Lady Isabelle, still the Countess of Bexley as her son, the Earl of Bexley, who was as yet unmarried, greeted her new guests. Emmeline was enchanted by the lady’s genuine warmth and smiles. Her aunt Catherine was good friends with the Countess, as well. After settling in their rooms, the older ladies disappeared into a parlor, eager to begin their gossip.

Emmeline and Ann were ushered to the West Wing of the immense mansion, where they both were given separate bedrooms. Emmeline unpacked her trunk, refusing the assistance of a maid, for she needed the time and solitude to think. She was aware that a ball was arranged for the following night and they now had time to sleep for several hours before making an appearance.

Making use of the plushy, canopied bed, Emmeline wondered about the fate of the Duke of Newberry…or Noah as she had promised to call him. Was he well?

Her appetite was gone. It had been gone for the last four days, as the man she was growing to love was under investigation for murder, and she hadn’t heard a word from him.

Did he think she sided with their ignorant peers? Did he think she thought less of him?

“Please, no,” Emmeline whispered to herself as her fatigue claimed her and she surrendered to sleep.

In the afternoon, Emmeline and Ann decided to take a walk to the nearby lake with a lady’s maid, Bridget, for a chaperone. They took a picnic with them, laughing and talking along the way. The area was beautiful in the summer. Bexley Manor, made of white stone, glimmered in the sun. The rough path leading to the lake was overflowing with colorful flowers. Emmeline picked a purple one, resting it behind one ear.

The gentlemen had gone riding after lunch. Emmeline and Ann, craving some privacy, had lost The Game of Graces on purpose. They had left the remaining young ladies playing on the vast lawns of the house.

“My aunt whispered to me that we could not do so again,” Emmeline told Ann. “She saw through the act and declared that a young lady could hardly be seen if she runs off to the lake with her friend.”

Ann laughed. “It is the truth that I tire of being seen, Emmeline. I do hope both of us find husbands so that we do not have to attend events if we do not feel like it.”

Emmeline agreed, drawing in a breath at the beauty of the vast blue lake. They set down a blanket on the damp grass before sitting and enjoying the sunlight.

“Do you think we can dip our feet in the water?” asked Emmeline.

“Milady, in the cold water?” gasped Bridget.

“It will be tiresome to take our stockings off and what if someone sees us?” Ann shook her head. “I do not think so, Em.”

After talking for a long time and munching on the finger foods, both ladies lay down on the blanket and drifted off to sleep Emmeline was jarred awake by the sound of hooves in the wood behind them. She shook her friend to consciousness.

Squinting at the trees, for the sun was in her eyes, Emmeline waited for the rider to become visible. The lady’s maid, Bridget, gaped at the trees, her eyes wide.

“I think it must be the gentlemen’s hunting party! Miladies, it is unseemly for us to be seen this way. Come, let us return.”

“Wait a moment, Bridget. There is nothing to fear. I feel I know him,” Emmeline soothed her.

Anxious, Bridget began packing their belongings in the basket she had been carrying. She was more worried about the Countess’ disapproval, who had instructed her maid to keep a vigilant eye on the young ladies.

A lovely black horse emerged, with a rider dressed in black, as well. Emmeline frowned. “He looks familiar.”

As he neared them, Emmeline gasped. “Quickly, Ann, tell me how I look!”

“Why?” Ann demanded, biting her lip at Emmeline’s disheveled appearance.

“Because that is the Duke of Newberry,” Emmeline said.

“Oh, good! I do have some words to say to that gentleman.” Ann scowled.

Emmeline patted her hair. “It is too late to pinch my cheeks?”

“You look fine, Em,” Ann lied, pulling one of the twigs out of Emmeline’s hair.

The Duke dismounted from the coal-black horse and stood still. The sunlight behind him gave his darkly-clad figure a glimmering halo. Noah held out his hand and crooked a finger at her in a “come hither” gesture. Emmeline shook her head at him. He gestured even harder.

“The insolence!” Emmeline huffed. “He wants me to go to him.”

“Well, do not!” Ann said firmly.

Ann’s words were dim sounds to Emmeline as she couldn’t move her eyes from the Duke. Before she knew it, Emmeline was rising to her feet and walking towards him. She vaguely heard Ann groan but ordered her, “Stay here.”

“You are very arrogant, Your Grace,” Emmeline commented, halting right in front of the Duke.

“I believe you agreed to call me by my given name, My Lady,” Noah added, playfully. “I have kept my end of the bargain, Emmeline. Try it, say my name.”

“In spite of your…peculiar greeting today, I am glad you are well, Your Gr– Noah. What are you doing here?” Emmeline pressed. “I thought you were at your home in Newberry”

“I was,” Noah admitted. “Lord Bexley is my close friend, and despite all the hubbub about me, he invited me to his home.”

Emmeline was a bit perplexed, “Did the constable not tell you to stay out of social events for some time?”

“I determined that if I do so, I shall look guiltier,” the Duke scowled. “I am anything but a coward and I am assured that the barbs of those who think I am guilty will pay for it when I am absolved. But there is a second reason I am here.”

The look in his eyes changed from righteous indignation to a gentler gaze, and the hard lines in his face softened to a tiny smile. “I had to see you in person, Emmeline, and ask you, have any of the rumors made a mark on you?”

“No,” Emmeline defended strongly, her voice like a whip. “I have never counted idle talk as substantial. In truth, I do not know you all that well, but I know you would never murder someone.”

“What if you were in danger?” Noah asked softly, “Would your opinion of me change if I killed to save you?”

Emmeline was dumbstruck at the Duke’s question. The implications of his words were just too much for her to contemplate then. She swallowed heavily, “It would only enhance your valor in my eyes.”

He chuckled, “You are too gracious for a cad like me–but then again, your goodness may alter the damnable parts in me.”

The conversation had taken a road that sent soft shivers under Emmeline’s skin. The look in the Duke’s eyes and the soft tone of his voice made an ache settle so deep in Emmeline’s soul that she wished she could throw propriety away and fall into his arms.

“If only I had that power, Noah.” Emmeline replied. “But I will be here when you are vindicated.”

“Thank you,” he replied, “Now hurry back to Ann and make your way to the house, it is not proper for you to be here for so long without a chaperone. Go now.”

“There is one thing you must know,” Emmeline said while daring to step closer.

“And what is that?” Noah’s voice had dipped.

“You do not command me,” she declared.

The Duke’s eyebrows lifted just as his hand did, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek. “We will see about that, won’t we? Go now,” he reiterated.

Beside herself with excitement, Emmeline cheerfully dressed for the ball that night.

Ann observed her friend, with a concerned look painted on her features. “I have not seen you this happy in a while.”

Emmeline swung around in her emerald green velvet gown. “I do not know what to say, Ann. His presence pleases me.”

“I am worried that if things…what if you cannot marry him in the end? Heavens, Em, he has not even asked you yet!” Ann chewed on her lower lip.

“Quit chewing on your lips, Ann. You do not want them to bleed tonight,” Emmeline frowned. “Besides, what has changed you? You are the one who suggested that I catch him.”

“That was before Geor…the Duke of Leverton talked to me about the Duke of Newberry,” Ann admitted. “He really will not accept his proposal, if one does occur. We got into quite a tiff about it.”

Emmeline clenched her jaw slightly and shook her head, displacing the aggravating thoughts and redirecting her attention. “Listen, Ann, whatever is going on between my brother and you, I do not want it to affect our friendship.”

Ann’s face reddened. She stammered, “There…there is nothing going on between us! I just do not want you to be unhappy.”

Emmeline sighed. “Ann, I am really very partial to the Duke. I do not know why. Despite our past…we have started to get along splendidly.”

Her friend did not respond.

“Besides, my uncle believes we will make a good match and so do I. If things go that far. It is true he has not asked for my hand as yet,” Emmeline remarked.

“Just do not get too attached to him, Em. I really cannot see you hurt.” Ann tucked a stray curl of Emmeline’s hair behind her ear.

“I shall try,” Emmeline agreed.

When the ladies descended the stairs, they saw the hall had been transformed beautifully. The chandelier was rumored to have belonged to an Irish king, who had eventually grown bored with it. It was a mammoth of crystals, silver, and numerous candles that could make one dizzy if they tried to count them all. On tables, fresh flowers were arranged in lovely vases.

Emmeline and Ann were among several unattached young ladies in the throng but most of the ladies invited that night were either married or widowed.

“What a lovely crowd this is!” exclaimed Ann excitedly.

Contrary to her friend, Ann thrived in crowds, especially when some of the attention was on her. Lord Bexley and his bachelor friends were eyeing them. Emmeline was certain most of the glances were directed at Ann, in her pale-purple gown with an intricate high collar and silken sashes. She was the loveliest young lady in the room.

Lady Alford was kept busy making introductions, so the gentlemen could claim dances with both of the young ladies. Emmeline noticed that George kept his distance from Ann, although did not fail to glower at any other gentleman who dared to dance with her.

“You are scaring my admirers away, Your Grace,” Emmeline heard Ann whisper furiously to George.

George scowled. “I am most surely not, Miss Benwick.”

“Indeed, you are! I did hope you remembered our conversation last season.” Ann snapped.

George slammed the glass of whiskey from which he had been drinking on the table. The table shook from the force of the movement. Then, he held out his hand insolently.

Ann narrowed her eyes, placing hers on top of his and was led to the dance floor. Baffled, Emmeline and Lady Alford watched the couple smile at the onlookers, while arguing under their breaths as they danced.

“I am beginning to think those two like arguing,” Lady Alford remarked.

“And I have to agree,” Emmeline replied.

“You look lovely tonight, Lady Alford,” a deep voice said.

Emmeline smiled as Noah charmed her aunt into allowing three dances with her.

“I am appalled, Your Grace,” Emmeline joked. “Three dances!”

“If it was up to me, you’d not dance with any other,” Noah said somberly, as he held out his hand. “And are we back to formal address now, Lady Emmeline?”

“Of course not, Noah,” Emmeline said, blushing as she took his hand.

The emerald fabric brought out the green flecks in Emmeline’s expressive tawny eyes. She appeared to be genuinely happy around the Duke of Newberry, and he was charmed by her disarming smiles and humor.

“Where do you see yourself in the future, Emmeline?” Noah asked.

Emmeline paused, startled by his question. He watched her ponder as they swayed to the music.

“That is a very difficult question,” Emmeline said, surprise lacing her voice. “At this point, I cannot speculate.”

He laughed. “I thought you were going to say married, with children, and a happy home. Or something along those lines.”

“I have often thought myself to be peculiar,” Emmeline admitted. “I do wish to be in that position someday…although…” she faltered.

“Yes?” he prompted.

Emmeline looked away. “I wish to be married to one I can truly love, not only for money. After all, ‘what is gaining the whole world but losing your soul’?”

“I concur,” Noah replied, his gray eyes fastened on her golden ones. “Do you sense the glares aimed at our persons, Emmeline?”

“I am, and it’s really tiring to maintain this unaffected smile as we dance for all these stiff-necked onlookers!” Emmeline groaned. “I will have to massage my face tonight.”

“Do you do that each night?” Noah asked, his lips twitching.

“I have to. I really do wonder how their noses stay the same size when they poke them into everyone’s business,” Emmeline remarked. “If they enlarged like muscles when exercised, just imagine them banging into doors when they–”

Emmeline was unable to complete her sentence for Noah threw back his head and laughed. Tickled by the sound, she began laughing under her breath as well. The sound of his voice only sealed the notion that she was getting attached to him, the man who had been the bane of her existence.

“Would it be unseemly if I collapse on the floor right now?” she questioned.

Noah’s eyes glimmered, “Do not worry, I will carry you if you faint from all that laughter.”

Emmeline’s lips twitched. “Do refrain! You will never escape the scandal.”

Noah chuckled. “I am impervious to a scandal, but to not invite it, I think we will have to break the news to them slowly.”

Emmeline flushed. “What news?”

Noah was mysteriously silent until the dance ended. Emmeline was frustrated by an interruption from Noah’s friend Lord Bexley. Emmeline exchanged appropriate pleasantries with her host, and then was escorted to her aunt.

“I thought you believed him inappropriate for me?” Emmeline remarked to her Aunt.

Lady Alford was a flustered red. “He asked so nicely!”

“Admit it, Aunt, he flattered you,” Emmeline said slyly.

Lady Alford swatted her niece with her fan.

With each conversation with him that night, Emmeline realized how well suited she and Noah were for each other. She had begun to accept the beginnings of a deeper sentiment within her heart for the Duke of Newberry.

It seemed as if the stars shone brighter that night, the air felt cooler, and the flowers smelled sweeter than they had ever before. Ann shook her head at her friend’s preoccupation, having accompanied her to the balcony.

“I thought you were going to distance yourself,” Ann said reproachfully.

“Some things are uncontrollable,” Emmeline sighed dreamily.

“Unfortunately, they really are.” Ann muttered, “They really are, Em.”

The next afternoon, a huge picnic was prepared in the kitchens as the guests and their hosts walked to the lake. Ladies and gentlemen gossiped and exchanged news of their fellow peers, various fashions, and other common topics.

Emmeline caught Noah staring at her multiple times. Her cheeks were constantly rosy from the effect of receiving flowers delivered to her that morning. They were a beautiful mixture of colorful greenhouse blooms and wildflowers, with a note saying: You are lovelier, N.

It was apparent that Noah was a man of few words, yet those that he uttered or wrote meant something special. She had once envied the ladies who had suave gentlemen quote romantic poetry to sweeten them. Now, simple words felt more romantic than any lyrical rhyming verses could be.

The night before, she had been unable to sleep soundly, after constantly thinking about what Noah had said. What had he meant that they had to inform people slowly? Inform them of what?

Ann chattered happily with George as he watched her with adoration. Emmeline really hoped that her brother would marry Ann, for she was like a sister to her.

In the morning, Lord Bexley had received a new guest: Noah’s mother, the Duchess of Newberry. Nervous, Emmeline had avoided talking to Noah in her presence. Yet, she still discovered the Duchess’s eyes on her all too often.

“Dear me, I seem to have lost my right glove,” the Duchess said suddenly, as they settled at the picnic. “Will you help me look for it, Lady Emmeline?”

Bewildered, but smiling politely at Noah’s mother, Emmeline rose from the ground and accompanied the older lady. She had her reservations, as the Duchess could have asked a number of the other ladies. However, as Emmeline knew that she was being gossiped about with her son’s name tagged on, she had a good hunch she was being secreted away for a reprimand of some sort.

The Duchess of Newberry was not very striking, although she seemed to have a sweet disposition, yet, appearances could be deceiving. Emmeline was taken out of earshot and into the cover of trees nearby when they halted.

The Duchess turned to her, her face stern. “Lady Emmeline, I believe you are aware I did not bring you here to look for my glove.”

“I am. What do you wish to talk to me about, Your Grace?” Emmeline asked calmly. Apparently, Noah had inherited his direct manner from his mother.

“I shall come straight to the point. You seem to have set your cap on my son,” said the Duchess, her pale eyes scrutinizing her.

“You are ill-informed in that respect, Duchess, I have never in my life set my cap for anyone,” Emmeline said rigidly.

The Duchess’s lips thinned. “Even if that is true, you should know that my son is not suitable for you. You are a member of the Grant family, and a union between our families is impossible.”

“I am aware of the history between our families, Your Grace,” Emmeline said with respect, although her voice, too, was hard. “And so is your son. I believe you should trust your son’s judgment in the matter, as the original author of our fate.”

The Duchess opened her mouth to respond, then her irate expression suddenly altered to that of a beatific smile. “Noah.”

Noah had followed them, possibly expecting trouble. As her back was turned to him, Emmeline had more time to neutralize her expression than his mother had.

“This young lady was nice enough to offer to assist me in my search for my glove,” the Duchess said.

Noah gave her a white glove. “This was on the blanket where you were sitting, Mother.”

“Dear me! I believe I am getting old, son,” she exclaimed.

After thanking her son and apologizing to Emmeline for her trouble, the Duchess hurried away from them. Noah and Emmeline stared at one another for a moment. It was the first time she was alone with him, a little away from the rest of the world.

“What did my mother say to you?” Noah asked abruptly.

“How did you know?” Emmeline studiously avoided his gaze.

“I know my mother,” Noah said, “And besides, her forced expression of delight was not very convincing.”

“She means well,” Emmeline said softly.

“Tell me what she said,” Noah demanded.

Pressing her hand on Noah’s chest–a daring move–she spoke quietly, “She told me that I am not suited for you, as our families are at war.”

Noah’s gray eyes looked both tortured and angered as he took her hand and kissed the back of it, “I apologize. She was very attached to my father, and I am the most precious legacy that he left behind.”

Emmeline did not respond. What could she say exactly?

“Fear not, my Lady. Let people say what they must,” Noah murmured to her. They had almost reached the lake where others were present. “Do not pay heed to them.”

“They have a point, Noah,” whispered Emmeline. “Where do you see this going?”

“Do not you know?” he asked.

“Not definitively,” she replied, “I kept running over your words from last night, and the ones before it, but the one conclusion I could come to was, this is…insane.”

“Then it is insane, as I am courting you.” With that statement, Noah discreetly ran his thumb over her hand and walked to Lord Bexley.

Ann looked at her questioningly. She sat beside her once again and pressed her hand to her beating heart. Emmeline shook her head, keeping an eye on Noah’s mother, whose stares became more thoughtful than condescending.