Page 74 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“Refused to take you,” Emma completed.

Joane nodded.

Emma looked confused. She opened her mouth but nothing came forth.

“Is it possible that he isn’t as guilty as you paint him?” Joane whispered.

She was afraid of saying it out loud, afraid that Emma would have another proof that further indicted William. When Emma did not speak she spoke again, louder and bolder.

“It is possible Emma. It is possible that this man is not as awful as things make him to look,” Joane said.

“Don’t be cajoled by a single magnanimous act, Joane. Mr. William is in courtship with another damsel while courting you. Are you such a fool that you refuse to accept what is wrong with that? Or are you struck blind by love that you cannot even see?” Emma retorted harshly.

“This is not about love, Emma. What is the essence of his revenge if he had the ultimate gift offered to him and refused to take it?” Joane replied.

Emma shook her head.

“What if he has another target, an even greater aim?” Emma said.

“Of course, I trust you to look for another aim. Paint him out to be the devil himself,” Joane replied, standing up to face Emma with a menacing scowl on her face.

Emma shook her head.

“I am going to get to the bottom of this.” Emma said.

Joane didn’t reply. She walked to her window and looked outside.

What do you really want William? Am I just a pawn to you? Or does your heart cry out to mine just as mine does to yours?

“I need you to stay away from him Joane till I get to the bottom of this. You promised me you would do that yesterday and you ran off with him again. Please for these few days stay away from that man,” Emma told her.

Joane said nothing. She kept her eyes looking out.

“I will stay away but I cannot promise for how long, I am as hungry for an answer to this as you. I can give you tomorrow, I don’t think I have the strength to reject him if he comes after that,” Joane said.

“Just keep away from him,” Emma said before she walked out of the room.

Chapter 17

Forbidden Love

William took the long way home. He rode through the market going out to the side and taking the path around the farms that would lead him till he got to Monbrook before entering again into the city and riding on the straight road home.

I need to think. I don’t want anything around me disturbing me.

Miss Emma had been scathing in her accusations. Joane was heartbroken.

It was Emma, that day at Norfolk. It was Emma that looked so familiar.

William regretted agreeing to the pact with his mother in the first place. The pact birthed a relationship that means nothing but is impeding another relationship that meant something.

Everything.

William was confused. He didn’t know what to do.

When did Joane stop being just a means to her father? When did she lock in the hooks of her heart into mine?

William missed James.