Diane smiled softly, as though she were speaking from experience, and Emma realized that she had never once asked her cousin about how she came to be with her husband. She had always assumed that theirs had merely been a match of convenience. Perhaps she had been wrong.
“I have always believed that one must take a great deal of time with another before one can feel such a strong emotion as love,” she said softly, as they began to meander their way back toward the carriage. “Mayhap I am the one who has been mistaken.”
“I am certain that you are,” her cousin replied with a smile. “Although I will not blame you for that. I believe that I was in love with my dear husband from the very moment that we met! I thought him the most handsome man in all of England and soon found that his character was just as excellent. I feel most fortunate that we were permitted to wed as quickly as we did. I do not think that I could have waited for another moment, such was the depths of my affection.”
Emma smiled quietly to herself.
“I do not think I have ever heard you speak so.”
Diane laughed.
“I am certain that you have not, but that was wrong of me. I should have explained to you, long before now, just how quickly such feelings can develop. That, I believe, is what has been driving you back towards Lord Thornbridge. You do not want to get rid of the emotions which you feel, because they are so very strong, and because you cannot think of a life without him. I am very pleased for you, my dear. It means that everything you feel will stand you in great stead - and now you know that Lord Thornbridge returns your feelings, you are fortunate indeed!”
A deep heat rose up in Emma’s face, and she shook her head.
“I do not think that I can say that Lord Thornbridge is in love with me. That would seem a little… presumptuous.”
“Mayhap he does not need to say anything. It is obvious by his actions. Would you not say?” Again, her cousin smiled softly as they continued to approach the carriage. “He has admitted to you that he cannot stay far from you, even though he determined that he ought to do so. That speaks of a great affection – and the fact that he is eager to be reacquainted with you, and to continue with your warm acquaintance, says a great deal about all that he now feels. I can assure you, my dear cousin, that your esteemed Lord Thornbridge will, in time, return your deep feelings - whether or not you wish to admit such a feeling to me or not!”
Emma did not say anything to this, for the thought of it was so utterly resplendent that it took her breath away. Could she dare hope that her cousin spoke the truth? Could it be that, after everything they had endured, she might find such a happiness with Lord Thornbridge? A happiness that she had never expected, never allowed herself to believe to be possible?
“One thing more I shall say,” Diane continued, as the door to the carriage was opened for them. “If you do feel such a thing, if you will admit it to yourself, then I should advise you again to be honest with Lord Thornbridge.” Chuckling, she caught Emma’s sharp gaze and laughed again. “Being bold is not something that you have ever struggled with, but perhaps in this, you might find yourself in a little difficulty – but I will encourage you to do it all the same. Tell Lord Thornbridge the truth. Push forward with what you feel, and I promise you that you shall have a light fill you which you have never so much as glimpsed before.”
Emma said nothing, watching as her cousin stepped up into the carriage. Her heart twisted around on itself as she considered all that her cousin had said.
“My Lady?”
Emma blinked, and it took her a moment to realize that the footman was waiting for her. Taking his hand, she climbed into the carriage, only to find herself smiling softly as her thoughts returned to Lord Thornbridge.
Am I in love with Lord Thornbridge? Is that what these feelings are? Is that why they will not leave me alone, why they only seem to grow whenever I am near to him?
Sighing softly, Emma folded her hands in her lap and looked out of the carriage window into the inky blackness. Perhaps it was that, at the end of all of this, regardless of what happened with their situation, she would find herself in Lord Thornbridge’s arms as the gentleman that she loved and who loved her in return.
Chapter Eleven
“It is noon.”
“Yes, it is,” Lord Stoneleigh murmured, although there was no nonchalance when he spoke. Instead, there appeared to be something of a frown on his face, showing as much concern as Henry himself felt. “And you are quite certain that he said noon?”
“Yes, I am sure of it.”
“He is not here then.”
Turning his head, it came as no surprise to Henry that Lady Emma was standing only a few steps away. He had not seen her approach, nor heard her come by, but there was never any doubt in his mind that she would not join them. Much to his astonishment, his heart leaped as he saw her, and had it not been for the presence of her cousin and Lord Stoneleigh, he might very well have pulled her into his arms.
“No, he is not. And it is noon.”
Lady Emma bit her lip, and Henry frowned again, his concern growing. This was becoming increasingly disconcerting. Why should the gentleman not be here? He had said that he would arrive at noon and had been most insistent that they were on time.
“We promised that we would not be tardy, and it seems all the stranger that he would be absent now, having been so firm about the time.”
“That was my thought precisely.” Unable to help himself, he grasped her hand. “It does seem very odd that he would not appear at present. I confess I am a little concerned for him.”
Lady Emma nodded, but said nothing, holding his hand for a long moment before, after a slight frown from her cousin and a shake of her head, they were forced to stand apart. Reluctantly, Henry released her hand, although he caught the smile which tugged at Lady Fullerton’s lips as she looked away. Perhaps it was that she did not mind the gesture so much, but was only aware of their present public location. He threw Lady Emma a warm smile and she returned it with one of her own, although her cheeks flushed gently, adding to her beauty. His breath caught and then unfurled in his chest like a sail. He could hardly believe that the beautiful young lady standing before him, the one with such fire and zeal, was so very eager to stand by his side despite his circumstances. He had learned his lesson. He had underestimated her and would never do so again. Her determination to remain a part of his life, no matter the circumstances, had taught him a great deal. He respected her all the more for it, loved her all the more for it, and that feeling was one he was certain would never fade away.
Lady Emma’s eyes suddenly went over his shoulder. Her color changed swiftly to white, her mouth opening, her eyes staring as one hand lifted, pointing towards something which Henry turned swiftly towards.
The young man they had been waiting for was attempting to fight off another man who was, at present, raining down blows upon him.
