It was her only chance to escape from Lord Smithton. She had to speak to Lord Havisham and lay her heart bare. She had to trust that he too had a fondness for her, in the same way that she had found her affections touched by him. Else what else was she to do?
Lifting her chin, Emily closed her eyes and took in a long breath to steady herself. After a moment of quiet reflection, she rose and made her way to the writing table in the corner of the bedchamber, sitting down carefully and picking up her quill.
“Miss Taylor.”
Emily’s breath caught as she looked up into Lord Havisham’s face. His dark blue eyes held a hint of concern, his smile somewhat tensed as he bowed in greeting.
“Lord Havisham,” she breathed, finding even his very presence to be overwhelming. “You received my note, then.”
“I did,” he replied, with a quick smile, although a frown began to furrow his brow. “You said that it was of the utmost importance that we spoke this evening.”
Emily nodded, looking about her and seeing that her father was making his way up the small staircase towards the card room, walking alongside Lord Smithton. Their engagement was to be announced later this evening and Emily knew she had to speak to Lord Havisham before that occurred.
“I know this is most untoward, but might we speak in private?” she asked, reaching out and surreptitiously putting her hand on his arm, battling against the fear of impropriety. She had done this much, she told herself. Therefore, all she had to do was continue on as she had begun and her courage might be rewarded.
Lord Havisham hesitated. “That may be a little….”
Emily blushed furiously, knowing that to speak alone with a gentleman was not at all correct, for it could bring damaging consequences to them both – but for her, at this moment, she did not find it to be a particularly concerning issue, given that she was to be married to Lord Smithton if he did not do anything.
“It is of the greatest importance, as I have said,” she replied, quickly, praying that he would consent. “Please, Lord Havisham, it will not take up more than a few minutes of your time.” Seeing him hesitate even more, she bit her lip. “Surely you must know me well enough to know that I would not force you into anything, Lord Havisham,” she pleaded, noting how his eyes darted away from hers, a slight flush now in his cheeks. “There is enough of a friendship between us, is there not?”
Lord Havisham nodded and then sighed “I am sorry, Miss Taylor,” he replied, quietly, looking at her. “You are quite right. Come. The gardens will be quiet.”
Walking away from her mother – who did not do anything to hinder Emily’s departure, Emily felt such an overwhelming sense of relief that it was all she could do to keep her composure. Surely Lord Havisham, with his goodness and kind nature, would see the struggle that faced her and seek to do what he could to bring her aid? Surely he had something of an affection in his heart for her? But would it be enough?
“Now,” Lord Havisham began, as they stepped outside. “What is it that troubles you so, Miss Taylor?”
Now that it came to it, Emily found her mouth going dry and her heart pounding so furiously that she could barely speak. She looked up at Lord Havisham, seeing his features only slightly in the darkness of the evening and found herself desperately trying to say even a single word.
“It is…..” Closing her eyes, she halted and dragged in air, knowing that she was making a complete cake of herself.
“I am to be wed to Lord Smithton,” she managed to say, her words tumbling over each other in an attempt to be spoken. “I have no wish to marry him but my father insists upon it.” Opening her eyes, she glanced warily up at Lord Havisham and saw his expression freeze.
Find out what happens next between Emily and Lord Havisham in the book available in the Kindle Store A New Beginning
My Dear Reader
Thank you for reading and supporting my books! I hope this story brought you some escape from the real world into the always captivating Regency world. A good story, especially one with a happy ending, just brightens your day and makes you feel good! If you enjoyed the book, would you leave a review on Amazon? Reviews are always appreciated.
Below is a complete list of all my books! Why not click and see if one of them can keep you entertained for a few hours?
The Duke’s Daughters Series
The Duke’s Daughters: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
A Rogue for a Lady
My Restless Earl
Rescued by an Earl
In the Arms of an Earl
The Reluctant Marquess (Prequel)
A Smithfield Market Regency Romance
The Smithfield Market Romances: A Sweet Regency Romance Boxset
The Rogue’s Flower
Saved by the Scoundrel
Mending the Duke
The Baron’s Malady
The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square
The Returned Lords of Grosvenor Square: A Regency Romance Boxset
The Waiting Bride
The Long Return
The Duke’s Saving Grace
A New Home for the Duke
The Spinsters Guild
A New Beginning
The Disgraced Bride
A Gentleman’s Revenge
A Foolish Wager
A Lord Undone
Convenient Arrangements
A Broken Betrothal
In Search of Love
Wed in Disgrace
Betrayal and Lies
A Past to Forget
Engaged to a Friend
Landon House
Mistaken
