“I will have to tell him.”
Laughing, Diane pressed her hand.
“Yes, my dear, you will have to tell him. I do not think that tonight is the moment to do so, however, but it should not be something that you delay too long. I think, in fact, that it is something which will bring you both a great deal of joy.”
Taking a long breath, Emma set her shoulders and then reached for her cup of tea. The nervousness which had been swirling through her as she had considered what might happen this evening suddenly disappeared, but was quickly replaced with a gentle, swirling uncertainty. Not about what would take place with regard to Lord Warrington, but rather about the fact that she had a good deal more to tell Lord Thornbridge about how she felt.
“What do you think your mother and father will say, should they ever discover that Lord Thornbridge does not have as great a fortune as they believed?”
Diane’s question was quiet, and Emma’s heart sank a little.
“As you know, my parents are both delighted about the situation with Lord Thornbridge. They believe that we are very closely connected and when courtship or, should I be blessed with it, betrothal, should be asked for by Lord Thornbridge, it will be granted immediately, without a single moment of delay. However, should thetondiscover that he does not have as much of a fortune as was believed, then a great deal might happen. My father might refuse to give permission.” Pinching the bridge of her nose, she drew in a long breath. “It is best, therefore, that, no matter what happens, they do not become aware of it… or at least do not become aware of it until after I am wed.”
Diane’s eyebrows shot toward the ceiling.
“You think that he will ask to marry you soon?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
Her confidence came from the realization that the bond they had formed thus far was so very strong, made all the stronger by the fact that they had endured difficulty and found their way through it. Now that she knew what was in her heart, she trusted that it would strengthen what they shared all the more, and that, in turn, could only lead to one thing. However, such a request would not take place if her father and mother discovered that Lord Thornbridge did not have as much wealth as was believed. That would be the difficulty now.
“Then let us hope that he finds success this evening, one way or another.”
“And even if he does not, then let us pray that there will be a way to disguise the loss of his wealth from London society,” Emma replied quietly, determining in her heart that no matter what happened, she would assure Lord Thornbridge of her undying devotion. “Whatever happens, I am certain that we shall both find a way.”
* * *
“Good evening.”
“Good evening, Lady Emma.” Evidently uncaring as to whether or not society saw him do so, Lord Thornbridge stepped forward and grasped both of her hands tightly in his, his grey eyes swirling. “You cannot know how glad I am to see you here this evening. Your parents were clearly quite contented for you to attend with them?”
“They were glad to be invited, I believe,” Emma replied with a small smile. “Lord Stoneleigh and his betrothed are thought very well of. My mother, of course, is here mostly for the gossip and the conversations she can have with her many acquaintances, but my father will enjoy a few rounds of cards, I am sure.” Aware of the warmth from his hands slowly spreading up her arms, she looked around the room, trying to concentrate on the evening, rather than on what she felt. “The drawing room is already filled with guests, I see.”
“There are four rooms this evening,” Lord Thornbridge explained. “Lord Stoneleigh has done well.”
“Indeed,” Diane murmured. “And with the invitation being given and accepted, you fully intend to see Lord Warrington here this evening? He has not arrived as yet?”
“No, he has not, but I am certain that he will do so soon.”
“And your plan is still the same?”
Emma searched his face as Lord Thornbridge nodded.
“I have every intention of playing cards against the fellow. I will be honest, I will be scrupulous, and I will not cheat. I want to show him what it means to be a gentleman, to treat him justly, even though I have been unfairly treated.”
Emma’s heart swelled with admiration as she looked into Lord Thornbridge’s face. He was a man of great distinction, a man who was willing to do what he could to preserve his own honor, even when he had been treated so disgracefully. How many other gentlemen could be of such fine character? Had not her cousin already told her that there were a good many fine fellows in all of England, but that the majority of them could behave in a despicable manner should they be given the opportunity. She need never fear that Lord Thornbridge would be one of those men. She knew him too well. She knew his heart and could trust that he would always behave with fairness and decency.
“You are looking at me.” Lord Thornbridge’s eyebrows knotted together. “Is there something wrong?”
“No, precisely the opposite,” Emma replied with a small smile as he released her hands. “I was just thinking to myself how excellent a gentleman you are. Surely, you must know how much I admire your honesty and your determination to keep your actions pure? Even though many gentlemen in your position would do precisely the opposite!”
A flush of color immediately rose into Lord Thornbridge’s face.
“You are much too kind, I am sure,” he said softly, although that smile remained. “Alas, I must now separate myself from you for a time, I fear. We do not want Lord Warrington to notice my presence, not until he has done as his nephew believes he will – which is namely to say that he will partake of a little too much liquor in too short a time.”
Emma smiled as he turned away, but not before his fingers had touched hers briefly for one final moment. Sighing contentedly to herself and with her smile lingering, she turned back to Diane, who had been watching the interaction with intensity.
“I should always hold up my husband as the most admirable of gentlemen,” Diane remarked as she took Emma’s arm. “But in Lord Thornbridge, I can state that I believe you have perhaps found as good a gentleman as my husband – if not even a little better!”
