Page 44 of A Game of Hearts

Something in her aunt’s voice suggested deeper meanings, but Emma was too tired to untangle them.

“I’m sure it’s all very interesting, but I cannot bring myself to care about house party intrigues today.”

“No?” Lady Agatha rose. “Well, perhaps you’re right. Though I suspect that by dinner time you might find that events have taken some surprising turns.” She paused at the door. “You need not join us for luncheon - I’ll have a tray sent up. But I think, my dear, that you might wish to dress for dinner. If only to show certain persons that your dignity remains untouched by their poor judgment.”

After her aunt left, Emma stood at the window again, watching the distant figures in the garden. What had Lady Agatha meant about Lord James and surprising turns of events?

But she was too weary to puzzle it out. For now, this quiet room was her sanctuary. Everything else could wait.

*****

Emma looked up from her book as Lady Agatha entered her chamber. She hadn’t taken in a single word of it in the past hour, but it provided a shield against well-meaning interruptions.

“My dear,” her aunt’s voice held just the right note of casual interest, “I believe it’s time we discussed this evening’s dinner.”

“I had still hoped to just have a tray sent up.”

Emma’s fingers tightened on her book.

“No, no, no. As I said to you earlier today, circumstances change – people overhear the most interesting things. And that means that you absolutely must come down to dinner.” Lady Agatha settled into a chair, her expression thoughtful. “Tell me, what do you imagine people are saying about yesterday’s events?”

Emma’s breath caught.

“I try not to imagine it.”

“Perhaps you should. After all, those who spread tales rarely consider the truth - they consider only what seems most likely based on behaviour.” Lady Agatha’s keen eyes studied her niece. “And what behaviour would seem more likely to confirm suspicions - hiding away as if ashamed, or showing yourself with perfect composure and dignity?”

Emma closed her book slowly.

“You really think that I should attend dinner.”

“I think, my dear, that sometimes the best defence against malicious gossip is to demonstrate its absurdity through one’s actions.” Her aunt’s voice gentled. “You have done nothing wrong. Why should you hide?”

“Because I cannot bear to see him.” The words escaped before Emma could stop them. “To sit there, maintaining proper behaviour, while knowing how quickly he was ready to dismiss everything growing between us. How readily he believed the worst of my character, when I thought...”

She broke off, unable to voice how much she had started to hope, to trust.

“When you thought he might be beginning to care for you as much as you were coming to care for him?” Lady Agatha’s voice held gentle understanding.

“Yes…”

The word was a mere whisper.

“Ah, but there you have the advantage.” Lady Agatha’s smile held a hint of steel. “For you need not maintain anything beyond perfect dignity. Let others observe his discomfort. Let them see which of you better bears scrutiny.”

Emma’s chin lifted slightly.

“You think that I should face them all? Even Lady Anne’s satisfaction?”

“I think, my dear, that Lady Anne’s satisfaction might prove somewhat premature.” Her aunt rose and moved to the dresser. “Now then, I believe that the blue silk will suit you best for dinner. With your grandmother’s pearls, I think. Nothing speaks of quiet dignity quite like family jewels worn with perfect composure.”

Something in Lady Agatha’s tone caught Emma’s attention.

“Aunt... do you know something that I don’t?”

“I know many things, my dear. Chief among them being that truth has a way of emerging at the most interesting moments.” She turned back with the box containing the pearls in her hand. “Shall we ring for Susan? Your hair will need particular attention if we’re to achieve exactly the right effect.”

Emma found herself rising, drawn in despite her reservations.