The first born was often referred to as the most important son, which was why he had done everything in his power to impress his father. He had even adopted many of his father’s habits, but his rakish tendencies had not been something his father had ever embodied as William had.
As he listened to Lady Celeste speak of her own interests, he began to realize that this young woman knew very little of the world. She lived in a rather sheltered and protected space. She was the complete opposite of Emma in every way possible. Not only her physical appearance, but her manner of speaking and interests. Nothing about their time together sat comfortably with him.
William couldn’t even ask Lady Celeste to dance. It simply felt wrong to hold another woman in his arms, and gaze into eyes of the wrong color.
It was becoming extremely obvious that forgetting Emma was not an option. How would he manage to live his life when he had lost the most important part of him?
Much later that evening, William sat quietly in the coach with the duke and duchess on their way home.
They didn’t ask why he was quiet, even after he’d spent his evening with Lady Celeste. In fact, they didn’t ask him any questions at all.
William appreciated the silence, as he had neither the strength nor the mental capacity to deal with queries for which he had no answers.
His heart knew the truth, but since he had never truly followed the advice of his heart, he had to settle with the lingering regrets inside him. Perhaps this was fate’s manner to punish him for the terrible things he had done.
Justice had, indeed, been served.
Chapter Fifteen
The excitement of Emma’s upcoming trip began to escalate quickly as her tickets were booked on the train in a few days. She had only a few more errands to run before she was ready, hence her reason for being in town.
She had purchased three dresses from her favorite modiste and taken her father’s coach to collect them. As she walked through the establishment, she had noticed a few women whispering in her presence, but she did not acknowledge them in any way.
Emma had decided that since she was leaving Somerset for a while–and she was not certain when or if she would return, for that matter—she might as well take in the town one last time.
When her father had returned home with two train tickets for her and Anna, she had been utterly delighted. Nothing was able to prevent her from embarking on her adventure.
Not even thoughts of William would stop her from getting on that train, regardless of how much her heart yearned for him. Emma desperately required distance from Somerset, and traveling to Edinburgh would do her a world of good. Once there, she could re-evaluate her life and decide which direction she wished to go. Perhaps she might meet a man there who would sweep her off her feet. Although, if she were honest, she wished to have nothing to do with any man for a while.
Emma watched as her footman carried her new dresses to the coach, and she cocked her head at the sound of a bell. She turned and noticed the door of the apothecary. She wished to purchase rectified oil of amber, as it helped several ailments.
Her maternal grandmother had been a nurse, who had taught her many home remedies to fight illnesses. Emma simply wished to be prepared for any type of difficulty that arose, whether it was serious or not. She did not wish to be ill during her visit and would take any precautions possible.
“Lewis,” Emma said to the coachman who assisted in placing her new dresses into the coach. “I must make a stop at the apothecary. I will only be a short while.”
“Very well, my lady. I will wait here for you to return,” Lewis answered with a nod.
“Thank you. Your patience is greatly appreciated,” Emma said with a smile.
“It is my pleasure, my lady.”
Emma made her way across the bustling street.
Two young men stood outside the apothecary and glanced at Emma as she entered.
She felt their gaze on her even after she closed the store door behind her. She dared not look over her shoulder at them, as she was well aware of why they stared so intently at her.
The rumors of her fornication and antics with Lord William had reached their pinnacle, and despite Emma desperately clinging to the hope that the residents of Somerset would simply forget about them, it was apparent they would not. It seemed to grow worse with every passing day, and she could not wait to leave this town very soon.
She approached the apothecary who stood behind the large wooden counter and smiled at him.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Cole,” Emma greeted.
“Good afternoon, my lady. How lovely to see you. How are your parents? I have not seen either of them in quite a while,” Mr. Cole smiled.
“They are well, Mr. Cole. My father has been walking more in the mornings, taking my mother along, and both are very healthy,” Emma answered.
“That is wonderful to hear,” Mr. Cole answered. “What is it that I can assist you with this afternoon, my lady?”
“A small bottle of rectified oil of amber, Mr. Cole,” Emma answered.
“Rectified oil of amber, you say, my lady?”
“Indeed,” Emma answered. “I am soon endeavoring to the cold hillsides of Scotland, and I merely wish to be prepared for the worst. I do not want to cut my trip short or be confined to my chamber being looked after by my maid while the Highlands await.”
“That is wise of you to be forward thinking, my lady. There would certainly be much less illness if
