Lord Yeatman’s gaze turned to Emma, his eyebrow lifting.
“Ah, I recall that you explained to me that both you and your friends hoped to break free of society’s constraints as regards wallflowers. Are you having any success?”
“Some.” Emma offered him a smile, finding her heart warming at both his presence and the conversation with the gentleman. “It is trying when most of society rejects your company, I confess.”
“Especially when there is no reason for it!” Miss Simmons exclaimed, gesturing to Emma. “I was just saying to Miss Fairley that I can see no reason forherto be pushed back in such a way. It is most unfair.”
Emma’s face flushed hot as she blinked and then glanced at Miss Simmons. Her friend had inadvertently given more away than Emma had desired and thus, she now found herself in something of a predicament. Ought she to explain to Lord Yeatman the reason behind her situation? Or should she remain silent?
“I should be glad to hear it if you would like to share it with me.” As if he had read her thoughts, Lord Yeatman smiled but then shrugged. “But I will not press you. If you think it best to keep such thoughts to yourself, then I quite understand.”
“Oh, it is for a very foolish reason,” Miss Simmons interjected, waving one hand before Emma could speak again. “I am sure that there is nothing to hide.”
The decision taken from her, Emma coughed lightly and then caught Miss Simmons’ eyes flaring, evidently realizing too late that she had said too much.
“Itisfoolishness, I suppose,” Emma agreed, pausing for a moment as she looked to Lord Yeatman. “My mother and father have stated that I am rather inelegant at times, as you are well aware.”
Lord Yeatman’s eyebrows lifted, his eyes rounding.
“Do you mean to say that such a thing is your only reason for being pressed back into this situation?”
Rather surprised at the gentleman’s reaction, Emma nodded slowly.
“Yes, that is so.”
“Goodness.” Lord Yeatman lifted one hand to his chin, rubbing at it for a moment as his gaze drifted away from her. “How extraordinary.”
“Though I must thank you for what you did at the dinner party,” Emma said, aware that she had already thanked him, but finding herself compelled to thank him again. “You were most generous. In truth, I do not know what happened, but I can say for certain that it was notyourdoing.”
Lord Yeatman looked back at her sharply, his jaw a little tight.
“I can assure you that it was not your doing either, Miss Fairley.”
She looked at him and then smiled rather wearily.
“I do not know what happened, as I have said. For whatever reason, however, it appears to me that such accidents follow me. Some are certainly my fault but others…” Aware that she was saying more to him than she had meant, Emma dropped her hands. “It is rather tiring, and I can understand, I suppose, why my parents seek to push me back from society. My sister is also seeking a match and must be considered.”
Lord Yeatman made to say something, only to close his mouth again and give a slight shake of his head.
“It is unfortunate that such a consequence has been placed upon Miss Fairley, is it not?” Miss Simmons, whose cheeks had gone rather red, given that she now understood what she had said, offered Emma a small smile and then looked to Lord Yeatman again. “I personally have not seen any ungainliness from Miss Fairley ever since she became my friend.”
Lord Yeatman smiled, his expression softening as he took in Miss Simmons’ words.
“I am sure that you have not.”
“It seems very unfair that thetonwould ignore her,” Miss Simmons continued, making Emma frown at the way her friend was pushing her forward towards Lord Yeatman, though she had never expressed a desire for her to do such a thing. “Though I, personally, believe that it is most unfair for thetonto treat usallin such a way as this!”
“Please, there is no need–”
“No, you are quite right,” Lord Yeatman interrupted, sending Emma a somewhat apologetic smile for interrupting her. “I am quite in agreement with you, Miss Simmons. Thetonshould not be treating you in such a way, especially for such a foolish reason as supposed clumsiness!”
Miss Simmons pressed her lips together.
“Though there is a different reason for my own situation,” she said, as Lord Yeatman shrugged. “You should be aware of that.”
Lord Yeatman shook his head.
“No, I do not require any explanation, Miss Simmons. What Idorequire, however, are your dance cards, if you would be so willing as to give them to me?”
