Clearly, the rumor of her and Lord William had circulated beyond her reach and now even her friends were too ashamed to be seen in her company.
It should not have bothered Emma, as early in her life she had made the decision to accept the repercussions of her actions. Her friends’ reaction to her, however, was upsetting.
Not that she blamed William. Not in the slightest.
She had told him that he was too important to her, and despite her desperate longing to hear him say those words to her as well, she was now certain he did not reciprocate the feelings she had for him.
Emma had learned of William’s rakish reputation from her mother after she arrived back at her parents’ townhouse. And despite her mother urging her to never visit the duchess at Woodlock Manor again, Emma had ignored her.
She would simply keep to herself until things returned to normal. Rumors had a way of fading away after a while, as there was always some new scandal racing across the ton. Emma had simply never thought she would ever be a target.
Her maidservant quietly entered the parlor where Emma sat staring down at her book. Her thoughts still lingered, but she focused on the young woman as politely as she could.
“Your tea, my lady.”
“I did not request any tea,” Emma protested.
“Shall I take it away, my lady?” the maid stuttered.
Emma put out a hand to stop her. “No. I apologize for being rude. Thank you, Anna.”
The maid nodded and poured tea into a cup, placing it on a saucer and shifting it closer to Emma.
She smiled gratefully and shut the book she had in her hand, setting it on the small table beside the chaise. Emma reached for a spoon and relished in the quiet of the parlor. She was not certain where her mother and father were, but she did not mind being left alone at the townhouse.
Emma was becoming a recluse who chose to stay indoors and not have any guests, but it did not bother her in the least. Of course, her parents worried about their daughter’s behavior, not to mention how enraged her father was when he was made aware of the situation.
That was the main reason why the earl and countess did not wish for Emma to visit Woodlock Manor ever again. Emma refused to promise such a thing, stating Kitty still remained her friend regardless of the situation with Lord William. Naturally, her father urged her to be cautious while she was there.
Although Emma was not certain when she would visit the duchess again, her heart longed for William despite the fact she was terrified of her feelings for him. She only wished to protect his integrity and his name. He did not deserve to be persecuted in the manner she now was.
Emma slowly sipped her tea, the fragrant taste easing her tired mind and warming her chest. The beverage was sweet on her tongue and it reminded her of William’s lips against hers.
She silently scoffed and reminded herself that she needed to control her thoughts. Her feelings of desire for William had been the reason why she was in this situation in the first place. She sighed wearily and placed the cup and saucer on the table.
A loud knock sounded on the front door, then she heard the back and forth of voices, one of whom she immediately recognized. She rose to her feet, her heart pounding. It couldn’t be.
But it was.
William entered, followed by a rather exasperated and apologetic-looking Anna.
“My sincerest apologies, my lady. My lord insists on speaking with you.”
Emma raised her hand and said, “No need to apologize, Anna.”
“I was under strict instructions from Lord and Lady Montague to not allow Lord William into the residence—”
“And I will be certain to inform them that I had very good reason to enter,” William insisted.
“It is all right, Anna,” Emma answered. “I will inform my parents that it was my decision to permit Lord William inside. You will not be implicated or blamed in any way.”
Anna nodded quietly, and glanced briefly at William with suspicion before she disappeared out into the hallway.
“What are you doing here?” she asked as soon as they were alone.
“I must speak with you. It is quite urgent.”
“It always seems to be a matter of urgency with you,” Emma said and crossed her arms.
“Emma, the past three days have been difficult for me, and I assume they have of course been very difficult for you as well.”
“Difficult is not adequate enough to describe it, but in a manner of speaking... indeed,” Emma said.
“I wished to visit you sooner, but Lizzie and Kitty advised me not to. They said that you would still be angered by the situation,” William explained. “But that does not excuse the fact that I abandoned you.”
“You did not abandon me, my lord. I requested you leave me be,” Emma cleared her throat. “You were simply doing what I’d asked.”
And what a fool she’d been to do such a thing.
“I am aware, but what you asked is not what is best for you.”
“And what would you know of what is best for me?” Emma asked bitterly.
“Please, Emma. I am not here to argue with you, or upset you in any manner—”
“Tell me why you’re here,” Emma interjected, her heart twisting in her chest.
He was so handsome and he was being so thoughtful. She wasn’t sure her heart could take another rejection. Not of any sort.
“Emma, I understand what you are experiencing, or at least it was explained by my sister and my sister-in-law. I wish to make things right. Not only with regards to your reputation but also between you and me.”
Emma narrowed her eyes at him. “There is nothing wrong between us, William,
