Emily touched his arm, her fingers threaded through his still. “I would do what was best for my family.”
And still she spoke with deference. He looked down at her. “You can say no.” He smiled then. “It is your right to wait and find the right man.”
That made her smile again. Sweet and relaxed, the warmth of her gaze made him ache. “Thank you for the advice, Your Grace.” Then her hand slipped from his and she started from the room. He watched her until she disappeared.
Bash glanced at her too as she exited the room and then he swung his gaze back to Brandon. “It’s time for us to have a private conversation.”
Brandon quirked a brow. “I greatly appreciate you allowing me to sleep on your settee but as you stated, it’s two in the morning. Perhaps we should agree that tomorrow may be a better time to discuss the subject of marriage?”
Bash gave a stiff nod. “I have other questions too. About the Scot. Isabella’s father. Their uncle.”
Brandon gave a stiff nod. “Tomorrow then?”
“Tomorrow.”
Chapter Six
Emily woke late and when she entered the breakfast room, she’d expected it to be empty. The quietness of the room confirmed her suspicions, but as she walked inside, she found her fake aunt, sisters, and cousin all assembled.
They sat in a row, hands folded, waiting.
Their silence alone was concerning. Five women were never quiet. Ever.
But their matching looks of concern made Emily stop in the doorway. Fear trembled down her back. “What’s wrong?”
Isabella stood clearing her throat. “How are you feeling this morning?”
Eliza rose as well and before she could answer, started talking. “It was a rather interesting day yesterday, and I’m sure you’re exhausted still.”
“I’m fine, actually,” she answered, her jaw clenching. She loved Eliza, but she did not need her sister to speak for her.
“Oh good,” Isabella answered. “We were so worried yesterday…”
Emily winced. Of course they were. They’d watched her be carted off. She drew in a steadying breath. She needed to be more patient with her family. “Is that why you’re all sitting here like we’re about to attend a funeral?”
Abigail stood then. Emily looked at her youngest sister, her face pale, her eyes large, and her gut churned with misgiving. Abigail was never quiet. Ever. Abigail’s hands twisted, her teeth catching her bottom lip. “Something’s happened.”
Emily moved forward coming to her sister’s side. She slipped an arm about Abigail. “What?”
Abigail’s hands twisted. “Someone saw you yesterday. In the duke’s arms.”
That’s when Emily saw the piece of parchment on the table with neat slanting letters. “Who saw me?”
“We don’t know precisely.” Eliza stood taller, her knuckles rapping on the table. “But apparently it’s the talk of the town. There was a ball last night and it was being whispered everywhere. Some are even saying your scandalous behavior is why we’ve disappeared from society.”
“What?” Her breath caught. What would happen to her sister? “That’s just not true.”
Their hired Aunt Mildred shrugged. “Technically, it is true. The same forces that pushed you out of society tried to kidnap you.”
“Why are you still here?” Eliza asked, her eyes narrowing. “Our uncle is dead and we’re under the protection of the duke.”
Aunt Mildred, or Caroline, or whatever her name was, let out a huff. “It looks better that I am. And besides, once you’re all married, I get a bonus and a country house.”
“You’re jesting,” Eliza said a fair bit louder than was necessary.
Mildred shrugged. “It was in my initial contract. I’m not going to break it.”
Isabella’s brow drew down. “Then why do you quit regularly?”
“You’re a lot to handle,” the other woman grumped back.
Abigail stamped her slippered foot on the thick carpet. “Can we get back to me, please?”
“Back to you?” Emily asked.
“Yes.” Abigail turned to look at her. “As I said. You were seen with your mystery man.”
“I know,” she answered. “As you said. But it doesn’t matter. At least not to me. Bash and Brandon are discussing the possibility of marriage, and Bash is convinced Brandon will be exonerated by the crown.”
“He offered!” Isabella broke into a large smile. “This is good news.”
Aunt Mildred clapped. “Do you think there is a bonus for a duke? I should look at my contract.”
Had he offered? Not exactly. That word…unfortunately…skittered through her mind. How silly she was. Bash might force the match, but she wouldn’t have been his first choice for a wife.
“The problem, however, is that whoever saw you thought that you were me or I was you or however that goes,” Abigail said. “In other words, you are not the one facing ruin. I am.”
Emily gasped and her hands came up to cover her mouth. “I’ll tell them that it was me. I’ll tell everyone.”
Tears filled Abigail’s eyes. “I know that you would. But…” She clasped her hands in front of her heart. “Everyone will assume you’re just trying to cover for me, and the scandal will follow me anyhow. In all likelihood, we’d both be ruined.” She plopped down in her chair, waving her hand. “We’ll be spinsters together, I suppose. We’ll live in the country with a house full of cats that smells like old carpet and herbs.”
Emily wrapped her arms about her sister, tears stinging her eyes. “Abigail. Do stop.” How could her feisty stunning sister be ruined before she’d barely begun? And for what? Nothing. She’d done absolutely nothing. “We have to find a way to make this right.”
“We will.” Isabella nodded.
“What can we do?” Avery asked coming up to join the sisters. She was their cousin, and being Uncle Malcolm’s daughter, the girls hadn’t always been close. But Emily pulled her into their group for a hug. Despite her parentage, Avery had a good heart. And she was family.
“We have shares…” Eliza said, tapping her chin. “Perhaps we can transfer some to Abigail. With a large enough dowry, almost any sin will be forgiven.”
“What sin?” Abigail huffed, her foot stomping again. “Sitting at home
