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“Levi, everyone has. It may surprise you, but people are capable of whispers and gossip without telling the subjects of their conversation about it.”

His friend laughed, but Levi couldn’t help but wonder if it was already too late.

He was already too known to her to become unknown.

CHAPTER 8

“Your sister told me something very interesting yesterday.”

Emma had expected something to be said in her absence during the picnic, but nothing like what Sarah had said to the Duke of Lupton. What surprised her more, however, was how she had come to learn of it.

They had been sitting at breakfast, and though she had not forgiven the Duke, he seemed to crave that forgiveness. Therefore, he was acting as though nothing had happened at all. I shall never understand men.

“She is a very interesting lady,” Emma nodded, ignoring him otherwise.

“Indeed, but I never would have expected her to be so brazen.”

She looked at him sharply. Had he taken liberties with Sarah in the same way he had with her and Gretchen? She knew her expression was accusatory, and she hoped that it would lead to him confessing what happened without her saying a word.

“I cannot believe how poorly you think of me,” he sighed. “We had a pleasant conversation during a game of Pall Mall, nothing more. She simply wanted me to know that you are a good lady, and that I am to be good to you in return.”

“Why did she tell you that?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, Miss Kendall. I shall assume that you did not put her up to it in a bid for my attention?”

“Given that your attention is the last thing I could possibly want, you may indeed assume that.”

“Ah, quite a shame. I would love for some proof that you are not as frightening as you wish to be.”

“I am only frightening to those that ought to be afraid. I am only good, in spite of what my sister says, to those warranting my goodness. You may choose which one you are deserving of.”

“Your goodness, I believe.”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes before leaving the dining hall. They were all to visit the nearby village that day, and she wanted to prepare herself, as well as make any changes to Sarah that theydeemed necessary. She had a maid, but their father had chosen the least costly one he could find and so she was not the most adept in her role.

However, she also had a very important matter to discuss with Sarah and needed the time to do that. Her younger sister was caught very much off guard when she cornered her.

“Why on Earth would you say that to the Duke?” Emma asked, exasperated.

“I do not know what you are referring to. I do not speak to any dukes.”

“Do not play coy with me. He has already told me at breakfast what you did. What were you thinking?”

“I was thinking that, if he is so determined to look your way constantly, then he should at least have honorable intentions. Do not act as though you have not noticed. Half of the party has!”

“What do you mean?” Emma asked, suddenly quite concerned.

“There have been whispers, Sister. Nothing of any untoward behavior, simply that the Duke of Lupton has been seen watching a spinster. They find it preposterous, but then you have always been well liked so it is not too terrible.”

“But it is. I cannot be seen with a man such as him. It will ruin your match!”

“I do not think this match of mine can be ruined. I do not mean to get ahead of myself, but we really are quite taken with one another. You shall be rid of me soon enough, I believe.”

“Rid of you? Why would you say it in such a manner?”

“It is what Father says. It is what he has always said, you know that.”

“Yes, but I am not Father, am I? I shall miss you terribly when you are gone.”