Marina gestured for Emma to follow her to the couch where they sat, and tea was brought. Marina’s breathing was slow, steady, and deliberate as she worked to keep her composure. If what Emma said was true, Marina was sure that her heart would turn black and shriveled from betrayal.
“And how old are you, dear Emma?”
“I will turn seven and ten in a fortnight. My uncle said that you are a fine young lady and that I should befriend you and learn from you so that I might better fit in with the Ponds. They are a large and affluent family, and I do not wish to embarrass my love once we are wed.”
“Your uncle flatters me. I was not wed until I was two and twenty, so I may not be the best role model for you. I will introduce you to some ladies who might be. When is your wedding?”
“Oh, thank you! It’s the winter next, so I have plenty of time to prepare.”
“More than a year from now?”
“Yes. My Lord is overseas at the moment dealing with some property deal or other. I cannot be sure. I find all talk of business and finances to be such a bore.”
Marina’s eyes flickered to Emma’s waist. Not only was she a babe, but there was absolutely no indication that she had ever come close to lying with a man, much less having a baby.
But what reason could Phillip have to lie to her? Marina blinked rapidly as her eyes began to burn, not quite filling with tears but close to it if she could not get ahold of herself.
“When did you come to stay with your uncle?”
“Oh, quite recently.”
“If Emmanuel is your uncle, then you must know my husband, the Duke of Peterborough?”
“I do! I met him at a ball recently. He is cold, at first, but kind overall.”
Marina’s eyes flashed with rage. “Are you not kin to him? His cousin?”
Emma shook her head no, and before the girl could start speaking, Marina was already up and walking across the room. Emma followed closely behind. “We are no relation. Emmanuel is my uncle through marriage. His late wife is my aunt. Your Grace…can I ask where we are going?”
“To visit with your uncle.”
CHAPTER 32
Marina came to a stop in front of her home where Emmanuel Hayward stood as if in wait. She stormed up to him, but the moment he looked upon her, his head tilted to the side in confusion, she deflated.
This was not his fault. He could not have possibly known about her and Phillip’s conversation about Emma. He could not know that he had assisted her in catching Phillip in a lie. Worst of all, she could not fathom any other reason than the one Emma gave her for his visit.
Marina bowed her head to him solemnly.
“Lord Glastonbury,” she said, by way of greeting.
“How do you do, Your Grace?”
“I am quite well. I have made your niece’s acquaintance. I am flattered that you thought to bring her to me, but I feel that thenotion was misguided. I am a poor role model for a girl her age. I shall instead introduce her to my sister, Olivia, and some fine young women. I will send her an invitation to have tea at my house again soon so that I might do so.”
“That is remarkably kind of you, Your Grace.” He bowed his head to her. Typically, this would be his and Emma’s chance to take their leave. It was the proper way of things. And he had been standing out here so long now that it was a miracle he had not been spotted by Phillip. Marina knew that her next move would be like playing with fire.
“Perhaps the two of us could take a quick turn about the gardens? I would very much like to ensure that our hopes for your dear niece are in line with one another.”
“Uncle, isn’t she wonderful?” Emma exclaimed. The youthful sound of her voice and the way she gestured felt like a stab to Marina’s bruised heart.
“Yes, the Duchess is a commendable woman. She is quite humble in declaring herself a poor role model. Emma, my dear, why don’t you sit in the carriage and wait for me? I shall return to you in just a few moments.”
Emmanuel Hayward held his arm out for Marina to take, so she did. They walked, at first in silence, to her gardens.
“I heard that you were banned from the estate,” Marina remarked plainly. “What brings you here in spite of this?”
“Why, my dear girl, Emma! She told me that she met Phillip at a ball recently and that he spoke highly of you. When she did, it occurred to me that you might consider taking her under your wing. She comes from a decent family, but her upbringing was tainted by her father’s gambling addiction and the eventual squandering of their fortune. My dearly departed Imogen would have wanted to see her thrive, so I have done what I can to ensure as much.”
