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“I cannot possibly wear that, Mother!” Emma protested. It was one of the scandalous dresses her mother had made for her specifically for the house party. Emma had had no intention of ever wearing them, not here, not anywhere else.

Alas, it appeared as though she wouldn’t be able to wiggle out of this one. “I will hear no such thing,” her mother said sternly. “Now get her dressed, Antoinetta!”

Emma slumped onto the bed, dejected. “Dressed, I shall get you, Emma. Do not worry.” Antoinetta wore a sly smile as she produced a sewing kit. Realization dawned on Emma, and a grin crept onto her face. Her lady’s maid made use of her impressive sartorial skills to quickly raise Emma’s neckline before getting her dressed.

“There. All you have to do is avoid your mother,” Antoinetta took a step back to inspect her handiwork.

“That shouldn’t be too difficult,” Emma said hopefully. She did not want Antoinetta getting into trouble and her mother causing a scene because of the raised neckline.

Outside, Lady Amberton showed Emma the carriage she was to ride in with the Earl. She supposed Olivia would be joining them as their chaperone, and she looked forward to a lovely conversation with her. However, when the footman opened the door for her, she found none other than Seymore reclining with a book inside.

He smiled devilishly at her while she looked around the carriage in search of the Earl. “Looking for someone?” he teased.

Before she could respond, the Earl appeared, his smile bright and warm. He gallantly helped Emma into the carriage before joining in. As their journey began, she looked out of the window at the manor fading into the scenery, wondering whether Seymore’s presence was a curse or her saving grace.

She turned to the Earl. “What can you tell me about Firman Manor, My Lord?”

“It was built during the time of the Tudors,” Seymore supplied. “In fact, there was quite the controversy over the manor in the late sixteenth century when it was nearly taken away from the family.”

“How was it retained?” she asked Firman, hoping Seymore would not speak.

“The then Lord Firman courted the Crown’s favor.” Again, the response was not from the man she hoped, and Emma wanted to gouge the Duke’s eyes out.

Firman laughed and encouraged him, saying, “He is right again, Miss Lovell. I tell you, he knows more about the manor and my family history than I do.” He followed that statement with a sheepish smile.

Emma’s eyes found the Duke’s, and he sent her another satisfied smirk. She glared at him.

CHAPTER 6

It was clear to George now that Miss Lovell was trying to get Alexander’s attention. The moment they arrived, he alighted from the carriage and offered to help her down before Alex could. He needed to protect his dear friend, and besides, he couldn’t help the impish part of him that enjoyed thwarting her plans and riling her.

She hesitated, but giving her no choice, he gently but firmly took her hand in his. As she made to get down, their gazes locked. Her lips parted as though she was going to say something, but no sound came forth. She suddenly seemed breathless. He felt breathless too.

When she finally got down, George lingered before he released her hand. He found himself unable to resist. Her delicate hand in his felt just right. He tried to understand, but couldn’t wrap his head around the curious pull she had on him.

Her gaze fleetingly moved to the side, and he saw her eyes widen in what he could only interpret as alarm. Somewhat concernedand curious, he followed her gaze to the unexpected sight of his aunt and Baroness Dewsbury. The Baroness wore a scowl as she regarded her daughter glaringly. Strange, he thought.

Miss Lovell just as quickly averted her gaze. She seemed somewhat nervous now. “Trouble in the nest?” George couldn’t help but ask, his tone light but probing.

He watched a smile creep onto her lovely features before she shook her head and said, “I am simply learning to fly.” Her words were light, yet they carried a weight that hinted at deeper currents swirling beneath the surface.

She pinned him with a gaze now searching, and he thought that something about it seemed almost imploring. Disturbingly so, it stirred something within him—a desire to understand her struggles and perhaps, to aid her in her flight.

He couldn’t help but recall the Baron’s angry words in the hallway. And now the Baroness’s glare. The pair seemed controlling. He wondered if all was well with their daughter. Was there more to her reason for seeking his friend’s attention? Perhaps he’d gotten something wrong somewhere, and this was not about Miss Lovell as he’d suspected from the start, a voice in his head contemplated. Still, he would continue to watch her closely, he decided.

“There is nothing quite so scary, but at the same time thrilling as leaving one’s nest,” George said, his tone contemplative, perhaps even a bit probing.

“I hardly think it scary,” she responded with an air of anticipation and hope, her eyes alight with what seemed like a mixture of defiance and determination.

Alexander alighted just then. But instead of handing Miss Lovell to him, George placed her hand on his arm and decided that he would keep her by his side. He enjoyed riling her up for some reason he couldn’t understand. This way, he’d be killing two birds with one stone, he thought. He could indulge his whim, and protect his friend at the same time.

He watched her surprised gaze fall to her hand on his arm before it traveled back up to meet his. She was not pleased. George returned her glare with a smile.

He felt her tense. And this gave him that curious satisfaction once again.

“An unexpected pairing,” Lady Amberton noted with a touch of amusement in her voice.

Firman was paired with another lady, but decided to keep close to them nonetheless.