“A bad reputation for clumsiness or the like does not come about simply by one action,” she said, as Frederick closed his eyes, attempting to hold onto the ball of anger which was growing bigger with every word that came from Martha Fairley’s lips. “I did not like that you were not only gaining the attention of Lord Wellbridge but also, even in your state as a wallflower, you were being noticed by one of the richest gentlemen in all of London!”
Frederick blinked, momentarily stunned.
“Wait a moment, Miss Fairley. You mean to say that you hoped thatIwould be pushed away from your sister simply because of her supposed clumsiness?” Seeing her nod and still utterly astonished by the lady’s audacity and her complete lack of embarrassment as she admitted to these things, Frederick shook his head. “But why should you do that? Would you not be glad that I was seeking her company, rather than Lord Wellbridge?”
Martha let out a harsh, broken laugh which made the hair on Frederick’s neck stand on end.
“Glad?” she repeated, scowling furiously. “Why should I be glad that my sister, myyoungersister, has not only gained the attention of the one gentleman whom I have an interest in, but thereafter, once I have secured her status as a wallflower, finds herself with the attention of other gentlemen – the attention thatIought to have?” She flung up her hands. “Thetonappears to have forgotten thatIam the eldest! ThatIought to be given precedence, thatIought to be looked at and considered before my younger sister. But no, they did not! I had Lord Wellbridge consider her over me, and that is the sole reason that I began my endeavors to bring about her ungainly reputation. It began at the end of last Season, and reached its successful conclusion at the beginning of this Season, only foryou, Lord Yeatman, to step in. You were just as Lord Wellbridge was, seeing my sisterrather than even once considering me! I thought, mayhap, that you were unaware of her reputation and thus, it was more than a little simple to continue with my plans. I gave a great deal of pin money to footmen and maids, I even resorted to a hair pin, and yet none of that made you even consider stepping away from her! Instead, it seemed to bring you all the closer and I–”
“Martha!”
Frederick started in surprise, as did Martha and Emma. He hastily got to his feet, only to see Lady Follet standing just inside the room, her eyes wide with shock and her face pale with fright.
“M…mama.” Martha’s demeanor changed in an instant, her eyes fixed on her mother, her hands clasped at her heart. “Mama, I do not know all that you have heard but–”
“I have heard enough to realize that Emma has always been telling us the truth,” Lady Follet exclaimed, her voice cutting through Martha’s excuses. “My goodness, can it be true? You would do such awful things to your sister simply because you were jealous of her?”
Martha lifted her chin.
“It was not jealousy. It was only that I desired society to see me first.”
“I should take my leave.” Frederick turned to Emma, aware that their fingers were still interlaced. “Would you be able to spare me a few minutes alone, Emma? I know it is a little improper but–”
“Of course.” Emma rose to her feet, walking towards her mother and sister as Frederick hastened to the door. He did not want to linger in what was going to be a private family conversation, though, at the same time, he was relieved that the truth was now to be made known. Stepping out into the hallway, he waited a little anxiously for Emma’s return, relieved when after only a few minutes, she stepped out to stand with him.
“My dear.” The way that his heart leaped as he looked at her told Frederick that there was a good deal more to his affections than he had ever really considered. The desire to speak with her had come from only one particular thought: to beg her to accept his hand in marriage. There could be no delay.
“Are you quite all right?”
Taking her hand in his, they began to meander along the hallway – though quite where they were going, Frederick did not know, but nor did he care. All he wanted at present was to be in Emma’s company.
“I am still a little stunned,” she told him, her hazel eyes swirling with all manner of evident confusion, her face a little pale still. “I did not ever imagine that my sister would be the one doing such a thing to me, though I also did not imagine that Lord Wellbridge would have any sort of interest in me!”
Frederick smiled briefly.
“The latter does not come as a surprise to me, my dear Emma. The more that I have come to know you, the more my heart rejoices every time I am in your company. You are the most wonderful creature I have ever known.”
She smiled and leaned against him, sighing heavily as their steps slowed, leaving them to stand together just outside the parlor door. Spying it, Frederick turned and, without a word, pushed it open and stepped inside.
Emma followed without a word.
Once the door was shut, Frederick turned, ready to open his arms to her – and she was already there, ready and waiting to be held tight. Frederick wrapped his arms around her, smelling honey and blossom as she clung to him, his heart aching both with love for her and also in sympathy for all she had endured. How long they stood together, Frederick did not know, but when she stepped back, he already felt it to be too short a time.
“You are sure that Lord Wellbridge will not do or say anything more?” she asked him, her voice soft with all the deep, overwhelming emotions that she felt. “You are quite certain that he will stay away from both me and my sister?”
Frederick’s expression softened, his hand catching her chin gently.
“You are still concerned for Martha, even after what she has revealed to you?”
Emma nodded, though her eyes glistened with obvious tears.
“She is still my sister. Though I am saddened and sorrowful over what she has done, though my pain over that is still very great, I recall what Lord Wellbridge did to me, and my fear still lingers – both for myself and my sister.”
“Then I can assure you that Lord Wellbridge will not come anywhere near you again,” Frederick promised, finding himself a little overwhelmed with all that she had revealed to him. How precious she was! How wonderful! To have such a consideration within her over her sister, even after all that she had learned, was quite incredible. “I swear it.”
“I thank you.” Emma let out a slow sigh and then melted back into his arms. “Thank you for going to speak with him. I do not know what you said, but I trust your word.”
Frederick could not help but drop a kiss on her forehead. When she looked up, startled, all he could do was smile. A gentle pink began to infuse her cheeks as she held his gaze and Frederick’s heart began to quicken, fully aware of the desire deep within his heart.
