CLAYTON HELPED EMMA onto her horse and the couple rode back to the arena. Jamie and Sophie were putting Samson back into his stall when they arrived, so Clayton lifted Emma down and then went off to the arena to check in with the men. Emma entered the barn to find a beaming Sophie brushing Samson down. “I take it the ride went well?”
Sophie nodded. “Yes, it was great. We took it easy, and I feel much better. How’s Clayton?”
“He’s fine. Getting information out of him, though, makes me want to rip my hair out. He is so monosyllabic.”
“Think about his job.”
Emma grunted. “I’m not talking about trade secrets, Sophie. I’m talking about personal stuff.”
“He’s a nineteenth-century man, Em.” Sophie paused with her brushing and then patted Samson’s withers. “Give him time. You’ll bring him around.”
“Maybe. Thanks for the privacy, by the way. I thought for sure you’d hover.”
Sophie laughed. “Oh, believe me, I wanted to. You can thank Jamie for that. He made me leave.”
Emma giggled.
“You summoned?” Jamie said from the doorway.
“We were talking about you, not to you,” Sophie said.
“Well, Clayton and I will just have lunch without you, then.” He turned to make his way back outside.
“Don’t move.” Sophie stepped out of Samson’s stall and closed his door. “Our baby’s hungry.”
Emma followed and greeted Clayton, who was waiting for them by the arena. She was disappointed lunch was quick, and even more disappointed when Clayton didn’t join them for dinner. He did send a note, so she chalked that up to progress.
“Is he not coming, Em?” Sophie asked after she received the note.
“Apparently not.” Emma slapped down the note. “He didn’t say why, of course.”
“You’ve had a pretty emotional day. It would probably be better if you got a decent night’s sleep. Tomorrow’s going to blow your mind.”
“Really, Soph? Blow my mind? Isn’t that a bit melodramatic?”
She laughed. “You’ll see.”
“I am tired. I guess I’ll see you in the morning.” Emma headed to bed and tried her best not to obsess over her newfound insecurity.
* * *
Sophie woke Emma at nine o’clock the next morning. “Good morning, sissy. Time to wake up. Breakfast is over, but I brought you a tray.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Really?” Sophie walked over to the side of the bed and looked down at her sister. “Em? What’s wrong?”
Emma rubbed her eyes. “I didn’t sleep well.”
Sophie raised an eyebrow. “How come?”
“Because I’m an idiot who can’t seem to control my emotions.”
Sophie settled her hands on her hips. “Were you upset that Clayton didn’t come for dinner?”
“Yes—and no. I mean, I get that maybe something came up, it’s just that he’s so freakin’ vague about everything.”
Sophie laughed quietly. “Oh, honey, you’ve got it bad, don’t you?”
“I want to go home.” Emma climbed out of bed and made her way to the bureau. “I can’t do this anymore, it’s too much.”
“Emma Justine, you’ve been here for less than a month. You have more in you than that.”
Emma poured water into the porcelain bowl on the dresser and set the pitcher down with a thump. “Please don’t give me the whole ‘we are Wellingtons and we don’t run’ speech! When does it stop, Soph? First mom, then dad, then you and Jamie? How much of this shit do I have to take before I’m allowed to say “enough?” I just want a guy who doesn’t cause me any grief. An easy one, who doesn’t make me feel like I’m losing my mind.”
Sophie smiled. “No you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.” She splashed water on her face and stared down at the bowl. “Forget it. I’ll skip the ball tonight, not give him a reason why, and see how he likes it.”
Sophie handed her a towel. “How about we take a ride this morning before we have to get ready?”
“Riding doesn’t solve everything, Sophie.”
“It does for me.”
Emma snorted.
“And shopping does for you.” Sophie grinned. “We could stop in at the general store and buy some new ribbon.”
Emma took a deep breath. “Fine. Beats sitting around here doing nothing, I guess. I really wish I could get lost in a movie right now.”
“Oh? Which one?”
“Terminator.”
Sophie laughed. “Wow, you’re feeling a little violent today, apparently.”
The girls dressed and made their way out to the stables. Emma went straight into the barn, while Sophie went to find Jamie to help her with Samson. Emma tacked up Gentle Ben and led him outside to wait for Sophie. Samson snorted and pawed the ground, obviously excited to have Sophie riding him again. Jamie had one of the cavalry horses ready and had a rare hour to spare to accompany them.
Once they were mounted, Emma noticed Jamie had a shotgun strapped to the saddle, along with a pistol strapped to his hip. She gathered her reins and stared at her brother-in-law. “Do you really need all that ammo for a quick trip into town?”
Jamie nodded. “I get that we’re somewhat isolated and protected out here, but you two need to remember we’re in the middle of a war. I’m not willing to take any chances.”
Emma glanced behind her. “Is that why they’re coming?”
Two soldiers rode up behind them and tipped their hats as they pulled their horses to a stop. Jamie dug his heels into his horse and moved toward the road. “Exactly. Stay close, please.”
Sophie and Emma fell into easy conversation as they made their way to the bustling center of Harrisburg. Soldiers roamed the area, some on guard, others simply milling around. Jamie and the two that had accompanied them didn’t leave Sophie and Emma’s sides as they visited a few of the shops. It didn’t take long for them to find the ribbons they were looking for, and Jamie decided it was time to head back to the house.
“It’s only been an hour,” Emma argued.
“Long enough to find your ribbons and return to the safety of the Wades’.”
“I know you love to shop, Em,” Sophie squeezed Emma’s hand, “but you’ve gotten everything you needed. We can come back another day.”
Emma sighed. “Okay.”
Jamie helped them mount, and then the five started their trek back to the house. On the way to the main road, they passed the railroad station, and awareness sent a shiver up her spine. She glanced toward the large steam train to see Clayton standing on the platform with a woman who was hanging on his arm—literally hanging. Emma’s heart sank when she saw that she was beautiful and petite, with long dark hair that fell in perfect little ringlets down her back. A bit like Gwen.
“Who’s that?” Emma asked Jamie.
He shrugged. “I have no idea.”
Emma shattered. Here she was standing in her drabbest dress, with jeans on under it, no less. She hadn’t done anything with her hair, and she just looked plain frumpy.
I am such an idiot.
“Emma?” Sophie whispered. “Let’s get back to the house.”
Jamie flanked Emma. “This is probably innocent. He may not even know her.”
Emma snorted. “He must know her, because she’s hanging all over him as though she were an ornament and he the Christmas tree. Clay appears to be completely at ease with her.” She turned Gentle Ben away from the couple and gathered up her reins. “That’s that, then. I should have known.” She dug her heels in and took off toward home.
* * *
Jamie waited for close to an hour for Clayton to arrive home with the woman Emma referred to as “the Fluff.” As he spoke with one of his men, he noticed Clayton’s buggy pull up to his house. Clayton lifted the lady down, and she grasped his biceps and giggled at something he said. As Clayton carried luggage into the house, Jamie made his way to the front door. Clayton set the bags in the foyer just as Jamie stepped inside without permission
“Jamie?” Clayton frowned. “Is anything amiss?”
“I need to speak with you.”
The Fluff removed her bonnet and gloves and set them on the side table. Her gaze raked over Jamie, assessing him with interest. Clayton smiled at Jamie and said, “Of course. May I introduce Miss Rose Johnson of Richmond, Virginia? She’s a family friend and has surprised me with a visit.”
“Oh, Clayton, I hope I’d be considered something more than a family friend.” She giggled and spoke with a heavy southern accent.
Clayton raised an eyebrow. “Rose, this is James Ford.”
Jamie gave a curt nod. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Johnson.”
She held her hand out like royalty and smiled. Deep violet eyes crinkled at the corners as thin lips stretched over even teeth. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.”
Jamie shook her hand awkwardly, dropping it as fast as he could. Turning back to Clayton, he said, “The matter is somewhat urgent.”
Clayton frowned. “Of course. We can meet in my office. Rose, would you please wait in the parlor? I’ll send the housekeeper in with refreshments, and she can show you to your room.”
“Thank you, Clayton. Y’are a doll.”
Once Rose was settled in the parlor, Clayton led Jamie down to his office.
Jamie followed him inside and slammed the door. Clayton turned in surprise and was taken aback by the look of fury on Jamie’s face. “Jamie? What’s amiss?”
Jamie whipped off his hat and threw it on one of the chairs. “What the hell are you doing?”
“What are you talking about?” Clayton asked.
“Who is that woman?”
Clayton crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. “She’s a family friend. Her brother was just killed at Bristoe Station.”
“Awfully chipper for someone whose brother has just died, don’t you think?”
Clayton shrugged. “She was being polite. I have gone through two handkerchiefs since I picked her up from the train station. She has been inconsolable.”
Jamie paced the small room. “Are you courting her, engaged, or in some other type of personal relationship?”
Clayton scowled. “What? No, of course not.”
“Does she know that?”
“I don’t like your tone, James.” Clayton stood taller, his body rippling with control. “Just exactly what are you implying?”
“Have you made an agreement with her of a personal nature?”
“No, I have not. I am courting Emma.”
“Does Rose know that you are courting my sister?”
Clayton shook his head. “I intended on telling her about Emma this evening. I would very much like the two of them to be friends.”
Jamie snorted. “You’re an idiot.”
“I won’t stand here and be insulted,” Clayton snapped and turned to leave.
“Don’t move,” Jamie ordered.
“Then, say what you need to say and be done.”
“Right now, Clayton, I’d like to beat the shit out of you.”
“I welcome you to try,” Clayton hissed.
Jamie took a deep breath. “Let me start from the beginning.”
“Which beginning?”
“What are your intentions toward my sister?”
“I intend to marry her.”
“Do you love her?” Jamie asked.
“I don’t believe that’s any of your business.”
“Right now, it is my business, and I would suggest you answer the question.”
Clayton shook his head. “I won’t tell you something I have not told Emma.”
“Fair enough. Exactly what does this Rose woman mean to you?” Jamie pressed.
“She was my sister’s childhood friend,” Clayton explained. “I suppose I see her as a sister. Similar to how you see Emma.”
“How does Rose see you?
“The same way. As an older brother.”
“Are you blind or just stupid?” Jamie ran his hands through his hair. “That woman wants you for far more than a brother.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about. You’ve just met her.” Clayton turned to leave again.
“You either finish this conversation with me now, or you’ll never be allowed near Emma again,” Jamie threatened.
Clayton turned slowly to face Jamie once again. “You could certainly try and stop me.”
He understood that this was what Jamie was supposed to do, protect Emma, but Clayton was not interested in having another man tell him how to handle her. She was his and no one would ever take her from him.
Jamie took a deep breath. “Look. I don’t want to fight with you, Clayton, but you’re going to lose Emma if you go down this path.”
“What path?” He threw his hands up in the air. “I don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about.”
“The Rose path. That woman is trouble. If you don’t see it now, you will eventually, and it may be too late.” Jamie picked up his hat. “My advice to you would be to speak with Emma, before you introduce her to Rose.”
“I will consider your advice.”
“Don’t just consider it. Take it.” Jamie jabbed a finger toward him. “If you hurt Emma, I will hurt you. Are we clear?” Jamie threw open the door of the office and stormed out, leaving Clayton behind to leash his anger.
Clayton stood for a few minutes, deep in thought, before he left his office and made his way to the parlor. He was a jumble of nerves and the surprise visit from Rose had not helped to calm him. He hadn’t seen Emma since the day before and he missed her. He realized that Jamie was probably right. He must speak with her before the ball tonight.
“Clayton? Is something amiss?” Rose stood as he entered the room.
“No. Everything is fine, Rose. I need to take care of something urgent. Would you mind terribly if I attended to the matter?”
“Of course not,” Rose said, although he could tell she was disappointed.
He noticed she didn’t ask any questions or try to get information from him. Emma would have pushed until he told her everything, but Rose had been raised to be the perfect southern lady and not make waves.
He hadn’t realized until that moment, how much he’d hate being married to someone like that. Unable to locate Emma at the arena, he headed over to the Wades’. Daniel showed him into the foyer and then went to let Emma know he was there.
Daniel made his way back to the foyer. “I’m sorry, sir. Miss Emma is not receiving this morning.”
Clayton frowned. “Is she ill?”
“No, sir, she is in fine health.”
“Would you please tell her it’s me calling?”
“I did, sir,” Daniel answered.
“Is her sister at home?”
“I shall enquire for you, sir.” Clayton watched as Daniel made his way back to the library. This time, it didn’t take as long for him to return. “I’m sorry, sir. Mrs. Ford is also not receiving this morning.”
“What the hell is going on, Daniel?”
Daniel’s eyes widened. “I’m sorry, sir?”
Clayton pointed down the hall. “Go back there and tell Emma I want to speak with her now. I’m not leaving here until I do.”
“Very good, sir.” Clayton saw Daniel smile as he responded.
Daniel went back into the library, but before he could say anything, Clayton barreled through the door. “Daniel, I’ll handle it from here if you don’t mind.”
Sophie stood. “Clayton, now’s not a good time for a visit. Perhaps in a day or two, you could return.
Clayton noticed Emma held a handkerchief to her nose. “I’m not going anywhere, Mrs. Ford.” He turned to Emma. “Emma, sweet? What has you so upset?”
Emma turned on him. “Don’t you ‘Emma, sweet’ me, you dishonest pig.”
Clayton sighed. “What are you talking about?”
“Just go away. I can’t deal with you right now,” Emma grumbled.
Clayton ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He took a deep breath and addressed Sophie. “Mrs. Ford, will you please give us a moment alone? I promise no harm will come to your sister.” He saw Sophie’s hesitation. “Sophie, please?” he implored.
Sophie glanced at Emma and then nodded. “All right. You have ten minutes.”
Once she left the room, Clayton sat on the hearth in front of Emma’s chair. “Emma, please tell me what I did. I’ll fix it, I promise.”
“You told me that you weren’t courting anyone else.”
“Sweetheart, I’m not.”
“It didn’t look that way to me!”
He raised an eyebrow. “Is this about Rose?”
“The exquisitely beautiful woman, with long dark hair and a perfect face, who was hanging all over you this morning? I hadn’t noticed. Is her name Rose?” Emma looked away.
Clayton chuckled. “Emma, will you let me explain?”
She shrugged.
He reached out and slid her hair from her forehead. “Rose is Tim’s sister. She showed up this morning and I’m still unsure why she’s here, but she is my best friend’s sister, and I couldn’t very well turn her away. There is nothing untoward happening. Upon my word. Emma, please believe me.”
She studied him for several tense seconds.
He rose to his feet. “Come here.” He helped her stand and then pulled her into his arms. “I have never been interested in her, sweet, and even if I had in the past, once I met you, that all would have changed. I love you. No one will ever take your place in my heart.” He held her for a few minutes before leaning down to kiss her.
“I don’t want to be swayed by kisses, Clayton.” She pushed away from him. “Have you told her about me yet?”
“No, I wanted to tell you about her first.”
“She was all over you at the train station.” Emma dragged the handkerchief through her fingers.
“I wondered how you found out about her.”
Emma scowled. “She was supposed to be a secret?”
Clayton shook his head. “No, not at all. Her message came last minute with the details of her arrival, and I had hoped to speak with you before the two of you met, that’s all.”
“She’s obviously in love with you.”
“I really don’t think she’s in love with me.” Clayton delivered a patronizing smile. “I’ve known her since the day she was born. You probably just noticed how comfortable we are with each other.”
“If she’s the quintessential southern belle, Clay, then she shouldn’t look so comfortable with you, right?”
Clayton ran his hands through his hair. “Where do you get your ideas from, Emma?”
Emma shrugged. “I don’t know,” she grumbled.
“Why don’t you rest for a few hours?” Clayton paused for several seconds, before smiling. “I’ll be here at seven to collect you.”
“Alone?”
“Well, no.” Clayton frowned. “Rose has indicated she would like to join us.”
Emma took a deep breath. “Then perhaps you should just meet me there.”
“Emma.”
“What, Clayton? You have a guest. You should return to your guest. It’s rude of you to spend so much time with me, when she’s waiting for you next door.” Turning quickly, she strode out of the library.
He chased her into the foyer. “Emma!”
She ignored him and stomped up the stairs.
* * *
Emma was awakened at four o’clock when Betty came in, followed by staff dragging two large copper tubs. Sophie joined Emma and brought bath oils into the room with her. There was an animated energy in the house, as everyone got ready for the ball. Even the servants appeared to enjoy the chaos. Betty left the girls and went to gather fresh towels.
“Are you excited?” Sophie asked.
“Sort of, I guess.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t there a war on?”
Sophie sighed. “We forget sometimes, I must admit. We’re very lucky to live where we do, because we have the greatest measure of protection.”
“What about when we drive to the Paxton Mansion?”
Sophie patted her hand. “Don’t worry, Em. There’s not much going on in these parts, if I remember correctly, so we’ll be safe.”
Emma undressed and climbed into the heated water. “It will be nice to have some entertainment for a change.”
Sophie smiled. “Gives you a great excuse to dance.”
“Different kind of dancing, Sophie. But I think I can manage a waltz, even with my weak ankle.” Emma frowned. “Am I allowed to waltz in this century?”
Sophie climbed into the other tub. “Yes, sissy you’re allowed to waltz. Are you worried about the Fluff?”
Emma giggled. “Not worried, necessarily. Pissed off, mostly, but I do feel better after my nap.”
Sophie reached over her tub set up next to Emma’s and took hold of her sister’s hand. “Well, you’re beautiful, and once we get you in that dress, he won’t be able to keep his eyes off you.”
The door opened slightly and Christine poked her head in. Emma tried to cover herself with a washcloth.
“Hi! What are you doing here?” Sophie asked.
“I wasn’t going to miss the dressing of Emma!” Christine stepped inside and closed the door. “I also wondered if perhaps you might need assistance washing your hair.”
“Do we need a forum to take a bath in this century?” Emma asked.
Sophie grimaced. “Sorry, Emma.”
Christine turned her back. “I’m happy to come back later.”
Emma sighed. “No, it’s fine. Just as long as no one else will be dropping by.”
Christine grinned. “Just me. I promise.”
“Emma has some special shampoo I’d love to use,” Sophie whispered.
“What’s shampoo?” Christine asked.
“Oh, it’s special soap for hair. I’ll give you some to try. It’s in that bag over there in the corner.” Sophie pointed to Emma’s carpetbag. “There’s also another bottle called conditioner.”
Christine gathered everything up and then assisted the girls with the washing and rinsing of their hair. “What’s this container made out of?”
“It’s called plastic. I don’t know when it was invented,” Sophie answered.
“Truly? Something historical and you don’t know about it?” Christine retorted.
Emma laughed out loud. “We’ll put this one in the history books. Sophie Ford does not know when plastic was invented. You miss the Internet, don’t you, Soph? Admit it.”
The girls collapsed into uncontrollable giggles. Betty came in with fresh towels and Christine quickly hid the bottles. Once Betty left, Emma found the lotion she had previously stowed, and Sophie oohed and aahed as she applied it to her skin.
“It has been entirely too long without lotion. They have oils that kind of work, but nothing as good as this. Here, Christine, try some.” Sophie handed her the bottle.
Christine breathed in the cherry vanilla scent and then wiped some on her arm. “How remarkable that it soaks into the skin. I don’t feel oily.”
Sophie grinned. “I know, right?”
Emma had no idea what she was going to wear tonight. Sophie and Christine had kept it all a big secret. All three girls got their undergarments on first and then assisted each other with the corsets. They decided to get their hair coiffed before they got into their gowns.
“We should do my hair first,” Sophie suggested.
“Won’t Emma’s be easier?” Christine asked.
“Believe it or not, no,” Emma interjected. “Sophie’s hair has always been easier to style. It’s more versatile. Long and gloriously curly. Ah, if only.”
Sophie giggled. “And I feel that way about yours. Perfectly straight and soft.”
“Very well, Sophie. Take a seat.” Christine wove burgundy ribbon through her curls and pulled her hair up at the sides, leaving her ringlets to cascade down her back.
“What are we going to do with my hair?” Emma asked wistfully.
“Oh, my sweet, sweet sister. You are in the presence of greatness. Christine can do anything. You’ll see.” Sophie quickly fixed Christine’s hair in a simple chignon and put her ribbons over her crown, leaving them cascading down her back.
Christine’s gown was deep green velvet and Emma knew the color would be perfect with her strawberry blonde locks.
“Your turn, Em,” Sophie said.
Emma sat down at the vanity as Sophie and Christine discussed what they would do with her hair. Sophie suggested they do a partial French braid design on each side of her head, bringing the sides together in a simple chignon, which they would wrap with the ribbon matching her dress and choker. They swept her bangs to the side for a softening effect, even though it wasn’t the style of the day.
The girls then pulled out the most exquisite dress Emma had ever seen. It was an ice blue silk just a slight shade lighter than her eyes. Emma gasped. “Sophie, that’s incredible.”
They helped her with her hoops and then guided the skirt over her head. The top was off the shoulder and came to a V at her waist. It was low cut and fit her perfectly. The bottom of the skirt had been adorned with a dark blue velvet ribbon, in an intricate loop pattern, and the sleeves of the top also had the design. Her slippers were dark blue velvet, which matched the ribbon.
“Come see in the mirror,” Christine said.
Emma grimaced and tried to adjust the top so not as much showed. She was fighting a losing battle. “Could there be any more Cleveland?”
“Just wait until you see mine. With the pregnancy, they seem to have grown two sizes in a month.”
Christine and Sophie climbed into their gowns. Emma couldn’t get over the opulence. Velvet? In wartime? How was that even possible?
“I thought that during the war, you couldn’t get the basics, let alone extras.” Emma said.
“That’s very true for the South. It’s much easier in the North,” Sophie answered. “This came from France, I believe. Madame has special fabrics shipped in once or twice a year.”
There was a knock at the door and Jamie poked his head in when the all clear was given. “Are you girls ready?”
Sophie motioned for him to come in and she let out a low whistle. “Baby, you look incredible.”
Jamie was dressed in his full lieutenant uniform and had pulled his long hair back into a simple queue. “Not as incredible as you three. You are exquisite.”
“What time is it?” Christine asked.
“It’s six-forty. Everyone has gathered in the parlor for a glass of wine before we leave for Dr. Paxton’s.”
Emma followed everyone down the stairs and into the parlor.
Introductions abounded and Emma was handed a glass of wine. Andrew kissed her hand and Emma gave him a cheeky grin. When he’d apologized to her, she’d played the offended damsel, even though it was virtually impossible to stay angry with the man. He was so much like Luke, with his easy way and genuine spirit, Emma folded within minutes, and they’d become fast friends.
She took a sip of her wine and tried to calm her stomach. Just as she took her second sip, Daniel announced the arrival of Clayton and his guest. The Fluff walked through the door first and looked beautiful in her pink satin and lace. Emma nearly dropped her wine glass, anger surfacing at the fact he’d ignored her request to meet her at the party.
Clayton followed Rose into the room and Emma’s breath left her body. Her anger was joined by total, complete, and unadulterated lust. Was it possible for a man to be beautiful? He was so handsome in evening black and his hair was swept back from his face, rivaling that of Orlando Bloom in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Clayton made a beeline for Emma and the crowd seemed to part for him as he walked toward her. He smiled deeply and lifted her hand to his lips. “Good evening, Emma. You look beautiful.”
Emma pulled her hand away. “I thought we were going to meet there.”
The rustle of skirts interrupted their private conversation, and then, “Clayton, darlin’, we should get going.”
Emma let out a quiet hiss, and Clayton gave her a secretive smile. “Rose Johnson, may I introduce to you Emma Wellington? Emma, sweetheart, this is Rose. She is Timothy’s sister.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Miss Johnson. I’m sorry for your loss,” Emma said graciously.
Rose stared at her strangely, but Emma saw the southern training in her surface after a few tense moments. “Thank you, Miss Wellington.”
Clayton introduced Rose to the rest of the family, leaving Andrew for last. “Rose, this is Andrew Simmonds. He will be escorting you this evening.”
Emma and Rose gasped. Rose narrowed her eyes, and if looks could kill, Clayton would have been dead ten times over.
Andrew took Rose’s hand and his fingers flexed when Rose tried to pull away. “Miss Johnson, it’ll be my honor to escort you this evening. May I say, you look lovely? That is a beautiful shade of pink.” He glanced over his shoulder at Emma and winked.
Emma smiled. The rest of the family filed out of the parlor, but Clayton held Emma back. “Shouldn’t we join them?” Emma asked.
“In a minute.”
As soon as the parlor was empty, Clayton pulled Emma into his arms and kissed her senseless. She laid her hands on his chest and grasped the lapels of his jacket, almost in a desperate attempt to keep from fainting. Finally coming to her senses, she broke the kiss. “You weren’t supposed to be here.”
“I’m not so easily deterred, sweetheart.” He kissed her again. “I have wanted to do that since the moment I walked in here and saw you in that exquisite dress.”
She smiled up at him, not altogether steady on her feet, still grasping his jacket. “Well, that makes two of us. You look entirely too handsome in formal attire.”
Clayton stroked her cheek. “I’m sorry for being insensitive today. I was so surprised by Rose’s visit, I wasn’t thinking straight.”
“Thank you for that.” Emma smiled. “I forgive you.”
Clayton lowered his gaze. “I wonder if you might need a shawl throughout the evening.”
Emma glanced down and then let out a quiet snort. “Is it scandalous?”
Clayton grimaced. “I wish I could say it was. However, you are the height of fashion, and it’s simply my own bias.”
Emma knitted her eyebrows together. “Your bias?”
Clayton rubbed her back absently. “Yes, I will not be allowed to monopolize you all evening, and I’m not looking forward to your effect on the other men present.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “Ooh, there will be other men present?”
Clayton kissed her and was rewarded with Emma’s sigh. “If they begin to turn your head, sweet Emma, find me, and I will remind you who’s important.”
Emma grinned. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
“For now, let’s enjoy the ball.” He gave her a wolfish smile. “I intend to show you off to everyone.”