Luckily, however, there was nothing but platonic feelings between Carson and Lizzie. Will had discovered that fact after he and Carson had confided in one another while secretly sipping the late duke’s brandy, which they had stolen from the study.
The two of them had become good friends that day, despite nursing terrible headaches and dry mouths the next morning.
Carson was a fine young man now, and despite having no title, his family was still one of the wealthiest and formidable in the county.
After a lovely, and distracting evening in Carson’s company, Will dragged himself back to Woodlock Manor, where the dark halls and his bedchamber awaited him.
He fell into a peaceful and dead slumber as soon as his head touched the pillow, and his dreams were muddled with the happenings of the day.
Chapter Three
Emma smiled happily at her reflection in the mirror as she smoothed her day dress. She had enjoyed herself thoroughly the previous afternoon, conversing with the guests at Woodlock Manor who had come together to honor the marriage celebration of the Duke and Duchess of Somerset.
The duke and her old friend made a delightful couple, and they complemented one another perfectly. Even though Emma had not imagined Kitty would ever marry a man such as the duke, the only thing that mattered to Emma was that her best friend was happy.
The glimmer in Kitty’s eyes and the manner in which the duke lovingly gazed at his wife was a clear indication that Kitty had chosen the right man.
Emma’s smile faded as she wondered whether she would also find a man who would look upon at her in such a way, his eyes filled with more love than most people knew in a lifetime.
Her hand reached up and touched a red tendril that brushed softly against her cheek and twirled it around her finger. Despite having a rather frustrating conversation with Lord William, she was unable to rid her thoughts of him.
The duke’s brother was a very attractive young man, with light brown hair, blue eyes, and a strong jawline. His shoulders were broad and his stature was tall and proud, despite the playful nature the brandy had bestowed upon him. That trait seemed to disappear entirely when she gave him a piece of her mind. She still couldn’t believe Lord William had such archaic beliefs concerning marriage and women, but it most certainly did not stop her from thinking of him.
Perhaps Emma should apologize to Lord William, as she had insulted him, and she did not wish for things to become uncomfortable during her stay at the estate. She had not meant to make such a ruckus in the garden, and the best thing to do was to ask forgiveness, whether Lord William deserved an apology or not.
Emma glanced at herself one last time before taking a deep breath and leaving her bedchamber. The morning sunlight shone brightly through the large windows as Emma made her way down the long hallway that led to the main stairwell.
The beams of light cascaded onto the smooth wood, dust particles sparkling in mid-air. Emma was still in awe at the grandiose interior of the manor house, the magnificent tapestries on the walls, as well as the ethereal atmosphere inside this spectacular home.
Once she reached the bottom of the staircase, she walked briskly through the great hall, towards the dining room.
Before she had retired for the evening, Kitty had informed her that breakfast was served in the parlor, and that Emma was welcome to make herself at home at the estate.
It was quiet, with the sweet sounds of the birds singing outside, their melodies entering through the open windows of the great hall. There was not a soul in sight, which made Emma wonder whether she had overslept, or was if it was merely too early for everyone else at the estate to be awake yet.
As she entered the parlor, she noticed the table in the center of the room with a delightful breakfast spread. Mouthwatering cheeses and pastry rolls covered most of the surface of the table, along with fresh fruits, stacked in the middle.
Although Emma came from a titled family, this was once again something out of the ordinary for her. Clearly, the servants had been instructed to go to extreme trouble to ensure Emma had everything she could ever dream of.
She sat at the table and as she reached for a plate, a maid entered and smiled brightly at her.
“Good morrow, my lady. Did you sleep well?”
“Indeed. My bedchamber is very comfortable, thank you.”
“May I pour you some tea, my lady?” the maidservant inquired.
“That would be lovely,” Emma answered and watched as the young woman skillfully poured tea into a porcelain cup and placed it beside the plate that was in front of her.
“Enjoy your meal. If there is anything you require, I will be in the hallway,” the girl told her.
“Before you leave,” Emma said, stopping the maid from departing, and she turned to her, “will the duke and the duchess be joining as well?”
“My sincerest apologies, my lady. The duke and duchess left before dawn to take the horses to the meadow,” she answered. “I was not aware that they did not inform you.”
“There is no need to apologize. I will simply enjoy this delightful breakfast on my own.” Emma smiled in reassurance. She did not wish for the lovely young maidservant to feel in any way responsible for her dining alone.
The girl’s face eased. “Oh, but you will not be alone, my lady. In fact—”
“Good morning, Emma.”
Emma glanced to her right, and there was the devil himself. Lord William stood in the doorway. He appeared as agitated as Emma felt, and she narrowed her eyes. Lord William’s jaw clenched as he approached the table and quietly sat on the chair at the
