Page 50 of A Game of Hearts

“I have found,” she said carefully, “that some lessons are worth the teaching.”

Nathaniel’s hand stilled on his work.

“And some students,” he replied quietly, “are more grateful for the instruction than they can properly express.”

The Duke’s smile widened.

“Well then, I shall leave you to your... educational pursuits.”

As he moved away, Emma became aware of the whispered conversations around them. Lady Beatrice was beaming in their direction. Even Lord Radmill, who had been so quick to accept scandal, at his daughter’s instigation, now watched them with approval.

“I believe,” Nathaniel said softly, “that we are providing the morning’s entertainment.”

“Does that concern you?”

She couldn’t quite keep the tension from her voice.

“No.” The certainty in his tone made her look up. “Let them watch. Let them see that I am learning to value what truly matters.” His eyes held hers, and Emma felt the world narrow to just this moment, this understanding passing between them. Society’s observation meant nothing compared to this growing trust, this careful rebuilding of something precious. “Though perhaps,” he added with a trace of his old dry humour, “they might also observe that I am utterly hopeless with ribbon.”

“Not hopeless,” Emma assured him, reaching to adjust his latest attempt. “Simply unpractised. Though I confess, I find your determination to master it rather...”

She hesitated, searching for a word that wouldn’t reveal too much of her heart.

“Rather what?”

His voice held a warmth that made her pulse quicken.

“Rather admirable,” she managed, though the word seemed inadequate to describe how deeply his efforts touched her.

“I find,” he said quietly, his attention seemingly fixed on his work, “that I have developed a new appreciation for delicate things. For the care that they require. For their...” His eyes lifted to hers. “Their inherent worth.”

Emma’s breath caught at the intensity in his gaze. Before she could respond, Lady Beatrice appeared beside their table.

“Oh, those are lovely!” She beamed at their creations. “Though Lord Limnwood, I believe that your ribbon has somehow formed a reef knot.”

“Has it indeed?” Lord James joined them, grinning at his brother. “Well, at least we know it won’t come undone.”

“Unlike your own efforts,” Lady Beatrice teased. “I believe that half of your ribbon supply is currently decorating the carpet.”

Their light banter created a shield of normality around Emma and Nathaniel’s more serious interaction. Emma felt a rush of gratitude for their understanding - they were providing cover for this careful rebuilding of trust.

“Perhaps we might all benefit from more practice,” Nathaniel suggested, his lips twitching. “Though I believe a walk in the gardens would be beneficial first. Miss Everton, might I persuade you to join us? With Lady Agatha as chaperone, of course.”

Emma’s heart leapt at this proper way of arranging more private conversation.

“I should like that very much.”

As they rose to seek her aunt’s company, Emma noticed several approving glances from the other guests. Their careful adherence to propriety now, after everything, seemed to be earning society’s approval rather than censure.

How strange that Nathaniel’s former rigid propriety had led to scandal, while this new, more natural attention to proper behaviour was healing it.

The gardens held the first hint of spring, tiny buds breaking through winter-bare branches. Emma walked beside Nathaniel, with Lady Agatha and Lady Beatrice following at a discrete distance. Lord James had claimed Lady Beatrice’s attention, allowing conversation ahead to remain private while maintaining proper appearance.

“Your aunt is most understanding,” Nathaniel observed quietly.

“She sees more than most.” Emma’s fingers tightened on his arm as they navigated a slightly uneven path. “Though I suspect that she has decided that you are worth the effort of watching over.”

“Worth the effort?”