Chapter Nineteen

E mmie saw him and held her breath. Although he wasn't glaring at her as she'd suspected he would, the pain of betrayal was evident in his dark eyes and rigid jaw. Her heart clenched in sorrow. She really needed to talk to him in private. But they couldn't do that now.

When Elias noticed Broderick, he waved and quickened his step until he stood in front of him. "Good afternoon, Lord Wilshire."

Broderick's frown eased slightly into a smile. "Good day."

Emmie and her mother stopped beside Elias. Broderick looked dreadful, wearing wrinkled clothes—the same ones he'd worn last night—with unkempt hair, and—she took a deep sniff—smelling like he'd bathed in ale. Her heart broke even more, knowing he was this way because of her.

"I hope you remember me from the party last evening." Elias beamed.

"I do."

"Let me make proper introductions, then. I'm Elias Langston." He bowed.

Both Broderick and his friend's eyes widened in shock.

"And this," Elias continued as he pointed to Daphne, "is my mother, Lady Langston. And this lovely lady is—" He stopped then chuckled. "Oh, but I suppose I don't have to introduce my sister to you, since she was your footman last night."

Being the gentleman Emmie knew him to be, Broderick bowed. "My lady, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She smiled and curtsied. "If my little Emmie was your footman last night, then you must be Mr. and Mrs. Crampton's nephew."

"I am," Broderick replied. "And I would like you to meet Mr. Daughtery." He looked at his friend. "This is what Emiline looks like wearing a dress."

Although they all chuckled, Emmie knew Broderick's remark was meant to hurt. She curtsied and smiled at his friend. "It's nice to see you again, Mr. Daughtery."

"The pleasure is all mine." He bowed.

"We were all out for a stroll on this lovely afternoon," Daphne said. "Would you two like to join us?"

"I thank you for the offer, Lady Langston," Broderick quickly answered, "but I must decline. My friend and I have some business matters to take care of. I hope you understand."

"I do." Daphne smiled. "Once again, it was nice to meet you. I hope to see you again soon."

"I'm sure you will." Broderick and Phillip bowed again before walking away.

Emmie watched them leave, her heart dropping with each step. Then he glanced back, and her heart lifted. But seeing his frown and distrustful, judging eyes made her want to cry. She broke the contact by looking ahead of her as she continued her walk with her mother and brother.

"Strange, but I don't remember Henry or Martha telling me they had a nephew with a title." Daphne's forehead crinkled in confusion.

Emmie shook her head. "Broderick was offered a title, but he hasn't decided on whether he wants to use it or not."

"Indeed?" Elias asked. "So then why did he introduce himself as the Marquess of Wilshire last night?"

"I'm assuming it was because he wanted to look important and powerful in front of you so that you would leave me alone." Emmie chuckled.

"He should not have done that." Elias pouted.

"Why? It worked, didn't it?"

Both Emmie and her mother laughed while Elias rolled his eyes, turned, and walked ahead of them.

Daphne linked her arm with Emmie's and patted her hand. "So, tell me, my darling daughter. What are your feelings for Mr. Worthington? Is there something I should be concerned about?"

Emmie's throat tightened. The only thing between them was that she loved him with all her heart. "What makes you think I have any sort of feelings for him?"

"My dear, I'm not blind. I can see you both have feelings for each other."

"No, Mother… We had feelings for each other. Broderick is upset with me right now, which I'm certain was obvious by the way he looked at me."

"Why is he upset?"

"Because I never got the chance to explain to him why I lied about who I was."

Daphne slowed her steps and looked into Emmie's eyes. "Then you need to find the chance to tell him, or both of you will be miserable. What if I invite him to Mrs. Winterbourne's home tonight, and—"

"No, Mother. I doubt he will come."

Daphne frowned. "Then we shall give him a few days to think about how miserable he is before he realizes he wants to see you again."

Emmie couldn't stop the smile sneaking on her face. "Yes, I think that is a splendid idea. And it will serve him right to be miserable right now."

As they continued their walk, she prayed that she would find a time—and a place—to speak with Broderick. And she hoped it would be soon. She couldn't go on being so happy with her mother, yet at the same time unhappy because of Broderick.

*

It was late, but Broderick didn't care as he walked toward his room at the inn. The run-in with Emmie earlier this afternoon had left him in a fit of despair.

She was now Lady Sarah , and he felt like such a buffoon—as if everyone was laughing at him, knowing she had played him for a fool. Captain Hawk would have never allowed a woman to treat him as such, so why Broderick was allowing one to do so now, he didn't know.

Only a few candles were lit in the hallway, but he easily found his room. He opened his door and walked in—then stopped. A brighter candle lit his room. Strange, since the only time he had been in here today was to wash up and change his clothes after his night of drinking, and he certainly hadn't lit a candle.

Then movement from the end of his bed drew his attention, and a woman came toward him. As she walked into the light, he recognized her. Relief sprang from his throat in a sigh, yet the beating of his heart started another worry in his chest.

"Emiline. What are you doing here?"

"I must speak with you in private." She motioned around the room. "We cannot get any more private than this."

He opened the door again. "I wish you would leave. We have nothing to discuss."

"Close the door, Broderick. I'm not going anywhere, and if you try to make me leave by force, I shall scream and wake the whole inn."

Frowning, he closed the door and glared at her. "What makes you think I would use any force? Don't you know me by now?"

She shrugged and stepped closer. "I thought I did. But apparently, we both have secrets."

"Besides being the earl's daughter and lord chancellor's niece, what else are you hiding?"

"I want to tell you why I played the part of a lady's companion."

"Then I suggest you keep that hidden, because I don't want to hear what you have to say." He unbuttoned his overcoat and shrugged it off, laying it over the back of a wooden chair that stood near the window.

"You may not want to hear, but I'm going to tell you anyway."

Her tone of voice was stern. Stubborn woman! Then again, that came as no surprise. She had always been that way.

"Broderick, I did what I did not to play a trick on you and your family, but because I had to. My father was fearful of the danger I would be in if people knew who my uncle was. He trusted Mr. and Mrs. Crampton, but since he couldn't trust anyone else, Father had me play the part of Lady Sarah's companion. Then when you told me about the driver of our coach wanting to harm Lady Sarah—and then those men who came to your uncle's estate when we were riding the countryside—I knew I had to keep my identity hidden." She took a deep breath. "I know I should have trusted you, since we were growing close, but for years I have longed to feel normal—for someone to treat me normally, instead of as an earl's daughter. During my stay in Paris, men courted me, but I knew the only reason they were interested in me was because of my large dowry."

Broderick really didn't want to hear this, because the longer he listened to her sultry voice and looked upon her beauty, the more his heart softened. He didn't want that kind of reaction. She'd lied to him, no matter what her excuses were.

"Emiline, you must give yourself more credit than that. You are a very lovely woman."

She laughed lightly as a small blush touched her cheeks. "Apparently, only to you. Out of all the sonnets and flowery words told to me, my beaus never once called me a lovely woman."

"Then the men in Paris must be blind."

She shook her head. "Or perhaps you like me a bit more than they did." Stepping closer, she kept her eyes locked with his. "Broderick, I know you like me, and I also know how upset you are right now. You have every right to be, but I pray you'll understand and forgive me."

"Emiline, a lie is a lie, no matter how much you sweeten it up, and I cannot condone it, or forgive you."

She arched an eyebrow. "Can you stand there and tell me you have never lied to me?"

He scowled. "What do you mean?"

"Or is it just the Marquess of Wilshire who lies?"

He rolled his eyes. "I'm not a marquess."

"Yes, you are, you just haven't accepted that fact yet."

"Who told you?"

"Your aunt."

More anger shot through him. "Did my aunt tell you why?"

"No."

Growling, he scrubbed his hand over his chin. "What else has she told you that I haven't given her permission to disclose?"

"She told me a little about your family. She also told me that you spend a lot of time on a ship—"

"Exactly! I spend time on a ship because that is what I enjoy doing. I love the taste of the salt air on my tongue, and the sea breeze blowing through my hair. I love commanding a crew, as well."

"Pardon me?"

"Oh," he shouted, flipping his hands in the air. "Let me guess… The high and mighty earl's daughter doesn't approve of a ship's captain? Is that too far beneath you?"

Fury shot through her eyes and her lips thinned. Before he could say another word, her hand sailed through the air, and her palm met his cheek dead center. The sound of the slap echoed through the room.

"That was uncalled for," she snapped.

He rubbed his stinging cheek. "Well, if that was uncalled for, I'm sure you will be very happy to hear that I cannot stand people like you. I especially loathe your uncle for all the people he has hurt." He stood straighter and lifted his chin. "Now, my dear Lady Sarah , what do you have to say about that?" He pointed to his other cheek. "This one hasn't been slapped. Feel free to release your anger on this side as well."

She gasped, her hand flying to her throat. Wide, surprised eyes stared at him for a few awkward moments as her bosom rose and fell quickly in uneven breaths. He had certainly caught her off guard with that confession. Thankfully, his anger didn't loosen his lips enough for him to tell her that he was also Captain Hawk. That bit of information would have her running back to tell her father and uncle.

Finally, she took a deep breath and released it slowly. Within seconds her expression changed, and anger was nowhere in sight. Instead, she looked almost pleased.

"You want to know what I have to say about that ?" she inquired sweetly.

She stepped closer until she was right in front of him. Her gown even brushed against his legs. Now he could see her striking eyes better, and they were definitely not shooting fireballs at him.

Emiline toyed with the buttons on his waistcoat while staring up into his eyes. "Are you sure you want to hear my answer?"

What game was she playing with him now? He wanted to hear her answer, although he still waited for her to deliver another slap on the face—one he definitely deserved this time. "Yes."

"I think your confession was the most wonderful thing I have ever heard." Her gaze dropped to his lips for a brief moment before bouncing up to meet his eyes. "Although I'm related to the lord chancellor, I feel the same way you do about my uncle, and I sympathize with those he has destroyed. If only there was something I could do to help in your quest—"

He cut her off by grabbing her and pulling her against him, capturing her mouth in a fiery kiss. An overwhelming surge of happiness grew inside of him. Never had he expected such a confession, and hearing her sweet words melted his heart faster than a roaring fire could.

At this moment, he didn't care who her father was, and he couldn't care less about her uncle. Nothing mattered except showing this woman how much he loved her.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hungrily returned his kiss. His heart burst in his chest as love poured out. He rubbed his hands over her back, pulling her closer, as if to make her part of him.

As she caressed his hair and neck, each touch, each stroke, let him know what was in her heart better than any words could at this moment. Then again, he didn't want to break the kiss to find out. He took pleasure in the way her mouth fit with his as their bodies practically melded together.

He lifted her and carried her the few steps to his bed, then laid her on the mattress. She broke the kiss and smiled. He caressed her hair as he stared dreamily into her eyes.

"Does this mean you have forgiven me for being a mule's hind end?" he asked.

"I don't know. I'm still considering it." She grinned teasingly.

"Will a few more kisses help you make up your mind?"

Her eyes twinkled. "It certainly couldn't hurt."

He placed his mouth over hers again, but this time kissed her with such gentleness that it nearly had him going insane for more. A soft groan escaped her throat as she cuddled closer.

Inwardly, he cursed. She would definitely be the death of him. But he also knew that if he didn't stop this insanity soon, he would give himself to her heart and soul—if he hadn't already. But he couldn't do that, especially knowing she was a true lady. Although he wanted her badly, she needed a normal wedding. Not one forced upon them by an irate father.

He broke the kiss again and smiled down at her. "How was that?"

She nodded. "Perfect. I do forgive you now."

"What would you say if I told you how much I love you?"

Her amazing, wondrous eyes swam with tears. "I would tell you I love you right back."

"You do?" His heart sang with happiness. "I never thought I would hear that from you, especially after the way I treated you." He kissed her forehead. "Please forgive me for not trusting you enough to hear you out before misjudging you."

"Why didn't you want to trust me?"

"Because I'm also in hiding."

She glanced at his hair. "Is that why you have colored your hair?"

He hitched a breath as his hand flew to his head. "How do you know it's colored?"

"Because the brown in your hair is fading into black."

"Then I suppose it's time to color it again. And yes, that's why I colored it—because I'm hiding from a man who nearly captured me."

"You know I won't say anything."

He caressed her cheek. "I know."

"I'm so glad I decided to talk to you. My mother thought I should wait a few days, but I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without talking to you."

"Your mother knows about us?"

"She knows I care for you, but she doesn't know to what extent my feelings run."

He chuckled. "I'm so happy you found your mother."

"I wouldn't have found her without your help." She leaned up and kissed him. "I have you to thank for a lot of things." She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and scooted closer to him.

Broderick groaned. He couldn't let things go too far. "And I have you to thank for loving me." He kissed her on the nose then moved off the bed, pulling her with him. "However, I think I need to get you back to your bedroom. If your mother—or father—knew you were in here, we would both be in trouble."

Giggling, she walked to the door. "Yes, you are correct. Being with you this late at night is definitely wrong—even though it's so very enjoyable."

"You are incorrigible." He touched her chin. "And that is one of the reasons I love you so much."

She took hold of his hands. "Be with me tomorrow. Spend the day getting to know my mother and brother."

He nodded. "I will, but only for a little while. I have a meeting to attend."

She gave him a skeptical look. "Here? In Brighton?"

"Yes. You met one of my crew, Phillip. He and I have a meeting tomorrow."

She grinned. "As you wish, just as long as I get to have you for a little while."

"My dear, sweet Emmie. You can have me forever if you wish."

"I definitely wish that."

He kissed her one last time then opened the door to his room. She sashayed out, dreamily gazing at him as she made her way up the hallway to her room and was safe.

At least for now.

But being the niece of a man hated so much definitely wasn't a good thing.