibre of his being urged him to follow her, to explain, to... what? Apologise for the kiss? He wasn’t sorry. To apologise for denying it? That shame would haunt him far longer than any scandal might have done. But how else could he have protected her reputation?

“Really, Lord Limnwood,” Lady Anne’s voice grated on his already raw nerves, “you needn’t look so distressed. I’m sure that we can prevent any... unfortunate gossip from spreading.”

He turned to face her, suddenly seeing with perfect clarity what his brother had been trying to tell him about her.

“And how do you propose to do that, Lady Anne? By spreading your own version first?”

She blinked at his tone.

“I merely meant...”

“I know exactly what you meant. Just as I know that you did not come upon us by accident.” The words emerged cold and precise. “How long did you follow us before making your presence known?”

A flash of guilt crossed her face before she recovered.

“I’m sure that I don’t know what you mean. I was simply concerned...”

“About maintaining proper behaviour? How fascinating that your concern for propriety extends to stalking other guests through the gardens.”

“I would never...” She drew herself up. “Really, my Lord, I begin to see why you were so drawn to Miss Everton. You share her tendency to dramatise situations.”

“No, Lady Anne. Miss Everton and I share something far more important - honesty.” He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “So let me be perfectly honest with you. If I hear one word - one whisper - against Miss Everton’s reputation, I will ensure that society learns exactly how you spend your time at house parties. I doubt many would find such behaviour proper.”

Her face went pale.

“Are you threatening me?”

“Merely being honest. Good day, Lady Anne.”

He strode away, his mind churning. He had protected Emma’s reputation - or tried to - but at what cost? The memory of her face when he’d denied their kiss... he had seen something break in her eyes.

“I trust that you’re pleased with yourself?”

He turned to find James watching him, arms crossed.

“What would you have had me do? Allow Lady Anne to spread scandal about Emma’s behaviour?”

“Ah, so it’s Emma now, is it?” James’ voice held no humour. “Tell me, brother, did you even consider simply acknowledging your feelings? Standing up to Lady Anne’s spite with truth rather than denial?”

“And risk ruining her?”

“The only one risking her ruin is you - by making her doubt herself. By making her think that you’re ashamed of caring for her.”

The words struck home.

“I’m not ashamed...”