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I t was perhaps an hour before supper when they received an unexpected call at Duncan Place. “Pardon, sir. I have been sent by Lord Davidson to ascertain whether his betrothed is in residence at Duncan Place. His lordship is most concerned by his betrothed’s absence from her home.”

Reading the man’s business card, Richard felt as if someone had struck him hard in his chest just above his heart. “Pardon, Mr. Nelson,” he inquired. “You say Lady Emma is engaged to Lord Davidson. I was not aware.”

“They have kept their arrangement quite secret, hoping Lady Emma’s parents would soon arrive home to take care of this business. Yet, I would have thought Lady Emma would have mentioned Lord Davidson as being someone you could contact to oversee her welfare.”

“Lady Emma was seriously injured and was more than a bit disoriented when we came across her,” Lady Theodora said when Richard did not respond. “The surgeon has treated her for the pain, and he insists she be permitted time for all her injuries to heal.”

“From whom did you learn of her ladyship’s injuries?” Richard asked.

“You know how it is, my lord. One servant talks to another who speaks to a relative in another household. Soon all of London knows the latest secret being kept.”

Richard was not amused by the man’s flippant nature. “I fear Lady Emma is not yet well enough to receive visitors at this time,” he said, knowing he had to speak to Lady Emma immediately regarding this development.

“Should not Lord Davidson have been aware of his betrothed’s whereabouts over nearly two days?

” Theodora demanded. “Would his lordship know of Lady Emma’s location or care to know of it if he had not obviously learned something of the situation from the butler employed by her family?

I have a mind to have my father address her father about those Lord Donoghue has installed to care for his daughter and his home in his absence.

Gossip of this type should never escape a well-run household. ”

“As I said previously, Lord Davidson’s betrothal to Lady Emma Donoghue is of a peculiar nature, arranged by Lord Donoghue perhaps a year or so removed.”

Richard realized that was about the same time as when Lady Emma made her first appearance with what those at White’s called “the bluestocking brigade.” Had Emma hoped to dissuade Davidson’s interest in her by acting out against society’s rules?

Davidson was already in his fifties and married twice previously, but had yet to produce an heir.

The idea of Davidson touching Emma intimately soured Richard’s stomach.

“Be that as it may, if Lord Davidson wishes to call upon his betrothed, arrangements may be made with the physician and surgeon overseeing her care. At the moment, Lady Emma is too weak to be removed from Duncan Place and, in all seriousness, too fragile to dwell upon what occurred,” Theodora said with authority.

Richard was quite surprised at how much the girl had matured in this last year, and right under his nose, as well.

He had never really thought of Dora as capable, and he was sorry not to have recognized her as such previously.

“I will convey your wishes to his lordship, my lord. My lady.”

After the door closed behind Mr. Nelson, Richard had just enough time to expel the pent-up breath he had held, only to turn to see Lady Emma standing in the adjoining hallway. “Was that about me?”

Richard knew Lady Emma expected him to respond, but Mr. Nelson’s news had quite ripped the wind from under Richard’s wings.

“Yes,” Theodora said as she crossed to Emma and wrapped her arm loosely about Lady Emma’s waist. “Evidently, your butler has informed others of your whereabouts, but Lord Orson and I have told them until Mr. Rheem gives his permission, you may not be disturbed.”

“Them?” Lady Emma asked, shrinking back a few steps, as if preparing to run.

Richard permitted Theodora to continue to lead. “The man today was an agent for Lord Davidson, who claims to be your betrothed,” Dora explained.

Richard kept his eyes downcast, unable to look upon Lady Emma without knowing disappointment.

“Betrothed?” Lady Emma said in a shaky voice. “I am betrothed? How can that be?” she asked. “Should I not remember a promise to marry?”

“Betrothals come about in the usual ways,” Richard said, pulling himself up straighter, angry with himself for thinking something wonderful was occurring between them.

“Your father would have had to sign a contract with the gentleman. The woman does not customarily conduct the negotiations for such matters.” He bowed to both of them.

“If you will pardon me, I will assist Lord Duncan down the stairs. I understand his lordship wished to dine in his own supper room this evening. He is making great progress.” With those words and a bow, Richard managed his exit.

Later, he would make his return to Orson Hall.

He could not remain under the same roof as Lady Emma Donoghue and not wish to touch her.

Emma stood in disbelief, not confident whether the emptiness gnawing at her stomach was from hunger or despair. “Should I ask for a tray in my quarters instead?” she inquired of Lady Theodora.

“No. Nothing of the kind.” Theodora laced her arm through Emma’s.

“As our Richard was the first of the young boys my father was asked to take in and protect while training him on what would be expected of him regarding his peerage, he is the most sensitive of my father’s so-called ‘boys,’ which makes him a worthy knight for a lady in distress.

We must convince him not to abandon you, now that his defenses are up. ”

“I do not understand,” Emma admitted.

“Walk with me,” Lady Theodora suggested.

Once they were strolling slowly through the foyer, the girl continued.

“Everyone Richard trusted as a boy turned against him when his father died, and Richard became the next earl.

His defenses come up quickly when he experiences what he terms as ‘betrayal.’ He has set himself up as your rescuer, your knight in shining armor, so to speak.

I doubt he wishes to share that glory with another.

I can say from personal experience that he has often filled our ears with tales of your, how is it he says it, your ‘bats in the belfry’ escapades over the last year or more.

“Lord Orson holds me in regard?” Emma asked in disbelief.

“I do not believe Richard is actually contemplating marriage, if that is what you are asking, but one can never tell. With his nature, I cannot see him dropping to his knees in a proposal any time soon, but, if I were a betting person, and I am not, I would say his vested interest is stronger than he realizes. He was always the most inquisitive and good-humored of my father’s ‘sons.’ He is also the one who will run away the fastest to lick his own wounds just like an abused dog if he thinks he has been wronged. ”

“Who exactly is the man who is supposed to be my betrothed?” Emma asked. Her head was swimming with all the changes occurring before she could set her feet on solid ground. “Do I know Lord Davidson?”

“He is a viscount. Of an age to be your father plus a few more years,” Theodora confided.

“How is this possible? Would someone not know of an engagement? Such gossip is commonplace in society, is it not?” Emma begged.

Now that she knew of Lord Orson’s preference for her, she wished to know what would come next.

“If I were missing overnight, why did someone not send word to Lord Davidson yesterday evening or early this morning? Why only after you fetched my clothes did Lord Davidson’s and his lordship’s man of business become involved? ”

“All excellent questions, for which we have no answers at present,” Lady Theodora said. “For now, place a smile on your lips. This is my father’s first day downstairs since someone attacked him. I am assured you will understand how important it is to all of us.”

“I have you, my lord,” Richard said as he braced Duncan’s weight at the top of the stairs.

“You were always the one who placed the troubles of the world on your shoulders and carried them around until all was set aright. I know you refused to leave my chambers for several days as you watched over me after the surgery.”

“I could do nothing less, sir. Lady Elsbeth would have risen from her grave to shake her finger at me, if I had not stood guard over you,” Richard admitted.

“She would have rung a bell over both of our heads if she knew of the mischief we have created over the year,” Duncan said in fondness as he moved to the edge of the first step.

“How does Mrs. Braylon feel about your venture to the storey below?” Richard asked.

Duncan glanced over his shoulder as if he thought the woman meant to place herself at his side. “The woman has proven to be an exemplary nurse, but...”

“But what?” Richard asked.

“But she has become accustomed to sitting at my table as if she is the mistress of the house. You and the others know I will never take another woman to my bed or seat her at my right hand at my table. Mrs. Braylon has upon more than one occasion forgotten that rule. I have often had to remind her that particular seat is meant for my wife.”

Richard digested what Duncan had disclosed, but he did not comment on Duncan’s confession. Instead, he stated in firm tones, “Let us take the first step together so you might lean on me if you find it necessary.”

“One does not realize how difficult it is to keep one’s balance without the use of both arms.”

“When might you begin to exercise your arm again?” Richard asked as he guided Duncan’s first step down. Richard studied how Duncan kept a death grip on the handrail. They double-footed the first step, and Duncan paused to survey how many more were to be conquered.