Page 33 of The Unfortunate Debutante
Emma brought up her gaze and smiled, grateful for the change in topic. However, that did not last long. For the rest of breakfast, she filled them in on what she had learned and the details of her harrowing escape.
It was much later when her coach pulled up in front of Caddington Manor. She exited the carriage, but her steps faltered when she saw Mr. Martin was standing next to one of the columns. By the frown on his face, it was clear that he wasn’t pleased to see her.
“Where have you been?” he demanded.
“I was having breakfast with Lord and Lady Lansdowne,” she responded, smoothing out her gown.
His eyes focused on her ungloved hands. “Why do you have dried blood on your fingers?”
Hiding her hands behind her back, she replied, “I was doing some target practice.”
“Do you often go over to the Lansdowne’s townhouse for breakfast?”
“I do,” she revealed. “I’ve gone every morning since we arrived in Town.”
He lifted his brow. “And Lord Downshire approves of this?”
Emma smirked. “Define ‘approve’?”
“What time do you leave in the morning?”
Turning her gaze in the direction of the sun, she said, “Typically, I try to arrive at dawn. Lady Caroline is an early riser and runs that household ragged with her energy in the morning.”
“Ah, that would explain it,” he replied, drawing back her gaze. “I didn’t think any respectable lady would be out of bed before nine in the morning.”
She placed a hand on her hip. “I believe I already explained that I am not a lady. I am just a country miss that used to wake up before dawn to do my chores.”
“Be that as it may, my job is to guard you, and I am unable to accomplish that task if you wander off whenever you see fit.”
“I see,” she replied, stepping closer to him. “You want me to keep you abreast of my comings and goings.”
“Yes, so I may accompany you.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Do you want honesty between us, as well?”
“I do.”
“Well, is there anything that you would like to tell me, Mr.Martin?” she asked, drawing out his last name.
“Not that I can think of.”
Emma stepped closer, challenging him. “Nothing?”
“Nothing.” His face was expressionless, giving nothing away.
“I see,” she sighed as her eyes trailed over his blue jacket and white waistcoat. She immediately noticed that he was dressed in finer articles of clothing this morning. Interesting, she thought.
Stepping back, she said cheerfully, “I am going to freshen up, and then I’m heading into town to visit Miss Cosette’s Dress Shop. You are welcome to join me,Mr.Martin.”
He bowed. “I’ll be waiting.”
Emma watched him for a moment. Why would a viscount work as a Bow Street Runner? She couldn’t wait to interview him. This man had secrets, and she couldn’t wait to discover all of them.
Simeon watchedas Miss Pearson entered Caddington Manor. Her behavior was odd, but that was to be expected. She was a most unusual young lady. Yet, he had an uneasy feeling that she knew more than she was letting on.
The entrance door opened, and Lord Downshire’s frame filled the doorway. He looked down at Simeon with an exasperated look. “May I ask why you are loitering outside my townhouse?”
“I am here to guard your ward,” he announced, leaning his shoulder against a column.
