“Indeed.” Emma leaned a little closer, keeping her voice low. “But Lord Yeatman has suggested that he can be of aid to me, though no one can be allowed to become aware of his true purpose. Given that we are all now moving about society as we please – albeit with chagrin from various members of theton,he feels that this person, whoever they are, might continue with such attacks. Therefore, he has said that he will watch our interactions, and will take care to note any unusual occurrences which might take place without my awareness.”
“That is very good of him,” Miss Simmons murmured, though her expression was a little troubled. “That is a little worrying though, is it not? You have someone who is seeking to harm your reputation in society without having any understanding of why they might be doing so… and even who they might be!”
Emma gave her friend a small, wry smile.
“Yes, it is rather troubling,” she agreed, quietly, “but in truth, I do feel a little relief in this. I have always told my parents that I have not been fully responsible for all that has taken place and, though they have not accepted that, if what Lord Yeatman believes is true, then I will have evidence – proof, even – that I have been right all along.”
Her friends all looked at each other but, much to Emma’s relief, all of them appeared to be quite willing to support her, given the nods and the smiles on some of their faces.
“Then you can have my support in this also, of course,” Miss Simmons agreed, quietly. “I do not know what it is that I can do, but anything that will be of use, I will willingly offer it.”
“I thank you.”
“I will do whatever I can to be of aid to you as well,” Lady Alice chimed in, as did Lady Frederica and Miss Bosworth. “This does sound both mysterious and rather disconcerting, I must say. I do find myself a little troubled on your behalf.”
Emma clasped her hands tightly in front of her, her heart beginning to beat a little more quickly as she considered all that her friends had said. She would be a fool to say that she had no qualms about her present situation. Yes, there was relief to think that she was going to be able to prove that she was not fully responsible for all that had taken place but, at the same time, there was also worry and concern about who was behind it all… and what it was that they wanted from her.
“Thank you all. I am a little worried, I will admit, but there is nothing to be gained from that. I must strike forward, I must continue as we have begun, in the hope that I will find the truth, and perhaps be able to return to society.”
Lady Frederica smiled.
“That is what we all hope for, is it not,” she said, a small sigh escaping her. “Let us hope that this Lord Yeatman of yours can bring you some answers.”
A fire immediately lit Emma’s cheeks as she fought the urge to press her hands to them.
“Lord Yeatman is a gentleman with exceptional kindness, that is all,” she said, firmly. “I will be forever grateful to him for his generosity and his willingness to behave as many others would not. It says a great deal about his character, I think.” Witha smile, she spread out her hands again and then let them fall. “Let us hope that weallwill find our way back into society, one way or another. That this Season will be our last as wallflowers of London society!”
“A calling card, my Lady.”
Lady Follet yawned and took it from the butler, though her expression became rather puzzled.
“A Viscount Yeatman?”
Emma’s head shot up as the butler nodded and was then sent by her mother to bring Lord Yeatman into the drawing room. Thus far, it had been only her sister who had received gentlemen for, though these fellows greeted them both and spoke well to them, it was quite obvious that their only interest was in Martha. That was to be expected, Emma had reasoned, for the gentlemen would not know her and therefore, their interest would be turned to Martha. Thus, Emma had sat quietly, drunk rather too many cups of tea and had done her best to appear bright-eyed and paying full attention, though the last gentleman – Lord Kinston – had been something of a bore and Emma had noticed even her mother’s eyes drooping at one point.
Lord Yeatman, however, had clearly come to call uponher, for he was not yet acquainted with Martha.
“Who?” Lady Follet rose from her chair and looked to Martha rather than to Emma. “Do you know this gentleman?”
“Lord Yeatman?” Martha shook her head. “No, I–”
“You were introduced at Lord Pleasance’s dinner,” Emma interrupted, aware that the door could open at any moment to permit Lord Yeatman entry. “He was seated next to me.”
Her sister’s eyes widened suddenly.
“Oh, he caused that slight embarrassment with the footman at the dinner table, did he not?”
Emma nodded but could say nothing more, for the door opened and Lord Yeatman was presented, though he was swiftly followed by another gentleman – one Emma recognized immediately as Lord Wellbridge. Martha’s expression drew up into a state of happiness as she greeted both gentlemen, though Emma chose to say nothing, curtseying only instead.
“How very pleasant to havetwogentlemen calling at once!” Lady Follet exclaimed as Lord Wellbridge and Lord Yeatman sat down. “The tea tray will arrive momentarily. I presume that you are acquainted with each other?”
Lord Yeatman nodded, though, much to Emma’s surprise, Lord Wellbridge frowned – whether that was due to his lack of recognition or for some other reason, she could not say.
“We are, though it was some time ago,” Lord Yeatman explained, his words bringing a lightness to Lord Wellbridge’s expression. “It was before my father passed away. My title, at that time, was Galson.” He chuckled as a look of clear understanding passed across Lord Wellbridge’s face. “You recall me now, I see.”
“Yes, I do indeed! Thatwassome years ago,” Lord Wellbridge exclaimed, just as the tea tray was brought in. “How very good to be in your company again. Might I ask how you are acquainted with this very fine family?”
Emma watched as Martha went to pour the tea, noticing with some concern how her sister’s hand trembled a little, though, no doubt, that came from her desire to please Lord Wellbridge and perhaps, from her delight in being in his company.
