Page 96 of A Bluestocking for the Wicked Duke

“Are you sure he likes you?” Joane asked.

“Yes, I think so,” Emma replied without removing her arms from around Joane’s waist.

“So no need to get worked up Emma, he will cool and visit, tomorrow or next. Surely he knows he worked you up, Lord James is a cultured man very aware of the sensibilities of a proper lady. He will apologize,” Joane said.

Emma let go of her.

“I am sorry for throwing all my anger at you and making you worried,” Emma said.

Joane shook her shoulders.

“Lighten up this foul mood Emma, what are best friends for but to provide a steady source of worry.”

Chapter 20

To Break a Tie that never was

William got down first from the carriage. It was night already, the long trip to Norfolk and back to Wellington had taken more time than he thought it would. He and Lord James took Esther back home before returning back. Lord James came down after him, his sluggish feet showing his tiredness.

“Francis,” William called out.

After a few seconds, the young boy came scuttling by. He led the horses behind the house. William looked at Lord James.

James is tired but something else is wrong. He’s been a bit too quiet.

“What disturbs you so?” William asked him as they climbed up the stairs.

Lord James looked into William’s eyes from the lower step.

“I have something to tell you,” he said.

William nodded.

“Let’s settle in first, I’m a bit too tired to speak on the staircase,” William answered.

They walked up stairs and into the living room. No one was in the living room. William walked down the corridor and was about to open his door when his sister called on to him.

“William, I was wondering where you have been since early morning you left,” she said.

“Hi, Regina, I and James had to get to a couple of places. Does father request my presence?” William asked.

“No, he did notice your absence at the dinner table.”

“I will go to see him in the morning,” William replied.

“Good evening, Regina,” Lord James said behind him.

“Lord James, I didn’t see you,” Regina replied.

William pushed the door to his room open, happy with the cool temperature it had. He locked the door behind him and heard Lord James enter the next room.

That room is slowly becoming James’.

There was a lamp on his table providing illumination William was grateful for. William undressed and walked into the bathroom. There was water in a bucket there. It wasn’t warm but William did not mind. He rushed his bath and came out. He went to wardrobe and picked a thin short. William wore it and was looking for a suitable top to sleep in when his door opened. Lord James came in. He sat on the bed, waiting for William. William forsook his search for a top and sat down at the other end of his bed.

“You want to tell me about you and Miss Emma, don’t you?” William said.

Lord James who had opened his mouth to speak closed it slowly. He was surprised. William smiled at his friend’s naked shock.