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"Fish for frogs?"

"Yes," George said, adopting an exaggeratedly solemn expression that only served to make him appear more comical. "I spent the better part of my early childhood scouring that pond for large frogs," he continued, his tone warming with the fondness of cherished memories.

Emma's curiosity piqued, and she tilted her head, "And what was your childhood like before you lived with Alexander's family?" she inquired, eager to know more of his life before their paths had crossed.

George's smile softened. "I barely spent any time indoors," he confessed. "My nurse always had a leading string on me when I was learning to walk because I would always wander off into mischief."

Emma laughed. "I was quite adventurous myself," she admitted. "I attempted to climb trees several times, much to my parents' horror."

"Really? And did that tame the adventurous spirit in you?"

A strict governess had indeed been brought in, but Emma's spirit had been indomitable. "Never," she declared proudly.

“As it should be, my darling.” George gently took her hand and brought it to his lips. Their eyes held, lost in a quiet yearning.

But the moment was fleeting. "I must leave now," George murmured reluctantly.

Emma felt a pang of longing as he stepped away, her heart already missing the light of his presence. She wished she could pause time so he wouldn’t have to leave. Alas, that was a power beyond her. George left.

As she climbed into bed later, she found that she still felt quite uneasy after his apology and abrupt confession of the past earlier. It was difficult to understand why she felt this way, but the feeling only intensified as the night bore on.

CHAPTER 31

Emma had been measuring the time since George's last visit by the tick of the clock, her anticipation and anxiety growing with each silent hour. Two days had felt like an eternity, each moment stretching taut without any word from him.

As she walked through the hallways of the house, lost in her troubled thoughts, she unexpectedly encountered her father. He had become a phantom within the walls of their home. He spent his days away, engaged in matters only he knew, and his evenings secluded in his study, the door firmly closed to the world, including his family.

Emma held her father's eyes, and the look he gave her was piercing and cold, filled with an unspoken venom that chilled her. He passed by without a word.Perhaps this is better than having him speak to me.

Just then, the butler appeared, his timing impeccable, breaking the icy atmosphere her father had left behind. "The Duchess ofPreston and the Marchioness of Gillingham are waiting in the drawing room," he informed her with a respectful bow.

At the mention of her friends, a wave of relief washed over Emma. Her spirits, dampened by the heavy silence from George and the encounter with her father, lifted almost instantly. She had not seen her friends since the announcement of her engagement to George was made public yesterday.

"Oh, I told you everything will be well, Emma," Agnes exclaimed, wrapping her in a comforting hug.

"My felicitations, dear Emma." Frannie whispered.

Emma, feeling a rush of gratitude for the presence of her dear friends, promptly rang for tea before gracefully settling into her seat across from them. Aggie could barely contain her excitement as she leaned forward, her words bubbling over. "It is all everyone can talk about in society," she declared, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"It still feels like a dream," Emma confessed. She still had very strong doubts and a sense of unease, but it did feel like a dream to marry George.

"Oh, a dream wouldn’t feel this good, believe me," Frannie chimed in, her tone teasing. She leaned closer, her gaze affectionate and slightly mischievous. "Look at you, you’re practically glowing, Emma."

"The bridal glow," Aggie chimed, sharing a knowing wink with Frannie. Their laughter filled the room, causing Emma to blush deeper. She was thankful for the timely arrival of the tea, which provided a welcome distraction as she busied herself with the cups and saucers.

Just as she was pouring the steaming tea, another visitor was announced, and Emma looked up in surprise. Olivia burst into the room with a flourish that only she could manage. "Oh Emma, I was practically itching to come see you, but Aunt Jane insisted I wait a day or more for you to be calm. I cannot believe we are going to be sisters!" Olivia exclaimed, her voice vibrant with excitement as she enveloped Emma in a warm, eager hug before perching next to her on the sofa.

"You’re just in time for tea, Olivia," Emma responded as she exchanged greetings with Agnes and Frances.

"I just knew you and George would be perfectly matched," she proclaimed with a hint of triumph, her eyes scanning the faces of Frances and Agnes for confirmation. "At the house party, they were scarcely seen apart, you must know," she added with a flourish of her hand.

Emma felt a blush creep upon her cheeks, an involuntary testimony to her feelings. "Oh, you do flatter too much, dear Olivia," she demurred.

"I do not doubt it for an instant," Agnes chimed in with a sly smile, her gaze playful and knowing.

"And neither do I," echoed Frances, her agreement sealing the playful accusation.

"Have you all conspired against me then?" Emma laughed.