Chapter 11

“There is something I should like to tell you all.” Looking around at the small group of her gathered friends, Emma took a deep breath and tried to settle herself before she spoke further. It had been two days since Lord Yeatman had spoken with her about his thoughts regarding her present situation and, since that time, she had barely been able to think of anything else. “I do hope that you will indulge me for a few minutes?”

Her friends all nodded, though one or two glanced at each other, clearly a little concerned about what Emma might say.

“I am not about to renege on our decision to go about society as we have been doing,” Emma said quickly, seeing the worry in Miss Bosworth’s expression. “It is, in fact, to do with my situation and the concerns that have come with it.”

“What do you mean?” Lady Alice asked, coming to stand a little closer as the soiree continued all around them. “What about your situation is concerning?”

Emma glanced around the drawing room, but no one was looking in their direction. That was to be expected, she supposed, but all the same, she wanted to be quite certain that no one would overhear her words.

“It is something that Miss Simmons said to me,” she began, smiling at her friend, who immediately looked rather surprised. “You stated that there had been no upsets or the like ever since I had been forced to become a wallflower.”

Clearly remembering this, Miss Simmons nodded fervently.

“Yes, I recall saying that to you. That is why you were asked to stand back, was it not? Because of all the many mishaps that supposedly were caused by your ungainliness.”

Emma nodded, her face flushing a little as one or two incidents came back to her mind.

“Yes, that is so.”

“But nothing like that has happened since you became a wallflower?” Lady Frederica frowned, though Emma nodded, confirming that this was true. “That does not make very much sense.”

“Which is exactly what I said,” Miss Simmons added, almost triumphantly. “Though why such a thing should be true, I do not know.”

“Nor did I,” Emma replied, looking around at the small group. “Though Lord Yeatman has made a suggestion which has given me pause.”

“Lord Yeatman?” Miss Bosworth smiled suddenly. “He is a kind gentleman, I think. Ever since he has become acquainted with you, Miss Fairley, he has always sought us out and greeted us at any ball or soiree we have attended. He clearly does not want to react in the same way as the rest of society.”

“And that is by design,” Emma agreed, smiling. “He does not want to treat us as the rest of society do. Therefore, he danced not only with me but also with Miss Simmons recently and it was after this waltz that he spoke to me about his thoughts on my present situation.”

Lady Alice and Lady Frederica exchanged a glance, though Emma did her best not to consider it too much. There was little point in wondering what her friends thought of Lord Yeatman’s consideration of her, not when she had so much to say.

“What are his thoughts?” Miss Simmonds wanted to know. “Does he think you are in danger?”

Emma shook her head.

“No, not in that regard. Do you recall what I told you about the dinner I attended some days ago?” Seeing all her friends nod, Emma gave them a small smile. “Lord Yeatman took the blame so that it would not be placed upon me. Upon hearing what Miss Simmons had said, and upon considering himself what had happened at the dinner, Lord Yeatman stated that he thought there might be someone attempting to injure me in some way. Not that I would be in any physical danger, but rather that these things are being put upon my shoulders when, in fact, they were the deliberate action of someone else.”

Her friends all looked rather astonished, though Miss Simmons was the first to speak.

“That would make sense, given that no such happenings have taken place since you joined us,” she said quickly, unwittingly agreeing with Lord Yeatman’s considerations. “You were forced to become a wallflower. Therefore, there was no need for this person to do as they had been, if their aim was to keep you away from society.”

Emma spread out her hands, lifting her shoulders as she did so.

“Mayhap. That is Lord Yeatman’s consideration.”

“Goodness!” Lady Frederica looked a little alarmed, her eyes wide. “But for what cause? Why would someone wish you to be pushed from society? What is it that you have done that would bring about such disfavor?”

Emma’s skin prickled but she forced a smile.

“I have done nothing,” she said, seeing the way that Lady Frederica’s cheeks flooded with heat. “That is what is most peculiar. There is nothing that I have done – or that I can recall having done – that would cause anyone to become angry with me. So why then would someone wish for society to turn its back upon me?”

Silence fell upon the group, only for Miss Simmons to sigh aloud.

“If you do not know, Miss Fairley, then certainly none of us can surmise!”

“Indeed.” Emma leaned a little closer, keeping her voice low. “But Lord Yeatman has suggested that he can be of aid to me, though no one can be allowed to become aware of his true purpose. Given that we are all now moving about society as we please – albeit with chagrin from various members of the ton, he feels that this person, whoever they are, might continue with such attacks. Therefore, he has said that he will watch our interactions, and will take care to note any unusual occurrences which might take place without my awareness.”

“That is very good of him,” Miss Simmons murmured, though her expression was a little troubled. “That is a little worrying though, is it not? You have someone who is seeking to harm your reputation in society without having any understanding of why they might be doing so… and even who they might be!”

Emma gave her friend a small, wry smile.

“Yes, it is rather troubling,” she agreed, quietly, “but in truth, I do feel a little relief in this. I have always told my parents that I have not been fully responsible for all that has taken place and, though they have not accepted that, if what Lord Yeatman believes is true, then I will have evidence – proof, even – that I have been right all along.”

Her friends all looked at each other but, much to Emma’s relief, all of them appeared to be quite willing to support her, given the nods and the smiles on some of their faces.

“Then you can have my support in this also, of course,” Miss Simmons agreed, quietly. “I do not know what it is that I can do, but anything that will be of use, I will willingly offer it.”

“I thank you.”

“I will do whatever I can to be of aid to you as well,” Lady Alice chimed in, as did Lady Frederica and Miss Bosworth. “This does sound both mysterious and rather disconcerting, I must say. I do find myself a little troubled on your behalf.”

Emma clasped her hands tightly in front of her, her heart beginning to beat a little more quickly as she considered all that her friends had said. She would be a fool to say that she had no qualms about her present situation. Yes, there was relief to think that she was going to be able to prove that she was not fully responsible for all that had taken place but, at the same time, there was also worry and concern about who was behind it all… and what it was that they wanted from her.

“Thank you all. I am a little worried, I will admit, but there is nothing to be gained from that. I must strike forward, I must continue as we have begun, in the hope that I will find the truth, and perhaps be able to return to society.”

Lady Frederica smiled.

“That is what we all hope for, is it not,” she said, a small sigh escaping her. “Let us hope that this Lord Yeatman of yours can bring you some answers.”

A fire immediately lit Emma’s cheeks as she fought the urge to press her hands to them.

“Lord Yeatman is a gentleman with exceptional kindness, that is all,” she said, firmly. “I will be forever grateful to him for his generosity and his willingness to behave as many others would not. It says a great deal about his character, I think.” With a smile, she spread out her hands again and then let them fall. “Let us hope that we all will find our way back into society, one way or another. That this Season will be our last as wallflowers of London society!”

“A calling card, my Lady.”

Lady Follet yawned and took it from the butler, though her expression became rather puzzled.

“A Viscount Yeatman?”

Emma’s head shot up as the butler nodded and was then sent by her mother to bring Lord Yeatman into the drawing room. Thus far, it had been only her sister who had received gentlemen for, though these fellows greeted them both and spoke well to them, it was quite obvious that their only interest was in Martha. That was to be expected, Emma had reasoned, for the gentlemen would not know her and therefore, their interest would be turned to Martha. Thus, Emma had sat quietly, drunk rather too many cups of tea and had done her best to appear bright-eyed and paying full attention, though the last gentleman – Lord Kinston – had been something of a bore and Emma had noticed even her mother’s eyes drooping at one point.

Lord Yeatman, however, had clearly come to call upon her, for he was not yet acquainted with Martha.

“Who?” Lady Follet rose from her chair and looked to Martha rather than to Emma. “Do you know this gentleman?”

“Lord Yeatman?” Martha shook her head. “No, I–”

“You were introduced at Lord Pleasance’s dinner,” Emma interrupted, aware that the door could open at any moment to permit Lord Yeatman entry. “He was seated next to me.”

Her sister’s eyes widened suddenly.

“Oh, he caused that slight embarrassment with the footman at the dinner table, did he not?”

Emma nodded but could say nothing more, for the door opened and Lord Yeatman was presented, though he was swiftly followed by another gentleman – one Emma recognized immediately as Lord Wellbridge. Martha’s expression drew up into a state of happiness as she greeted both gentlemen, though Emma chose to say nothing, curtseying only instead.

“How very pleasant to have two gentlemen calling at once!” Lady Follet exclaimed as Lord Wellbridge and Lord Yeatman sat down. “The tea tray will arrive momentarily. I presume that you are acquainted with each other?”

Lord Yeatman nodded, though, much to Emma’s surprise, Lord Wellbridge frowned – whether that was due to his lack of recognition or for some other reason, she could not say.

“We are, though it was some time ago,” Lord Yeatman explained, his words bringing a lightness to Lord Wellbridge’s expression. “It was before my father passed away. My title, at that time, was Galson.” He chuckled as a look of clear understanding passed across Lord Wellbridge’s face. “You recall me now, I see.”

“Yes, I do indeed! That was some years ago,” Lord Wellbridge exclaimed, just as the tea tray was brought in. “How very good to be in your company again. Might I ask how you are acquainted with this very fine family?”

Emma watched as Martha went to pour the tea, noticing with some concern how her sister’s hand trembled a little, though, no doubt, that came from her desire to please Lord Wellbridge and perhaps, from her delight in being in his company.

“I was first acquainted with Miss Emma Fairley,” Lord Yeatman said, a smile in his voice as Emma caught his eye, aware of the sudden flare of warmth in her chest as she returned his smile with one of her own. “Thereafter, it was through Lord Pleasance’s dinner that we all became acquainted, was it not?”

Lady Follet nodded, though her eyes sharpened as she looked at Emma, perhaps having never understood that Emma had been previously acquainted with the gentleman.

“Yes, that is quite so. The dinner was marvelous, was it not?”

Lord Yeatman chuckled again.

“I suppose it was, though I will say that my mishap at the dining table did make for a little embarrassment!”

“Oh, but I am sure that it has all been forgotten!” Lady Follet laughed as Emma did her best not to roll her eyes and picked up her tea instead. “We shall have to enjoy another dinner with you, Lord Yeatman, to prove that nothing untoward will happen should you sit to dine with company again.”

Lord Yeatman laughed at this, though his gaze went quickly back to Emma, leaving her suddenly a little breathless. There was no space for quiet conversation here, no opportunity for them to speak privately at length so why, then, had he come to call?

“I wonder, Miss Fairley, if you should like to take a walk with me in the park tomorrow?”

Emma blinked, her silent question suddenly answered as Lord Yeatman smiled at her, his blue eyes alight with what appeared to be hope.

“Lord Yeatman, I–”

“I presume you are speaking to my elder daughter?” Lady Follet interrupted Emma before she could finish speaking and instantly, Emma’s face flamed as she dropped her head, unable to look at anyone else in the room. “Miss Martha Fairley?”

There was a slight pause, only for Lord Yeatman to clear his throat.

“No, Lady Follet, though I mean no slight nor disrespect. I was, in fact, speaking to your younger daughter, Miss Emma.”

Carefully, Emma peeked at her mother from under her lashes, seeing her mother’s eyes flared wide for a moment, her mouth forming a perfect circle.

“Miss Fairley?” Lord Yeatman continued when Lady Follet did not respond. “What say you? Tomorrow? Or the day after that if you are already engaged in another activity tomorrow.”

Emma swallowed and then nodded, a sudden buzzing in her ears, her heart thumping furiously.

“I am not engaged in any activity tomorrow, Lord Yeatman.”

He grinned at her.

“Then should you like to walk with me? Perhaps in St James’ Park? I always find Hyde Park a little too busy.”

Remembering what he had confessed to her about being a little overwhelmed by too many gentlemen and ladies in one space, Emma managed to smile.

“Yes, of course. St James’ Park.”

“Excellent.” Lord Yeatman nodded and then rose to his feet. “I shall not take up any more of your time. I look forward to tomorrow, Miss Fairley. Good afternoon.”

Emma barely had time to get to her feet before Lord Yeatman had taken his leave of them all. Even her mother appeared astonished, though Martha remained exactly where she was, sipping her tea and not looking at anyone save for Lord Wellbridge. Emma, seeing this, smiled softly to herself, and then sat back down, her happiness near to overflowing. Her sister was quite taken with Lord Wellbridge and now, it seemed, she might finally have a gentleman who was a little taken with her! But, she thought to herself, as her mother and Lord Wellbridge took their seats again, he might very well have asked to walk with me simply because he has something more he wishes to say as regards my present situation. Her smile faded. There might not be any genuine interest there whatsoever.

“Do you know, I have not seen Lord Yeatman in many a year!” Lord Wellbridge interrupted Emma’s thoughts, making them all turn their attention to him. “He is a very wealthy Viscount, by all accounts.”

“Wealthy?”

Lady Follet’s eyes widened, and Emma groaned inwardly, already able to decipher what it was that she was thinking.

“Are not all titled gentlemen wealthy?” Martha interjected, her smile a little terse as she shot a look towards Emma which Emma did not at all understand. “Though some more than others, of course!”

“Of course,” Lord Wellbridge chuckled, waving a hand. “Though for a Viscount, Lord Yeatman carries more wealth than some Earls! Though, Miss Fairley,” he continued, looking towards Emma as his expression became serious. “Even though you have accepted the offer of walking with him tomorrow, I should encourage you to make certain of his character.”

Emma’s eyebrows lifted as Lady Follet snatched in a breath.

“You mean to say that there is something indecent about him?” Lady Follet asked, in a half-whisper. “Should I have stepped in? Ought I now to prevent this–”

“No, no, that is not what I mean in the least!” Lord Wellbridge exclaimed, laughing, and shaking his head. “It was only as a general warning to the young lady. I do not know Lord Yeatman very well at all, as I have said.”

“I think him a very considerate and amiable gentleman.” With a slight lift of her chin, Emma looked at Lord Wellbridge steadily, seeing him shrug. “But thank you for your… warning. My mother and father have said much the same to both my sister and me previously.”

“Though we have nothing to worry about when it comes to you, of course,” Martha said, with a laugh that made Lord Wellbridge beam at her with obvious delight. “Thank you, Lord Wellbridge. You are most considerate.”

Emma picked up her teacup and said nothing more, taking a delicate sip and then setting it back down again. Her sister could have the most marvelous time making all sorts of remarks and conversation with Lord Wellbridge but Emma, for her part, would remain silent and consider all that had just taken place, wondering just what it was that Lord Yeatman wanted to speak with her about tomorrow.