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Erty
CbnmThe Journey to Welbourne Manor
by Deb Marlowe
Orphaned by the sudden death of
her father, abandoned by her suitor,
heiress Emma Lawson now finds
herself at the mercy of her greedy
uncleand about to be sold into
marriage to the highest bidder!Rather than submit to a match with
a man she loathes, Emma decides to
travel to Welbourne Manor, home of
her scandalous aunt, Lady Ramsden,even though she knows the path
leads to almost certain ruination! But
the road to Welbourne is fraught
with surprisesincluding her
wayward former beau, Robert
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Marchwell, who is on a mission of his
own...
Chapter One
And you say shes chaste? Lord
Bainbridges voice burbled in the
back of his throat. Behind her, outof her uncles line of vision, the
horrid old baron stroked a gnarled
finger across Emma Lawsons
shoulder blade. Ill not take her
unless shes a virgin.
Emma shuddered even as her uncle
bridled in indignation. By God, the
girl is granddaughter to an earl,gently born and raised, Bainbridge.
Uncle George sneered down at the
older man. If you doubt my word,
well have the doctor in to prove it.
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such a match.
Who do you think first approachedme, missy? Lord Bainbridge flashed
his stained teeth at her in a grin.
Quite a logical thought, it was. Poor
womans got two chicks of her own toconsider. Launching them into
society will prove expensive. He
raked his gaze down the front of
her. Itll also prove to be a sight
easier once shes removed a beauty
like you from their proximity.
Desperate, Emma grasped at her
only straw of hope. If money is theissue, Uncle, then you know Ill be
happy to help! In fourteen months
Ill reach my majority. If only we
wait, I could
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Enough! Her uncle had gone a
brilliant shade of red. Bainbridgehas an ancient title, a respectable
estate and deep pockets. Its a fine
match. Youll make it and be
grateful. He turned away. Wevedetails to discuss. Go on to your
room now.
But
Go! In the six months shed lived
with him, Emma had never heard
such a tone from her mild-mannered
uncle. Noit usually fell to his wifeand occasionally to his daughters to
torment her. Fighting tears, she
backed away.
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Ill have your answer now,
Bainbridge, she heard her uncle say
as she reached to pull the doorclosed behind her. Ive need of the
money. If you dont want the chit,
Im sure Ill find someone willing to
agree to my terms.
Emma froze. Leaving the door
opened a crack, she strained to hear
the barons reply. Oh, Ill have her,
he avowed, once were sure shes
intact. There was a slight pause and
she could imagine the twisted
anticipation on the old mans face.
Id heard the rumors about yourtroubles. Whispers of bad
management and failed investments
are circulating, but no one is quite
convinced. He gave a rusty cackle.
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This ought to do it, though. You
must truly be in a mess, to be in such
a hurry to sell the girl.
Footsteps sounded in the room and
the door was pushed decisively
closed. Shaking, Emma turned away.Her legs gave way and she pressed
her spine against the door frame,
sinking slowly to sit on her heels.
How had her life come to this? Not
long ago shed been happy, the
pampered daughter of a doting
father, with a prominent position in
local society and prospects of a finemarriage. Her eyes closed. Even now,
she could not think of Robert
without pain, even though shed
endured far worse since his
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abandonment.
Her father, though, had been givenno choice. His heart had failed and
hed slipped away inside a week.
Roberts heart had failed, too, but in
an entirely voluntary manner. Hedchosen the pleasures of Town over
her, left her alone and waitingand
look where she had ended. Tears
began to flow. Now she was only a
poor relation, and her futureit did
not bear thinking about.
A sharp tug on her arm shook her
from her reverie. Emma? Whateverare you doing, girl? Her aunt
glanced at the closed door. Is there
someone with your uncle?
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Emma looked down at the fingers
gripping her tightly, then up at the
crafty look on her aunts face as shelistened at the doorand something
inside of her shifted. Roberts
desertion had torn her heart, but
thisthis betrayal by the verypeople who were meant to love and
protect herit was turning her soul
to stone. Faith and hope withered
even as understanding grew. The
painful truth shone clear at last. She
was alone in this world. There was no
one to help her, to save her. It was
all up to her.
Her aunt looked down. Something
she saw in Emmas face gave her
pause.
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bother to marry Lady Ramsden
now? Danae asked her sister in a
deliberately loud tone. She rustled apaper. After hes lived with her so
scandalously all these years?
Daphne shrugged. It seems theladys every breath stirs a scandal.
They say you could paper all of
Carlton House with the broadsheets
that have been printed of her. And
now she leaned in to her sister
its rumored that one of her cicisbei
is so distraught at the idea of her
marriage that hes casting off all of
his mementos in a private auction.And the grand centerpiece... Her
voice lowered to a whisper, but
Emma was scarcely attending. She
was too absorbed in her own misery.
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But Danaes screech nearly startled
her out of her seat. No! Upon a fan?How?
Never mind, Ill explain later.
Daphne glanced at Emma. Do youthink Emma will be invited to the
wedding? Danae asked in a loud
whisper. I swear, it will be the
event of the year. They are talking
of it even in the village. And Lady
Ramsden is her mothers sister.
Of course not, you ninny, Daphne
scoffed. Mama would never permitit. She gave a snort. You can be
sure that she checked to see if
Emma had any contact with her
notorious family before she
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consented to take her in. I heard
Papa tell her that all connections had
been severed years ago, whenEmmas mama died.
Its still rather exciting, isnt it?
Danae said wistfully.
Its shameful, thats what it is,
Daphne insisted. Catherine Ramsden
is not the sort of woman you claim as
a relation, even if she was once a
countess. Moreover, Welbourne
Manor is the most infamous estate
in England. It would be the ruination
of any young woman to even set footin the place.
The scornful declaration caught
Emmas attention. She sat up. Her
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cousins words echoed in her head. It
would be the ruination of any young
woman to even set foot in the place.
And just like that, Emma had her
solution. Somehow, someway, she was
going to Welbourne Manor.
* * *
They were nearly upon him. Robert
Marchwell did not look over his
shoulder. By some miracle Rowlands
hirelings hadnt spotted him yet. He
knew he must make himself less
conspicuous. He removed his finebeaver hat and ducked into an alley.
At the end he emerged into a back
lane, startling a laborer unloading a
cart.
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A fair trade, good man? he asked.
My hat for yours? He tossed thefellow a coin. And a little something
extra to ensure that you never saw
me.
Bemused, the laborer handed over
his worn hat. Robert placed it on his
head, pleased to find it too large and
hanging low over his forehead. He
nodded his thanks and entered the
open door at the mans back.
Eh? Hed found a storeroom and
surprised another chap. This one,swathed in a large apron, was
shelving the supplies as they came in.
Whore you? the clerk demanded.
Whatre you doing?
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A nice brisk business, thank you,
Robert answered affably. Thats afine apron, with nice deep pockets.
He tried to wiggle out of his tightly
fitted coat. Will you take this coat
in trade, sir? Sewed by the finestLondon tailors. He grimaced. But
youll have to help me out of it.
Hed only just got the apron wrapped
around him and his precious cargo
stored in one those deep pockets
when a ruckus sounded outside.
Hey, now! the laborer protested.Thats mine! I made a fair trade for
it.
Robert was through the storeroom
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to the front of the building in a
flash. He erupted into a busy general
store, where several of its patronsstared in disapproval of his haste.
Smoothly, he stepped behind a
fabric counter. He snatched off the
hat, hefted a bolt of cambric from ashelf and pretended to start in
surprise along with the rest of the
room when two large men burst
through the door behind him. The
pair moved through the storefront,
cursorily inspecting the clientele
before heading out onto the street.
Robert grinned. Rowlands bullieswere proving easier to elude than
hed feared. He slipped back into the
storeroom.
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Here now, you cant just come and
go back here, protested the clerk.
Im off, I promise. Robert grabbed
a pair of stacked crates. Might I
have use of these, though?
The man waved a weary hand and
Robert was gone. He kept to the
alleys until he was forced to make
his way back to Maidenheads main
street. Keeping the crates raised
carefully before his face, he made
his way east toward the edge of
town.
A carriage accident outside a
posting house delayed him. A crowd
had gathered to cheer the shouting,
sparring drivers. With careful steps,
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Robert worked his way through the
happy spectators. Hed nearly
reached the middle of the crushwhen he felt an ominous tingle at the
back of his neck.
He lifted the crates higher andsurreptitiously glanced about. No
sign of Rowlands men. The
coachmens argument had degraded
to angry, inventive name-calling and
everyone about him appeared both
interested and amused. His gaze
swept the inn, and suddenly he
caught the gaze of a young woman
standing alone in the yard. She waseyeing him closely, a strange
expression on her face.
She might have been pretty,
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beneath the travel dust and under
her limp bonnet and creased brown
cloak, but Robert had no time toinvestigate. He shifted the crates to
block her view of him and resumed
his crawl through the crowd.
She was there when he broke
through, closer than she had been,
standing at the edge of the cobbled
yard. Her hands gripped a
portmanteau and a large umbrella, a
scowl contorted her smooth brow
and sent a twinge of panic racing up
from the base of his spine. Did he
know her? He dared not look closerto find out. He kept his gaze lowered
and the crates lifted high, for the
last thing he needed was to be
recognized.
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Robert quickened his pace. Another
quick peek as he drew near provedthat she was still staring avidly in his
direction. His head down, he moved
to the edge of the road and rushed
past.
Hed just inhaled deeply, the better
to expel his relief, when something
struck the back of his knee. His legs
tangled, the crates tilted and the
ground rushed up at him. He hit the
pavement with a painful thud even as
the crates launched into the air.
Almost before theyd landed, he wasover and on his feet, cursing
Rowlands bullies and clutching at his
apron pocket and the object they
sought.
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But there were no hired villains.
Instead he stared, incredulous, atthe mangled object at his feet. The
chit had tripped him with her
umbrella!
Robert Marchwell! He winced as
his name rang out. I knew it was
you!
He looked up, past mud-stained hems
and wrinkled skirts, over arms
clenched tight to a slender frame
and into the face of the girl who had
gotten him into this mess in thefirst place.
His mouth fell open. Not half a year
past, Emma Lawson had jolted him
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awake. Shed stirred him up, made
him painfully aware of his own
emptiness and given him an incentiveto change. For her sake hed
undertaken this insane missionand
shed nearly broken his kneecap in
return.
Emma? His vibrant, golden girl
looked a travel-weary and
bedraggled mess. He climbed to his
feet and clutched her shoulders.
Whats happened? Where is your
uncle?
Her open and sunny countenance hadgone tight and dispirited. On his
way to debtors prison, I hope, she
said bitterly. She crossed her arms
and scowled at him. What are you
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doing here? The Season is still in
swing. Arent you fearful youll miss
something?
Robert shifted, suddenly unsure of
his footing in a multitude of ways.
Emma was fixed in his mind as sweetand sure. Her generous and giving
nature had struck him powerfully.
Theyd spent an idyllic autumn in
company together and hed found
that her presence shone a light on
his rakish, fast-paced existence.
Hed seen his life for the pitifully
shallow thing it was and in her eyes
hed seen what it might be. But hedidnt know the dusty, resentful
Emma in front of him now, and was
unsure how to answer her.
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Before his silence stretched too
long, a deep voice sounded nearby, a
barked order that stood out fromthe cheerful urging of the crowd.
Robert looked up to find one of his
pursuers pushing his way toward him.
Oh, damn it all to hell, he cursed.
The man gestured and Robert
spotted another one closing from
the street.
He fumbled in the apron pocket.
Emma, tell me quicklywere you
meant to be leaving on one of those
carriages?
Sudden tears shone in her eyes. No.
Ive no money
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Good, he interrupted. Take this,
then. He pulled out the thin,
precious package, and using her bodyas a shield, tucked it inside her
cloak. Theres an inn on the east end
of town, the Hoof and Horn. Meet
me there, upstairs in room twelve, inan hours time. He clutched her
hand and stared into her startled
eyes. God, but he wanted to crush
her to him and kiss her senseless.
But Rowlands men must not connect
them. Im sorry.
For what?
He shook his head. If they ask, you
dont know me.
What are you talking
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He gripped her shoulders again and
scowled. Watch where you arestepping, he said harshly. Move!
The men were nearly upon them.
Roughly he shoved her aside and
sprinted away.
Chapter Two
Stunned, Emma watched RobertMarchwells rapidly disappearing
form. He was leaving? She was
stranded, dirty, hungry, alone and
pennilessand now had a strange
object poking her sideand he wasleaving?
Again.
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She pushed away from the low wall
surrounding the posting yard.
Disbelief twisted in her gut,exposing burning anger underneath.
Deliberately she embraced it, as it
made a fine shield against panic and
despair. She straightened hershouldersand was struck between
them as two men rushed past.
Out of the way! The words were
nearly as rough as the wall she hit
once more. Neither paused or
apologized. She stared as they raced
off after Robert with deadly intent.
Now fear was the emotion erupting
inside her. What had Robert got
himself into? She pulled her cloak
tight and was poked once more by
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the object inside. What had he got
her into?
Furtively Emma glanced around, but
no one paid her any attention. The
drivers had given up their fight and
turned to untangling their coaches.Around her the throng had begun to
disperse. What she needed was a
moments privacy to examine this
mystery object. She picked up her
portmanteau, abandoned the ruined
umbrella and eased away with the
melting crowd.
Emma found an apothecary shoptucked amidst the rows of taverns
and posting inns lining Maidenheads
main street; it boasted a front lined
with plants and herbs and a tiny
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bench tucked amongst them. She
took a seat, angled her body toward
the building and pulled out herunwanted acquisition.
The package was long, thin and
wrapped in linen. Emma tore thecloth away to reveal a fan of aged,
polished ivory. Reverently, she
opened it. The pierced ivory was
beautifully detailed and adorned
with three small vignettes. She
peered closelyand stilled. The
lovingly painted portraits were of
her mothers sister, Lady Catherine
Ramsden, who was soon to becomethe Duchess of Manning.
Her gut clenched. Daphnes words,
uttered on that fateful day at home,
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too, had three detailed portraits,
but they were of a decidedly
differentthat is to say, risqunature! Emma caught a glimpse of
long, naked limbs and a bounteous
bare bosom before she snapped the
thing shut, her face flaming.
Fumbling, she wrapped the fan up
again, and felt a little more of her
faith in mankind slipping away as she
did. Who would commission such a
thing? And why, she wondered
darkly, would it be in Roberts
possession? Try as she might, she
could not dredge up an innocentanswer, or even one that made a
particle of sense.
Emma stood and strode away again
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down the street, her mind awhirl.
She knew the stories. Her mothers
sister had thrown her life away, lefther husbandan earl, no lessand
their young son to run away with her
lover. The world scorned her as a
fallen woman, but Emma had heardher parents whispers, had heard
bitterness in her serene mothers
voice as she laid at least part of the
blame on the earl, using words like
cold, distant and inflexible. And
Lady Catherine had not, as so many
had predicted, been abandoned and
left to drift from man to man.
Instead shed lived with her dukefor many years, had a family with
him and in the end shed extracted
the best revenge on all of her
detractors; shed lived her life as
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she chose, and had been blissfully
happy doing it.
Emma had known the story, but it
had always been just dim music in
the background. Shed never felt it
touch her own life. Until her fatherdied and her aunt began to talk of
the taint in her blood. Until the ugly
afternoon in her fathers study,
when her uncle had bartered her
future away. Then Lady Catherines
example had risen before her like
the sun, and shed decided to follow
it. Emma might ruin herself by
running to her relatives atWelbourne Manor, but shed be living
her life on her own terms.
Her eyes welled. Blissful happiness
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was beyond her reach. Her chance
had run off with Robert, fallen along
with her father. But ruination and aplace in her relatives fast society
appeared far more comfortable than
life as Lady Bainbridge. And whether
Robert had meant to treasure thefan or make mischief with it, he was
not getting it back.
Lady Catherine was finally marrying
her duke. Emma could picture her
happiness, but she could also imagine
how the knowledge of an object like
this out in the world might taint it.
Well, the thing was in Emmaspossession now. She would take it
with her to Welbourne and offer it
up as a wedding present to Lady
Catherine. It might ease the brides
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mind and it just might sweeten
Emmas own welcome.
The decision made, her steps grew
brisker. Really, there was no need to
meet up with Robert Marchwell again
at all. What could come of it? Only aresurrection of old pain and the
birth of new humiliation. Shed come
this far on her own; it would be
wisest to continue on that way.
Her head was convinced of it. Her
heart reluctantly agreed. Yet for
some reason her feet were carrying
her steadily toward the east end oftown. Almost before she knew it, she
found herself in the dusty foyer of
the Hoof and Horn, asking after
room twelve. She shifted uneasily as
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the innkeeper eyed her with a
knowing grin. He led her upstairs,
knocked on the door and swung itopen.
Emma stopped on the threshold and
stared. A stunningly beautiful ladygazed back at her, her mouth
quirked into a quizzical smile. Well,
hello, she said. Are you the
package Robert meant for me?
* * *
Robert was late. The last thing he
wanted was for Emma to show up atthe Hoof and Horn before him, but
Rowlands hired men were more
determined this time, and he had
begun to tire.
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A horn blew and traffic scattered
before a fast-moving post chaise.Quickly, Robert swerved toward it.
A burst of speed, a lucky jump, and
he caught hold of the back end.
Vainly his pursuers tried to matchspeed with the vehicle. Robert
grinned and saluted them as they
were left in a cloud of dust.
Breathing deeply, he hung on as he
was carried through town, and
jumped off as the chaise swept past
the inn. Anxiety dogging his steps,
he sped upstairs, flung open the
doorand pulled up short.
At a tiny table sat Cora DeLane, a
sleek and gleaming vision from his
past. Good morning, Robert. Thats a
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lovely apron. Are you trying a new
look? His former mistress shot him
a look of tolerant amusement beforetransferring her gaze across the
tableto a rumpled, decidedly
uncomfortable image of his future.
Roberts heart began to pound. Even
bedraggled and stiff, Emma was the
most beautiful sight hed ever seen.
Smiling, he ripped off the apron and
started toward her.
Hello, Mr. Marchwell, she said in a
cold voice. I almost did not accept
your invitation, but just think what Imight have missed. Your...friend...has
been entertaining me with tales of
your exploits in society.
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Cora laughed. And I had only just
begun to tell her how least-in-sight
youve been for the past few months,Robert, dear. Your timing is as
atrocious as ever.
Thank you for keeping her safe,Cora. Robert knew every moment of
peril had been well worth it as he
knelt and took Emmas hands. She
held herself rigid, but he ducked
down until he could look into her
eyes. So much has happened since
last I saw you, Emma. Ive a
thousand things to tell you. But first
will you talk to me? Whatshappened? Why are you here alone?
His fingers gripped hers tighter.
And do you have the package I gave
you?
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Her eyes bright and hard, Emma met
his gaze. Yes, I have your preciouspackage, Robert Marchwell, and I
know what it is. Though try as I
might, I cannot think of a good
reason for you to possess it. Herlips pinched together. Or even why
someone would think to paint such
images on a fan. She shuddered.
Its positively lewd.
Fan? Coras catlike lethargy
disappeared. Lady Ramsdens fan?
She stared at Robert. You did steal
it from Rowland?
He didnt answer. Emma was jerking
her hands free of his. You shant
have it back, she said sharply. Ill
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be taking it on with meto
Welbourne Manor.
To Welbourne? Robert ignored the
issue of the fan for the moment.
Every part of him rebelled at the
thought of Emma being exposed tothe fast and jaded society that
would be gathering now at
Welbournethe very society he was
striving to leave behind. Why are
you going to Welbourne? Whats
happened to your uncle?
Ive no notion. She sniffed. But it
could not be worse than what he hadplanned for me.
And what was that? Coras languid
amusement was back in place.
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Sale to the highest bidder, Emma
replied bitterly. He got himself intofinancial trouble and decided I was
his way out of it. Her chair scraped
as she pushed back and away from
him. He found a disgusting,lecherous old baron who agreed to
split my dowry with him. Her chin
lifted. I ran away instead. As to
your question, Im going to
Welbourne for a very specific
reasonto be ruined.
Robert reared back. Ruined?
Indeed. Lord Bainbridge will only
accept a chaste maid. Just visiting
with my scandalous family and their
guests at Welbourne ought to give
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him sufficient reason to doubt. She
stepped back as he stood. And no, I
was not so foolish as to leave alone.
She crossed to the window to gaze
down upon the courtyard. I brought
my maid along. Weve been makinggood time, but yesterday we
discovered that we were being
pursued, and last nightshe left
me. She tossed a hard look over her
shoulder at him. Like so many
others, she stole away. A rattle
sounded outside and she turned
back. Likely so she wouldnt be
blamed for helping me. She took allof my money with her. No doubt she
means to lead my uncle straight
here.
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Robert swallowed a surge of fury.
Her uncle had turned him away as a
useless fribble? It was beyondhypocritical. He took a step toward
Emma. Hed known she was quick-
witted and kind, with a generous
heart. Now he watched her battleweariness and worry and he knew
she was so much more. She was
strong, full of fire and resolve. He
drew a steadying breath. Yet she
seemed so distant, so different.
Hed realized last autumn that he
wanted her by his side. Hed been
empty, aimless until he met her. Athird son, hed lived his life with no
occupation other than to stay within
his means and refrain from shaming
his family name. He, Cora and the
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others in his circle drifted from one
pleasure to another and wondered
why they eventually ceased tosatisfy.
Emma, hed learned, was disarmingly
different. She lived with joy andpurpose and he wanted to wake
every morning to the light in her
eyes. But the obstacles before them
were numerousand multiplying.
Cora was staring at Emma with a
calculating gleam in her eye. Might
I see the fan, dear?
Emma flushed. Im sorry, Miss
DeLane, but I cannot allow it. Lady
Ramsden is my mothers sister.
Although Ive never met her, I can
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imagine her dismay at the thought
of this object in unknown hands,
being ogled and evaluated anddiscussed by strangers. She shot
another cold look toward him. Or
even acquaintances. She shook her
head. No, the thing is in mypossession now, and there it will stay
until I turn it over to her myself.
Robert stared at her and wondered
how this situation had become so
damnably complicated. Months ago
hed had nothing more pressing on
his mind than whose bed he would
end up in next. Meeting Emma hadshifted his outlook and changed his
desires, but hed been at a loss until
the Duke of Manning offered him
the means to do something about it.
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It was a simple enough bargain: a
small but prosperous estate inexchange for the fan. Not so easy in
reality, but hed come so close. He
must get that fan to the duke, but
did he want Emma to end up atWelbourne? He didnt have the
means, or the right, to stop her. Not
yet. But not only would it be harder
to dodge Rowlands men with her in
tow, hed have to be on the watch
for her uncle. He also had enough
experience with Cora DeLane to
know that the cat-and-mouse game
she was playing with Emma bodedwell for neither of them.
I dont believe you know what you
are getting into, Cora told Emma,
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watching her closely. Rowland was
furious when the fan disappeared.
With all the talk, that fan hasbecome notoriousand notoriety, my
dear, can be a valuable commodity.
She sent a twinkling smile in
Roberts direction. Rowland wantshis commodity back. Its rumored
that hes hired a small army to chase
it down. She tilted her head at
Emma. Perhaps you will want to
reconsider your course of action.
Emmas face tightened. No. I would
not.
Cora breathed deeply. She relaxed
in her chair and the air of
assessment left her expression.
Good for you, dear. She sat a
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And Robertyour apron has
inspired me. I think that you shall
make a splendid footman.
Chapter Three
Here was another first. Since thatfateful moment when shed stepped
into her uncles study and
encountered Lord Bainbridge, Emma
had experienced a distressingnumber of uncomfortable firsts.
This one, however, might just be her
favorite.
Miss DeLane had transformed her.With a scant thirty minutes, a
borrowed gown and the help of one
of the inns maids, shed altered
Emma completely. Oh, she knew
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shed always looked passably fair
and exactly like what she was, a
simple countrywoman of comfortablemeans. Men had watched her with at
least a degree of appreciation.
But this was different. With herskin scrubbed and glowing, her hair
elaborately coiffed and her bosom
displayed by a fitted bodice with
elaborate embroidery, she felt
somehow changed. At once stronger
and more vulnerable. The attention
she was receiving from the men
milling about the inns taproom had
changed as well and become...intense.
Last week she might have been
uncomfortable with such notice.
Today she merely tossed her head
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and watched impatiently for Robert
Marchwell. The new, cynical part of
her soul wished him to have a tasteof what hed so easily left behind
and to choke on it. She had to wait
until Miss DeLane had finished her
business with the innkeeper. At lastit was done and Emma followed her
new mentor out into the courtyard.
And immediately had to swallow a
burst of laughter.
Robert stood stiffly near Miss
DeLanes open carriage, the stain of
embarrassment cast across his face.
Or perhaps it was merely areflection from his new costume.
Miss DeLane had worked her magic
on him as well, with an entirely
different effect. The apron was
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gone, but somehow she had
unearthed an old set of livery. Once
a rich, vivid red, time and wear hadfaded it to an odd pinkish-orange.
Stretched tight across his shoulders
and not quite closed in front, it lent
Robert the unfortunate aspect of aripening pomegranate.
Emma knew the moment he caught
sight of her. His pained expression
melted into a blank look of shock. He
took an involuntary step toward her.
Ah, Jenkins, Miss DeLane said
smoothly. How prompt you are. Asyou can see, my young friend and I
are ready to leave at last.
Emmas mouth twitched as Robert
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recalled his role. Woodenly he
turned to assist them into the
barouche. She could not help a surgeof satisfaction as his hand gripped
hersharder and longer than was
strictly necessary.
The moment stretched on. Miss
DeLane cleared her throat and
announced her desire to depart.
He let go. Emmas amusement faded
as, instead of climbing up beside the
driver, Robert stepped onto the
perch at the back of the vehicle.
She sat in the backward-facing seatand he stood staring straight down
and across at her.
The barouche lurched to a start, and
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eased from the courtyard into the
street. The London Road stretched
ahead, wide and even. The trafficheading toward Town moved briskly.
He couldnt have noticed any of it.
His eyes never left her for amoment. At first Emma kept her
chin high and her own gaze fastened
on the countryside, on the farm
carts they passed, or the riders
moving smartly past them. But she
saw none of it, either. The intensity
of her focus matched his. An
unnatural silence held sway as the
heavy weight of his regard left herskin tingling in its wake. She felt the
path of his gaze, as tangible as the
touch of a hand as it traveled from
the luxurious ribbon entwined in her
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hair to the dainty slippers peeking
from beneath her skirts.
At last her resolve weakened, and
slowly she turned her head to meet
his eyes. And there it was, that look
that had so captivated her lastautumn. Their odd situation, the
presence of Miss DeLane, even his
ridiculous liveryit all faded into
the background. She was caught up
once more in the connection that
they had shared.
Their attraction had been
immediate, their conversation open,candid and amusing. Shed been
intoxicated, her senses drunk with
him, her thoughts filled with his
teasing laughter, his stolen kisses
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and whispered promises. After
several glorious weeks, Robert had
left Somerset with the extendedhouse party that had brought him,
but hed pledged to return for her.
And then Emmas father had died.Her world had broken apart. In her
grief she had waited for Robert
but he had never come. Heartbreak
had proved to be as terrible a
burden as grief. And shed endured
it alone.
Perhaps that had been the most
painful part of all of this. Evenamidst her uncles family, shed
never been more isolated, or more
terribly lonely. And that still had not
changed, she realized suddenly.
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Mere chance had brought Robert to
her again. Shed be a fool to expect
any different sort of outcome fromthis meeting than shed had from
the last.
It was enough to break the spell.Her heart twisted as she turned
away. Shed been right all along. Her
best chance for safety and perhaps
a small measure of happiness lay at
Welbourne. Though her heart might
be damaged past repair, at least she
would not suffer alone.
* * *
The sun was setting behind them,
the last rays radiating warmth on
Roberts back. It had been a long
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and eventful day; one hed never
imagined would end with him
playacting as Cora DeLanes footman.
But then, hed never imagined he
might encounter Emma today, either.
As the barouche swayed, he watchedher, his frustration slowly turning to
irritation.
She looked incredible. In the past
their time had been spent in country
pursuits; riding and picnicking, in
afternoon visits and informal
dinners. Shed looked beautiful then,
of coursefresh and happy, glowingwith health and good humor.
Cora had dressed her as a
sophisticate and she looked even
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lovelier powdered and pampered. His
chest tightened at the thought of
her reception by the type of menlikely to be gathered at Welbourne.
And yet the internal changes to
Emma distressed him even more.
Shed been through so much; of
course she was due a measure of
bitterness and anger. Yet a good
deal of it appeared to be directed at
him. Though Coras help was
undoubtedly proving invaluable, he
cursed her presence. He needed to
get Emma alone, to explain all that
hed been trying to do for them, tellher how important that fan was and
explain his bargain with the Duke of
Manning.
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Do you know that I purposefully
changed into this high-necked frock
before we left, Cora announced idly.But now I see that it was a wasted
effort.
It took a moment for her meaning toregister. It wasnt until Emma
blushed and he looked down over
Coras shoulder that Robert realized
his unique position on this cursed
platform. Though he was several
feet behind Cora, he stood a good
deal higher. Had her gown been cut
low and revealing he would have been
in an ideal spot to appreciate it.
In fact, I feel quite cheated, Cora
continued. Had I known that the
two of you were only going to
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blanket this trip in layers of silence
and...tension, I might have declined
to help you after all.
Neither he nor Emma had an answer
to that.
And my earlier conversation with
Miss Lawson proved so entertaining,
too, Cora said, sighing. I told her
all manner of stories about your
exploits in our circles, Robert, and
she turned several charming shades
of red.
Above her, Robert clenched his jaw.
You were always entertaining, she
said sadly. I meant to ask dear Miss
Lawson if she might have known why
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wed seen so little of you in the last
monthsbut then you arrived. She
angled her jaw and smiled up at him.And now I may ask you directly.
Just what has been occupying you
and keeping you so busy and quiet?
At least Emma had looked at him
again. She raised an arched brow as
if to echo Coras question. Robert
swallowed. Ive been engaged in
some business with the Duke of
Manning.
Ah. Cora sat quietly for several
minutes. I begin to see. The duke isa generous man. Ive known him
to...adopt a person now and again.
She shuddered. Youd think hed
have no time for it, what with the
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need of a...favor...from the Duke of
Manning?
Emmas head jerked up again.
But enough about you, Cora said
decisively. I wish to hear moreabout Miss Lawsons dilemma.
She paused, her head tilting. Robert
stiffened as a shout echoed from
behind them.
Ho, there! Hold the carriage!
Robert twisted around to see twohorsemen coming up quickly behind
them. Fury and alarm battled within
him as he recognized Rowlands hired
men. He spun back to glare down at
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Cora.
Davies, pull over to the side of theroad, she called to her driver. But
take your time about it. She
reached across the barouche to grip
Emmas arm. Wipe that look offright from your face, Cora
commanded. You are a coquette, do
you here? You will be demure
except when I am not lookingand
then you will glance flirtatiously,
enticingly, at these men. She sat
back and arranged her features into
a slight frown. Robert, she hissed
without looking at him. You will tryand look like a footman!
Robert met Emmas terrified gaze
with a reassuring one of his own
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before the men drew abreast and he
straightened, staring blankly ahead.
Miss DeLane, the biggest man said
in a reproachful voice. You left
Maidenhead without checking in. We
lost Marchwell. Did he keep yourappointment?
Roberts fists clenched along with
his gut. He should have known better
than to trust Cora!
She stared at the hired henchman,
her smile gone to ice. He did. But he
was as nervous as a cat and notinclined to trust me with your men so
close on his heels. She waved a
dismissive hand. I told you to leave
him to me, but you bungled it. And
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now you delay me. She narrowed her
eyes. Marchwell mentioned his
family estate in Gloucestershirebefore he became suspicious. I left
word for you. Why are you not after
him?
Robert saw the second man eyeing
Emma. She stared at her hands, only
the flutter of long eyelashes
betraying her obedience to Coras
instructions. None of them spared
Robert a glance.
I received no word, the first
hireling said.
Did you check at the inn?
No.
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Idiot, Cora huffed. And now he is
several hours ahead of you. LordRowland will not be pleased. She
scowled. I must return to him in
London before my protg and I
depart for the wedding.
The mans horse danced nervously
beneath him. Miss, about Lord
Rowland...
I shall tell him exactly what has
happened, Cora said spitefully.
Were I you, I would be in
Gloucestershire as fast as I could.
Wait! she called as they both spun
their mounts around. I assume
there are men posted ahead?
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Yes, the first man said, impatient.
How many?
He shrugged. A great many, Id say.
Rowland wants his property backbefore that wedding.
I shall send a few of them after
you, should I encounter them. Youre
going to need reinforcements.
The henchman nodded and they were
gone. Road dust hung in the cooling
evening air. Cora asked hercoachman to drive on. She sat back,
seemingly at ease. Do not look at me
so, Robert, she ordered.
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You cannot know how I look right
now, Miss DeLane, he answered
tightly.
I do not have to, I can feel the
indignation pouring from you. She
patted Emmas hand. Its not whatyou think, dear. True, Rowland is
my...
Protector, Robert spat.
Yes. She sighed. But Catherine,
your aunt, is a very dear friend.
When Rowland asked for my help, I
decided to do what I could to getthat fan myself. She laughed. And
while I would have had no
compunction in taking it from you,
Robert, I do not feel the same about
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Emma. She smiled at the girl. I
believe you do have Catherines best
interest at heart.
Cora craned her neck to look back at
him. Hounslow is just ahead. I have
friends there. I will makearrangements for you to stay for
the night. Ill have to go on or
Rowlands men will begin to suspect
something. Her gaze lifted to the
countryside. It is a few trifling
miles overland to Welbourne from
there. I trust you, Robert, to act
the gentleman. You must leave first
thing in the morning and get Emmaand that fan to Lady Catherine.
Impotent fury nearly stole Roberts
breath. It was quickly replaced with
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a burning determination to get this
job done. He suffered the
uncontrollable urge to grab Emma,leap from the barouche and tell Cora
DeLane to go to hell. He didnt. He
balanced on his precarious perch, his
mind awhirl, all the way to Hounslow.Night had fallen when the driver
turned down a lane and followed a
narrow track to an inn tucked
beyond the main village drag. Robert
jumped down and pulled Emma from
the vehicle.
A stout woman with a lantern
emerged from the run-downbuilding.
Plans have changed, Cora told her
grimly, climbing down. This one
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needs to change back into her own
clothes. She smiled at Emma. Youll
be less conspicuous as a dustytraveler.
Robert flinched when she touched
his arm. Different clothes for him.Perhaps a tenant farmer?
And you? the lady innkeeper asked.
Ill be going on. But theyll need to
stay hidden for the night.
She nodded. The hay barn out
backll do.
For the first time since theyd been
stopped by Rowlands men, Emma
spoke. No, she said flatly. It will
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not.
Cora took her hand. Your cynicism isentirely understandable. Your uncle
used you ill indeed. Its just a hunch,
dear, but I think you must wait
before painting Robert with thesame brush.
Wait for what? Emma asked. She
sounded exhausted.
Cora glanced his way. Perhaps until
you can discover if your lecherous
baron was the only man to ask your
uncle for your hand.
Roberts breath caught. Could it be
so simple?
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Of course he was. Emma sounded
bitter now.
No, Robert contradicted her
clearly. He was not.
Chapter Four
He was not. Roberts innocuous
statement had set Emmas worldaskew. Bainbridge hadnt been the
only man to ask for her hand.
Numb. She concentrated fiercely on
feeling nothing, showing nothing, asthe inns mistress tugged her inside,
past a noisy taproom and up to an
empty chamber. Emma accepted her
help in changing out of her borrowed
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finery and back into her travel-
stained garments.
Had Robert asked for her? Had he
kept his promise? Her heart
pounded, ready to soar at the
possibility. Some part of her wasscreaming in happiness. Another
huddled small, sobbing in relief. She
squelched them both, along with
myriad other wildly erratic
emotions.
Her lessons might have come late,
but shed learned them well. She
struggled to keep her expectationslow and her walls high. She didnt
think she could survive another blow,
another disappointment. How would
she bear it if it were not true?
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Outside, night had settled and Cora
DeLane was ready to continue on. Inthe murky light of the innkeepers
lantern, Robert was nowhere to be
seen. Cora huddled with the older
lady a moment, their whispers nomatch for the good-natured
rowdiness emanating from the
taproom.
Numb, Emma reminded herself as
Cora left the woman with a last,
urgent-sounding admonition. She
held herself aloof, unfeeling as
Roberts ex-mistress hugged herclose and then held her at arms
length, searching her face.
Whatever she was looking for was
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not to be found. Emma started when
Cora cupped her face in both hands,
her stern gaze boring into her own.You will not do this. You will not be
afraid, Cora whispered. Youve
come too far to give in to fear now.
She let go and turned to climb intoher vehicle. Emma, dear, she said,
settling into her seat. You can be
happy if only you will allow it.
Emma swallowed a surge of emotion
and did not respond. The barouche
began to move. Cora leaned forward.
Stay hidden tonight. Robert will
take you on to Welbourne beforefirst light. Get that fan to your aunt.
Its the best wedding gift you could
give her. Gravel crunched beneath
the vehicles wheels. Give my
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regards to Catherine, Cora called.
Emma nodded and waved. She stood,staring after the vehicle, until the
innkeeper called her to attention.
This way. The older womangestured with her lantern. The
taprooms full of locals, she
whispered hoarsely. The main
coaching inns are full tonight and
Ive several rooms let to the
overflow. She looked over her
shoulder. Even here theres endless
talk of the wedding at Welbourne,
Rowlands auction and that missingitem. Theres a reward out for that
thing, although folks is split on whod
pay more to have it, the duke or the
jilted lover. Itd be best if no one
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ever knew you were here.
Emma clutched at the thin bulk ofthe fan, tied safely into a pocket
under her skirts. But it was not
concern over the fan that had her
anxiety escalating as she followedthe bobbing light past the stables,
to an even smaller, older barn.
Robert was in there. Whatever was
she going to say to him?
The hay barn, the innkeeper said.
Nobody comes here at night, though
theres an empty grooms loft with a
cot for you. Spose it wont hurt thegentleman to sleep the night in the
hay. She cracked the door open.
Theres supper in there, and a bit
of traveling supplies. I expect youll
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offer. Robert didnt know if he was
angrier with her despicable uncle, or
with her.
Shed believed hed abandoned her.
She hadnt trusted him to keep his
word.
Come in and eat, he said, gesturing
to the bread, cheese and wine atop a
crate.
Shed left her bonnet off. Even the
dim light of the covered lamp set
alight the sunlit streaks in her tawny
hair. He stared at them, unspeakingas she slowly crossed the tiny space
and sat upon a crooked stool.
Robert, she whispered. Her gaze
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was cast downward.
Eat, he ordered. He should avoidthis now. It would be better to wait,
to have this conversation when they
werent so isolated, when hed had
time to gather sufficient control.Were leaving early, you should
sleep.
Im sorry. She looked up then. I
must apologize. Its true, I didnt
know, but I should never have
believed...
That I was a worthless fribble? hebarked. Thats what your uncle
named me, when I had the audacity
to ask for your hand. Perhaps I
should have waitedit was right
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after your fathers death and I
wished only to see you, comfort you.
But he made it clear he had otherplans for you.
She reached out a hand but he
moved away. Dont. I cant reallyblame either of you, for he was
right.
No, she denied. He wasnt.
He was. At that time I had nothing
to recommend me save a close
acquaintance with the fast and loose
set of the ton. He met her darkeyes. But Ive changed. You inspired
me. The Duke of Manning noticed,
and encouraged me. Ive worked
closely with him, and learned much
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about business and land management.
I hoped to make something of
myself, to become worthy of you.
She rose and crossed to him, slipping
her hands around his waist. Youve
always been worthy. But Ive let youdown.
A terrible tension eased within him
at her words and with her touch. He
gripped her tight, breathing in the
scent of her hair before he took her
seat upon the stool, bringing her
along to sit in his lap. When the
furor about the auction and the fanarose, the duke asked for my help. I
agreed to do anything I could.
Of course.
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And then do you know what he
offered? He promised me an estate,should I succeed. Its small, but it
will be all mine. He squeezed her
waist. Its an unbelievable
opportunity.
She smiled and laid a hand across his
cheek. Suddenly he grinned. When
she shifted hed felt the press of a
long and narrow object against his
hip. Is that where youve been
keeping the damned thing?
She laughed. Its safe there. Shesobered. Such a small thing to
cause so much trouble.
Robert sighed. Rowland
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commissioned it years ago, after
your aunt left her husband to live
with her duke. He ran a finger alongher jaw. Terrible things were said
about her, then and since.
Assumptions were made about her
character and awful predictions ofher complete ruination abounded. I
suppose Rowland thought owning
such an object would be a lark. If
she really had been as wanton as
some said, perhaps he would have
enticed her to his bed. He smiled
grimly. But she and the duke have
proved loyal to each other and are
still very much in love.
She wasnt afraid to be happy,
Emma whispered.
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He shrugged. I know Rowlands
taunted her for years with the
existence of that fan. ButCatherines a strong woman. She
flushed and he stared into her dark
eyes. Like her niece.
She smiled and arched slightly. He
almost shouted his relief. Emma was
here, in his lap, smiling at him again,
her luscious mouth positioned just
right for his kiss.
God, but he wanted nothing more
than to oblige her. Every fiber of his
being ached to snatch her close andtaste her once more. He wanted to
kiss her senseless, until all the
turmoil and trouble about them
disappeared and there was only her
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and him, and the sweet spiral of
their desire. Instead, Robert
groaned and did the hardest thinghed ever done in his life. He set his
love off of his lap and stood.
Thrusting a hand in his hair heoffered her a grimace of apology.
Im sorry, Emma, but this is not our
time or our place. I started this
crazy journey meaning to prove
something to your uncle. And then I
wanted to prove myself to the duke.
He could only hope she would
understand. But now I mean to
finish this for me. For us.
He set his hands on her shoulders,
and allowed himself one quick,
tantalizing kiss on her lips. Im going
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to get you and that fan safely to
Welbourne. Were going to outwit
Rowland, leave your uncle and histreacherous baron high and dry, and
set your aunt at ease at last. He
leaned down and rested his forehead
on hers. Tomorrow well be at thegates of Welbourne. And there well
decide our own futures.
* * *
They left the barn early, before the
birds had even begun to stir. Robert
shook her awake and then climbed
back down out of the loft. Hehitched a nag to the rickety old cart
hed hired from the innkeeper and
they were off; a farmer and his wife
moving slowly along backcountry
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lanes.
Emma huddled beneath her cloak,lost in contemplation. Shed thought
herself so brave, following in her
aunts footsteps, leaving her uncles
house to follow the path of herchoosing. But shed acted nothing
but a coward since the first moment
shed glimpsed Robert on the street
in Maidenhead.
Her aunt was courageous,
withstanding the censure of the
world to follow her heart. Robert
was brave, daring to change thecourse of his life. But shed been
weak. She should have been
forthright and asked him where hed
been, if he still cared for her and
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how and why hed come to possess
that fan. Instead shed hidden,
afraid of the answers. Shed letcynicism and bitterness color her
perceptions.
But no longer. She knew Robertwanted to wait until theyd finished
this, but suddenly Emma wanted him
to know everything she was feeling.
Now. Before theyd reached the end
of their journey and without the
distractions that would inevitably
arise at Welbourne.
Robert. Emma placed her hand onhis, where he held the reins loosely.
Theyd passed through the village of
Twickenham. Robert had just begun
to take the turn that would shortly
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bring them to Welbourne.
Robert, she repeated, insistent.
He pulled the horses up in the
middle of the intersection and eyed
her questioningly.
I have something to say, and I do
not wish to wait.
His brow furrowed, he waited.
Emma gathered her courage. Ive
been a terrible coward. She
shushed him when he stared toprotest. Its true. The moment I
saw you, in that silly apron, carrying
a stack of empty crates, I closed
myself off from you. Id been hurt
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and I was afraid it would happen
again. So I pushed you away, looked
for reasons to be angry and toldmyself Id be happier without you
when really I just wanted to be
safe.
She scooted closer to him on the
bench and leaned into his reassuring
warmth. But youve shown me what
it means to be brave, to risk failure
in search of happiness. I see now
that if I wall myself off from the
negative or difficult things in life,
then Im closed to all of the good
things as well.
She breathed deeply. So Im going
to tell you, right now, that Im not
going to give in to fear any longer. I
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want to be happy. I choose to be
happy. With you.
Robert transferred the ribbons to
one hand, and trailed the fingers of
the other along the line of her jaw.
She tilted her head to him and thistime, at last, he leaned down and
pressed his mouth to hers.
A torrent of emotion surged through
Emma. Joy and pride and a great
swell of love for this man unfurled
inside of her. She opened beneath
him, and daringly touched her tongue
to his. He moaned in response andkissed her deeply, his heavy hand
settling at the small of her back and
urging her closer.
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Emma was lost, awash in a haze of
pounding hearts and communing souls
and rising desire. Gradually, though,the rumble of wheels and the jingle
of harness began to pierce the
sensual cloud that surrounded them.
Robert pulled away, his grin rueful,and they both looked over their
shoulders to find a coach and four
come to a stop behind them.
The coachman sat atop his box,
watching them with a commiserating
grin, but the occupant of the coach,
a wizened old man, had poked his
head out of the window.
Out of the way! he shouted. He
shook a cane in their direction.
What do you think youre about,
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blocking the public roadand with
such vulgar affrontery!
Aghast, Emma shrank back. Its
Bainbridge, she whispered. She met
Roberts questioning stare with
horror. The baronmy uncle!
Robert stiffened, but before he
could react, they were all hailed by a
call from ahead. Emma cringed
further when she caught sight of
her uncle on horseback, coming from
the direction of Welbourne.
Might as well turn around. Theyvehad no sign of the chit, he called to
Bainbridge. He passed Robert and
Emma with barely a glance at their
worn clothes and ancient cart.
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The maid! Bainbridge exclaimed.
That lying jade...
No, the girl spoke the truth.
Emmas uncle sighed. We must have
missed her on the road. Letsretrace our steps a bit and stop to
think. He waved impatiently at
Robert. Well, go on, good man, and
quit blocking the road.
Fighting a grin, Robert shrugged at
Emma and shook out the reins,
urging the nag to continue. Emma
clutched his leg tightly until thecoach and her uncle had turned
about and headed back toward the
village. She stared openmouthed at
Robert as he pulled the horse up
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again. He bit his lip. She giggled
and then they both dissolved in a
flood of hilarity and relief.
* * *
Soon after, they stopped before thegleaming gates of Welbourne Manor.
Robert helped Emma down and
soberly they stared at the gorgeous
gardens beyond and the twinkle of
the Thames in the distance.
Weve fought hard to get here,
Robert mused, and now I feel
strangely reluctant to enter.
I feel the same.
He turned and took her in his arms.
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You journeyed here to become
ruined. In a way, I came to save
myself. But I dont think either ofthose goals fit us any longer.
No. She sighed.
What do you say we take the fan to
the doorstep, with instructions for
it to be delivered to the duke and
his soon-to-be duchess, compliments
of her niece
And of you, too, she insisted.
He nodded and kissed her nose. Andthen shall we just continue on?
Her eyes lit up. Where shall we
go?
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I was thinking of Gretna Green.
Emma stood on tiptoe and wrapped
her arms about his neck. Its
perfect. Lets go and be happy.
THE END
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