Lady Emma pressed Henry’s hand and he returned the pressure.
“This may be a solution, certainly, if it is the way that you wish to go, Lord Thornbridge?”
The hope in Colbridge’s voice sent a flurry of confidence rising up Henry’s chest and he let out a slow breath.
“Yes. It is.”
Deciding that this was the course of action he was to take, Henry drew in a breath and then allowed it to settle in his chest. A sense of contentment stole over him as Lady Emma smiled up into his face, allowing him to see all that she felt in her eyes. From the softness about her eyes and the gentle smile on her lips, he was quite sure that she not only believed in his decision but supported it as well. He would need that if he was to do well on whatever evening this took place.
“How shall we go about it?” Colbridge asked, reaching for his glass again.
Considering, Henry reluctantly pulled his gaze away from Lady Emma.
“I will find out where this uncle of yours will be for the next few nights, as best as I can. He is in London, yes?” Colbridge nodded. Biting his lip, Henry hesitated. “Or mayhap I should organize my own gambling evening and invite a few gentlemen – one of whom could be Lord Warrington.”
“The latter would give you more certainty,” Colbridge suggested, “but it could not be you hosting such an event. He would not come.”
“Then I shall do it.” Lord Stoneleigh shrugged as Henry looked towards him. “It would cause me no difficulty, and I would be glad to help you, Thornbridge. I can have the invitations sent out this very evening.”
Catching Lady Emma’s swift intake of breath, Henry nodded slowly.
“If you are able to do such a thing then–”
“I ammorethan able, and very willing to do so.”
A broad, hopeful smile – the first that had crossed his face in a matter of hours – lifted Henry’s expression as well as his heart.
“Then do it.”
Lord Stoneleigh nodded, gave him a small but dark smile, and then rose from his chair.
“If you will excuse me, I will go to my study at this very moment to make the arrangements. Allow me to speak with my housekeeper and the like and, within a short while, I shall inform you at once of the day, the time and, thereafter, whether or not Lord Warrington has replied.”
“Let us hope that he does, else our plans will come to naught!” Lady Emma answered, leaning close to Henry who, instinctively, put one arm around her shoulders.
The closeness she offered him was an additional gift to his troubled mind and he felt able to breathe a little more easily.
“Both myself and Lady Emma will make arrangements for Colbridge,” Henry stated, hearing a slight cough come from one side of the room and only just then recalling that Lady Fullerton was sitting in a chair behind him. She had listened to the entire conversation, but as yet, had not said anything. Turning quickly, he saw her wide eyes and immediately began to stammer a little, afraid that what they had spoken of thus far would be spoken of to Lord and Lady Stanbury.
“You have my full support, Lord Thornbridge.” Evidently sensing his concern, Lady Fullerton smiled quickly, although it faded within a moment. “You will wish for myself and Lady Emma to be present, I presume? On the evening that all of this is to take place, I mean.”
“I should like that very much.”
This was spoken to Lady Emma rather than to Lady Fullerton, and the joy that danced about her eyes made his heart lift to the skies.
“I should be very glad to be by your side,” Lady Emma murmured as Lord Stoneleigh took his leave, Colbridge turned his head away and Lady Fullerton turned around completely. “I will support you in all of this, and whether you regain your fortune or not, know that you have my heart.”
Reaching up, Henry gently brushed his fingers across her cheek, marveling at the smoothness and softness of her skin… as well as the tenderness of her heart.
“As you have mine.”
Chapter Twelve
“Are you anxious?”
“I am.” Emma clasped her hands in her lap, looking across at her cousin. “It is a few hours away still, but this evening is a very consequential evening, is it not? What happens if Lord Thornbridge does not succeed? What if Lord Warrington is somehow aware of the planned scheme? What then?”
Diane smiled.
