Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32

M arina came to a stop in front of her home where Emmanuel Hayward stood as if in wait. She stormed up to him, but the moment he looked upon her, his head tilted to the side in confusion, she deflated.

This was not his fault. He could not have possibly known about her and Phillip's conversation about Emma. He could not know that he had assisted her in catching Phillip in a lie. Worst of all, she could not fathom any other reason than the one Emma gave her for his visit.

Marina bowed her head to him solemnly.

"Lord Glastonbury," she said, by way of greeting.

"How do you do, Your Grace?"

"I am quite well. I have made your niece's acquaintance. I am flattered that you thought to bring her to me, but I feel that the notion was misguided. I am a poor role model for a girl her age. I shall instead introduce her to my sister, Olivia, and some fine young women. I will send her an invitation to have tea at my house again soon so that I might do so."

"That is remarkably kind of you, Your Grace." He bowed his head to her. Typically, this would be his and Emma's chance to take their leave. It was the proper way of things. And he had been standing out here so long now that it was a miracle he had not been spotted by Phillip. Marina knew that her next move would be like playing with fire.

"Perhaps the two of us could take a quick turn about the gardens? I would very much like to ensure that our hopes for your dear niece are in line with one another."

"Uncle, isn't she wonderful?" Emma exclaimed. The youthful sound of her voice and the way she gestured felt like a stab to Marina's bruised heart.

"Yes, the Duchess is a commendable woman. She is quite humble in declaring herself a poor role model. Emma, my dear, why don't you sit in the carriage and wait for me? I shall return to you in just a few moments."

Emmanuel Hayward held his arm out for Marina to take, so she did. They walked, at first in silence, to her gardens.

"I heard that you were banned from the estate," Marina remarked plainly. "What brings you here in spite of this?"

"Why, my dear girl, Emma! She told me that she met Phillip at a ball recently and that he spoke highly of you. When she did, it occurred to me that you might consider taking her under your wing. She comes from a decent family, but her upbringing was tainted by her father's gambling addiction and the eventual squandering of their fortune. My dearly departed Imogen would have wanted to see her thrive, so I have done what I can to ensure as much."

It only further infuriated Marina to discover that Phillip had no real need to lie to her about Emma. The situation was not what she had imagined at all. If they had met for the first time at the ball, and he had spoken to her only of his marriage, then there was nothing keeping him from telling her the truth when she asked.

Was lying that easy for him? Did he find it necessary to conceal his life from her? He may not be bedding other women, but it was apparent to her that he would have no problem hiding it if he did one day feel tempted to betray her.

What else could he have hidden from her?

"She seems like a lovely girl. I wish the two of you all the best. Please, if there is anything further that I can do for her, let me know."

"And what of you, Your Grace? How do you fare these days?"

Marina stopped walking and gently pried her arm from his, turning to face him with her face set in a hard line. "What was the meaning of your previous visit? The one which enraged Phillip so?"

"Ah, yes. I have to be frank, Your Grace. I did hope we would one day get another chance to speak."

"On what?"

"Your husband. I had…a measure of concern for you at the time, but now that I have been looking after my niece, and I see a bit of you in her personality and her inclination to dedicate herself to those she loves, my concern has grown in great measure."

"What is it, then? This concern?"

"I fear that you do not know particularly well whom you have married." Marina stared at Emmanuel, her eyes focused and sharp as she waited for him to continue. "There are certain truths about him which you do not know. And while my dear nephew is the closest thing I've ever had to a child of my own, I must admit his faults when they are present. I now think of you, too, Marina, as my own. You are a Hayward, now, and therefore my family. It is too late for you to deny his proposal, of course, but perhaps you will rethink your current situation if you know the truth."