Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Bath, Somerset, England

1814

She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt this thrilled. Emily could already see it—the glimmer of the sea in the distance. Her body thrummed with excitement at the thought of sinking into the cool water and letting it wash away all the other feelings she didn't want to focus on.

"Mother, I think if we do not try to hold Emily down, she will jump right out the carriage window."

Emily looked over at the droll tone of her dear friend, Georgiana. Georgiana's eyes were trained out the window, but a tiny smile graced her small lips. She met Emily's look with a raised brow, as if challenging her to deny what she'd said.

"I believe you might be right, Georgiana," Georgiana's mother said. "She certainly looks as if she cannot contain herself."

Lady Harriet, the Viscountess of Hampshire, had given birth to a daughter who'd grown up to be just like her. Both Lady Hampshire and Georgiana were witty and easily amused ladies, who did not hesitate to jest about the things they found funny. It hadn't taken Emily long to see that Georgiana held her mother as her best friend, something Emily couldn't help but envy.

It was particularly interesting since Georgiana looked absolutely nothing like her mother. Georgiana had fair hair and fair features, with eyes the color of a cloudless sky. Lady Hampshire, on the other hand, was a dark-haired beauty with dark brown eyes and full features.

Emily hid her smile, looking out the window with a sigh. "I cannot help myself. It has been so long since I've been to the coast."

"Yes, we know," Georgiana spoke up. "You've told us that many times since we suggested it this morning."

"You know how I get when I am excited," Emily protested.

"And she loves you for it." Lady Hampshire waved a dismissive hand. "Don't mind Georgiana."

"I never do," Emily stated with a shrug.

That brought a full smile from her friend, which made Emily laugh. The past year had been filled with this easy bickering, which increased when Emily had met Lady Hampshire a week ago. Georgiana had been the one to approach Emily first, telling her she was the only lady present who didn't seem as if she would be a great bother.

Emily had been quite intimidated by Georgiana at first but had learned after a while that Georgiana was as soft-hearted and kind as she was herself, even though she showed it in a very different manner.

"Though we joke," Lady Hampshire said, "I'm happy you are so excited, Emily. I thought a trip to the shore would be a pleasing parting gift for you before you return to London."

"Oh, Mother, don't remind me." Georgiana sighed. She shook her head, eyes still gazing out of the window. "I cannot imagine how dull everything will become once Emily is gone."

"I didn't know I was such an exciting presence in your life, Georgiana," Emily said, feeling a little surprised.

"Fascinating is what you are. I have never met any lady who blushes half as much as you do." To Emily's horror, her cheeks warmed at Georgiana's statement, and both she and her mother laughed. "See?"

"You did that on purpose," Emily accused. She tried to will the blush away as she turned her attention to Lady Hampshire. "Thank you, my lady. I was dreading somewhat the thought of returning to London, but today will certainly get it off my mind."

Neither of the carriage's other occupants had to ask Emily the reason for her dread. They already knew about the embarrassing tumble Emily had taken at the fateful ball, the one that had forced her parents to send her away in the first place.

The gossip that her fall had caused had effectively ruined her Season, and so her mother had proposed sending Emily to Bath to attend a prominent ladies' seminary. Her parents had hoped she would become more versed in languages, arts, music, etiquette, and all the other qualities they believed she lacked.

And, to be perfectly honest, Emily believed the school had truly succeeded in these goals.

She hadn't cared to attend at first, only willing to go so that she could escape the aftermath of her embarrassing scene. But there, she'd met Georgiana and had truly grown as a person. First, Georgina's kindness and witty lightness had drawn her out of her shell. It had now been some while since she'd stammered while talking.

She'd spent a year at the seminary, and now it was time for her to return to London for the upcoming Season. That fact brought back all her anxiousness and fears, for she remembered that ball as if it had happened yesterday. She wondered if Georgiana understood how she felt, if that was why she and her mother were trying so hard to make her relax before she returned tomorrow.

Their carriage descended through the cobbled streets of the little seaside town, the fishing cottages crowding in on both sides, and newer facades of gentlemen's residences gleaming, for the resort was becoming more popular amongst the ton .

The passengers disembarked behind a line of sand dunes, which was the furthest spot the carriage could go. Emily hadn't been to the seaside since she was a child and felt all that childish excitement rushing back the moment she turned to face the dunes.

With Georgiana and her mother by her side, Emily walked along the pathway, her feet sinking in the sand, grasses whispering against her skirts. The light breeze tousled her hair and knocked her bonnet askew, the ribbons at her waist fluttering like pendants.

Reaching the beach, she filled her eyes with the restless glitter of waves before crossing with her friends to a bathing machine by the water and climbing into its cramped and dim interior, redolent with dried salt.

In truth, so early in the spring, it was far too soon for dipping into the sea, but the weather had been unseasonably and strangely warm all week, as though summer was making a hurried entrance ahead of her time. Today, a huge sun shone in a calm blue sky.

Once inside the machine, the women changed into modest linen shifts while the machine was pulled, lurching, into the water by a shaggy and patient horse. It came to a stop when it was deep enough for them to enter the water. Emily's smile widened when she descended the wooden steps and felt the water lift her buoyantly, a small wave sloshing over her shoulders. She squealed at the bracing and invigorating coldness.

"You're like a child who has been given sweets," Georgiana commented, shaking her head at the wide smile Emily wore.

"Oh, leave her be, Georgiana," Lady Hampshire spoke up. "Truly, Emily, I don't know how you manage to deal with her."

"It is not without practice, my lady," Emily said, sighing dramatically. "She does not make it easy, I will admit."

"Come now, since when did I become the topic of conversation?" Georgiana protested.

"Since you took it upon yourself to comment on every little thing Emily does," her mother stated simply.

Georgiana's small bottom lip popped out into a pout. "I cannot help myself. Teasing her relentlessly is the only way I can deal with the fact that she will be leaving us soon."

"Oh," Emily cooed. "She does have a heart."

"I may be of slight stature, but my heart is larger than you can possibly imagine."

They all laughed. Emily didn't think she could feel happier than this. Here, enjoying the clear, lapping water and the easygoing conversation was the perfect way to enjoy her last day in Bath, their trip to the seaside a perfect antidote to the serious rigors of the ladies' seminary. She turned around, moving her hands against the current and enjoying the way it felt sliding past her fingers. When she did, she spotted something in the distance.

Several somethings, actually—or someone's, rather. Three men, swimming. The sight of them dampened Emily's good mood because it brought back to mind the fact she would have to brave another Season soon. She would have to face other gentlemen and pray that they did not find her too plain or too ugly to court.

And that they did not think any less of her despite the incident during her previous London Season. Men had been kept at a distance these months past, and Emily had been sheltered from the possibility of their influence by the strict rules of her new way of life—finishing school was no place for a man.

Her anxiousness grew at the sight of those men, even though it seemed as if they didn't notice that they had strayed from the men's end of the beach and that ladies were nearby. They were enjoying themselves too much, laughing and splashing each other as they wrestled for a ball, while Emily had gone still, simply staring.

"Emily?" came Georgiana's voice, pulling her from her daze.

"Yes?" Emily turned to face her friend, noting the confused look on her face. "Did you say something?"

"You looked a little…odd, just then, that's all."

"I was only thinking." Emily had become far better at forcing a smile onto her face, though in her current situation, this wasn't as hard to accomplish as it sometimes was.

"Thinking about tomorrow, my dear?" Lady Hampshire asked, her voice tender.

Emily saw no point in lying. "I was. But I don't want to dwell on it any longer. Georgiana, why don't you tell me how you will manage to cope while I am gone?"

Georgiana pouted again, rolling her eyes, which made both Lady Hampshire and Emily laugh. Even though Emily was certain her friend knew something was wrong, she played along, grumbling about how bored she would be once more.

Emily enjoyed her complaining, letting it chase away any thoughts of attending this year's Season. That was a bridge she would cross when she reached it. For now, she simply scrambled back into the machine, chilled to the bone by the cold water and eager to peel off the wet, clinging linen.

***

Despite being pleasantly fatigued from the sea bathing and the long carriage ride back to Bath, Emily couldn't sleep that night. The following day arrived too quickly for her liking, with a dim light seeping through the heavy curtains, and a maid knocking on her door.

"Lady Emily?" the maid, Linnie, called as she entered with a curtsey, carrying a jug of hot water for Emily's toilette.

"Yes, I am awake," Emily said, sitting up with a sigh, letting her hair tumble down around her shoulders. The room was only partially lit, but she could see the maid's features, her knitted brow, and her downturned lips. She always looked as if she was saddened by something, and this seemed particularly noticeable this morning.

In silence, Linnie hurried over to draw the drapes and prepare Emily's clothes. In the meantime, Emily pulled herself out of bed, trying and failing to shake off her exhaustion.

She might be able to take a short nap during the carriage ride to London if she dared, but she doubted her mother would not find out about it—somehow. The last thing she wanted to do was to give her mother the impression that her year at the seminary had not done anything to help her.

Staying at Georgiana's home had been pleasant for the past few days, and Emily was already sad that she had to leave. She would miss Georgiana's company, her mother's kindness, the lovely strolls she took through the gardens, and the hours spent with her watercolors.

The house in Bath had a garden in the modern style, designed by Humphry Repton, with many curving paths leading through shrubberies, hedges, and herbaceous borders flowing with all manner of flowering plants.

A week of unseasonable warmth had created a spurt of green growth and shoots, and primroses and daphne filled the air with their sweet scents. Towering rhododendrons bore heavy heads of lilac and pink blooms with speckled throats, and Emily had spent hours drawing them in detail, then washing in colors from her palette box filled with hard cubes of paints.

It was the most calming of occupations, focusing her mind only on the present moment. Sometimes, she liked to imagine that she, like a few other artistic women, could have the pleasure of drawing the array of new species that were arriving in the country in the holds of ships.

When in London, Emily knew she would have to focus on one thing—finding a husband. Her dread sank deeper into her belly. Would a husband nourish or forbid her painting aspirations? She had seen screens and fans most elegantly painted by women artists and longed to try her talent at similar pursuits.

Sometimes, when she closed her eyes, she could clearly see botanical designs for screens, complete with blossoms, tendrils, crickets, and butterflies. Yet that dream could be denied her by a husband. Some men would want her poised in the drawing room, entertaining elegantly, not dabbling in her paint box, with smears of color on her cheeks.

Thankfully, Linnie was as quiet, despite her sad demeanor, and she made no small talk with Emily, who now rose from her bed and began to wash. Emily was normally uncomfortable being around people she didn't know, but this girl was unobtrusive, she was a girl of few words, much like Emily herself, and yet Emily felt as if they'd created a bond over the past few days, one which went beyond that of a servant and her mistress.

Or perhaps she was simply feeling a tad sentimental since today they would part company. Either way, Emily would be sad to leave, and she said as much to Linnie while she prepared for breakfast.

Georgiana and the viscountess were easygoing people and so they preferred to have breakfast at a later hour than Emily was used to. She'd grown fond of that practice. As Linnie dressed her in a loose morning gown of dove gray, Emily wondered if Georgiana was ready.

"Thank you, Linnie," Emily said, rising from the vanity table. Linnie had done her hair in an elegant style, perfect for her mother's scrutiny. She turned to face Linnie, who clasped her hands and looked ready to cry.

"I'm happy you like it, my lady," Linnie murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emily smiled. "I do. And I enjoyed having you watch over me during my time here. I will miss you."

Linnie folded her lips together, her eyes brimming with tears. Emily didn't know whether to be taken aback or touched by Linnie's emotional display. Linnie curtsied deeply, swallowing a sniffle. "It has been my pleasure, my lady."

Emily's smile widened, even as her own discomfort grew. Awkwardly, she patted Linnie on the shoulder, wanting to say something in response but not knowing the right words. Emily had never been good with emotions and not for a moment had she expected Linnie to cry.

Instead of going to the dining room for breakfast, Emily made her way to Georgiana's bedchamber, expecting to find her friend preparing. The women at the seminary had always been displeased by Georgiana's penchant for lateness.

As she expected, Emily found Georgiana in her dressing room, humming. When she spotted Emily standing at the threshold, she perked up. "Don't simply stand there!" she urged. "Come and sit!"

"At this rate," Emily said as she sat in the high-backed armchair Georgiana enthusiastically gestured to, "we shall be having breakfast at noon."

"I don't see what the problem would be. We would still be breaking our fast, wouldn't we?"

Emily only sighed. "I cannot fathom how you managed to fool so many of our teachers at the seminary."

"It is my beautiful charm," Georgiana said, waving her hand dismissively. Behind her, her lady's maid worked fervently to tame Georgiana's curls. "Though, it is rather regretful that I could not fool them all."

"Yes, I can imagine that it is." Emily wasn't surprised to find herself smiling. Georgiana had that effect on her, which would make their parting more difficult.

"I'm happy you came to see me," Georgiana continued. "I was going to send for you. I want to spend every moment I can with you before you leave." She fiddled with her jewelry box, taking out pieces and holding them up to the light as if she couldn't decide which to wear. Emily knew that, in the end, she would put them all away and wear nothing.

"I thought the same," Emily admitted. "Though, I cannot deny how pleased I am to see you vie for my attention like this."

"Call it whatever you wish," Georgiana said dismissively, making Emily laugh. "But it may be months before I see you again. Years if you are truly that bold."

"You could always come to London as well."

"Yes, but Father remains unconvinced. He thinks that because I have already secured a match, there is no need for me to go all the way to London for the Season. He says there will be more than enough balls in Bath for me to enjoy. But I beg to differ."

Emily could easily picture the Viscount of Hampshire sternly telling Georgiana this. He was quite unlike his wife and daughter, a man of very few words and a strict countenance. Even so, Emily could see that he had a warm heart underneath.

"At least you do not have to worry about finding a husband," Emily said.

Georgiana lowered her hands, dropping a necklace back into the box. "And neither do you. I'm the unlucky one who had her father take care of everything before she even had a say. But you will go to London and enjoy yourself to the fullest before falling in love and marrying a man who will make you happy for the rest of your life. I promise you."

I doubt it will truly be that easy . The viscount had arranged a marriage between Georgiana and the son of his friend, a marquess. He was a handsome, kind gentleman and Georgiana's biggest fear was that she would be unendingly bored while being married to him. Emily didn't think Georgina knew how lucky she was.

Dregs of her unease and dread rose at the topic, and Emily quickly tried to change it. "I hope you won't dare to raise this topic again with your father."

Her lady's maid finished with her hair, and Georgiana rose and held out her hand to Emily. Emily took it, letting her friend pull her to a stand. "You ask too much of me."

A laugh of surprise blurted from Emily's lips. "Well, then, I wish you all the luck."

"And I, you." Without warning, Georgiana enveloped Emily in a tight hug. "Forget everything that happened before, Emily, and try to relax, all right?"

"I promise, I'll try." After all, that was the only way she would be able to endure being in London. If she tried to forget about her fall, her embarrassment, the things people said about her, then maybe this Season would not be so terrible.

And maybe, just maybe, she would actually find someone she could love. Someone who might appreciate her ability to paint and her interest in the species of plants arriving surprisingly in England and taking root in hothouses and new gardens. And someone who also met her mother's approval. Could such a man possibly exist?