“Surely you are not suggesting she go by herself?” her father asked in disbelief.
“My love, she is perfectly capable of caring for herself, but I will allow one of the maids to accompany her, as well as Lewis, who will happily drive her there,” Lady Montague answered with assurance.
“It is such a long journey—”
“Father, please,” Emma interrupted and approached him. She took his hand in hers and met his gaze with hers. “It would mean the world to me if you would allow me to go. You, of all people, know how much I wish to travel to Edinburgh. I vow to not be irresponsible or place myself in a situation where I would be at risk. And Lewis does not need to drive me all the way. I would gladly travel by train. It would be such a scenic ride, and much more comfortable, as well.”
Her mother shrugged her shoulders. Her father’s jaw was clenched as he pondered for a moment longer. “Very well, you may go.”
Emma exclaimed happily as she embraced her father and thanked him profusely.
“But you must promise me, my dear,” her father began to say, and Emma loosened her embrace. “You must promise to be safe, but also enjoy yourself. The highlands are beautiful and majestic, and will enchant your soul.”
“I do not doubt that for a moment,” Emma smiled. “And I will be safe, my dear father.”
“Then it is settled. We shall go to the train station and purchase a ticket for you and Anna, and you will be on your way.”
“Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Father,” Emma beamed. “I have no words to explain my gratitude towards you.”
“I will make arrangements with my cousin, Lord Falmouth. He would be delighted to have you stay at his estate in the outskirts of Edinburgh,” Lady Montague offered.
“I would not wish to be a burden to anyone, Mother, especially not family whom I have never met,” Emma stated.
“Nonsense. Lord Falmouth would be delighted to finally meet you. Perhaps his son, Lord Duncan could take you to a few of those treasured places,” her father said.
Emma lowered her gaze. It was not the best of times, but perhaps she required another distraction to keep her thoughts away from William. It would most certainly be difficult, but it was necessary.
“Is something weighing on your mind, my dearest child?” Lord Montague inquired.
“I am perfectly fine, Father. I am merely overwhelmed with the thoughts that my greatest dream will soon be realized,” Emma said, and embraced both her father and mother once more. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you both. I love you both dearly.”
“We both love you dearly as well, Emma.”
Emma glanced gratefully at her parents and quietly left the drawing room.
She made her way back to her bedchamber and closed the door.
She sat on her bed and continued to read the pages of her journal, recalling every thought as she read the lines she’d written. Remembering all the emotions she’d felt at the moment she’d penned them.
Her old words made her excited for her future visit to Edinburgh. She could hardly wait to set foot on the train. To leave Somerset and all the troubles behind, even if it was only for a short while.
Perhaps, she thought to herself as she leaned back against the soft pillows of her bed, she would adore Edinburgh so much that she would not wish to return.
Would that be such a bad thing? She only wished to be happy. Not constantly reminded of the best and worst mistake she had made in her entire life. Was that so wrong to only wish to be happy, even if that meant leaving her family and her best friend in the entire world behind?
Even if it meant leaving the only man she’d ever loved behind as well?
Emma continued to read through the pages of the journal until the words swam in front of her eyes and she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Chapter Fourteen
The ballroom was crowded as William made his way through the sea of guests attending the Duke and Duchess of Balfour’s ball. They were celebrating their lovely young daughter’s—Lady Celeste—first season.
The ballroom was nothing short of spectacular, decorated in elegant blues and golds. The candles were lit in the chandeliers overhead, their flickering enchanting the ballroom. The guests were dressed in spectacular gowns, embellished with sparkling jewels, fit for kings and queens.
It was rumored that there would be a royal guest or two present. It would not surprise William in the least if that were true. The Duke of Balfour was a very influential man with a strong and royal lineage that dated back centuries, and unfortunately for everyone who listened, he very much enjoyed boasting of it.
William was unimpressed that he was yet again forced by his brother to attend the ball with his family. But despite his reluctance and resistance, he had agreed.
Emma had not been seen at their estate since she had left a few weeks prior, so he remained hopeful that she would attend the ball tonight. There were so many things he wished to say to her.
After the tragic proposal, where she had rejected him–despite admitting she cared for him—he had not seen or heard from her. It had been more than a week and his heart yearned to gaze upon her beauty, hear her voice and hold her close to him.
The duke and duchess had left his side to mingle and converse with their acquaintances, but William didn’t care. He was preoccupied scanning the masses to find Emma.
“William,” he heard beside him and glanced at the middle-aged, yet still perfectly able Duke of Balfour, “so good to see you.”
He turned towards the gentleman who had been fast friends with his father. “And you, Your Grace. I must thank you for the invitation this evening. The ballroom looks magnificent.”
“Many thanks, but I cannot take any credit for it. My wife and her
