Page 11 of A Duke Reformed (Icy Dukes #3)

CHAPTER SEVEN

" S o, Cecilia and your papa are still not speaking?" Lavinia inquired, her voice trailing off as she raised an eyebrow at Emma.

"Yes," Emma said in an exasperated tone. "They always bicker about everything. It's the same argument every time. Papa spends too much, and Cecilia reminds him that we don't have ‘that much' to begin with. It's exhausting. I don't know how they haven't driven each other mad by now."

The garden party was winding down, but the air was still fragrant with the scent of roses, their vibrant blooms spilling over trellises and climbing arbors in a riot of color.

Emma, Lavinia, and Alice stood near one of the rose beds, their skirts brushing against the low hedges as they admired the flowers.

Alice tilted her head as she admired a pale pink rose. "It's a difficult situation. Money troubles can strain even the strongest of families. But surely they'll find a way to work through it. They always have before. It's not the first time they've argued."

"How are you coping with everything?" Lavinia asked Emma. "It sounds like they're stuck in a never-ending cycle of blame and frustration. Your papa spends, Cecilia scolds, and round and round they go. It's enough to make anyone want to scream."

"I scream sometimes," Emma admitted. "But only when I'm certain no one can hear me. Besides, it's not all terrible. Sometimes, they listen when I intervene."

Alice turned to her. "You're doing the best you can. And perhaps... perhaps this is just their way of coping. Some families bicker because it's how they communicate. It doesn't mean they care for each other any less."

"I know," Emma mumbled.

She glanced at her friends, knowing full well that both Alice and Lavinia could easily offer her money to ease the strain.

They had been the first to help when the family's finances had crumbled after her mother's death, but Emma had put a stop to that.

She had banned them from offering or even suggesting financial help.

It wasn't pride, exactly. It was the knowledge that she couldn't keep taking from them, no matter how much they insisted they didn't mind.

She had to find a way to stand on her own.

Emma's gaze drifted across the garden, landing on Cecilia, who stood a short distance by the refreshment table.

Ceciliawas unusually quiet these days. Emma frowned, her chest tightening with worry.

Cecilia had always been the spirited one so it was surprising how mellow she seemed these days.

It made her wonder if the constant quarrel with her father was getting to her.

"Lately, Cecilia doesn't seem quite herself," Emma murmured as she turned back to Lavinia and Alice. "She's been like this for a few days. I've tried to ask her what's wrong, but she just brushes me off and says everything is fine."

Alice followed Emma's gaze, her expression softening as she watched Cecilia. "Perhaps she's finally feeling the strain of everything too. It's not easy, She's young, Emma. She might not know how to process all of this."

"You recall how you were in your debut year," Lavinia added. "It was tough, wasn't it?"

"Extremely," Emma groaned. "But I think it's more than that."

Alice nodded and exhaled softly. "You can try talking to her about it. You're right, she does seem a bit withdrawn, and without your mother here to guide her, it must feel even more overwhelming for her."

Emma's chest tightened at the mention of their mother. She still missed her terribly, and she knew Cecilia did too. Their mother had always been the glue that held the family together and without her, everything fell apart, starting with their father.

"I made a deal with His Grace. The Duke of Montclaire," Emma announced in an attempt to change the subject. "He's offered to pay me for it, and I couldn't refuse. Not with everything going on at home."

Lavinia's eyes widened and she audibly gasped. "The Duke of Montclaire? What kind of deal is this, Emma? What exactly did you agree to?"

"I know how it sounds, but I assure you that I didn't agree to anything untoward.

It's a long story, but somehow, he approached me after the ball the other day and asked me for my help.

He needed lessons in etiquette. He said he wanted to learn how to navigate society properly, and he offered to pay me for my time.

I couldn't say no. It's a decent job, and I need it. Desperately."

Alice's eyes narrowed. "And you believe him? You're certain he has no other intentions? Emma, no one really knows the man. He just randomly appeared one day and is putting even the lords on the edge."

"I don't know what it is. All I know is that he's serious about it, or at least, he seems to be. And I need the money. So I agreed."

"Emma..." Lavinia said softly. "If it's the money–"

"It's a good job, Lavinia. You need not worry," Emma cut in with a reassuring smile.

She looked down at her hands, her expression softening as she forced a smile.

"I know it might seem like I've given up on the idea of marriage, and to a good extent.

.. I have. But there is a chance here for me.

A chance to do something meaningful, to help my family, and perhaps even to prove that I'm more than just.. . well, a spinster in the making."

"A chance?" Alice's eyes shot open. "Emma Lockhart, are you considering a match with the duke?"

"Heavens, no!" Emma exclaimed, her voice rising slightly before she caught herself and lowered it to a whisper.

She glanced around to make sure no one had overheard, her cheeks flushing.

"Don't be ridiculous. The idea of a match with him is preposterous.

I don't mean a chance with me. I mean, if I could get the money for Cecilia's and my dowry, I could get married to a decent man who will provide for me and my family. "

Lavinia raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning to her face. "Is it, though? I mean, he's a duke, Emma. A very wealthy, titled, and dare I say it handsome duke."

"Very handsome," Alice whispered.

Lavina exchanged looked with Alice and giggled. "You're going to be spending a great deal of time with him. Alone. If that's not the perfect setup for a scandalous romance, I don't know what is."

Alice threw her head back and groaned. "But you know what Emma thinks of romance," she said and rolled her eyes playfully.

"There will be no scandal and certainly no romance," Emma chimed in. "This is strictly business. He needs to learn how to behave in society, and I need the money. That's all there is to it."

Alice tilted her head, thinking. "But Emma, you must admit, it is an unusual arrangement. A duke hiring a lady to teach him etiquette? It's not exactly... conventional."

"Nothing about the Duke of Montclaire is conventional," Emma said and shook her head. "And that's precisely why this is such a challenge. He's stubborn, infuriating, and entirely unpredictable. Also, there is the way he stares."

Alice arched her eyebrows. "His stare?"

"His stare," she repeated, her voice lowering as she glanced around to ensure no one was eavesdropping.

"It's... unsettling. His eyes search your face as though he's trying to see into your head.

His expression is always expressionless, yet so piercing.

It's the first time anyone has ever looked at me like that, with such.

.. such immersed curiosity. It feels almost imposing, like he can see straight through every pretense I have ever put up. "

Lavinia's shoulders dropped. "Oh, Emma. That doesn't sound invasive. That sounds likeinterest . "

"Don't be ridiculous, Lavinia. It's part of what makes him so infuriating."

Lavinia placed both hands on her hips, with an expression on her face that was equal parts exasperated and amused. "Emma, how are you going to ever fall in love if you wouldn't even open your mind to it? Stop being so stubborn."

"It's about being practical. Love isn't some magical cure for everything, Lavinia. It's messy and complicated and often ends in heartbreak. I've seen it happen."

"You can't let fear dictate your life either," Alice chimed in. "You're young, intelligent, and capable, Emma. You deserve to be happy, whether that's with the Duke of Montclaire or someone else entirely. But you'll never know if you don't give yourself the chance."

"I reckon that it is better to be safe than sorry," Emma said with a smile. She glanced toward the far end of the garden, where Cecilia stood alone. "I hate to go, but Cecilia and I have to get back home now. Papa will be expecting us, and I don't want to leave her waiting any longer."

"Of course," Alice said gently, reaching out to squeeze Emma's hand. "Take care of yourself and Cecilia."

"Send my greetings to the little one at home," Emma said and waved as she walked towards Cecilia.

Deep down, she knew Alice and Lavinia were right, but she couldn't let herself believe it.

She wasn't looking for love. She had seen what love could do.

She had witnessed the way it could unravel even the strongest of bonds, the way it could leave behind nothing but bitterness and regret.

Her family was proof enough of that. Love – she had decided long ago – was a dangerous thing, and she had no intention of risking her heart, or her family's stability on something so unpredictable.

"Emma... I'm afraid there's something I've been keeping from you."

Emma felt a mixture of relief and apprehension wash over her.

Relief, because Cecilia had finally spoken after the long and excruciating silence that defined their carriage ride home.

Emma had been growing increasingly worried about what might be weighing on her and it good to hear her speak up.

But apprehension, too, because she wasn't sure she was ready to hear what Cecilia might say.

What if it was something serious? Something worse than what she could imagine?