Page 2 of The Unfortunate Debutante
“Emma, there you are…” His voice trailed off when he noticed she was not alone. “And who are your guests?”
She shook her head and pressed her lips together. “Really, Peter,” she admonished, “you can’t just barge into my home.”
He huffed indignantly. “I can if you are my betrothed.”
“I never consented to marry you,” she responded, frowning. Why did he insist that they were engaged?
“We shall see,” was all he said.
Luke rose, and his commanding presence dominated the small room. “Are you engaged to this man?” His tone was abrupt.
Emma frowned as Peter advanced closer to Luke, then stopped. His mouth tightened, and his eyes sparked with annoyance. “You do not need to concern yourself with Miss Pearson’s welfare.”
Luke scoffed and turned his attention back to her, dismissing the man. “We were hoping to speak to you privately.”
“You may speak freely in front of Peter. He was my father’s solicitor,” Emma said as she walked over to a chair.
Peter grabbed a chair and repositioned it close to her. “I am nowyoursolicitor, dearest.”
Emma glanced disapprovingly at the closeness of the chairs but didn’t say anything. Peter was handsome enough, with his chiseled jaw, brown hair, and broad shoulders, but his words were always too smooth, too rehearsed. It had been that way since they were kids.
Luke adjusted his waistcoat as he slowly sat down. “As we stated before, we were friends with David, and we owed him money, in addition to a great personal debt.”
“How much money?” Peter asked eagerly.
Ignoring his question, Rachel smiled at Emma. “David was assigned to protect me when I was in Scotland…”
Emma cut her off as realization washed over her. “You’re Lady Rachel,” she blurted out. She turned towards Luke, her eyes wide in amazement. “And you are Lord Downshire… or John, as my brother called you.” At their puzzled expressions, she revealed, “David always wrote to me when he was on assignment, and he predicted you two would eventually marry.” She grew sad and pensive. “He considered both of you his friends.”
Tears welled up in Rachel’s eyes as she shared, “I also considered him a friend, but it was my fault he was killed.” She swiped at the tears streaming down her face. “David tried to warn me about going down to the shoreline that night, but I was stubborn and refused to listen. I was attacked and he…” Her words hitched as a sob escaped her lips.
Leaning forward in her chair, Emma reached for her hand, her voice full of compassion. “You must not blame yourself for David’s death. He had a tendency to help damsels in distress.” She smiled, her eyes growing reflective. “He always looked after people, even if you ordered him not to.”
Luke grinned knowingly. “It sounds as if you have firsthand experience.”
“Heavens, yes.” Emma laughed for the first time in weeks. “My older brother was relentless in his protection of me, but over time, I grew to understand that was how he showed he loved me.” Her lips tightened, and tears welled in her eyes. “Excuse me,” she whimpered, “I just miss him so much.”
Peter reached over and patted her leg. “There, there,” he said, solicitously. “You must remember, it is not proper for a lady to show emotion in public.”
Emma diverted her gaze towards her lap but not before she saw Rachel frown with displeasure at Peter’s inappropriate display of affection.
“Now, about the money you owe Miss Emma,” Peter prodded.
“We do owe you £5,000, or…” Luke stopped and turned to look at his wife. Something passed between them, but she couldn’t decipher what it was exactly. He turned his focus back towards Emma and continued. “Or, you can become my ward.”
Her mouth parted in surprise, and she found herself speechless at his offer.
Huffing, Peter shook his head. “Miss Emma is sixteen years old and does not need a guardian. She is old enough to marry and begin having children.”
Luke’s eyes grew hard in response to Peter’s words, but his expression softened as his gaze returned to Emma. “If you become my ward, Rachel and I will grant you every luxury that we can bestow upon you. We will continue your education, clothe you in the finest gowns, and prepare you for a life in Society, if you so desire,” he said, his voice kind and encouraging. “You will not lack for anything, including love and family.”
Her mind began reeling with the possibilities. Could this be truly happening to her? If she became the Marquess of Downshire’s ward, she would be presented to Society. She would mingle with aristocrats.
Peter turned towards Emma. “You are a constable’s daughter. The ton will never accept you. It will only lead to more heartache.”
In response, Luke’s firm voice drew Emma’s attention. “As my ward, you will be entitled to a dowry of £25,000, and I give you my word that you will be embraced by the ton wholeheartedly.”
Emma’s eyes grew wide as she stared at Luke incredulously. “I would be an heiress,” she finally managed to say.
